Does anyone have any suggestions for car rental in Ireland? I will be in Galway for about 6 weeks and then have 4 weeks to travel around Ireland and the costs that I am seeing are pretty expensive. any thoughts? Is it less expensive to rent a car once I get to Galway or should I rent one prior to getting there.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Check and compare the prices on Priceline. Book the cheapest and then keep checking back. If a cheaper price comes up, cancel the first and make a new reservation. I never prepay because the prices fluctuate so much from week to week. Do you need an automatic?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks. I am more that happy to drive a standard. I will give Priceline a shot. Hadn't thought of that. When is the best time to really start looking. I will be there from mid August through the end of October.
Posted by
San Diego
552 posts
I don't use Priceline anymore (too many 'popup ads' and subsequent mailings that you have to 'unsubscribe' from... o_O ...).
But if I were searching AutoEurope, Kemwell, or Sixt, (these are all well-known consolidators) I would start browsing now, then act when there was a fall sale in progress. (But continue checking if you want to spend the time to save perhaps another 6-8% as new--free-upgrade or long-term specials, for instance--sales pitches show up.)
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I would reserve the cheapest car right now so I know what I have in case prices go up. You can easily say no emails from Priceline. I use them all the time and only get emails when I reserve or cancel. I would book directly with the car rental agency and I will not prepay. By driving a standard you will have plenty of options. I know that sometimes people suggest leasing a car if you will be there for some time. I have no experience with this, but for 6 weeks it might be cheaper. If you post a new question about leasing I am sure someone who has done it will have info. From what I remember reading all the insurances are included with leasing.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
It normally is cheaper to reserve ahead for a car and that helps you lock in either smaller, cheaper cars, or other certain features that you want. Even pre-paid bookings, such as through Auto Europe, can be cancelled up to a couple of days before the scheduled rental, so I don't think there's any risk to pre-booking. See also http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/booking-a-car.
Posted by
15 posts
A few years ago we rented a car from Enterprise for a 3-week drive through Ireland and were happy with the service and the car. We had no issues and would rent with them on our next trip to Ireland. Best of luck!