Escorted Tour of Ireland? Or take my chances on a self drive tour?

Question

Is an escorted tour a good way to see Ireland? I'm tempted to rent a car and go at our own pace/desire, but three girls in a strange country driving on the wrong side of the road? I can see the comedy already.

What do you think is the best way to see Ireland?

Answer 1

I wouldn't go on a coach tour - you just wind up watching things pass you by (it seems - I have never travelled that way myself) Ireland is a fairly compact country - rent/hire a car for part of it and use the trains and buses for others. That way you can skip some of the things that people/tours have on a check-list and you can have your own moments rather than everything pre-arranged. You never know what will strike your fancy - and you are not likely to get a whole experience on a tour. Who knows where you will want to spend the most time? Best to have that choice. And how will you meet and chat with people while in  huge pack of tourists? I would run the other way myself!

If you feel like a tour of a specific site, there are small ones that you can do as a day trip - and then back to self-guided adventures.

I won't lie though - the driving was scary due to the opposite side! Take turns at the wheel and take it slowly.

Answer 2

just hire a car and head out west from Dublin airport. start with Newgrange and work from there. Ireland is still reasonably safe despite what our own (Irish) press are saying. the fun is in   getting lost and meeting new people, finding small pubs and droping in for a chat. look for local recommendations wherever you go and don't be shy . us Irish are liable to try and talk anyone to death. The escorted tours are generally full of older folk and tend to just visit the tourist traps. while all these places are fun to visit, the real adventure is meeting new people .

Answer 3

If in doubt, go with the escorted tour.

Answer 4

Take a gamble and drive, once you take your time you will be fine, when we go to your side of the pond were in the same situation

Answer 5

Ive been to Ireland and I'm telling you know the roads are very bendy and horrible. A good way to see Ireland is probably on a coach tour even if it means ending up with a couple of oldies. Hope you enjoy your trip to the emerald isle.Regards Tom

Answer 6

Sher we'll drive ye around. You say it's three girls.................

Answer 7

Well i have lived in ireland for most of my life and think that it is a very beautifull country. I think that you should go and explore without a guide.I personally hate those tourist spots always filled with hundreds of people. Take my advice and go to these places

1. http://www.krishnaisland.com/

I lived on Inish Rath Island for 3 years!

2. Donegal , its just a groovy city.

3. Dublin, Temple bar.

4. tuscany, little italy.=]

5. Lough key forest park.

6. Carrick on Shannon, wonderful town,

The landmark hotel, or boat cruise 'moon river'!

7. Longford town, to see me :)

Well i could be here all day but i gotta answer more questions,

Hope this helps , bye!