My family would like to travel to Ireland. I bought a RS book and looked up info.. We really do not like renting cars and driving in foreign countries. We used buses and trains in places like Italy and Scotland. This makes us feel much more comfortable.
Is there a way to "do" Ireland without a car or joining a tour group?
I am also interested in the small islands like Skellig Michael. I know there is a day-time boat trip available.
Thanks!
Bicycling! Relatively easy to moderately difficult. Bring your own bikes or rent them in-country. An extensive network of small, quiet back roads crisscrosses the country. Very courteous, patient and respectful drivers. The best cycling - with the most beautiful scenery and lots of Irish culture - is in the west. Friendly, clean B&Bs everywhere.
If you're interested in learning more or if you have questions, send me a PM. I've cycled on numerous occasions all over the Republic and in Northern Ireland. It's by far my favorite place for bicycle touring.
The boat to Skellig Michael is very weather-dependent. As for other islands worth visiting: the three Aran Islands (County Galway) with ferries (and room for bikes) departing from Doolin and Rossaveel.
Yes, you can visit parts of Ireland easily on the train or bus. There are other parts where the length of time to make connections or the lack of connections make using public transport a challenge. The good news is that if you don't mind limiting some of your options, buses and trains will work.
Others have posted about taking the train to a base city, such as Galway, and then participating in a series of day tours to access the surrounding countryside.
