Renting a car in Ireland for a week or two is not a problem (if you don’t want to bring your own car on the ferry as a visitor from the UK or continental Europe). Thanks to the Internet, you can do it from the comfort of your home and in a matter of minutes. However, there are potential difficulties when requesting a rental for an Irish holiday. In reality, getting the right car for your needs can be difficult.
For example, the very concept of “automobile” may be radically different between North America and Europe. While in the United States and Canada size really does matter, Europeans are looking for fuel economy and taking tight parking conditions into account. Here are some tips on how to choose the right car when renting. Don’t stick with an ultra-mini for a family of five …
Transmission: not automatic
The first thing to consider is the transmission. While most rental cars in North America will be equipped with an automatic transmission, a manual transmission is the norm in Europe. Also, the gear stick will be to the driver’s left. If you are unfamiliar with a manual transmission, be sure to request an automatic. Be prepared for an extra charge at some rental agencies. And remember that “exotic” automatic transmissions can sell out quickly, so book early.
Fuel costs: don’t worry
As stated before, European drivers are obsessed with fuel efficiency. A look at the price of gas in Ireland, let alone Northern Ireland, will explain this obsession to American visitors: Expect to pay twice the price you are used to. The fuel efficiency of rental cars should normally be excellent, even for the largest vehicles. Which ultimately makes driving in Ireland not a hugely expensive form of travel. Unless you forget to pay the barrier-free tolls on the M50, other road tolls are not a problem and are paid on the spot.
Interior space – Little blessings
Most of the rental cars on offer are standard European or Japanese vehicles, built for narrow road conditions and relatively short trips. Especially the lower categories (“Subcompact” and “Compact”) are typical “city cars” for the casual user. Even “Medium” in Ireland would be rated “Compact” in the United States. So expect stricter conditions and choose a larger vehicle if you are traveling long distances.
Seats and legroom – prepare for surprises
Cars are smaller and Europeans are used to them. This combined leads to ratings on car rental websites. An international supplier will offer the same vehicle size with totally different suitability ratings. On the US website Rated for two adults and two children, on the Irish website rated for five adults. If it is in any way larger than the European average (5 feet 7 inches, 165 pounds), choose a larger vehicle. Some rental companies will tell you equivalent US vehicles to help you choose.
The trunk – What trunk?
Luggage space in European and Japanese cars can be limited. “Subcompact” and “compact” vehicles are most likely to be the hatchback type with no actual trunk and a somewhat narrow storage area at the rear. Getting four adults and their luggage into a “Subcompact” is next to impossible. If you are planning to take your entire luggage go for a “Medium Size” at least. Do not plan to leave your luggage in plain sight while traveling, this will attract undesirable attention. And actually, the trunk is called the boot here …
Extras – You don’t need them
When looking for European rental cars, you may notice that the air conditioning or cruise control is not necessarily included in the specifications. You really won’t miss them. While air conditioning can occasionally be nice during the short Irish summer, cruise control would be of no practical use. Look for better tires, especially when driving in winter or when it rains or floods.
