M50 Toll is Disaster Say Car Rental Companies

The barrier free tolling system being introduced on the M50 on the 30th August 2008 will cause severe headaches for the various car rental and car leasing companies in Ireland. There will no longer be toll booths along the M50 and no option to bay cash as the area is now designated a barrier free tolling area. This is going to prove to be a major headache for customers using the toll bridge who do not have a registered payment option, namely eflow or Eazy Pass.

Motorists who do not have a registered tag for their car can choose to pay their toll online, by the telephone or by using the Payzone. All tolls must be post paid by 8pm the following day and late / non payments of tolls will result in severe fines. This will cause a lot of issues for car hire and car leasing firms as the onus is on the driver to pay the toll by 8pm the following day. As the car passes through the barrier free tolling, cameras will take note of the registration plates of the vehicle and assign fines of up to €146 to any vehicle that has not paid.

According to the car rental companies, the introduction of barrier free tolling on the M50 will prove disastrous for Irish tourism. The car rental companies were left with very few options by the NRA. Some companies have advised the tourists to pay the tolls themselves however; tourists that fail to pay the tolls will be billed by the car rental firm with the addition of an administration charge.

Three quarters of all rental cars returned to depots at Dublin Airport will pass over the toll bridge during their rental period. The rental companies have demonstrated their frustration with the NRA on numerous occasions.

“We’re coming up against a disaster for tourists coming into the country. Some guy is going to fly in from the States, drive down to Kerry for a fortnight and come back to a big fine.” – Pat Geoghegan (Europcar)

Europcar were not prepared to act as a toll collector when it had not been provided with the information it required, so it would be advising customers to pay the toll themselves. Thrifty Car Rental Ireland is following a similar route and have criticised the NRA for its failure to take on board industry concerns. Thrifty Car Rental is advising all customers to pay the toll by 8pm the following day and will not accept payment of cash or credit card for tolls.

Hertz on the other hand are planning to register their fleet with eflow. Much of the Hertz fleet is leased on a short-term basis from hundreds of dealers around the country. The dealers are therefore the registered owners and any charge or fines would be communicated to them. By registering the fleet, the company can limit the toll to €2.50 and avoid the threat of fines.

“By the time we know about the charges the fines will have escalated. Hertz plan to apply each toll charge to each particular rental, plus a €2 administration fee to cover the cost of additional staff needed to carry out this work.” – Robert Kenny (Hertz)

The NRA has stated that they have advised the car rental companies of their options:

“Our view is that video registering is a good solution for car rental operators and they can check the account balance online when the customer returns the vehicle and bill accordingly.” – NRA

Motorists who dispute the tolls they are charged under this new system will have no option to appeal the tolls being charged. The toll charges are as follows:

- Tag registrations: €2
- Video Registration: €2.50
- Pay as You Go: €3

The Tag registration is being advertised as the cheapest option for passing through the barrier free toll, but the monthly administration charges and the need for an initial deposit of €40. Cars from outside Ireland are subject to the same rules as Irish registered vehicles. Non payment of a toll is an offense and the NRA, through a European enforcement agency, will look to recover all unpaid tolls and fines. The responsibility is with foreign motorists to make themselves aware of their responsibilities.

“For your fist year driving through the M50 toll, it will cost you a minimum of €40. If you go through more than 14 times in the year, your minimum cost will be €70. So in the time it takes you to spend €70 at the moment you will get through the toll 35 times compared to just 14 in the first year with the eFlow system.” Tom Doyle Talk

Related Stories
- Appeals system for toll disputes outlined
- Paying the new toll should be easy as 1-2-3
- Start of barrier-free tolling marred by call-centre glitch
- Car hire firms say new toll is ‘disaster’ for tourism
- Toll Bridge Fiasco

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Top 10 Things to Do in Dublin Before You Die

Situated on Ireland’s east coast, Dublin is Ireland’s capital as well as its largest city. Dublin has an overwhelming plethora of activities and vacationer pursuits on offer including of museums, art and cultural exhibitions and spectacular sights.

Many of the attractions listed below are accessible by foot or by public transport, but for trips to Glendalough a car rental might be required. Atlas Ireland Car Rental offer excellent rates and have a location within 5 minutes walk from Trinity College in Dublin City Center.

It would be no surprise if a first-time visitor to this pulsating city were to get confused as to what do and which places to visit while in Dublin. Nonetheless, there are at least 10 spots in Dublin that should not go unvisited during any visit to the city:

10 – Glendalough
Glendalough, which means Glen of the Two Lakes, is an idyllic deserted village located in the Wicklow Mountains, about 50 kilometers from Dublin. In spite of this, Glendalough is easily accessible by car and can be reached in about 55 minutes to an hour.

