What part of Ireland should I visit? Should I go with a tour or venture out on my own?

Question

My boyfriend and I wanted to plan an Ireland vacation but I wasn't sure what part of Ireland dublin south west and so on so If anyone has been there i'd like your opinion. We are a young couple 22 and 28. also should I go with one of their tours or rent a car and venture out on my own?

Answer 1

Definitely go it alone. Tour buses don't give you a full view of the country, one called the "Paddy Wagon" is particularly artificial. Besides, its a small island - you could rent a car and see the highlights in 2 weeks easy. Renting a car also allows for the best part of road trips - randomness!

I would suggest spending a small amount of time in Dublin as its really expensive and touristy. Cork is worth a look, but Galway and Co. Clare are a must; there is some amazing scenery around the Buren and the Cliffs of Moher.

Then you could continue up the west cost, through Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, up to Derry...another fine city. Belfast is also worth a look to see the huge transformation happening there.

Answer 2

go to galway while the arts festival is there.

Then you can go to the country side there

and Irelands a small country, if you have time you can go almost anywhere

also Galway was voted sexiest city lol!

Dublins ok but theres so much there its easy not to know what your doing. and its not great for site seeing.

Go to Clare aswell to see the Burren

and I think new grange is in meath....?

Killary harbour is fun!

got lodza outdoorsy sports!

Look em all up

Answer 3

hi you

there is for and against for both on a tour you get an all in package and you can head out on your own which i find as going on your own you can stay where and when you want and see what you want when you want some of the tours will pack a log into tours i was taking to one man last year from the states and he was telling he came from Waterford that morning to cobh and was heading to somewhere else that evening he had wish he had planned his own trip he would have planned it out where he would spent more time in places of interest but of course this would mean spending more time in Ireland or seen less

Answer 4

I agree with the others, who say Dublin is overrated, and the west is the most beautiful part.  Fly into Shannon Airport, it is SO much easier to get out of and on your way.  Here's a great guide to the best web sites about Ireland, along with some insights and tips on traveling there.

Answer 5

Ehh this will be a long answer cos i live in Ireland so il giv u as much info as i can in a short summary.

Dublin(pros):It is a modern,bustling,european city which also has old architecture and historical buildings,it is a great place to shop if a little expensive,it has a great nightlife(eg)temple bar,dublin people hav there own unique culture(haha),there are many tourist attractions(St.James' Gate where Guinness is made,viking splash tour,dublin bus tour,dublin mountains,many museums,the Spire etc).However cons include:can be boring if ur not into museums etc,expensive,unreliable public transport,weather

If you dont want 2 visit Dublin 99% of Irish people wud reccomend you visit the west(eg Clare Galway,Mayo etc)Pros:One of the most scenic and beautiful places in the world(see the Burren and Cliffs of Moher),chance to see traditional Irish lifestyle and culture(music,food,dancing etc)its a very peaceful and romantic place,the west coast is one of the best surfing areas in the world very high waves,we have unique plant and animal species that grow nowhere else on the planet,you can visit caves cliffs,spas,swim with dolphins and eat the finest and freshest seafood around.

My reccomendations:You could not come all the way to Ireland and miss out on either of them so maybe spend half your hols in each or give yourself a few extra days at the end to go to the west.Rent a car.Public transport is unreliable and expensive and is terrible when your standing at a bus stop for an hour in the rain so rent a car.Saying that though'parking and traffic is a problem in dublin but a car would come in very handy in the west as there is no public transport.I would suggest not renting a car in dublin coz it is almost quicker to walk places than sit in jams but do rent a car if you go West that way you can drive to the west its quicker and cheaper than letting Iarnroid Eireann(irish for Railways of Ireland)rip you off on their slow teribbly scheduled trains.Once in the west you'll be able to zip around freely to wherever you want to go.If your American get used to roundabouts cos i dont think u hav them over there and i saw a youtube video of Americans driving in Ireland and when they came to a roundabout they didnt know what to do hahaha.Anyway Chead Mile Failte(100,000 welcomes in our native language and no we rarely ever speak it here the only time you'll hear it is if u ask some1 to demonstrate it 4 u)well enjoy your stay!