I'm am going to Ireland in July for my honeymoon and staying for about 8 days. We're doing a self drive tour from Dublin, along the southern coast, and departing from Shannon. I've been doing research and was wondering if it is beneficial to book the trip using a travel company or to do it all on our own. The companies offer combined prices for lodging and a car (with little extras thrown in). Is this convenience costing much more than booking the car and lodging independently? Any help would be great.
In my experience, especially during high season, it's unlikely that an agency will get you a better booking deal than doing it on your own. There are a couple of other pitfalls. July is the Very high season for Ireland. Tour companies will give you vouchers which are costly to B&B owners and limit your number of choices. Some B&B owners, knowing that they will fill up in the high season, will turn away voucher holders even though they accept them in the off season. Generally, in July, it's good to book in advance anyway.
My preference would be to book on your own. It's pretty easy and you can get some excellent B&B advice here for the areas that you want to visit.
Bill is right on the money! Generally you can put the pieces of your trip together yourself for less. After all what you need in advance is airfare, car rental and lodging reservations. If you are in the least bit savvy you can do most of it on the Internet. It does take a bit of time and work but then you know it will be done right.
I do suggest that you have a firm itinerary and reservations for July. It is high season. And since it will be your honeymoon you don't want to spend your precious time in Ireland searching for places to stay. This should be a relaxing and magical time. So do your homework now.