Glendalough is home to a former monastery which was established in the 6th century. The nature-lover and adventure-seeker would surely love Glendalough as it is blessed with a spectacular view of hills and the lakes.

9 – Kilmainham Gaol
First built in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol operated as a prison for 140 years. During this time, it detained many a notable Irishman and as such holds a key role in the annals of Ireland. It is located in the suburb of Kilmainham, and can be easily reached via taxi or bus from Dublin City Center. In 1924, Kilmainham Gaol ceased to be a jail as declared by the Irish Free State.

8 – Georgian Dublin
Dublin is known for being home to incredible Georgian architecture that one cannot walk through this city without admiring such spectacular architecture. Anyone with a love for architecture will surely derive pleasure out of a mere stroll through the city.

One of the more famous attractions would be No. 29 Fitzwilliam Street Lower, a monument to Georgian architecture which has been restored to its full glory, complete with furnishings which can only be apt for how a truly Georgian house should be.

7 – Trinity College
Tactically placed in the center of Dublin at the end of Grafton Street and indicating the beginning of Dame Street, Trinity College is highly accessible and can be very easily reached from any point in Dublin.

Started by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, Trinity College is the most long-standing and most esteemed college in the island of Ireland. Also, according to the Times Higher Education Supplement Global Ranking, Trinity College is placed number 53 among all colleges world-wide. Still another claim to fame is the Book of Kells. Found in the Trinity College Library, this illumined document is considered to be one of Ireland’s priceless treasures.

6 – Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo is the biggest zoo in the island of Ireland, and is located in Phoenix Park. Although it is quite a long way off from Dublin City Center to reach by foot, it can be easily accessed via bus or taxi.

Established in 1830, Dublin Zoo is the world’s fourth oldest zoo and is home to more than 235 species of wildlife and animals. Dublin Zoo is divided in to 6 areas, each with its own theme. These are African Plains, Fringes of the Arctic, The Kzirange Forest Trail, World of Primates, World of Cats, and City Farm and Pet’s Corner.

5 – Dublin Castle
Located off Dame Street, Dublin Castle serves as a very important conference center for the Irish government and is the venue for several major yearly international meetings. The captivating history of Dublin Castle goes back to the 18th century, although an earlier form of the castle was already erected on this area as far back as the 12th century. Dublin Castle also came to be the heart of occupational rule during the British occupation, and when the Irish Free State was finally instituted in 1922, it was tendered to Michael Collins in historic ceremonial rites.

Guided tours around the State Apartments are offered in Dublin Castle. These apartments were formerly home to the Vice Regal Court and now serve as quarters for visiting notables.

4 – National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland is located at Collins Barracks, and one can easily find his way here via Luas, which is considered to be a highly dependable means to going around Dublin. It has three sections, namely Archeology and History, Decorative Arts and History, and Natural History. The Decorative Arts section specifically showcases a wide-ranging array of Irish pride in the form of dress costumes, furniture, weaponry, ceramics and the like.

One can opt to avail of guided tours of the National Museum of Ireland for €2 a head. Each tour can accommodate up to 30 people and lasts for about 45 minutes.

3 – Grafton Street
Open only to pedestrians, Grafton Street extends from College Green alongside Trinity College all the way to St Stephens Green. It is situated in Dublin’s South Side, and is very accessible.

A statue of Molly Malone proudly stands at the end of Grafton Street, which has evolved to be a favorite rendezvous spot for locals and tourists alike. It is also well-known for the myriad of shops dotted along the street and the St. Stephens Green Shopping Center found at the top of Grafton Street. Grafton Street is the number one shopping street in Ireland, full of character, energy and a top class choice of shops.

2 – Temple Bar
Temple Bar is considered the cultural hub of Dublin, and is home to many shops, restaurants and bars. It also has a bustling nightlife. One can easily reach Temple Bar from any point in Dublin. This area is a major draw for hen and stag parties visiting Ireland and for those more interested in seeing Temple Bar without these added obstacles, a day time visit would be best.

By the 19th century, Temple Bar began to deteriorate into urban decay and even once faced being razed over to make way for a bus terminal. However, in the 1990s, a non-profit organization was set up by the Irish government to facilitate the revival of Temple Bar and its conversion into the Cultural Quarter of Dublin. Today, Temple Bar is considered one of the top destinations in Dublin.

