We are going to be traveling around Ireland late June and early July and heard that many of the roads are poorly marked. Went onto Ebay and saw some GPS units that are pre-loaded with the Maps of Europe but am having a hard time justifying $175. Also heard that you can rent one with the car but the price may be steep. Looking for any input about buying something vs. renting. Already have a GPS unit but the chip to download the maps of Europe is also about $150. Or quite frankly are maps good enough. We have traveled a bit and don't mind an adventure, just not too many of them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Buying ahead of time would give you an opportunity to get comfortable with how the GPS operates, and maybe program in some destinations in advance. I have never used a GPS in Ireland (yet). I have always used maps, too, but will definitely use a GPS the next time. The daily rental charge for a GPS might be more than your cost to buy it depending on how many days your trip will be. And even if you request one there is no guarantee that one will be available.
Posted by
Sacramento
39 posts
Dion -
What type of GPS unit do you have? Last year, I purchased Garmin's UK/Ireland maps for my Garmin Nuvi for around $100 and it was one of the best decisions I made. Being able to drive and detour without any concern of getting lost or remembering where to turn made travel nearly effortless.
When I returned to the States, I sold the chip on e-bay and recouped ALL of my costs.
I leave again this weekend for Ireland - and purchased the chip again (the updated version). I'll have my Nuvi with me and will sell the chip upon my return to the States.
Consider also that "rental" GPS units are only available to you if they have them available at the rental counter when you arrive - as odd as that may seem . . .
Posted by
Covington, LA
12 posts
My chip with just the UK and Ireland was about $100. I brought my GPS from home and it was a life saver.
I used it for Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Liverpool, worked fine every time.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
I am glad to hear you can buy the European program for Garmin at $100 because I looked at the Garmin products page last week and found it is priced at $140 for my unit.
I would not attempt to drive in Ireland again without a GPS.
I agree that buying the program here is much cheaper than renting the unit over there. You can always use the program later or sell it. If you have a GPS why would you buy another or rent one?
Next time I go to Europe I plan to buy the program for my Garmin unit.
Posted by
Spokane Valley, Washington, USA
9 posts
I just found a brand new Feb. 09 version of the Europe maps (including Ireland) for my GPS unit on Ebay for a lot less than the GPS website. The seller also included free overnight shipping. Knocked the price of the maps from $175 down to $109. Still steep but worth it to me.
Posted by
OP
AUBURN, NEW YORK, United States
5 posts
Thank you. I have seen that and am looking at trying to do the same thing. Thanks again.
Dion
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
389 posts
I'll be the one voice for not needing GPS. We've all become spoiled by the availability, but we chose not to use one and did fine. If you have good map skills and take directions from a navigator, you can have fun and find what you're looking for. We bought the Michelin map from RS and then copied the pages we needed and didn't take the whole thing (GB & Ireland together). I enjoy the few times we dropped into pubs to ask directions or stopped at a market for a snack and directions. Gave us a chance to chat with the locals.
Posted by
Auburndale, FL, USA
2 posts
Linda, I agree with you, I spent 7 days driving Ireland and the most fun was when we got lost and had to ask for help. You will not meet any nicer people than the Irish. They love to help and give great suggestions on where to go shopping, sigh seeing, etc. I get lost very easily here at home, so I was anxious about Ireland but it was a breeze.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
With a GPS you can have it both ways. When you want to find your destination the first time, turn on the GPS. And when you want to experience the adventure of getting lost, just turn it off.
Posted by
dragit
113 posts
If you have a really, really good friend or relative that has a GPS with the correct maps, ask if they will loan you their unit.