Dublin Travel Forum

Arrive Dublin From Australia Wednesday 20th August'08, need good 3 star accommodation, hotel or B&B within walking distance of city centre for 2 nights.Any recommendations, need quiet room at night.

Appreciate names of rental car coys, need medium size car for 7 or 8 nights, pick up Dublin city, return to Dublin or Dublin Airport when we depart on 29th August.

Are there any accommodation groups who pre sell vouchers for accommodation at B&B or hotels / pubs for use as we drive around Ireland? Is this a good metod of obtaining accommodation?

Finally, what should we expect weather wise.

Appreciate all replies,
Mike

Irish car hire, like that of the UK, is tightly regulated. Just google for the best price/convenience and book online to be sure of the car you want. Multi-nationals (such as Avis, Hertz etc) are usually more expensive than national companies).

Climate data here: http://www.met.ie/climate/climate-of-ireland.asp

Expect some rain at least, and pack clothes you can layer as well as waterproof jacket & shoes for the wet. It may be lovely and sunny, but it equally well may not be. No-one can tell until the day arrives (and the weather can change within each day too).

Look here:

http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/today.asp?zipcode=dublin

for the weather forecast (for several places in Ireland) just before you leave.

Voucher info here:

http://www.irishtourism.com/go-as-you-please-ireland/index.htm

It's up to you whether you choose this option: you may be able to get b&bs for less than the voucher cost and you'll have a wider choice without.

Have a look at the Irish Tourist Board accommodation index for ideas on prices/availability before you decide on vouchers.

This is the Australian version:

http://www.discoverireland.com/au/accommodation/

:-)

Leics, that is one fast detailed reply that helps me out as well

Was staggered to find there was an Aussie version....though they now think I'm from Australia, of course! :-)

Hi leics, thanks for your quick reply it will be a great help with my research.I will check out the accommodation vouchers, but agree with you if there is plenty of accommodation availability outside the cities I would be better off not being restricted to the vouchers.

Just looked at your home page,my immediate thought when I saw the main photo was you were in Pompeii. Great place Pompeii, we were there end Sept'05, must check your page. On our trip we are off to Morocco mid Sept, expect to see some great ruins.

Mike

You'll find a myriad of b&bs available all over Ireland, so you won't be restricted to staying in cities/towns at all.

Morocco is on my wish-list (along with Tunisia and Jordan).

I had Pompeii almost entirely to myself for a couple of hours one sunny day in February: it was a wonderful experience.

But Ireland has plenty of archaeology/history too, so enjoy!

For B&B accommodation in Dublin check out www.isaacs.ie or www.townhouseofireland.com, hotels at www.irelandhotels .com
For car hire www.irishcarrentals .com, www.countycar.com, or www.dan-dooley.ie
General info on www.goireland.com, www.travelsupermarket.com
Weather in August can be unpredictable, often hot but very changeable and often stormy so as Leics says bring clothes to suit.
Vouchers are not really necessary, travelling around the country you should be able to find something to suit, tourist offices can find local accomodation if you're stuck.

Mike,

Is a short trip you are making over to be sure. Traveling during high season will mean that you want to make your reservations ahead of time. Otherwise, you will end up catch as catch can in sometimes less than desirable establishments. Booking ahead is definitely a must if you are looking to stay in the major cities, Dublin, Galway, Cork, Killarney. I would suggest sussing out your lodgings before you depart from home. As you are arriving in and traveling through Ireland in High season, vouchers are not that great of a deal. You will find that you are limited to where you can use them. Also, if a B&B proprietor as the choice of a cash paying customer and one with a voucher, they will most often opt for the cash paying customer, as there are numerous fees which they have to pay before being reimbursed for the vouchers. It is very easy to find reasonable accommodations on your own. Most reservations can be made via the internet.

As for weather, I always recommend dressing in light layers, as the weather can change three times in one day. I have been in Ireland in August when it was cold & rainy for three days only to wake up on the fourth day to sunshine and enough warmth to make me wish I had brought shorts. A good waterproof lined windbreakers and sturdy walking shoes are a must.

As for auto rental, I usually use either Kemwel, www.kemwel.com, or their sister company AutoEurope. www.autoeurope.com, as they are the most clear cut when it comes to describing their terms. as well, they will price match any other company. I have used them exclusively for vehicles over the past five years whilst traveling in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.

As for lodging in Dublin, my favorite place to stay is Abberley House, www.abberleyhouse.ie, as it is close to the Botanical Gardens, temple Bar and a short walk to city centre(15 minutes). It is very quiet and inexpensive which is a rare gem in Dublin.

Safe Travels.

Slan Beo, Bit

Mike- if you are still in Australia it might be worth checking out www.drivaway.com.au for car rental. They are in North Sydney and you can actually talk to them not email. You pay before you go and they seem to have very good rates and their excess insurance cover is much cheaper than if you pay it in Ireland. Good luck

Susan

Hi Susan, thanks for the info, I am still in Perth and will follow up.

Mike