I plan to start in Dublin at the end of Oct,take a train to Cork,rent a car,stay in Cobh,then Cappoquin in Waterford, I'll return the car in Cork. I'll be at the Waterford B&B about 3 weeks and will use that as home base. I can't wait! I'm a good driver but at 55 am concerned. Tips, anyone?
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
You asked for driving tips in Ireland. Lots of people report in here that they end up putting scrapes and more noticeable scratches on Ireland rental cars, dinging hubcaps (esp. on left side)--the euros for this kind of damage can add up; thus many travelers opt for CDW in Ireland, though expensive--but here's the heads up, if you normally let your credit card take care of the CDW (that is, you don't purchase separate CDW coverage), be advised that most credit cards exclude Ireland from their coverage.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
Where are you flying home from? Do an open-jaw ticket.
If you are flying into Dublin, why not rent car there, drive to Waterford, then on to Cork, then fly home from Cork. Saves backtracking.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1862 posts
Irish roads, except for the main ones, are quite narrow, but we did not find them dangerous. Every time we rent a car in Ireland, it usually has scratches and mini-dents. Be sure you get these all signed off by the agent before you leave the car rental spot. We have a theory that Hertz et al put their new rental cars in Britain for the first few rentals, then ship them to Ireland when they have several scratches. The drivers on the back roads seem to be courteous, not yahoo types.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I agree with John on this one. If you are renting a car anyway, why not get it in Dublin and drive down instead of taking a train and then backtracking to Waterford? Driving would allow you to see any number of things on the way: Glendalough, the Rock of Cashel, Avoca, etc. I find driving in Ireland enjoyable -- it doesn't take long to get used to driving on the other side.
An open jaw ticket might not make sense for you, since flights from Cork are not as plentiful as flights from Dublin and might go where you want to go.