Traveling to Ireland in August and will be arriving in Dublin. In search of car rental companies that will allow you to take a rental into Northern Ireland. Also looking for recommendations for nice airbnb's while doing a costal route. Hidden, off the tourist map, destinations are always appreciated as well (waterfalls, hikes, caves, etc). Thanks!

Europa car rental . When renting do a thorough INSPECTION before leaving with the car because when you return it they go over it with a fine tooth comb. Also check with your credit card company to see if they provide car rental insurance which saves you a lot of money. I have a BMO Mastercard which worked out great.
I would also recommend driving the wild Atlantic Way a spectacular drive

Shane Thank you!

Shane and axelwe did the same with our MasterCard, about 7 yrs ago, at that time you had to print the details of the coverage otherwise you had to take their insurance, tho that might have changed now. The other thing that happened was they required to hold a deposit against our credit card for the equivalent of 2000 Euros, and asked if we wanted to do this in euros or can $, I messed up and said euros, and ended up being dinged for the exchange difference even tho the deposit was not used, so if this is the case pick euros

Yes I phoned MC and they sent me a letter but autocar did not ask to see it but good to have with you

Stay in a restored 200 year old church - Bookeen Hall in Athenry. airbnb. Lovely.
If you plan to go to Giants Causeway and Bushmills Distillery (walk from hotel), splurge and stay at the Bushmills Inn with their package that includes entrance to Giant’s Causeway and includes dinner and breakfast. Have smoked haddock and scrambled eggs in cream for breakfast. Best. Breakfast. Ever.
If you like Guinness be sure to pre-book the Connoisseur package at the Guinness Storehouse - a splurge at €50 but you will thank me!

Thank you Karen

Most car rental companies let you drive into Northern Ireland for a fee of course. Pro tip, the Giants Causeway is actually free but most people will pay for their parking then head into the visitors center and pay for access. Don't be fooled, w either walk along the grass/roof of the visitor's center and you'll come to a stairway you can go down to access the Causeway or go the long way by walking back up the road.

Craig thanks for the tip!

We used Hertz and there was no problems going into Northern Ireland. We just were not allowed to take it on the Ferry to Scotland. Hertz was great to deal with and they even stayed open late as our flight was delayed and got in late!

Definitely go to Giants Causeway, Carrick- De- rede suspension bridge and Dunluce Castle while in Northern Ireland. While in Ireland do not miss Rock of Cashel. From there you can go on a small walk to Hores Abbey which is fantastic. I also highly recommend Clifden Castle. A bit of a walk but so, so worth it!!! Oh man, I think I could go on for hours. Definitely drive the Ring of Kerry and see the Cliffs of Moher.

Jamie thank you for the info! Lots to check out

I am going in three weeks for 11 days. I actually am using a tour company booked by a local travel agent for a rental car and a 10 night voucher for a B&B. There are no restrictions as far as I’m aware.

Yasmina hope you have a good time!

Make sure you have 3rd party liability on your rental. Most companies don’t offer it neither does your credit card. I rented thru ryanair as it’s included in their rental price.

Elizabet lots of people have been suggesting it from their credit cards but what 3rd party liability insurance would you recommend?

We are in Ireland currently! There are a couple of good Facebook Ireland travel tips pages. We rented with My Irish Cousin, Malachy Quinn. Absolutely recommend him. Message him for a quote. The service is worth it. He met us at our arrival gate at the airport so we didn't have to worry about getting a shuttle to a rental place, and checks up on us to make sure everything is ok. We had issues with paying an electonic toll, i measaged him and he said, dont worry about it, he'll take care of it! And for drop off, we will arrange a place that is most convenient to us. We bought the insurance through him. No problems with going to northern Ireland. Any other questions, let me know!

Nancy can you link the Facebook pages for Ireland travel tips that you mentioned? Thanks!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/158560111446142/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/irelandtraveltips/

Regarding car rental. Get insurance before you go and bring a letter to prove you have it. Saves a lot.

Ann where would you recommend getting it from?

Axel we had insurance through our bank credit card (RBC). If you have car insurance through your credit card ask for a letter from the provider.

Ann thanks!

Make sure you have a collision damage waiver and letter to prove so from your credit card company.

Brendan just to clarify, do you mean buying collision insurance from a credit card company?

Most north American visa & MasterCard have it included as standard. Look up your cc benefits to be certain.

As mentioned in my comment make sure you gave 3rd party liability. It’s much different than CDW your credit card offers. Think ICBC 3rd party if you don’t understand

Elizabet I do understand haha. I'm just getting information from more than once source. In my reply to your earlier comments I asked who you would recommend for 3rd party insurance. I will not be flying with the airline you took so I don't believe that is an option. Any thoughts?

We stayed in air B&B for two weeks all very reasonable and very nice

Shane Thanks for the recommendation! Is BBsbakers Baristas where you stayed?