I am planning a trip to Ireland (Dingle) this June. Our group size is six people. For transportation, I am looking at a 9 person full size van (Renault Trafic). Is the best size or could I use a standard van (Opel). Our baggage is one check-on and one carry-on. Do I need any special license for a 9 person van? I was wondering about that size vehicle on the narrow roads. My first trip I drove a med-size vehicle with no problem. Any other suggestions is welcome.
Renault Traffic is a Van (commercial vehicle) adapted as a mini bus as would be the Merc or VW equivalents. The Opel would be a people carrier with the rear seats invading the baggage area. no special licence is required to rent any of the mainline providers vehicles, once you get above 8+driver (maximum for a class B license) you get into a cloudy area.
The only place on that small peninsula I wouldn't relish driving my Renault Master is 300 yards of the Connor Pass but my camper is a good bit bigger all round than the Traffic van.
__________________
Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
My first trip to Ireland, in 1999, I drove a VW Caravelle 9 passenger without incident on some West Cork "roads" that frightened and amazed my passengers. In Feb of 2002, I rented a Mercedes Vito 9 passenger -- and managed to park it on the upper level of the Parking Garage alongside of the Jury's Inn, in Galway. The desk clerk at the Jury's was mightily impressed, advising my companions that I deserved MULTIPLE drinks on them, for having accomplished so. I consider myself a pretty good driver, but I am neither an expert, nor a professional.
So, yes -- having driven in Ireland before, YOU should be fine, with a 9 passenger. Luggage space SHOULD be adequate, but it MAY still be 'tight'.
No, you do NOT need any special license. That would only come into play if you should go Larger -- say a 12 or 15 passenger, 'Mini-Bus'.
A 7 passenger', such as a Ford Galaxy, Opel Zafira, Peugeot 5800, Renault Grand Scenic, or similar will NOT suffice. Seating for 6 US-sized adults is only MARGINALLY adequate and utilizing all of the seating comes at the cost of most of the luggage space -- as the rearmost seats generally 'fold up' out of the floor of the cargo area.
I drove a Ford Galaxy there, this past June, with six, but two of those were smallish children (one very nearly 5 and one, just turned 8). My 6 foot + SIL was mightily uncomfortable in the rear. The ONLY time we had ALL the luggage and people was on the drive up to Dublin, on our last, full day and it was VERY cramped that day.
Bob
-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Monday 6th of January 2014 07:06:52 PM
__________________
Bob
Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Might get away with that in a Vito but they have a good turning circle and lowish roof, General advice is avoid multi story car parks with a Van..
New EEC driving rules dictate the 8+Driver rule unless for private use and not hire or reward (I could legally drive my van with 9 passengers (if I had enough seats &seat belts) ie family or club members etc but Hire car companies would not be able to rent a 10 seater on a car license) .. 10+Driver now requires a class C license (plus a Tacograph (trip recorder) and I think that increases again at 14 seats to a full passenger vehicle license.
__________________
Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
Actually, Tony, it was a GOOD thing that the hire company didn't check the ROOF on that Vito -- I'm pretty sure that a couple of those hanging signs on the up ramps applied a few scratches to the paint . . .
Since we were staying AT the Jury's, I didn't feel that I had much choice with my parking that trip -- but, I would agree that as a general rule, it wasn't a great idea to park there.
Bottom line, though, is that with REASONABLE attention, driving a 9 passenger vehicle isn't HALF as horrible as many make it out to be.
Bob
__________________
Bob
Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
