I am planning a trip to Dublin for 4 nights, arriving Thursday around 5pm and departing on Monday around 5pm. I have been looking at a three day trip with Paddywagon tours to the other side of Ireland that would be Friday-Sunday. I really want to be able to see that side of Ireland and I love having a guide and being able to learn about the places I am visiting. However I know that it could mean rushed stops or possibly a bad tour guide.
My other thought would be to do the excursion on my own by taking a train but i've read that most people suggest just renting a car. That would be fun, but costly as I am not confident driving stick and automatic is way expensive. I guess I should also mention that I am merely a college student doing a semester abroad in Germany.
I want to get the most out of my visit to Ireland and really want to be able to get out of the city and see some of the countryside and the west coast of Ireland. Any thoughts about the 3 day bus tour vs my own trip would be greatly appreciated.
Oh, and i'm booking this trip late. I leave this Thursday, yes, in 5 days.