Irish government measures to boost tourism in Ireland

Great points here! I see I am not alone in complaining about Irish car rental! Americans really need automatic cars.With right side driving, and terrible, narrow Irish back streets, a stick is just impossible. But with insurance, the cost is outrageous. anywhere else in Europe is half the cost. I also was very put off by the attitudes. It is a big mistake to identify yourself as an American or worse,"Irish-American." You know, Europeans are visiting America? I've run into a number, much to my surprise.With the euro to dollar rate, our prices are a good deal and everything is cheaper here.There are lots of great places to visit, and Americans are genuinely helpful and friendly, nothing fake about it.In my entire life I've only known one person who's been to all 50 states, so we all have plenty to see at home.

Its a start, but automatic car rentals with insurance is truly astronomical. THAT would be the deciding factor for me- reduced rates, or true 'specials' with insurance for an extended stay would be the deciding factor for me. I was going to go this summer, but prices were way to high for car and air. Hopefully next year things will be more reasonable

Until air fares come down, or the Irish put together some great travel packages including air fare, only the rich will be coming. I intended to bring our family this year (4 adults and 2 children) but $7,000.00 in air fare canceled the trip.

Furthermore, there is NO need to advertise for tourism in Ireland, because E 150,000,000 have been ...royally AND ...presidentially saved (MINUS their security!!!) with the so-called "FREE" publicity of their visits. Phew!!! / Now, for those who do decide to VISIT, make sure to bring a HEAVY wallet, because it is an EXPENSIVE country (although you may find some good restaurant/ pub/ hotel deals). / People here are more polite and ...FAKE-friendly to unassuming TOURISTS, who are expected to part with their hard-earned MONEY (especially now with the recession). / The main 'Disneyland'-style attraction here is always Guinness BEER-related. / Of course, nothing can be done about the UNPREDICTABLE weather (bright one minute, some rain the next, but it is usually overcast) with cold, especially at night, to chilly to moderate temperatures, throughout the year. It is 9 degrees Celsius / 47 degrees Farenheit --- right NOW --- at the end of May!!!!!!

If what the hotel operators did by doubling room rates during the soccer game played in the new stadium in Cork is any indication of the way visitors are going to be treated in Ireland, then I would advise all Americans and Irish living in America to avoid Ireland.It appears that Ireland is infected with a terrible desease called greed.Until this is cured at all contact with tourists and the Government insures that the gouging stops and the prices are brought back in line with the rest of Europe the only people that can afford Ireland are people like the queen, president Obama and the pope.

"Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Enda Kenny “The purpose of this targeted VAT relief is to boost tourism and stimulate employment in the sector and I am confident that it will give the tourism sector a much needed shot in the arm." Ummm, wasn't THAT supposed to be the PURPOSE of Inviting the British Monarch? ROFLMAO

The only way to increase US tourists to Ireland is reduce the airfares, they are extremely high and people with families cannot afford the fares they are charging.

I agree with Jim32312. The last two summers when I went over it cost me $100.00 a day just for an insured automatic car. First time 18 days $1800.00. That plus air fare plus hotel plus petrol plus food. $5000.00 for 18 days. A Little high. Seeing Ireland by car is the only way to go. How about a little break on the insurance?

Cheaper rental cars with automatic transmissions would make Ireland more attractive to US visitors

what I would like to see is America opening it's doors to Ireland and giving them a free pass into America. I know there were alot of blood sweat and tears from all nations to build up America but the Irish were there also. and the fact that my Irish b/f would love to live in America and pay taxes and work would help lol. he is self employed. well I'm just a tryin .let's see how much America loves Ireland. OPEN YOUR DOORS ..Let the Irish in !!!