We are traveling to Ireland in May. We are renting a car and driving for about 11 days (any suggestions outside of what Rick suggests online appreciated). I understand there is a ferry near Dublin that travels to Scotland-Is it a car Ferry? How much is the fare? How long is the trip? Do we need reservations? Any help is appreciated! The present plan is to continue our journey in Scotland for another 5 to 8 days and return car in Edinburgh. Heard of any problems or concerns with our plans?
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ, USA
1035 posts
If renting in RoI and dropping in UK will you have a large return fee? If you rent in Belfast (better for ferry too) can avoid large return fees?
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, WA, USA
8 posts
Thanks for the thought. How easy is it to get from Dublin air to Belfast? Need to check rental agencies as well.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
There is an express train from Dublin to Belfast. It takes about 90 minutes. As for renting in Belfast and dropping off in Edinburgh, I still suspect there would be a drop off fee, even if they are both technically in the UK.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, WA, USA
8 posts
Thank you both, still researching various car rentals but have found huge differences (about$2000) cost between hertz and Europcar when looking at rentals from Belfast vs. Dublin. I am also checking on cost of flights from JFK to Belfast vs. Dublin. I am also looking at the train. Any suggestions for travel, we are picking up friends at Shannon so plan was to go north and west first as all of us want to do Dublin, Dingle and the south together.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, WA, USA
8 posts
Michael,
Thanks we still do not know when they arrive at Shannon probably 5 days later. My plan has changed to rent car Dublin travel north and west (that part itinerary unclear at present) pick them up travel through the west and south drop car off in Dublin spend 2-3 days there. Then train/ferry/train through Belfast to Edinburgh pick up car there,drive, and return from there. Any thoughts on itinerary welcome.
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ, USA
1035 posts
Don, Are you wanting to pick up friends in Shannon same day as you arrive or later? Have they already bought tix for Shannon or could they change to Dublin? You best bet ($$$) is likely fly to Dub, train to Belfast, pick up car and head back to the RoI before nightfall. The next day shoot out to Shannon. From Shannon, develop a route that eventually gets you to Belfast -- or do you have to drop them back in Shannon? I hope not! Its a lot of driving around...
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
That's an incredible amount of driving for 11 days! You're basically making a complete circle in Ireland and then going to Scotland (does your 11 days include the Scotland time, or is that separate?). Do you realize how far south Shannon airport is? You will have passed most of the west to get there. If your friends want to see those areas, it will require backtracking, then backtracking again to get to Dingle. My suggestion would be to take a hard look at a map and viamichelin.com to see just how to route yourselves. You might have to limit the number of places that you all want to see together, or you'll be spending your whole trip in the car.