Beginning Planning Stages

BaileysNana · Member

Beginning Planning Stages

Roy · Guru

Hi Jennifer,

I know I don't keep up with every single post, but I'm unaware of pickpocketing being a problem in Ireland, although there are some countries in Europe I would be weary of. Ireland is a pretty safe country, especially for tourists as far as I know. I am currently planning my seventh trip to Ireland, and many on this forum have been there far more than I have. I've never felt unsafe in Ireland.

As far as car rentals, being informed is the best policy. I have complained about costs, but have never had any problems other than one car I wasn't happy with. Read up, discuss with others, shop and compare.

BaileysNana · Member

Thank you. I appreciate your input. Makes me feel better.

Roy · Guru

Others will share on your concerns. Are there other things that are worrying you?

BaileysNana · Member

Is it feasible to stay in Athlone and drive a different direction each day? We would rather stay in one place instead of a different hotel each night. The majority of what I want to see is on the west coast so maybe Lamerick would be better. My other issue is a picky eater. I am adventurous but he is not. Are there American selections available? Thank you.

Roy · Guru

You will get a lot of opinions on bases. Partly it depends on how far you want to travel for day trips and what you want to see. Galway is one of my favorite places to use as a base but there are many good places to choose from. I'm not very partial to neither Limerick nor Athlone, though my wife's niece, who lives in Limerick, would disagree. Tony likes Ennis, and I do too.

Food- now there's a good topic. We usually eat in pubs. Roast dinners are common, and one of the best bacon cheeseburgers I have ever eaten I got in Athlone. I usually go for lamb dishes, while my wife loves seafood. Menus are often available online.

markan · Senior Member

No absolutely not on both counts. I really enjoy driving in Ireland personally and in 10 trips have never had a problem with pick pocketing. I think maybe 20-30 years ago in Dublin pickpocketing might have been a small concern in certain areas but not all these days. Basic common sense is all you need just like in any city throughout the world and I feel many time safer in a Dublin or Galway than I do in pretty much every city in the world these days.

The only issue with driving really is that there aren't many highways and travel can be slower than most people anticipate because in many place you'll be driving on narrow, winding country roads (with fantastic scenery in many places) where you can't travel at the mph that you are used to and so visiting all the sites you want to see and getting from point A to point B is takes longer than you think. You are more danger from wanting to pull over randomly to pull out your camera and take a photo of the phenomenal scenery than you are from any other driving hazard in Ireland.

PuzoP2 · Member

I too, was considering Athlone for our trip this summer, because it looked so centrally located on the map, and had the same idea about day trips in all directions. My family members around Dundalk said no. They wouldn't recommend it because there is nothing there, and it is basically a big exit on the big highway, with petrol and restrooms, and that's about it. They, and some other wise forum members said we'd be spending way too much time in our car.

Geno · Guru

Would say no to both Athlone and Limerick. So many other places in Ireland I would rather stay. In the same region as Athlone is Birr, which is a wonderful village and area, and like Tony I would not hesitate to have Ennis as a base for a few days. If there is something you want to see in Limerick, would suggest a day trip there, but usually it is not a place I care to visit.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

In 15 years and approximately 20 trips to Ireland, I don't believe that I've ever run across anyone that's been a victim of pick-pockets. While I've heard horror stories about Paris and Amsterdam, I didn't have any trouble in those places, either. As most people say -- being AWARE is always your best defense.

Athlone is a TERRIFIC town. Quite scenic and there is LOTS to do, nearby. I have VERY fond memories from my brief time there and may revisit the area again, sometime. THAT said, I think it makes a poor choice as a touring base for a first-time visitor -- unless you have family connections to the area.

Too many visitors -- Particularly, those from the US -- look at a map of Ireland and see distances of 50-100 and mentally assume that (just like 'Back Home') they can easily drive that far in in 1 1/2 hour or less. In Ireland (with a FEW exceptions) a daytrip of 200 miles can easily take 8-10 hours with stops -- and, sometimes -- even longer. Yes, many of the Secondary (N and R roads) and tertiary (L roads) ARE smaller and narrower than 'Back Home', but that is only one SMALL part of the equation. Ireland is DENSELY PACKED with ruins, breath-taking sights and marvelous, friendly people and the pace of life there is VERY un-American (Thank Goodness!). A 'quick' stop for lunch can easily take an hour or more -- and, if you are lucky -- turn into the HIGHLIGHT of your day!

As to Car Hire -- Yes, renting a car in Ireland IS a pain. I refer to it as, "Kissing a Frog" -- as in, Once you kiss a frog, nothing worse can happen. biggrin biggrin biggrin Prices CAN be high -- though NOT always -- BUT -- The biggest 'Problem' is that too many people don't do the research, don't understand ALL the Terms and Conditions and then are Shocked and Angered when reality sets in. If you Learn The Rules, it really isn't any trickier than renting a car -- ANYWHERE. Honestly -- the WORST Rental 'Rip Off' that I ever experienced was in Hawaii -- in the 'Good 'Ol USA'!

The 'Foodie' scene in Ireland has changed DRAMATICALLY since the 1990's. You will be spoilt for choice -- whether you are looking for exotic, traditional, or the mundane. There truly IS something for everyone, no matter your inclination.

For me, traveling to (and within) Ireland is comforting and familiar -- more like wearing a pair of well-worn jeans and a comfy, old sweater rather than dressing up, in a suit and tie. I would find self-touring in a place like India or Japan MUCH more uncomfortable.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

I have been traveling to Ireland since 1973 and have never had a problem with pickpockets. I have heard of a few incidents, but then I've heard of a few for every area in the world. So cross that concern off your worry list.

Since you are familiar with driving on the left, that is another concern to cross off the "worry list". As Bob suggested, if you do your homework and educate yourself about car rentals there will be no surprises, hence no worries there. However, to get your best rates you must expect to devote some time to the process.

We would love to help you plan your trip to Ireland and complete one more listing on your bucket list. Let us know how we can help.

tony2phones · Guru

Fortunately my reply last night suffered from a less than friendly Irish sea and you have better answers..

Car hire is fairly evenly priced so anything that looks cheap has something missing..

Athlone is about as central as you can get on the Island.. does't mean its a good touring base.. Generally on the west side .. Galway for Galway, north west Clare and south Mayo. Ennis for the whole of county Clare and what was the Shannon region,, Killarney for Kerry or Kenmare if you are looking at Kerry and north/west Cork..

Food is field/sea to table.. far less salt and preservatives than some US visitors are used to but good basic Irish food is as good as you will get anywhere in the world,, Or we do have McDonalds and Super Mac at one end and rather pretentious high (price) end cuisine at the other (perhaps that's where the daylight robbery link fits in?).