Do I need to hire a car if I am to visit the country in Ireland?

Question

Is it a must to hire a car ?

Answer 1

Yes, it's a must!

Public transport within and between the major towns and cities is OK (ish), but to get off the beaten track and see a bit of the country I'd definitely recommend you hire a car.

Answer 2

If you want to visit different parts of the country and don't want to waste lots of time waiting for buses etc then a car is essential. The public transport system isn't great and they only really cater for routes between the bigger towns and cities. If you want to make the most of your time and see more than the inside of a bus or train then definitely hire a car!

Answer 3

How many times must I  say this!............ALWAYS rent a car if you are going to Ireland. Period!!! Never but NEVER  EVER go with a tour group.You will never see the real Ireland or meet the real Irish ppl unless you are on your own and left to your own sense of direction.

Answer 4

You can do a lot using trains and buses but it will take time and planning. I've lived well in Ireland without a car.  But if you ant to take that side trip to say... Loc Crew ( as site I recommend to everyone)  you need to rent a car.  Think about doing both, there is no reason to rent a car if you land and spend a day or two in Dublin, save your cash and pick it up on your way out of town.  

If you do rent a car, GET THE FULL INSURANCE.  If you have an accident it will save you.  Years ago I used the insurance on my credit card (most Americans do ) and got a 3" scratch parked in a car lot.  When we dropped the car off off they said it would be no problem, oh yeah, no problem....the agency mucked up everything including towing the car from Dublin to Galway to fix it. Which I was now liable for as they delayed processing the paperwork for 60 days.  This sad tale has also been told to me by several other Americans that I know.  Please take my advice, pay the protection money, consider it part of the rental, get the "no worry coverage" and be done with it.