Hello! My husband and I are visiting the first 2 wks of May and want to rent a car. I'm trying not to be shocked by the price of insurance and the gas. Any tips or hints on how to handle the insurance and avoid any surprise charges at the end of the rental?

Also, has anyone rented a van that they can sleep in? (We're on a budget).

More details on the trip: we're flying into Shannon then out of Dublin. On my wishlist are Galway, Doolin, Ferry to the Arans, and Dingle... sort of driving/focusing on the west coast. If we get a rental car, can one safely park it in a parking garage in Dublin for a couple days before taking it back to the airport?

Thanks!
Sharon