New to world traveling

larissa · Veteran Member

New to world traveling

larissa · Veteran Member

I find a bus tour to be more in my favor maybe, so I dont get faeryled..... LOL I would rather be drove around, but have the freedom to look around as well....any thoughts on a bus tour as well???

tony2phones · Guru

Self drive gives the best options, second would be public transport and local tours, then Small organised tours and finally the 54 seater spend all day on the road and the rest in bed tours.

With 7 days perhaps Open Jaw Shannon and Dublin would be a good option but as you have Dublin in and out then the standard week route. Kilkenny, Cork (option), Killarney, Adare or Ennis, Galway and back to Dublin.

That is the general route but you have ideas on what you want to see and do so days can be worked around at least some of those. but you have to give us a clue before we can give you an answer.

larissa · Veteran Member

I dont really know thats it....I would love to make it up to County Down and see Kearney, up to Belfast, and ,maybe Antrim....... But other than that, I am lost. I though I could plan a weeks trip on my own, but I have no idea where to start or what to see.

tony2phones · Guru

Easy solved. Hire a car at Dublin Airport, drive to Belfast (nice easy introductory drive) for 2 nights, use the middle day to go down to Kearney. Day 3 head north through the Glens of Antrim and use Portrush as a base for nights 4 & 5. night 6 in Omagh then back to a Dublin Airport hotel.

http://www.gotobelfast.com/

http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Kearney-Village-Portaferry-P10511

http://www.northantrim.com/

http://www.avarest.com/

http://www.discoverireland.com/gb/ireland-places-to-go/placefinder/o/omagh-tyrone/

Michele Erdvig · Host

Larissa,

Welcome! Please take a spin around my website. It will help with:

You need to get a book or two and read up so you can refine your trip. Go to your local library and check out some Ireland travel books to see what appeals. Also, mine is very user friendly and full of great B&Bs: Ireland Dream Trip.

We are here to help you become an informed traveler.

Michele

larissa · Veteran Member

I have already ordered you book Michelle! And thanks Tony, I am currently working out an itinerary! This site is WONDERFUL!

tony2phones · Guru

Paddywagon started as a Backpacker/Hostel tour group and still have their feet firmly planted there. They do also offer more upmarket tours. My recommendation is that you need to be under 50 in mind if not in body as they are a little light-hearted and casual in the approach. They do though have tour members in the bars when the CIE type crowd have pottered off to bed exhausted about 9pm. Their Day trip tours are generally pretty good although apparantly their guides might not be the best informed. Those I have met have always been cheerful souls.

-- Edited by tony2phones on Friday 1st of March 2013 02:06:55 PM

larissa · Veteran Member

Has anyone heard anything about Paddywagon tours???

Maggie117 · Guru

I took one CIE tour (and am going on another in a week). The first one didn't permit as much time as I would have liked to browse and have down time. For example, we went to Galway and stayed on the outskirts of the city, and didn't have time to venture into the heart of Galway, which was a disappointment. That being said, on my first trip to Ireland I drove over 1200 miles and was a ball of nerves...at home my husband does the majority of the driving and I'm able to sit back and relax...my cup of tea! I did love the freedom of driving. I was able to see things I couldn't have imagined and I am so grateful for the experience. And I think I would drive again if needed. Now that being said...this time I'm on a CIE tour plus some additional time which I'll be taking public transportation (mostly buses and maybe a train if it works for our locations).

The first CIE tour wasn't sold out so we have a group of 22 ppl on a large bus. We were able to spread out AND we really got to know each other. We all spent time together like a family. It was a unique and wonderful experience.

Oh, and on my first trip (the one which I drove 1200 miles over 13 days) I used Michele's services and did a deluxe itinerary...maps, directions, rainy day activities, nice weather activities, restaurant recommendations...(oh, color photos) EVERYTHING!!! It was amazing!!! And well worth it!!!

larissa · Veteran Member

Well, decided that Paddywagon wasnt going to give me the freedom to explore, so we are doing a care hire. 10 days, I posted our itineray as a new topic and would love the input if you can :)