1 – Guinness Storehouse
Fondly called the Storehouse, the Guinness Storehouse is the leading tourist destination in Ireland having received more than 4 million visitors since it opened in 2000. It can be reached by bus, by tram or by foot if you’re coming from the Dublin City Center. It is situated in St. James’s Gate, specifically in the fireplace of the well-known Guinness Brewery of Dublin.

In the Storehouse, the visitor will find a fascinating educational tour detailing the history of Guinness. In 1904, the Storehouse was put up with the original intention of being the site of the fermentation process in the creation of Guinness, and it remained so until 1988.

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Diabolical Year – Europcar Ireland

An article published in the Irish Independent today (28 August 2008) featured the operations manager of Murray’s Europcar, Pat Geagan, as saying the market in Ireland has been ‘diabolical’ during 2008.

“It has been our worst year since 2001 in both volumes and prices. The numbers renting from the United States are down 35 – 40 percent and numbers from elsewhere are down 10 to 15 percent. It’s now cheaper to rent a car than it was in 2001.” – Pat Geagan.

There are a number of factors bringing down the car rental market including the weak dollar, a very competitive market and the falling price of used cars. Among the difficulties facing car rental companies in the near future is the adoption of the M50 West Link barrier free tolling without much direction from Eflow.

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B&Bs and the Question of Compulsory Licensing

A report released today (27 August 2008) has called for the compulsory licensing and a quality grading scale for bed and breakfasts in Ireland. The report was commissioned by the Town and Country Homes Association which has over 60% of the Bord Fáilte registered Bed and Breakfasts in Ireland.

Currently the Bord Fáilte approval for Bed and Breakfasts in Ireland is a voluntary process and costs proprietors in the region of €200 annually for the shamrock sign which signifies Bord Fáilte approval. It is argued that compulsory licensing would increase consumer confidence in Bed and Breakfasts and would ultimately award higher quality properties and penalise those of a lower quality.

“Up to 5,000 unapproved B&Bs are currently allowed to operate without any health and safety standards, undermining over 2,600 registered B&Bs who pay to be inspected. In all other sectors of accommodation in Ireland you must register and be graded for quality and standards – so why not in B&Bs?” – Kate Burns

The B&B sector in Ireland is estimated at contributing €300 million to the economy annually. This suggested licensing comes with the explosion of low cost hotel accommodation in Ireland alongside the competition from unregistered B&Bs. Tourism revenue dropped during 2008 for the first time in 4 years. This drop combined with the oversupply in hotel rooms has created further difficulty for Bed and Breakfasts in Ireland.

“After a decade of strong growth, the tourism industry is now falling victim to the global economic downturn and an unfavorably strong Euro, leaving a “mismatch” between supply and demand for hotel accommodation that will exacerbate problems for the wider economy, the author of the research report” – Rossa White

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25 Great Days Out in Ireland

Bellow is a list of 25 great days out that can be enjoyed in Ireland. The list of days out are divided into subsections. If you are planning and getting out of Dublin to see some of the highlights listed below, Atlas Car Hire.com offer a great choice for Ireland Car Rental.

Tours
- The Carlow Garden Trail is offered by Discover Ireland and includes more than 15 locations including the Altamont Gardens in Tullow and the Huntington Castle.
- For a spectacular view of the country, try the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway in Kilmeaden. Riding a period carriage, one can see the mountains and farmlands, along with the river and a Viking settlement.
- For couples, Connemara Way is the place to go. Visit the Clifden or go take a dip at Roundstone Beach. From the National Park, take a hike up Diamond Hill loop, following the Sruffaunboy Nature Trail. The magnificent view at the top is worth the 3-hour trek.
- If you want to do it on your own, way-marked routes are available for walking. These include the Cavan Way, Sheep’s Head Way and Dingle Way, to name a few.

Special Events
- If you’re up to see unique talents, the AIB Street Performance World Championship may be for you. Dublin’s Merrion Square is converted into an outdoor circus for 3 days. Held in June, various performers, including magicians and acrobats, compete for the coveted award.
- If you are interested in food, try the Galway International Oyster Festival in September. This food festival boasts of the popular Guinness World Oyster Opening Championships.
- For food fanatics, the Harvest Feast in September is a must-see. This food festival, which is held in Leitrim every year, serves up a wide assortment of Irish foods and courses.
- If you happen to be in Killorglin in August, make sure you check out Puck Fair, one of the oldest festivals in Ireland. The festival features the King Puck, a crowned mountain goat strutting all over the town.

