From the type of car you’ll choose to rent, to driving conditions and regulations, there are several things you’ll want to consider when planning transportation for your self-drive Ireland vacation.

Cars: The size and type of car you’ll need will be determined by the number of people in your party, the amount of luggage you have as well as whether you’d like a luxury upgrade. The type and size of car you choose will determine its rental cost. Keep in mind that in Ireland roads tend to be narrow. Larger cars may be harder to navigate than smaller ones. Also remember that in Ireland driving is done on the left side of the road.

Automatic vs Manual Transmissions: Most European rental agencies charge a premium for cars with an automatic transmission. If you are comfortable with driving a manual transmission it can save you money.


Economy
Number of Passengers: 4*
Bags:1 Large, 2 Small

*Please note Economy sized cars are not recommended for more than 3 passengers


Compact
Number of Passengers: 5
Bags: 2 Large, 2 Small


Intermediate
Number of Passengers: 5
Bags: 3 Large, 2 Small


Van/Small SUV
Number of Passengers: 7
Bags: 2 Large, 1 Small


Large Van
Number of Passengers: 9
Bags: 2 Large, 2 Small

Car types shown are used as a guide, comparable models may be included with your reservation.

Fuel: Plan your fuel budget carefully. Prices for petrol and diesel in Ireland are much higher than those in North America (read here for more information). Also be sure to pay attention when pumping your fuel. Adding the wrong type of fuel to you car can be disastrous.
Hang Up and Drive: In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland driving while using a hand-held cellular phone is illegal, incurring steep fines.
Plan for Extra Travel Time: Allow yourself time to discover hidden sights and to get lost on occasion. Also remember that due to road conditions and speed limits traveling from one place to another may take longer that you expect.
M50 Motorway Toll: Toll Booths have been replaced by new barrier free tolling system. There is no longer a cash payment facility at the tolling point on the M50 motorway (Dublin’s Ringroad). Drivers of all vehicles using the section of the M50 between Junction 6 (N3 Blanchardstown) and Junction 7 (N4 Lucan) must pay a toll. Cars cost €3. Passenger vehicles with seating for more than 8 people cost €3.80. Tolls must be paid by 8:00 pm on the day following the journey. Failure to pay a toll will result in additional charges. There are various ways to make this payment. All of your options will be given to you upon pick-up of your car. All unpaid tolls and violation charges relating to rental vehicles will be referred by the authorities to the car rental company who will process payment through customer’s credit cards. The car rental company will not accept liability for violation charges arising from unpaid tolls and these will be included in charges passed on to customers. An administration fee may also apply.

What’s Included: Included in your Tenon Tours package is the base car rental rate plus taxes, unlimited mileage, third party insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW), GPS/mobile phone rental (only company to include these items!), vehicle license fee, theft protection, and airport surcharges.
What’s Not Included: Charges may apply for adding additional drivers to your rental agreement, excess CDW waivers, underage drivers (Ages 23 & 24 = 26 euros/day), baby seats (12 euros/day), personal accident insurance (3 euros/day) and surcharges for city center stays (Dublin and Galway) and/or one-way rentals to/from: Killarney, Galway, Knock, Kerry, Belfast and cross-country.
Why are Automatic Cars so Much More Expensive?: The increased rate for automatic vehicles is due to the demand for these cars–mainly by international visitors not used to driving on the opposite side of the road or driving a manual transmission.
Can I Rent a GPS Navigation System?: A navigation unit is highly suggested. Tenon Tours offers GPS units for rent at discounted rates. We will ship the unit to your home 2-5 days prior to departure. Shipping is only offered to the Continental United States; expedited shipping fees do apply if your tour is booked within two weeks of your departure date. All information needed will come with your equipment. For more information on pricing and rates please visit http://tenontours.com/tour/planning-process/extras/. You may also rent a GPS from your car rental company (normally around 15 euros per day).

When you receive your travel documents you will know which rental company your car is with, their exact terms and insurance rates. All of this will be handled directly by your rental company upon arrival. Below are examples of your options:

Option 1:

No coverage, customer is liable for all damage. Not available in Ireland. The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) that is included in your rental agreement is mandatory when renting a car in Ireland. It provides the minimum required coverage.

Option 2:

Opt for the basic CDW included in your rental agreement. Based on the type of car you rent, you will be responsible up to a certain limit (usually around 800 to 1,000 Euros per car, with increases per car size), or you can think of it in terms of a deductible. If there is damage to the car your maximum responsibility will be this limit/deductible amount assigned to your car type.

Option 3:

Opt for CDW w/ Excess. This insurance upgrade is available at a per-day date (normally from 10 to 15 euros). This option reduces your liability to zero. If there is damage to your car you will not be responsible.


The option you choose is up to you. However, if you do not take the Excess (option 3) your rental company will require a credit card deposit equal to your coverage amount (option 2).

Two examples: Let’s take a weekly car rental where your CDW limit is 800 Euros or you can upgrade to take the excess for 10 Euros per day = 70 Euros. Example 1: If you get a dent in the car that costs 50 euros to fix you would be responsible for that amount if choosing Option 2. With Option 3 you would not have to pay anything (though you would have paid 70 Euros to have this coverage.) Example 2: If the damage was greater, say you damaged the entire front of the car for a charge of 1,200 Euros, you would be responsible for 800 Euros of that with Option 2, or none with Option 3 (though again, in this case you paid 70 Euro to get this coverage. Coverage that cost you 70 Euros versus the 800 Euro fee you’ll incur with Option 2)