Hi all, I'm thinking of heading over to Ireland around Presidents Day week; I found some great airfares! I've been there more than half-dozen times already but I've never rented a car. I'm interested in flying into Dublin and spending a couple nights there before heading up to Co. Derry to see some family. Of course I'd like to make a stop in Belfast and see the sights there as I'll be traveling w/ my boyfriend who has never been to Ireland. Do you recommend renting a car in Dublin and driving up, or should we take the train to Belfast, rent it there and just use it for our travels around the north of Ireland? I would think we'd then drop the car back in Belfast before returning to Dublin to fly home. Which would be easiest and most economical? I am trying to fly in and out of Dublin but I know ultimately we may have to fly into Dublin and out of Belfast but I'd prefer to do Dublin. Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
1. If you plan to rent in Dublin and drive north, don't rent until you are done with your city sightseeing. You don't need or want a car in Dublin. 2. Renting in Dublin would also allow you to easily stop off at Newgrange and other points, like Monasterboice, on the way. 3. You would just have to do the math to determine what makes more sense financially. A rental in Dublin, returning to Dublin, might be enough days to get a better deal than a shorter, Belfast to Belfast rental, for instance.
Posted by
OP
New York, New York, USA
40 posts
Thank you! I think maybe we might be better off getting a car at Dublin Airport and heading straight up north. It might be easier to drop the car off in Dublin at the end of the trip and stay there before flying home. I've been to Dublin plenty of times, but I want to make sure my BF gets to see everything! Thanks again!