Ireland

Choosing the right hire car

In the unfamiliar left-hand traffic, you will get along best with a car with automatic transmission. This eliminates the hassle of shifting gears and allows you to concentrate fully on the traffic. As the roads in Ireland are often very narrow, you should opt for a smaller car to get through everywhere without any problems.

Insuring the car properly

Book a car with fully comprehensive insurance without excess to be well insured in case of an accident in Ireland. You can find more information about insurance in our special.

Accessories

The unfamiliar left-hand traffic in Ireland will take up all your attention in the first few days. To avoid having to read road maps as well, you should order a navigation device in addition to your hire car.

You should always reserve this and other accessories well in advance so that they are available on the day you pick up your vehicle.

Remember the tank regulation

Some rental companies in Ireland require you to buy the first tank of fuel at the cheek handover for a service charge. With this option, you actually always pay on top. As well as the service charge, petrol is usually charged at a higher price.

In addition, you will never manage to really empty the tank completely and drive into the rental company’s yard with the last drop of gas when you return the car. Rather, book with a company where you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank.

Customer Satisfaction Hire Car

Although most customers are happy with the rental companies in Ireland, some do complain about the external condition of the vehicles. This is partly due to the road conditions in Ireland, as hedges are often so close to the roadside that you are bound to come into contact with passing vehicles.

Always get scratches and dents confirmed in writing when you pick up the car, so that when you return it you are not held liable for damage you did not cause.

Slow start

To get used to driving on the left in Ireland, take a few hours on a quiet country road first before venturing into a city by car.

Suggestion for a trip by hire car

Dublin: fun-loving metropolis

Start your round trip through Ireland in Dublin. The joie de vivre of this city will quickly cast a spell over you. An exciting mix of modernity and tradition awaits you here.

Start your sightseeing tour on Grafton Street. The shopping mile of Dublin offers a variety of small shops and cafes.

After the shopping tour you should treat yourself to a little refreshment. We recommend the “Bewley’s Oriental Café”. This gem delights every visitor. The interior and architecture are pure art nouveau. Perhaps you will enjoy a “Full Irish Breakfeast” here. This is the best refreshment in Ireland for a long day.

After the café visit, a little culture might be on the agenda. Visit Christchurch Cathedral. The neo-Gothic style of the 19th century captivates many visitors. The National Museum is also worth a visit. The collection of Celtic art is impressive.

Greyhound Stadium: in betting fever

However, now it’s time to add a little extra to your travel funds. Make your way to Greyhound Stadium. This is where the greyhound races are held. Dare to place a bet and watch the exciting race. A long look at the crowd can also be rewarding.

On to the pub and then to bed

By now it’s evening. Time to explore one (or one, to taste) of the capital’s legendary pubs. We recommend “John Mulligan’s” on Poolbeg Street. They have been serving beer here since 1782. But not only in the pub, also in the hotel, you can experience Irish history. The Shelbourne in Stephen’s Green offers tradition and great comfort. The house was opened in 1824.

Limerick: My Mother’s Ashes

The next day, the journey heads west. Limerick is the destination. In two and a half hours you will be there. The fourth largest city in Ireland led a shadowy existence for a long time. Many houses were dilapidated, Limerick was considered poor.

But in recent years, the city government has done a lot for the redevelopment and Limerick shines in its former glory.
Literature lovers will find the place familiar. Large parts of the bestselling novel “My Mother’s Ashes” are set here.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: castle and country life

Just 15 kilometres from Limerick, one of the island’s tourist highlights now awaits. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park attracts tourists in droves. The castle was built in 1450 and lovingly restored in the second half of the last century.

Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to attend a medieval banquet held regularly in the reception hall. Medieval music and dancing accompany the meal. But the adjoining Folk Park is also worth a visit.

Here you can see how rural Irish life was in the past. Tourists can watch baking, pottery and carpentry. A performance of Irish folk dances is also on the programme.

Golf: Ireland’s national sport

To finish off the day, be sure to swing the clubs. Ireland has a multitude of beautiful golf courses. Unlike here, golf is a national sport. Rent some clubs, pay the green fee and play away. You will find that golf is harder than you think. But it’s also a lot of fun.