We had a fantastic trip to Ireland 10 years ago, and plan to go again this summer with our now-adult kids. Our car rental went fine back then, but I've recently been reading horror story reviews about rip-off experiences, hidden costs, etc. for car rentals in Dublin. Dan Dooley seems to be the company that rises above, but even that one has some negative reviews. Anyone have advice, recommendations, etc? Is the expensive CDW insurance worth it? Also, has anyone found family rooms (eg. with a double and two singles) in B and B's that they'd recommend? We'll probably wind up booking two rooms in most places, but just thought I'd ask. Finally, in the southern half of the Republic of Ireland, who has had a good experience with a castle-turned-hotel? We thought we'd splurge for one night of this on this trip. Thanks! Wendy
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
237 posts
Agreeing with Nancy - Ireland has the most car accidents per mile travelled of any country so most expanded coverage like "gold credit cards" etc won't cover cars in Ireland. Just assume you're going to pay for full coverage and price it like that. The is no need for a car in Dublin so it's easiest to plan your time around that idea. If you're starting in Dublin car rental is easiest and most plentiful at the airport and it means you get to start out of town rather than starting in Dublin. If you're interested in Newgrange/Knowth/Bru na Boinne or Trim the airport pick-up/-off us close to those sites. Also most larger BnBs have family rooms and I've even stayed in some as the late check-in person because they often save them for last in case a family turns up. I've seen websites offering "stay in castles" but I haven't done that. The castle at Trim is good and the castle in Cahir gets great reviews but no guest rooms there. =Tod
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
Wendy - Our family stayed at Waterloo Lodge in June 2012. We had a family room just like what you are looking for. Also there is a bus stop right outside the door that will take you to the heart of Dublin. The staff was extremly helpful in planning our day and they even let my daughter borrow their vaccum cleaner for her "Space Bag". I would highly recommend staying here.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
By "expensive CDW" I assume you mean the "super" CDW that brings your deductible to zero? Yes, it is definitely worth it. If there is a problem, you can just basically turn in the keys and walk away. Tires and glass are generally still excluded, but everything else is covered. There is no perfect company to rent from. You can find a horror story about any one you can mention. Just remember that the vast majority of people have NO problems with rentals, they just don't go online to say so. I have almost always rented from Irish Car Rentals (3 trips out of 4), but that's because they had the best price when I was looking to rent. They have a US customer service number for questions either before or after, too. Every B&B I have stayed at has had family rooms. When I traveled with my adult son, we were typically put in those rooms. Without knowing what cities you intend to visit, it is impossible to give you recommendations, so can you fill us in?
Posted by
OP
Brentwood, Tennessee, United States
17 posts
Thanks very much for the replies. It's true that usually people only post negative reviews. The castle hotels I've priced so far seem w-a-y too expensive, so we may just tour through castles, and stay somewhere else. The Waterloo Lodge in Dublin looks perfect - will check availability! I'm new to the "back door" posts, but love this forum - really helpful. We relied on Rick Steves' Ireland guidebook the first time we went, and have bought the updated one for this year. Can't wait to be back there again!