Car rental at the Shannon airport?

Question

Hi - my question has to do with picking up a car at the Shannon Airport (or in Shannon) for 3 days in July. I know I can go to the website and look there but at many airports that I have been to, there is a poster board with lots of perfectly fine local companies that are much cheaper than the usual suspects. Perth Australia is a good example: never reserve a car if going there because you can get one much cheaper on the spot. So, can I just show up in July and rent from a smaller company there and then at the airport in Shannon Ireland?

Answer 1

The bigger companies are at Shannon as is a local firm called Dan Dooley.

I used them years ago and there were ok.  I just think it's a bit chancy turning up in July without a booking as that's the busy season.

Answer 2

Shannon has all of the major rental car companies ... however, and this is really important, make sure your car has tires that aren't entirely bald.  The last time I went I got an almost new car but it was obvious they had changed the tires and put on a bald set of tires.  When I asked about it they quickly gave me another car, but I have spoken with four other people who had the exact same experience at Shannon.  It's a scam they run there.  

What makes it worse is, if you read the fine print of the contract, and insurance, the one thing that is NOT covered is the tire.  In other words, they give you bad tires expecting them to blow out on you so that you will replace them with good tires.  

I've never had this problem anyplace else other than Shannon, but it has happened to many people.

Answer 3

It's been a few years since I've been to the airport in Shannon, but when I went I rented a car from the airport.  My travel agent is a brilliant man and does everything he can to save me money on every trip I make.  If there was a cheaper way to rent a car, he would have found it.  The rental agencies there are respectable and fair.  Just make your rental request at least 30-45 days in advance for a better price.