If you’re planning your holidays the last thing you need to be worrying about is renting a car in Ireland. It isn’t always as straightforward as you might think so follow some basic rules to ensure you don’t get stuck.

We would obviously always recommend you hire a car from ourselves but in any event here are a few tips to help you make car rental in Ireland as stress free as you can.

From hidden charges to being slapped with a hefty bill for items you thought were included, there are a several things you need to look out for.

Before renting the car

* Are you booking directly from a car rental company or via an online agent? If the latter, then remember they are only liable to return the administration fee you paid them if something goes wrong. With Dooley Car Rental we will refund all booking money help if you need to cancel

* When looking for the best bargain, bear in mind that very often Car Rental prices quoted online contain only the basics. Always check the price of extras that you may need during your rental: child seat, additional driver, extra insurance, collision damage waiver, excess waiver etc.

Dooley Car Rentals has a price promise guarantee that whatever you are quoted, will be exactly what you have to pay… No More !!!

* If you are picking up at the airport there is usually a compulsory charge for that but some rental companies don’t include it in the initial quote so double-check that too. Dooley Car Rental always include this fee in all quotes on our web site www.dan-dooley.ie

* Pay special attention to the fuel policy and make sure it is explained to you clearly before you confirm the booking. You don’t want a deal where you are collecting with a full tank and returning with an empty one as you’ll be charged at inflated prices for the fuel.

Instead ask to return the car full, that way you can get the best deal yourself at the pumps.

* Make sure you are familiar with the cancellation policy, just in case. We at Dooleys provide a full refund for all bookings in the event of you requiring to cancel the car rental reservation

* If you plan on crossing a border make sure your insurance will cover you for the Northern Ireland. Once again Dooley Car Rentals are one of the few car hire companies in Ireland that do not have a separate charge for this

The Wind that Shakes the Barley

Plenty of Irish talent has found fame on the silver screen, while directors both international and home-grown have been drawn to spectacular locations on our shores. From Clogher Strand on the Dingle Peninsula (where Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise cavorted in Far and Away), to Connemara (where Richard Harris fought over The Field), this Atlantic Film Trail courtesy of Failte Ireland will guide you along this stunning coastline to where great films were made.

Irish etiquette is mostly based on simple good manners, so it’s not difficult to behave properly when visiting Ireland.

Always Greet Others in Ireland With a Handshake
Handshakes are used at both the beginning and end of a conversation or meeting with another person. It is generally appropriate to use the other person’s first name, even if you do not know him well.

Maintain Eye Contact When Speaking to Others in Ireland
In Ireland, a person who shies away from eye contact is often considered untrustworthy. It is good etiquette to look at your conversation partner and maintain a relaxed, friendly manner.

Speak Quietly When Talking in Ireland
Americans can be noisy by nature, but it is considered bad etiquette to speak loudly in Ireland. Using a loud voice is viewed as disrespectful to others and you may be considered rude by the locals if you do so.

Be Cautious About Bringing Up Religion or Politics
People in Ireland generally do not shy away from arguments and enjoy sharing strong opinions, but they tend to be sensitive about religion and past invasions of their country. It is considered good etiquette to avoid talking about those subjects, unless the other person brings them up first.

Refrain from Touching Others in Public
It is considered bad manners in Ireland for men to be openly physical with women or to touch, hug or even pat other men. Irish people also like to have their personal space respected, so it is good manners to keep about an arm’s length away from others.

Use General Good Manners
While not as common as it used to be, you will still see men holding doors open for women and for youngsters to do this for their elders. The Irish also expect others to wait their turn in queue lines.

Give a Tip at Restaurants for Good Service
Good restaurant service in Ireland is customarily rewarded with a tip, unless a service charge has already been added to your bill. Leave at least 10 percent for a good experience. Tips are not expected elsewhere.