Tips for Planning a Trip to Ireland
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There are more than 45 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry. This combined with the ease of traveling in Ireland, the lack of a language barrier and the abundance of choices of travel packages has made this small island a favorite destination.
Ireland is only 350 miles long and 200 miles wide. This makes it possible to see a great deal of this lovely country in a relatively short period of time. But don’t be tempted to “see it all” in one trip. Rushing through a country as varied and special as Ireland would be a terrible mistake.
If you and your travel group are thinking of visiting Ireland, there are several decisions that should be made to ensure a special trip for all.
Decide first how to travel. Would you like an escorted tour, a chauffeur driven trip or a self drive? Do you want to see city life or country lanes? What are the ages in the group that is traveling and do they have any special interests?
Now think about when to travel, how long are you going to be gone- and what you hope to see.
How To Travel
Why an escorted tour? Have any of you been to Ireland before? If not, the escorted tour is a wonderful way to see a lot of things you wouldn’t normally see on your own. Once you have paid for the trip the planning and worrying becomes the job of the tour company. Most of them will arrange your air- they will meet you upon your arrival at the airport, transport you to your hotel and worry about moving your luggage. It is, for the traveler, very worry free. Escorted tours will usually provide you with breakfast every day and some of your dinners. There will be sightseeing arranged and your entrance fees to some of the attractions will already be paid.
The flip side of this arrangement is that, in most cases, your group will be part of a larger group. You will be traveling by motor coach and doing some packing and unpacking as you move around the country.
While making your travel plans talk to your Travel Professional. They will be able to find you a tour company suited to your group. They will know which itineraries will allow you to see the most while still allowing you some free time. If you have enough people they may be able to make arrangements for you to be the only group on the bus. Also, they may be able to negotiate with the tour company for better pricing for the group.
There is no shortage of tour companies to choose from- many of whom specialize in Ireland. There is CIE, Sceptre Tours, Brendan and Celtic, just to name a few.
A Chauffeur driven trip is ideal for a small group of usually no more than 4 or 6 people. Some of the same companies have pre arranged itineraries or will work with the individuals to plan a perfect trip. The beauty of the chauffeur driven trip is that you are as busy as you want to be. There can be free time built in for relaxing, exploring or golf and yet there is someone there to answer your questions and arrange your accommodations. The chauffeur, in most cases, will act as your tour guide/concierge and can not only introduce you to the country but make recommendations on some of the things you should see.
The self drive vacation is not the best choice for most groups. Driving in Ireland is a challenge. While there have been major changes to the infrastructure in some locations most of the roads remain narrow and winding. You will be driving on the left side of road- while sitting on the right side of the car. And if you prefer driving a stick shift the fun can really begin! If your “group” is larger than 4 you will need a vehicle large enough for comfort and luggage and then your mobility may be limited. Larger cars don’t work well on smaller roads! Unless you are a seasoned Irish traveler/driver leave the driving to someone else.
If you want the independence of a self drive but not the hassle try combining some of the suddenly popular city and country stays. Poll your group for activities they’re interested in and then you can plan accordingly.
Ireland offers a wide range of options for accommodations, activities and entertainment. If their main interest is learning about their ancestors, doing some shopping, seeing some great theater and trying out new restaurants, you can base yourselves in Dublin. You can fly non stop into Dublin from several major gateways in the United States. Once you get there you will be able to choose a 4 or 5 star hotel, a smaller boutique hotel or a guest house. Some of the group can visit the Genealogical Office of Kildare Street while others check out Grafton Street, a pedestrian only shopping paradise. The history buffs can learn about the Irish contribution to civilization at the National Museum of Ireland and their contribution to life at the Guinness Museum. Then everyone can meet at one of Dublin’s outstanding restaurants and then take a trip to the Abbey Theatre, which has been presenting Irish drama since 1904.
When you’re ready to venture out of the city you can do so with day trips to the Wicklow Mountains or to the World Heritage site at Newgrange. If there are children in the group plan to visit the Fry Model Railway in Malahide. If you are working with a Travel Advisor then these trips can all be arranged in advance.
If the group likes to be outdoors surrounded beautiful scenery and wants to try some more laid back activities you can fly into the Shannon area and again find a home base. Try the beautiful County Clare or County Kerry. In Kerry, you could choose to stay in Killarney. From here some of the group can golf on one of Ireland’s more than 400 golf courses while others take a jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park. A day tour can be arranged to take the group around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Those who want to stay in the area for the day can walk into the market town of Killarney to shop and explore. The evening can end with a session at a singing pub, where the good food, music and new friendships go hand in hand.
It is impossible to see all of Ireland in one trip but wherever your group spends their time they will get the flavor of the country. It is an addictive taste- one you will want to savor
over and over again!
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October 2nd, 2007 at 3:57 pm
This is so AWESOME! I sent it to three of my closest Irish friends.
October 14th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
[…] Iain Dale wrote an interesting post today!.Here’s a quick excerptIreland is only 350 miles long and 200 miles wide. This makes it possible to see a great deal of this lovely country in a relatively short period of time. But don’t be tempted to “see it all” in one trip. Rushing through a country as … […]
October 19th, 2007 at 6:02 am
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October 30th, 2007 at 11:39 am
[…] Tips for Planning a Trip to IrelandWhy an escorted tour? Have any of you been to Ireland before? If not, the escorted tour is a wonderful way to see a lot of things you wouldn’t normally see on your own. Once you have paid for the trip the planning and worrying becomes … […]