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The Republic of Ireland is a young country but is home to thousands of years of history. The thirty six counties of the Republic occupy five sixths of the island of Ireland and is renowned for a natural beauty and a warm welcome. Only 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the west coast of the UK the lush green landscapes of earned the country the name the "Emerald Isle".
A history of a struggle for independence, bloodshed, religious turmoil and conflict has given way to a modern stable democracy, sense of identity as well as a strong arts and literary tradition. Ireland is now a tax haven for writers and artisans.
Recently Ireland has struggled with economic conditions resulting in major bail outs for the banks within the state especially Anglo Irish resulting in an expected 32% deficit. The high costs and spending from the boom of the late 90's (named the Celtic Tiger) are falling as a result along with heavy cuts imposed by the government in line with EU pressure.
Car hire prices are the lowest in northern Europe pushed down by strong competition but excess amounts equal those of the UK. Most passengers arrive through Dublin Airport and there is a strong car hire presence at the airport with all cars on airport. One ways are available and cars are allowed to travel into Northern Ireland without additional charges although dropping off north of the border will incur a charge and is on request.
They say that all roads in Ireland lead to Dublin but travel throughout Ireland is easy enough. The road system is extensive even in rural areas and recent motorway developments have drastically reduced driving times especially from Dublin to other cities. Recently the connection between Dublin and Belfast has become fully motorway meaning the journey will only take around two and a half hours. Tolls are in place on motorways like the M1 to Belfast and the M50 which circumvents Dublin to the west. The M1 is a toll booth while the toll on the M50 is an electronic system which requires payment online, by phone or at specified shops. Make sure to pay any electronic tolls promptly as the cost increases if not paid before 8pm the next day.
What to see in your hire car
Dublin City
The fair city is capital of the Republic of Ireland and although it holds a large proportion of the population the center is relatively small easily traversed by foot. There are no congestion charges and Dublin is easily navigated by hire car although traffic through the week can be heavy. Highlights include the GPO, Viking Splash Tours, tours of the river Liffey and the Guinness Store House but there really is something for everyone. Shopping is concentrated on the pedestrian Grafton Street and Henry Street. Rich in history and Georgian splendor the city is a must for any trip to Ireland.
Brú na Boinne
The name of a landscape dotted with prehistoric structures and monuments built well before the Pyramids in Egypt. The largest and best know are Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth but history can be found right along the Boyne river valley. Most are accessed by guided tour from a modern visitor center and the sights will fill a day at least. Check out the battle of the Boyne site which is located close by the east.
The Burren
Derived from the Irish "Boireann" meaning Great Rock is a karst-landscape shaped by millions of years of water dissolution of layers of soluble bedrock. Nestled between the Atlantic to the west and Galway Bay to the north it is a moon like landscape packed with history with over ninety megalithic tombs. Take the hire car along Galway Bay and take in some fantastic sites.
Cliffs of Moher
Parking is expensive but does include access to the visitor center but the site of the cliffs on a clear day is truly breathtaking. The western landscape drops some 120 meters (394 feet) into the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs are very popular with tourists so don't expect to be alone when viewing, in 2006 over one million visitors viewed the Cliffs of Moher.
The Ring of Kerry
Drive your hire car around the famous circuit of 179 kilometers starting from Killarney taking in the N70, N71 and R562 (don't worry it is well signposted). It is very popular site seeing trip and many coach operators use the route on a anti-clockwise direction. The traffic and large coaches do congest the route but there are many sites to see along the way. It is recommended that you take your hire car in a clockwise direction around the Ring of Kerry to avoid being stuck behind the coaches going the opposite direction. Go to Kenmare first and follow the signposts.
Glendalough
An incredibly important early Christian site set among really beautiful scenery in a valley among the Dublin / Wicklow mountains. Walks go along the lakes and up into the mountains with difficulty varied between easy walks to day rambles. Two round towers can be seen along with ruins of a cathedral and churches. Car parking is free and there is places to have lunch in the area as well as many fine drives.
The Hill of Tara
Huge earthworks covered in grass mark the seat of the High Kings of Ireland located close to the N3 or soon the M3 motorway. In a disused church you will find the visitor center with an excellent audiovisual show which will detail the importance of this ancient site.
Blarney Castle
This medieval stronghold dates from 1446 and is home to the world famous Blarney stone where visitors are hung upside down to kiss the stone for the "gift of the gab". The castle is surrounded by gardens with many walks and close by is Blarney House, a 19th century baronial style mansion which is open to the public for an admission fee.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
A 15th century tower house built by the O'Brien house and extensively renovated for evening medieval banquets complete with authentic entertainment of the time. During the day take in the folk park which gives a glimpse into the history and tales of Ireland's past.
Powerscourt Estate
Located near the beautiful village of Enniskerry is the house and landscaped gardens of Powerscourt which although the house was destroyed by fire in 1974 now is a major tourist attraction. The gardens are beautiful with a cafe and hand crafts sold within the house. Nearby is Powerscourt Waterfall which is the highest in Ireland and well worth a visit although access is my admission fee there are great walks around the falls.
With locations across Ireland from Dublin to Cork we have Car Hire Ireland covered. Search and select from every car on offer from multiple car hire brokers and suppliers from Holiday Autos to Sixt you can easily see the best deal in our price sorted three step booking engine.
So if you are looking for the cheapest fully inclusive car rental deal for your upcoming trip to Ireland then choose Carhire.net
Quick Facts - IRELAND
Land area: 68,890 square km (26,599 square miles)
Major physical features
Highest point: Carrauntoohill (Macgillicuddy's Reeks) 1,041 m (3,414 ft)
Longest river: Shannon 370 km (230 miles)
Population: (2006 est.) 4,062,235
Form of government: multiparty republic with two legislative houses
Armed forces: army 8,500; navy 1,100; air force 860
Largest cities: Dublin (capital 1,186,159); Cork (119,143); Galway (65,832); Limerick (54,023); Waterford (44,594)
Official language: Irish and English
Ethnic composition: Irish 95%; British 2.7%; others 2.3%
Religious affiliations: Roman Catholic 88.4%, Church of Ireland 3%, other Christian 1.6%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2%, none 3.5%
Currency: 1 Euro (EUR) = 100 euro cents
Gross domestic product: (2006) U.S. $177.2 billion
Gross domestic product per capita: (2006) U.S. $43,600
Life expectancy at birth: male 75.11 years and female 80.52 years
Major resources: natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, barytes, cereals, fish, livestock, potatoes, sugar beet, vegetables, tourism
