We are an active senior couple and have loved taking Rick Steves tours. We will be in Dublin for 5 days on our own prior to joining a small ship cruise which stops in 2 ports in Ireland (Bantry and Waterford) before visiting small ports in England.
We would like to see some of the countryside of Ireland and plan to book a Wild Wicklow tour for one day. What do you recommend for a couple without a car to visit Cliffs of Moher and the Burran in one day. I have been considering the Paddywagon tours and actually booked a 3 day tour which does Cliffs, Galway, Dingle and Ring of Kerry and many stops in between. We like to really experience an area rather than just check off a sightseeing list. Now I am considering canceling the tour as it may be trying to cover too much ground. We leave for our trip on 9/17 so any advice would be helpful. Has anyone taken a Paddywagon tour and if so how was it? Thank you so much!
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
745 posts
You don't mention what you prefer to do (Neolithics, ruins, stately castles, shopping, music, hiking, museums).
Though entirely my own biases, I personally don't care for the Cliffs of Moher due to the crowds. In five trips to Ireland, we've only seen it by boat. We won't go near Blarney Castle, Waterford Crystal, or Guinness Storehouse. Made exceptions for Newgrange, Titanic Experience, and Kells (although that was forgettable). We finally went to Temple Bar on our last trip and couldn't wait to leave.
Posted by
Midwest
541 posts
We recently did the RS heart of Ireland tour. After our tour ended we did an all day tour with Wild Rover. Our guide suggested them. While not the tour you are looking to do I see they have a day tour to Cliffs that includes the Burren and Galway.
I highly recommend this company.
Clean buses. Great guide. It was well worth the money. If you do go get to the first pick up early they do fill up and if you want to pick your seat on the bus.
It sounds like a great tour they offer.
Posted by
TX, USA
4825 posts
I have taken a couple of Paddywagon tours from Cork - so not what you are looking to do or from the same place. The days were perfectly fine and reliable but you have to know mine were big bus tours.
Other members of our group took a couple of tours with Wild Atlantic tours (I did not) from Galway, one being Cliffs of Moher. They said the on-the-bus guiding was better.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you all for your input. We decided to take the Paddywagon tour as it hits all the places we want to see. No other tour company offered a tour that covers it all that fit within our date frame.
I read other reviews on Paddywagon and they were good. I do like the tours with wild rover but they don’t go to Dingle and everyone says that is a must see.
Posted by
TX, USA
4825 posts
It will be great - they will get you to and from and you will see what you want to.