Beach Activities
- The Laytown Races, in Louth’s Laytown Strand, includes setting off approximately 3 miles of strand in September. Other events include a fair and dune-jumping.
- For sports enthusiasts, surfing is definitely the way to go. Beginners can learn from any number of surfing schools on the coastline. For more experienced surfers, Bundoran and Easkey are a couple of places offering challenging breaks.
- If you’d rather stay out of the water, you can try beach trekking instead. In Sligo, Island View Riding Stables and Horse Holiday Farm offer this activity for any age and riding level.

Parks
- Clare’s Craggaunowen is home to the world-class archaeological park known as Living Past Experience. The park features a variety of recreations, including homesteads and medieval artifacts.
- Animal lovers will definitely enjoy a trip to Fota Wildlife Park, where over 90 species of animals roam freely about. These animals include monkeys, giraffes, zebras and even cheetahs.
- If you’re bringing along your kids, Clara Lara in Rathdrum is the perfect spot. This fun park, surrounded by oak trees, offers playgrounds, pirate galleons and water slides.
- One of the most popular tourist spots in Waterford is the Lismore Castle and Gardens, built in the 12th century. The castle is closed, but the spectacular garden are open.

Natural Wonders
- The Giant’s Causeway in Antrim is definitely a must-see Volcanic eruptions millions of years ago led to the formation of these numerous columns of basalt.
- More than 25,000 pilgrims trek to Croagh Patrick in Mayo every last Sunday of July, known as Reek Sunday. Climbing the mountain typically takes around 4 hours.
- If you’re not too fond of heights, try Kerry’s Crag Cave instead. Innumerable calcite and straw stalactites emerge to form the Crystal Gallery.
- Near Kerry, the Skellig Islands can be found surrounded by the Atlantic. Skellig Michael boasts of being a World Heritage Site, containing a monastic settlement.
- Clonmacnoise above the River Shannon is another famous tourist spot. It was founded in the 6th century, and contains churches, Christian grave slabs and a round tower.
- Environmentalists and tourists alike are sure to enjoy Cape Clear’s Gaeltecht Island, which is home to migrant birds and killer whales.

Modern Establishments
- Sports enthusiasts will definitely enjoy Croke Park, Ireland’s largest sports stadium. Croke Park is home to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and is host to the Gaelic games.
- Any tourist’s itinerary should include Dublin’s City Hall. Displays and exhibits, including the “Story of the Capital”, showcase the history of the country’s government.
- Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, is the focus of a permanent exhibit in Downpatrick. Nearby is his supposed burial place by Down Cathedral.
- At the end of the day, tourists deserve a break. Try one of Ireland’s 3 destinations spas, which include Kenmare’s Park Hotel, Enniscorthy’s Monart and Moate’s Temple Country Retreat and Spa.

Whether you’re up for the parties, the beach, the old or the new, Ireland will surely have something for you.

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Top Five Scenic Drives in Ireland

One of the best ways to see Ireland is by getting out of the cities and touring around the country. Listed below are the top five scenic drives in Ireland which are a must see during any tour of Ireland. Atlas Car Hire Ireland offer a wide range of car rentals which will meet your needs at a very competitive price if you are in need of a rental car.

Sheep’s Head Peninsula

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Sheep’s Head Peninsula has long been a popular destination for hill walkers, the peninsula is also a stunning drive. The Sheep’s Head Way is a 88km trail which follows old roads and tracks around the peninsula from Bantry to the headland and back. The route combines low and rugged hills with coastline and cliffs. The walkway is very straightforward and can be walked during any time between April and October. The drive around Sheep’s Head Peninsula is just over 70km, but offers the same stunning views as the walk.

“A peaceful, unspoilt peninsula which as some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery.”

The start of the drive at Bantry’s south is generally devoid of villages, allowing you to see the magnificent cliffs along the Irish coastline. Drive around the hairpin bends on the road to Kilcrohane before heading off to Durrus. Stop by Good Things Café and Arundels pub, both in Ahakista. From the pub, you can view Dunmanus Bay, the pier, and a little farther off, a small beach. Also in Ahakista is Hillcrest House, a good place to spend the night.

Dingle Peninsula

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Dingle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ireland. The town is a mix of authentic Ireland and nature set against a stunning backdrop. The drive around the Dingle Peninsula starts at Castlegregory at the Corca Dhuibhne Peninsula, go west into Cloghane, past Conor Pass and Dingle, and head west to Slea Head. After Ballyferriter, continue to Murreagh and Kilmalkedar, and finally, back to Dingle. The route is approximately 75 km and highlights are guaranteed around every bend.

