Question on car size in Ireland

Kathy,

You can rent a van to hold all people. Go autoeurope.com or europebycar.com or one of the US national companies. These websites should indicate not only how many passengers a car/van/mini-van can hold, but also the number of pieces of luggage it can hold. We had 6 people and luggage in van in Greece this summer with plenty of room to stretch out in. good travels.

Just a point to consider: The more people it holds, the larger it will be. The larger it is, the more space it takes on those itty bitty roads. I always drive small in Ireland.

You can rent a small van to handle the six people. But be sure to allow for luggage etc that you might be carrying with you. Some of the six-person "people carriers" are for exactly that. Six people, no luggage. This is because two of the six might be sitting in a rear-facing jump seat that is otherwise folded down to make space for luggage.

Visit the websites of several auto rental companies. Most will show seating/luggage capacities of the rentals. Choose what you think will work best. If it turns out to be too small, the companies are only too happy to upgrade you, sometimes for a fee, sometimes not.

As Jo suggests, keep the vehicle as small as possible. Many of those roads are very narrow.

Go to Aer Lingus to access their Hertz Ireland link and look at the vehicles. I would suggest go ahead and getting a van(ie: mini-bus &/or people mover). No matter how good you may be at driving a stick, always rent an automatic. Driving on the left can be a bit tricky for some (maily yanks) let alone having the shift on the left side of you.

The trick w/renting one or more vehicles is the space for the travelers + their luggage & any packages that may accumulate during the trip. Pack light and you will not have any problems.

Rented a SUV that accomidated 5 on my last trip and totally enjoyed it... I have a sedan here in the States.

good luck

Kathy, I have to disagree with claregirl on one point and that is getting an automatic transmission. If you "normally" drive a standard transmission then driving on in Ireland is no problem. The shifting pattern is the same as here and you just shift without really thinking about it. I am 60+ years old and have never had a problem.

Pat

rent two smaller cars. Roads are narrow, and 2 cars allows you to go your separate ways if need be. Like, the guys want to hit the pub while the ladies shop

Kathy, I agree with Steve, that your best bet might be to rent two very small cars. Those two will probably cost less than one van, be easier to drive and park, and provide some flexibility for your group. Irish local roads are TINY, and you want as small a car as you can fit into. I also wouldn't worry about stick shift (if you can drive stick), though I did worry about it my first couple of rentals. Last time there was no automatic, and I adapted to stick very quickly, with no problems.

If it were me, I'd do one minivan. Yes, the roads can get tight. But, the money savings of one minivan and logistic headaches of two cars far outweighs the size problem.

Actually, the Ireland road nightmares I read on here kept me up nights before my trip, but I found it to be way overhyped.

I know from experience that even a mini-van with five (two adults and three teens) with luggage was uncomfortably small, especially when you are spending a long time in the car. And two cars makes it easier for six adults to go two directions if they want.