Renting a car in Dublin city and dropping off at the airport

There's really no way to answer your question accurately. Deals on car rental can happen with any company at any time. The best thing to do is book as soon as possible, particularly if you want an automatic (there are fewer of those). Then you can keep watching the various sites to see if a deal pops up before your trip. If it does, you can cancel your original reservation and rebook. As far as a GPS, you would be better off to take one you already have or can buy here, loaded with European maps. That way you will have a chance to preprogram some of your destinations, and you will already know how to work it before you go. Be aware, in Ireland you pay for the extra driver.

I don't know what a reasonable rate is, but I'll tell you what we spent last year. We rented an automatic because the three of us did not know how to drive a manual. We rented through Enterprise, and because we needed an automatic, we were immediately in the Class B economy, I think. We ended up with a Nissan Micra. Four doors, very small trunk. My two friends over packed a bit and my smaller softside suitcase often rode in the backseat with the third friend. If you pack light, MAYBE you could fit four small suitcases in the back. Maybe not. But that thing could turn on a dime! I don't remember the rate quote at the time, but a current rate quote is 150 euro for a randomly selected week in Sept ($184). We opted for Super CDW, GPS rental (which we now recommend to everyone unless they can pre-load their own or purchase one), and two drivers. After the exchange rate which was more like .68 at the time (today is .81) the week cost us $743. (Today it would cost $620)

Check with Auto Europe. Www.autoeurope.com. They are a consolidator. I think the car we got in Ireland was with Budget. We brought our own GPS and were happy we did. Although I can drive a manual, I decided to get an automatic in Ireland. I was glad I did, as shifting with my left hand would have been one more thing to deal with. If you want an automatic I advise you to obtain your rental ASAP.

We went through Hertz since we could deal with them in the US if there was a problem, particularly with the insurance. This was our 3rd time to Ireland and Hertz was the least-problematic company we dealt with. We had 4 people with us and got a Renault....uhhh...something that began with an "F", but was comparable to a VW Jetta. It would just depend on how large your luggage is. Ours fit 2 large suitcases and a collapsable umbrella stroller. Plus, any other souvenirs we bought. We paid for 17 days of car rental $500something, not including 2 child seats, and the super CDW.

Irish Car Rentals also has a US office with an 800 number, so it's easy to ask questions ahead of time. That's who I have used on 3 of 4 trips.