On the road, you will see the ancient buildings of Gallarus and the revered site at Kilmalkedar. The Dingle Peninsula itself is dotted with striking ogham stones. Eat in Waterside’s renowned restaurant, Out of the Blue, where the fresh seafood dishes are world-class. Also try Dunquin’s Krugers pub, which has a spectacular view of the sea. If night befalls, stay in the century-old The Captain’s House in Dingle.

Bantry to Killarney

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The trip from Bantry to Killarney is approximately 80 km. This route can become very congested during peak tourist seasons as you will surely find a long trail of pilgrims and campers on the highway.

During the drive, you will see a number of quaint villages, such as Glengarriff; herds of farm animals, especially sheep; and both freshwater and saltwater lakes. Drop by the Eccles Hotel, and watch boats coming from and going to the Glengarriff Harbour. At the end of the drive is Kenmare, Ireland’s gourmet capital. Choose from any of the popular restaurants on Henry Street, such as Mulcahy’s and Packie’s.

If you happen to reach the area by nightfall, you may want to consider staying over. Various accommodations are available for tourists, ranging from four-star hotels to campsites.

Copper Coast
The 120 km-trip begins in Dungarvan, with its gorgeous coastline. Proceed to Stradbally and eventually head to Waterford. Continue to Clonmel, then to Ballymacarberry, and eventually head back to Dungarvan.

The Copper Coast in Waterford is the only geopark in the entire European continent. It was named as such because of the mines of copper that used to be present in the stretch. View the majestic Comeragh Mountains, the Nire Valley and Stradbally Cove. Make sure you try the Tannery in Dungarvan, which is an institution in itself, offering mouth-watering Irish dishes. You may want to stay the night in Hanora’s Cottage, which is right beside the Mahon River in Nire Valley.

Galway to Westport

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The long trip, which spans approximately 230 km, starts in Galway city. Driving along the N59, head over to Clifden, past Connemara National Park and then to the center of Westport. Finally, go back south via N84, and back to Galway, maybe taking in Castlebar along the way. The Sky Road in Clifden is a must see for the stunning views of the Atlantic coastline and Connemara.

Enjoy the view of Killary Harbour from Blackberry Café in Galway. Stop over at Kylemore Abbey in Galway, where you can check out the church and craft shop and eat at the restaurant afterwards. After the long drive, spend the night at Quay House, a former monastery in Clifden.

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The Ultimate Travel Resource for Ireland

Bellow is a collection of links to websites that are useful for visitors traveling to Ireland. Topics covered here encompass the whole range of travel services and tools that I can think of.

International Airports in Ireland

- Dublin Airport
- Cork Airport
- Shannon Airport
- Knock Airport

Internal Airlines

- Aer Arran
- Aer Lingus
- Ryanair

Airlines: Traveling To Ireland

- Aer Arran
- Aer Lingus
- Air Canada
- Air France
- American Airlines
- BMI
- British Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- Etihad Airways
- Iberia Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Ryanair
- Scandinavian Airlines System
- Swiss International Airlines

Airlines: Traveling To Europe (Connection Needed)

- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Emirates
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Gulf Air
- Malaysia Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Air France
- British Airways
- Etihad Airways
- Lufthansa
- Qantas Airways
- Qatar Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Thai Airlines
- Air China
- Japan Airlines

Airline Information Websites

- Airwise
- Seat Guru
- Airline Quality

General Airline Booking Sites

- Ebookers
- Opodo
- Cheap Flights
- Last Minute.com
- Gohop

Hotels & Accommodation in Ireland

- Go Ireland
- Accommodation.ie
- Ireland Hotels.com
- Irish Accommodation Guide

General Hotel & Accommodation Sites

- Go Ireland
- Hotels Ireland

Self Catering Accommodation Ireland

- Self Catering.ie
- Dream Ireland

Ferries

- Stena Line
- Irish Ferries

Car Rental

- Atlas Car Hire
- Dollar Rent a Car
- Thrifty Car Rental Ireland

Camper Van

- Celtic Campervans
- Galway Campers
- Kamp Easi
- Motorhome Ireland

Bus/Coach

- Bus Eireann
- Dublin Bus
- Ulster Bus

Rail

- Irish Rail
- Translink

Travel Insurance

- Just Cover
- Insurance 4 Car Hire.com
- Multi Trip

General Information

- General Irish Forum
- Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum
- Trip Adviser
- Wikitravel
- Wikipedia

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Child Safety in Cars

Recent legislation in Europe means all children should be restrained when traveling in a vehicle. The legislation was brought in because every year too many children were injured or killed in road traffic accidents due to not being properly restrained. Under the new EU law all children under the age of 11/12 must be in an appropriate child car seat. Recent research in Ireland has shown that 2 out of every fitted child seats are not properly installed which can result in serious injury even in minor road traffic accidents. From 1996 to 2000, 77% of child fatalities were found not to have been using a child restraint or seatbelt.

