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RidgetownRick


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travel options for seniors
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I have started to look into buying my parents (late 70s & early 80s) a trip to Ireland from Ontario Canada but was told they would not be able to rent a car because of their ages. They are very active travellers here, driving all over North America, but they are also fans of train travel.  Which got me wondering if it is possible to travel Ireland by train and still stay at B&Bs throughout the country (they are not the hotel type of tourist).  They would probably be interested in 1 to 2 weeks holidays. They are NOT the tour group type either, preferring instead to explore the shops and museums of towns and villages on their own. 

I have not yet had much success finding out about train travel in Ireland. Can you see most of the country by rail? Or is a car essential? And are there really no car rental agencies that will rent to seniors?

My mother's family came from Ireland to Canada in the mid 1800s, so I am sure she would like to see "home" at least once in her life.

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CowboyCraic


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Hello Rick,

Welcome to the forum! What a wonderful thing you are doing for your parents! Have you considered hiring a driver for them? They would put together a tour specifically tuned to your parents' interests. A few to look at are D.B. Chauffeur Services, Discover Ireland, and, of course, last but certainly not least, our very own Liam. A private driver will allow them the freedom to go where they please, as they please.

Do you know where your Father's family came from in Ireland? Several of the Counties have excellent genealogical centers, which might be worth a visit.

I hope that this information is helpful.

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit Devine
Cowboy Craic 

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Michele Erdvig


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Rick,

Bit has started you out with some good suggestions. You may want to check with Hertz to see what their age policy is. I would suggest two weeks if possible.
 
Train travel around Ireland can be sparse, depending on where your parents want to go. Most trains hub out of Dublin. You would think you could take a train up the west coast of Ireland but that does not exist. Bus travel could supplement the trains. You can access the bus and rail sites by going to my "Transport" page by clicking on IrelandYes Index.

If a trip is planned carefully your parents can sucessfully travel by train to many places in Ireland. Some places from which day tours are available are Killarney, Galway, Limerick, Dublin, Belfast and Cork.

I know you are in the starting phase of planning this trip, so do let me know if you need more advice.

Michele

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