On the past three trips, and for numerous clients over the past for years, I have booked Hertz rental cars through Journey Through Ireland. I have to say that being able to prepay for the car rental in full well before my trip takes a lot of the stress away. I have had my share of horror moments when it comes to Irish car rental. In renting through JTI, I have had no hassle and the points go toward my Hertz rewards program or frequent flier. I simply hand over my paperwork at the Hertz desk, pick up my keys and walk out to either the Hertz area in the parking garage or grab the shuttle to their lot, find my car, do a walk around and drrive away.  Return has been just as simple.

In 2011, I booked two separate vehicles for two separate trips and had prepaid for both through JTI. Medical issues found us combining trips. All it took was a phone call to JTI and both rentals were rolled in to one, from two compact cars to a 9 passenger people mover. I still worried that there might be a hassle when we got to the desk in Dublin but it was a breeze.

 

 

Have also used JTI 2 times. Hassle free, and the price is exactly what they say. The 2nd time we got an older car at Knock, with numerous mechanical problems, and luckily we were close by, and they were able to replace the car the 2nd day with a much newer...and better model.

Journey Through Ireland has been sold in the past 24 months, but still offers the same great service. However, the former owner, Conn, is now offering Hertz car rentals on Easy Tour Ireland. I have received a couple of emails recently promoting his newest venture. I have not had a chance to try it yet, but he, being an Ireland native, and one who I had extensive conversations with regarding a family reunion in Ireland, he has loads of good travel advice. I think both of these Hertz franchises would yield great results, and I wouldn't hesitate to use either one. Have not used Dooley, but my Uncle did and no complaints.

Dan

***Knock on Wood*** I have never gotten a clunker from Hertz. I will say that I have seen some shabby cars in the lot though. One looked like it had seen some tight boreens in its day..

Dan, I will have to take a look at ETI. Conn is always so delightful.

 

Okay...in looking at the ETI site, I see that they charge your rental in full AFTER the car is turned in... and they charge in EUROS....whereas JTI allows you to prepay the rental and charges you in USD.... for some that would be good ...for others...like myself....it would be a drawback...

-- Edited by CowboyCraic on Wednesday 27th of February 2013 12:07:25 PM

I've used Dooley the last few years with no problems. The only extra charge is petrol. If you bring it back full that will be refunded. They are a stickler for the M50 toll. If you use the M50 pay it and keep your receipt for when you turn in the car.

I would guess the usual rule would apply where M50 charges are made a couple of weeks after if there are any outstanding. not much point showing one receipt when passing the toll half a dozen times and how can you show a receipt if you pay over the phone?

Oops Bit, guess I didn't read all the details on Conn's  latest website.  I would rather prepay in dollars, than later in Euros, so will stick with JTI, all other costs being equal.  I did check the ETI option before our last trip, and JTI still had a better deal....Even visited with ETI on the phone, as their websight wasn't completed then.  They wouldn't budge on price, seems like the pre-pay discount may have been the dif in price.

Looks like we may have to give Ireland a rest....a trip to Germany in Oct for Octoberfest with L&G is in the works!

Dan