Hello. I’ve seen many posts regarding GPS in Ireland. We have a GPS that we can bring with us, but we will need to purchase the European maps for it. I can’t imagine that the car rental agencies would not have GPS for rent, but should I chance not bringing ours just in case they don’t? Has anyone had experience with this?
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
I would bring the GPS you are familiar with. That way you are assured of having one and you already know how to use it.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Here's the real reason to bring you own -- MONEY!
For example, right now you can get a mazda for a week in Dublin from Hertz for 80 euros. Adding a gps adds 65 euros.
And what if they don't have a gps available when you get there?
Buy the maps. You'll use them next time anyway.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Definitely cheaper or better to buy the maps usually.
You can also get a Garmin Nuvi 270 (no frills) unit for $100-$130 pretty easy, and they resell for almost as much.
We used one on the suggestion of this board for a week of driving all over Ireland, and it was GREAT! =)
- If your personal GPS plays MP3's, there are even some websites now that have free audio tours, based on your GPS location. You just leave it on, and as you pass by the points of interest, it starts a sound file tell you about them. Pretty slick!
Posted by
OP
Providence, RI
25 posts
Thank you all for such quick replies. We have a Garmin Nuvi 255W that we will bring with us. You make a good point in that we won’t have to get used to a new GPS. Ed - I had no idea that it could cost that much to rent a GPS!
Posted by
San Francisco, CA
180 posts
One additional comment-- we used a GPS last year when we drove all over the entire country and found that sometimes the directions on the GPS are horrible-- sending us all over the place....a combination of the GPS "map feature" (where it shows you where you are, but doesn't give you directions) and an actual road atlas proved to be the best combo. Just know where you're going-- know the name of two towns in between your start and end, and follow the signs for each town. Once we had that down, we were never lost.
Enjoy!