What size rental car should I get in Ireland???

Question

Hi! My family & I (4 adults) will be going to Ireland in July and renting a car. I've heard that the roads are narrow. What size rental car should I get???

Answer 1

the smallest you can find! ;)

Answer 2

Rent a '2 door speck' and a siphon hose.

Answer 3

Would suggest a Ford Mondeo / Opel Vectra / Nissan Primera / Toyota Avensis size car. These are very common rental cars so easy to come by.

They will seat four adults in comfort and have a reasonably sized trunk.

Answer 4

Nothing less than a midsize for 4 adults (remember luggage too). Bigger if you can afford it. The minor roads are narrow but not so bad that a midsize will be troublesome. The majority of major roads are decent (if busy). That said it's the minor roads that'll you'll be using for scenic drives and sighseeing. On parts of the ring of kerry the roads are narrow and twisty - 35mph would be normal on certain bad stretches.

Having said that renting a car is the best way to see Ireland. The freedom of choice makes it a hundred times better that an escorted coach tour.

If you're comfortable driving a stick shift (manual) you'll save a lot on rental fees. Also if you've got a US Gold or Platinum mastercard, use it for the car rental as it's the only credit card that covers you for excess insurance in Ireland.

Answer 5

The smallest one that will fit the 4 of you plus luggage.

Also, gas is VERY expensive.

Answer 6

The roads here aren't small(only if compared to American roads) and only in the countryside are they narrow and bendy! Any regular sized car will do...

Answer 7

I spent a month driving right around Ireland last year and had no trouble with the roads - they're in great condition mostly - normal country roads. Just don't recon on getting anywhere in a hurry, there are often flocks of sheep or herds of cows being moved from farm to farm as well as tractors and farm machinery on the roads. Just take your time. Ireland is great for driving. Get a normal car that you'll all be comfortable in.