I need some help, if you don't mind. We're going to England and Ireland this summer. Leaving Colorado on June 3. We'll be in England for a week then plan on taking the ferry from Fishguard to Rosslaire.
There will be 5 of us, me, my wife and 3 kids. The kids are 3, 11 and 15. We will be seeing friends in Tullow in Co. Carlow, going to Doolin, probably Galway and flying home from Dublin on June 17th.
I'm soliciting ANY advice from who to rent from, smallest car possible, automatic-vs-stick, how to get the best deal when renting, etc.
Welcome to the Forum! Michele has a link here on her site for Kemwel car rental. The benefit to using them is that they will price match. I have used their sister company, AutoEurope on an exclusive basis for my traveling in Ireland and the UK. I have found that both Kemwel & AutoEurope are very straightforward and easier than most to use.
I would recommend an automatic over a standard, as it will be one less thing on which to focus your attention.
No much in Doolin for the wee ones but make sure that you check out the Atlantaquarium in Galway. They will have an enjoyable time there, should you go.
I have a whole web page that will help walk you through renting a car in Ireland: http://www.irelandyes.com/cars.html Take a look and then see if you have any other questions.
Get the smallest car that will comfortably fit everyone. Automatics are easier to drive but if you are an accomplished manual person you should be okay with a manual.