All child safety seats must conform to the United Nations standard, ECE Regulation 44-03, must be suitable for the weight and height of the child, is suitable for the type of car and is correctly fitted. A rearward facing baby seat should never be fitted in a front seat where there is an airbag fitted. Seat belts are designed to work on those over 5 feet tall of 1.5meters tall. It is important that the correct child seats are used for every journey, no matter how short.

Child restraints are divided into categories depending on the weight of the child. These categories are loosely aligned with age groups, but it is the weight of the child that is most important:

Stage 1 – Groups 0 and 0+
Stage 2 – Groups 1
Stage 3 - Groups 2
Stage 4 – Groups 3

Each stage has a particular weight and direction:

Group 0 – Rearward-facing child seat for children up to 10kgs
Group 0+ – Rearward-facing child seat for children up to 13kgs
Group 1 – Forward facing child seat for children between 9 and 18kgs
Group 2 – Booster seat for children between 15 and 25kgs
Group 3 – Booster cushion for children between 22 and 36kgs

With many tourists arriving in Ireland each year, it is important that they realise what they will need for their child to travel safely. Car rental companies in Ireland offer the complete range of baby seats. Make sure to book the seat along with your car rental to avoid issues upon arrival due to lack of availability.

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Weather and The Irish Tourist Industry

An article in the Irish Independent, Weather Rains on Tourism Industry states that extreme weather conditions experienced in Ireland recently have had a negative impact on Irish tourism. Added to this were the complications of an already challenging year with economic factors such as the weak US dollar and the credit crunch playing a part.

“Trading conditions this year are very tough, probably the toughest in a number of years. The weather has been the icing on the cake in terms of (people being) less inclined to book breaks, or when they are booking they may be inclined to book overseas breaks,” Failte Ireland’s Paul Keeley said.

The recent weather in Ireland was so extreme, flash floods were witnessed throughout the country. Rainfall equivalent to one month fell in parts of Dublin in one night leading to devastating scenes. The rainfall measured at Dublin Airport by Met Éireann recorded 76.2mm of rain in 24 hours, the second biggest recorded rainfall on record. The amount of rain even surpassed Hurricane Charlie in 1986 by 2mm.

“That kind of rainfall is rare – but it is not unprecedented. We’ve had a number of occurrences of that level of rainfall, typically once every decade,” Mr O’Brien said.

Tourism Ireland, which markets Ireland overseas, said total visitor numbers were up slightly in May. However, a spokeswoman said: “I’m aware that the industry on the ground say numbers have dropped.”

As a result of the sever weather conditions, many of the main access routes to Dublin Airport were either blocked or severely restricted. Many of the car rental companies experienced major difficulties with returning cars due to floods along the Old Airport Road.

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Get to know Dublin

Taking some time off from your work and visiting Ireland’s capital is certainly exciting. Dublin is very popular among tourists because of the many historical and cultural sites that consider this city their home. You will be pleasantly surprised at how many these places are.

Culture

If you want a glimpse of Ireland’s remarkable culture, you can do so easily. See places like the Bram Stoker Museum, Dublin Castle and the Irish Museum of Modern Art – at your own time and leisure.

History

As the heart of this beautiful island, it is not surprising that this city continues to thrive today. There are quite a number of historical places that displays Ireland’s colourful past. To see landmarks such as the Kilmainham Gaol and the National Museum of Ireland, a car rental could come in handy. Discount Car Rental Ireland offer a 5% discount on all rates.

Before availing the services of a car rental, you should consider standard offers like Collision Damage Waiver, theft protection and 24-hour coverage, in case of breakdown. It would also be a plus if you are given a nice selection of model cars. Since you are not familiar with the area, receiving professional assistance will certainly come in handy. Your car rental provider must give importance to the quality of services they provide aside from offering them at affordable prices. It would be wise to compare services and prices before deciding on hiring one.

Getting intimate with Dublin is only possible if you can easily travel to and from all these places of interest. Being comfortable and relaxed is also very important.

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