We will be in Ireland the end of March 2012. I am concerned about driving as I have heard some horror stories. Has anyone done the chauffeur thing? Do you have to book a tour with the company or can you arrange to meet the chauffeur in each town we visit? Do we need to keep him overnight, or can we start fresh in each town when we are ready to depart? Crazy question, I know!!!!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32253 posts
Bobbie, Hiring a Chauffeur and car is going to be expensive! It would probably be cheaper to see Ireland via the Rick Steves Ireland tour, but those don't start until May. The Chauffeur-driven tours will likely be more for those with a "generous" travel budget. There are probably local tours available, but I haven't checked. Cheers!
Posted by
Kingsville, Ontario
165 posts
Bobbie, pay the insurance and drive the car. I know this does not answer your question, but it is an answer to your transport needs. Once outside of Dublin and off the motorways , driving in Ireland isn't all that difficult. One person's horror story is another's adventure.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
As Peter says, driving in Ireland is not all that bad. Many of the roads are nice, highway-type roads like we have here. It's only on the smaller roads that you can encounter touchy stretches. But on those roads there is usually not much traffic, either. Give it a try - or take me with you, and I'll drive!
Posted by
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA
45 posts
Hi Bobbie: You may be interested in this month's issue of International Travel News. It contains an interesting article on a chauffered tour of Ireland. Try: http://www.intltravelnews.com/2011/12/impressed-ireland-chauffeured-tour.
Posted by
OP
Trenton, GA, USA
10 posts
Thanks for all the replies!! I think we will bite the bullet and rent the car (with super CW insurance). Thanks again and cheers!
Posted by
Tipperary, Tipperary, Ireland
1 posts
That is a great article about chauffeur drive tours of Ireland. The only way to go !!!
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2391 posts
Rent the car but be sure to get automatic drive, not stick shift. It is really fairly easy to get used to and you will have the freedom to go where you want. Enjoy. No need to have car in Dublin however as bus is very easy to use.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you regularly drive a car with a stick shift at home, it's not hard to get used to doing so in Ireland. The shifting pattern is the same. Unless you're so right-handed that using your left arm for anything feels awkward, you'll do fine. However, if shifting isn't virtually "automatic" for you, then definitely pay the higher fee for a car with an automatic transmission so the driver can concentrate on driving and not be distracted by shifting. Have the passenger act as navigator.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Bobbie take me as a chauffeur instead of Nancy. At least I drive on the left hand side of the road every day of my life!!!!
Posted by
Carrollton, Texas, USA
81 posts
I agree with renting your own car (automatic) and driving yourself. If you can drive in Atlanta - especially rush hour, then Ireland will be a piece of cake. I did an 8 day self drive tour in March 2010 - drove 900 miles. I totally agree that you don't need a car in Dublin. The bus and train service is totally sufficient. I even drove through Connor Pass leaving Dingle. RS calls it a very scary drive. It was nothing compared to driving up Pike's Peak. Be sure to carry RS' Ireland Guidebook - it is as they say "Spot On"!