Ireland Honeymoon

Fischers · Newbie

Ireland Honeymoon

Michele Erdvig · Host

Welcome to the forum and congrats on having some of your honeymoon in Ireland. If you are under 25 there may be a problem renting a car. It really is the best way to see Ireland but you can do it using public transportation with careful planning. You may want to look at Paddywagon Tours and Vagabond Tours also.

In only a week don't try to do it all. You want some time to enjoy your honeymoon not doing a marathon "green blur" tour.

B&Bs are a great low-cost option for accommodations. Around 35 - 45 per person, which includes a big breakfast.

Get back to us with more info and your decision about how you want to see Ireland and we will be happy to help you with your trip.

Fischers · Newbie

Thanks for the quick reply!!

We definitely don't want to do the green blur tour, but we also want to make sure we make the most of our time! Balance is Key I guess.

We are thinking now of renting a car in Belfast, driving around, then dropping it off in Dublin, spend 2 days in Dublin before flying out. I am 30, so rental is not a problem.
** I read post on car rentals and problems, I think most of those from 2009 are fixed now? sounds like EasyTourIreland by Hertz is the best bet for rentals? **

It looks like flights might save time and be cheaper, so we are flying out of Edinburgh to Belfast on April 28th.

Friday the 28th would be day 1 - arrival. Flying out day 8 - May 5th.
Anyone know of any good festivals during that time frame?

1 - arrive Belfast early, rent car at airport, spend day exploring area, night in Belfast.
2 - drive Giants causeway look around up there. night in Belfast
3 - drive to Galway. night in Galway
4 - cliffs of Mohr - drive to Killarney. night in Killarney
5 - explore around Killarney.
6 - morning in Killarney - drive to Dublin - drop of car rental - night in Dublin
7 - Day around Dublin
8 - Fly out of Dublin Home to Canada.

-- Edited by Fischers on Monday 26th of December 2016 04:15:06 PM

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

The biggest flaw I see with your plan is that hiring a car in Belfast and returning it in Dublin will likely incur HEFTY 'Drop Off' Fees. This occurs due to the fact that, even though Dublin and Belfast are only about two to three hours apart by car (depending on which airport in Belfast), they are separated by an International Border.

Cars from the North have to be 'repatriated' (returned) rather than rented, so you can expect a Fee of 150 - 300 GBP, I would guess. If you only plan to visit Belfast, it would be much less expensive to train / bus from Belfast to Galway (both of which travel via Dublin) and the rent the car in either Galway, or Dublin.

Either way, you will spend most of the day getting TO Galway -- and, you will need to leave fairly early to get to Killarney, if you are stopping off for the Cliffs. I'm not sure the 'detour' to Galway would be worthwhile. You might be better off spending that night in either Bunratty, or Ennis, rather than Galway.

Most of the Car Hire problems involve those of us who opt out of buying car hire insurances by using a US or Canadian issued Credit Card to 'waive' the cost. Easy Tour (via Hertz) and Dan Dooley get High Marks for their Transparency, vis-à-vis actual, Final Cost pricing.

tony2phones · Guru

You have a plan and you have a few options.

Take the ferry to Belfast, Don't Drive in the north, there are several good tours of the Causeway Coast and Glens or Game of Thrones etc. Stay in Belfast, drop by bus to Dublin Airport and drive to Galway from there, that way when you return the car to Dublin, no repatriation fee.

Fly Scotland to Cork collect a car and drive to Killarney, start from there not Dublin. tag Belfast/Causeway at the end before departing from Dublin.

Consider other options that might tick your boxes.

Evelyn · Newbie

Driving in Ireland is find and definitely the best way to travel- you don't want to rely too much on public transport!

I think you could plan a great honeymoon here. The west of Ireland especially Connemara is very romantic and the west in general has an amazing cultural and historical background with lots of castles etc. Galway is my favourite city and places like the Burren in Clare are like nothing you've ever seen.

Cork and Kerry in the south are also well worth the visit if a little touristy. Dublin for many is a must see with lots to do there.

If I were to choose between two counties Galway and Clare are beside each other and the best.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Since you are set on Belfast and the Giant's Causeway take Bob and Tony's advice. Do public transportation in Belfast and either train or bus to Dublin. Check this website for tours: https://belfastcitysightseeing.com/

I assume the night in Galway is connected with seeing the Cliffs of Moher. But you really won't have time for Galway. Instead just proceed from Dublin to the cliffs and overnight nearby in Doolin (especially if you want to see a bit of the Burren) as most of the day will be public transportation and driving there. Or you could end in Ennis or Bunratty as Bob suggested. It just depends on the time you will have available. Then you will have your two nights in Killarney.

It will give you just a little appetizer of what Ireland has to offer. Hopefully you will get to return to see more again someday.