Planning for 2011 and am a bit overwhelmed...

SMaddin · Newbie

Planning for 2011 and am a bit overwhelmed...

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

Welcome to my forum. It is great that you are planning well in advance. That way you will be thoroughly prepared and ready to enjoy every moment of your precious vacation time in Ireland.

With two or three weeks you bet you can see a lot of Ireland, including No. Ireland. Of course the more time you have, the more you can see. The best way to see Ireland on your own terms is to drive yourself. Chauffeur-driven cars are available but (obviously) much more expensive. I suppose it depends on your budget.

Do you still have relatives in Ireland that you will be visiting? If so, be sure to plan extra time with them. It actually may be hard to get away from them! So plan accordingly.

Start with taking a spin around my website and blog. Go to my Getting Started page, call the tourist board and have them send you a load of free info including a map.

I hope you will feel at home here as you plan your trip. We look forward to helping.

Michele

SMaddin · Newbie

Hi Michele and thanks for getting back to me :)

I'm relieved to know we can see both ends of the island in 2 weeks. Like I had said I want to see and do as much as possible but really don't want to feel rushed.

I have contacted the tourist board and they are sending me some information and I have been lurking on your site for a little while to be honest wink

What great a resource you have put together here. So much info and it's great to see what others have done as well.

As for family, I don't know. My grandfather was an only child but his parents both had large families so I have been trying to trace some genealogy. My grandfather and I were very close so to go and see the places he told me about and to hear the music he use to sing in the place where he learned it is just magical to me. This trip is really very special so I want to make sure I have my I's crossed and my T's dotted biggrin

The chauffeured driven cars are very appealing, as then I don't have the stress of actually driving LOL, but like you said budget is the issue. I have some money saved now and will be splitting the cost with a friend so I guess we will have to see once we get a little closer on how much money we actually have.

I will probably have many more questions as things come up. We are having our first official planning session tomorrow evening to discuss what each of us wants to do and see.

One quick question though... can you get an automatic car rental? All I've seen have been standards.

Thanks again

Susan

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

While not exactly PLENTIFUL (particularly THIS year! confuse

) nearly every rental company has automatics on offer -- generally at a HEFTY premium, though hmm

.

I've noticed a SHARP rise in quoted prices just within the past week, or so, as I've been pricing out arraingements for my July trip. Can't believe that those kind of prices will hold up through next year, but Summer of 2010 looks to be horrifically EXPENSIVE.

Hopefully, some Legislative oversite of the Car Hire Industry (which is LONG over due! evileye

), coupled with a dose of Common Sense, will get the Irish Car Hire Industry straightened out before YOUR trip.

Bob

SMaddin · Newbie

Thank You Bob, And yeah I noticed prices to be fairly high... which was also a budget concern of ours. My friend can drive a standard but I cannot. She's a little afraid of driving over there, opposite side of the road and all LOL!! So I think I may need to learn LOL!!. Although after our first planning session, and the addition of 2 other people to our trip it seems plans may be a changing.

There was a 3 out of 4 vote for a coach tour... which kind of relieves a bit of the stress and cost as a lot of meals are included and don't need to worry about gas and such. However the one picked, not sure if same tour being offered when we want to go, does not include N. Ireland. Here is a link

http://www.irishtourism.com/escorted-bus-tours-ireland/irish-pub-and-folk-tour_234321-tour.htm

Has anyone done this? It looks quite fun but I am not familiar with the site... is it legit?

I'm thinking if this is indeed the route the others on the trip wish to take, I may stay an extra week myself and head North and to some other places we will miss. I have a bit more flexibility then the others and don't mind venturing off alone :)

Thanks everyone and some input on that tour would be much appriciated. I called the numbers listed and I am waiting for them to send me an email with a bit more information and availability for next year.

Susan

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Dunno about that website, but the Tour seems to be operated by CIE -- a very reputable firm, long established, that used to be (and MAY still be) owned by the Irish government.

Since you mention the North, know that Car Hire there (because UK laws and policies apply) is MUCH easier and MUCH cheaper. You COULD take the train to Belfast, hire a car, do your touring and drop the car off in Belfast, finishing back in Dublin, by train, again.

I'm actually thinking of doing that THIS year, as I'm finding a price difference of nearly $1000 !!!!! confuse confuse confuse confuse

I have a quote from Dan Dooley for 17 days on a Ford Focus - pick up in Cork and Drop at Shannon that is about $1700. Same car, same company, same dates and same number of days, but pick up in Belfast with drop off at Shannon is offered for under $1000 - ALL IN! confuse confuse

????????????????

There is NO rhyme or reason to Car Hire -- PARTICULARLY THIS YEAR.

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Saturday 13th of March 2010 09:26:43 AM

SMaddin · Newbie

Wow that is a huge difference in price... there really doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to it does there. I've checked on a few websites thinking rates would be comparable but their are major price differences. It will certainly pay to shop around.

I love your idea about the train as well. Seems a great way to see the country side while also being functional LOL!! I will certainly be looking into that option. For me a trip to Ireland would not be complete without a trip North.

And yes the tour is operated by CIE, and it is posted on their web site as well. I have an email sent off to inquire if it is just for 2010 or a tour they normally offer.

Thanks again Bob for all your help. I'll keep you posted on all the big plans biggrin

Susan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

That CIE Tour is a usual tour. I'm sure they will have it next year but the dates and prices will vary.

I have been shopping around for cars too. Sticker shock!

Michele