i have a couple weeks vacation to use and was thinking of adding a few days before the tour begins to do some solo learning. I have never been to europe and this is my first trip. was thinking of flying into edinburgh and spending a few days then taking either a flight to Ennis or the ferry/train. or just adding a few nights in dublin if there is enough to do. any thoughts are welcome.
That sounds like a great idea - you'll enjoy Scotland greatly, and arrive de-jetlagged for your tour.
Flying will be much simpler than several connections by train and ferry, so I'd focus your time on Edinburgh and day trips from there, then fly to Ennis just in time for the tour. See www.skyscanner.com for budget airlines.
We recently finished the 8 day Ireland tours and I would offer a suggestion. Look at the 14 day trip and look at the things included in those extra days. When we got to the 8 th day, we really regretted not having more time. We would have added additional time in Dublin to visit Belfast and have more time to get to know Dublin. We arrived early enough to visit Galway, but would have like more time to visit the Aran Islands, the Burren and Conammara ( not sure I spelled that correctly). You are in for a great time, whatever you plan.