Traveling in Ireland Ireland Family Vacations

Traditionally, car rental at Dublin Airport has not been the best way to begin an Ireland vacation (even if you use my tips for a smooth car rental experience).







After finding the rental desk the wait in line could be long (especially if you are waiting on someone who doesn't know about the insurance requirements) and, if your car has to be picked up off-site, you are waiting again for a shuttle.







Let me tell you how to bypass the lines and just walk straight out to your car.







Contactless Car Rental (with Inclusive Insurance) at Dublin Airport







My partner Irish Car Rentals just introduced contactless car rental at Dublin Airport.







Designed to help you start your vacation quickly – and with less hassle – the contactless car rental experience saves you time by booking online (don't forget to use my link for a 10% savings!) and includes full insurance with no deductible.













You will pick up your rental car at the airport. Bypass the rental desk and take the elevator to the rental cars (you'll be looking for the Europcar lot). You then use the app on your phone to locate and unlock the car, and the keys will be in the glove compartment. 







This is the easiest car rental experience at Dublin Airport!













How to Book Contactless Car Rental at Dublin Airport









* Visit the Irish Car Rentals website (with my link for your 10% savings).







* Click the large button below the booking form that says Contactless Car Rental.







* Review the 6 steps for booking – you'll need to have your mobile phone handy to download the app and take photos.







* Click the Book Online button.







* Make sure the pickup and return location is Dublin Airport and that the promotion code box is filled in (if it isn't be sure to use my link above!).







* Insert pick up and return dates, then click search.







* If the box for Contactless Car Rental (at the far right) isn't highlighted, click it.







* Select your car.







* Choose any extras (remember that you don't need GPS!) then continue on to driver information.







* Follow the steps to upload your drivers license.







* You're all set! Arrive at Dublin Airport, bypass the rentals desks, and be on your way.









Enjoy your Ireland vacation!







Traveling in Ireland podcast Episode 214

Of all the islands off the shores of Ireland, the Aran Islands may be the most well known.







About the Aran Islands







Located off the west coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands are accessible by ferry from County Galway, Rossaveel year-round or Galway City from March thru September, and Doolin from March thru mid-September.







There are 3 Aran Islands:Inis Oírr (Inisheer), the smallest island and closest to Ireland.Inis Meáin (Inishmaan), the middle and least visited island. Inis Mór (Inishmore), the largest and most visited island.













The terrain of the Aran Islands is low lying and quite similar to the lunar limestone landscape you may have seen in the Burren. The green fields you see now on the islands were created over generations by the island's inhabitants laying seaweed on the bedrock.







Inis Mór, the Largest Aran Island







A visit to the Aran Islands is like stepping back into time. The islands are a Gaeltacht, or Irish speaking area, where culture and traditions are quite strong.













The top attraction on the island is Dún Aonghasa (Dun Angus), a prehistoric stone fort (over 3000 years old), perched at the edge of a 300 foot cliff.TIP: Dún Aonghasa is an OPW Heritage site.







Most people will visit Inis Inis Mór as a day trip from either Galway or Doolin, but you will find B&Bs, a hotel, and even glamping pods on the island (book early for best option!). An overnight stay offers an entirely different experience.







When you arrive on the island you have three main methods of touring: minibus, bike rental, or horse & carriage. All of these tours will visit the same spots; Dún Aonghasa, the coast road, and the seal colony. If you are doing a self-guided bike tour you may also visit the 7 Churches (cemetery).







Aran Off Road Experience







Nearly 1600 people can visit Inis Mór on an average summer day. If you want an ‘uncommon' tour with an authentic feel the Aran Off Road Experience may be what you're looking for.













Aonghus and his brother Padraig have a long family tradition in tourism, growing up doing pony and trap (horse & carriage) tours of the island, which his father and two brothers still offer.







The brothers knew that part of the island wasn't being seen by tourists due to location and terrain. (Of course this part of the island has the best views.)







It took a few years for the brothers to find a customized off-road vehicle that could carry 12 people, and the business launched in 2019. With only 24 seats available per day booking early is highly recommended.







The Aran Off Road Experience vehicles sit high, so you have terrific views of the limestone terrain and you can see above the stone walls. After collecting you at the ferry port you are whisked away from the crowds to the side of the island where people don't go....

When planning an Ireland vacation there are a few things that MUST be booked in advance of your trip and not left to chance.



From accommodations to attractions and experiences to tours, these are the things you need to arrange prior to arriving in Ireland.

How Much Touring Can You Do in One Day in Ireland?

The answer will vary based on where you are and how much driving you plan to do.



In this podcast Jody offers advice for how much time to spend in Ireland's most popular locations, as well as day trip advice from Dublin, Galway, Doolin, Kilkenny, and Killarney.



Visit the complete show notes to download free reference materials to help you plan your Ireland vacation.

When fewer tourists are in Ireland you can actually get more vacation!







Airfare to Ireland begins to fall in September, and by October rates are as low as you will likely see them. (Read my tips for finding great airfare to Ireland!)  







The package deals on Ireland winter vacations are often incredible- airfare, car and lodging- for one low price. (See 4 Steps to Choosing the Best Ireland Vacation Package for You).







But why would anyone want to visit Ireland during the “darker half” of the year?  Can you really have a fabulous vacation in Ireland when the days are shorter, the nights are longer and the air is chillier?







The short answer?  YES!







The Burren, in County Clare, is filled with surprises. Like this colt, its fuzzy winter coat keeping it warm as chilly fall winds blow in from the Atlantic. Photo was taken in Late October as the days became shorter and the weather much cooler.





5 Reasons to Travel to Ireland in Fall and Winter







Great Deals







Mid-October marks the beginning of the “off-season” in Ireland, which runs through the end of April. With the exception of Christmas and St. Patrick's Day, this is the slow tourism season for Ireland- which means your money will go further!







Even if you don't snag a package deal, you'll see that prices on everything from Ireland hotels, B&Bs, and even car rentals drop in the off-season.







Everything you need to know about car rental in Ireland







Fewer Crowds







Or no crowds at all!







While some attractions close during the off-season, many do stay open through mid-December, closing or limiting their hours in January and February. This is a great time to tour popular sites without hoards of people around.







When we visited Cahir Castle in November my family explored the grounds without another tourist in site. With fewer tourists, the guides at Bunratty Castle have time to share little known facts. And the Cliffs of Moher seem even larger when not swarming with visitors.







The Holy Mountain of Croagh Patrick after a snow storm





More Craic at the Pub







While traditional music may not play nightly in the off-season you'll still find plenty of craic at the pubs.







A pub is not a bar, though you will find plenty of pints being lifted, but a public house; a gathering place for people to come together, young and old. And when the weather turns sour and darkness falls early people tend to congregate near a crackling fire and conversation. Join them, enjoy the stories, buy a pint or two for the interesting characters, and share your own tales. There is no better way to enjoy Ireland.







Ireland in October







Halloween in Ireland







Even the church at Bunratty Folk Park isn't safe from Zombies at Halloween.





Halloween derived from an old Celtic festival known as Samhain (sow-en) and Ireland is an ideal location to celebrate the Eve of All Hallows and explore the traditions that have stretched through the centuries!







From haunted castles to stone circles,

County Limerick can often feel 'untouched' by tourists. Medieval towns, ancient history, and tranquil countryside await the curious visitor.



Today's guest is Brendan Skelly, co-owner of Bronze & Boru, and exceptional driver guide service based in Limerick.

Brendan offers a primer of the county that will hopefully entice you to spend a bit of time in County Limerick.