I visited solo Ireland including Derry and County Donegal using only public transportation both before and after I did the Rick Steves 14 day tour of Ireland. I remained on my own using public transportation for 21 days, both in the Republic and in Northern Ireland, In Derry, I stayed at a hotel in Centre City by the Diamond. I also wanted to visit County Donegal, especially the Wild Atlantic Way coast and do the County Donegal tour Rick Steves suggests in his Guidebook by driving. I was able to find a local tour guide/driver with whom I spent 2 full days touring County Donegal, including the Inishowen Peninsula (not part of Rick's recommended tour route), eventually going out to Malin Head including Grianen of Aileach, then the next day doing most of the Rick Steves recommended tour including ending up at Horn Head. I had originally contacted the tour company listed in Rick's Guidebook (McCrossan's Tours) but they could not help me find a tour guide/driver to take me to the outer reaches of County Donegal. Then, after researching the Internet, I located Eggman Tours, run and operated by a local County Donegal lad, Peter McLaughlin, who also operates a bed and breakfast from a lovely lakeside town call Buncrana on the Inishowen Peninsula on Swilly Lough. Peter drove me around County Donegal on two consecutive days, narrating the relevant history of this part of Ireland, and even honoring me by having dinner with me in the evening in Derry. His rates were extremely reasonable. Peter's website is eggmantours.ie. His contact information is +353 87 635 7317 (WhatsApp). I can honestly say exploring the rugged coastal areas of County Donegal, especially both Malin Head and Horn Head, was probably one of the most exhilarating parts of my Ireland solo journey, thanks to Peter's knowledgeable narration/insights of relevant history, and his familiarity of "backroads" and "shortcuts".
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