Hi there! My boyfriend and I are traveling to Ireland in March and will be continuing to Scotland at the end of 6-8 days. We will be flying into Dublin from Munich. We are students interested in seeing the beauty of Ireland, and we realize we don't have much time. We've read lots and lots of ideas, but are concerned about the ease of buses. We decided driving wasnt for us. We aren't as into spending too much time in cities. jUst wondering about any tips or ideas, especially things that WONT work without a car (so we can avoid it). Thanks!
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
Id suggest reconsidering getting a car. Ireland is a great place to drive especially in the countryside.Its not difficult to drive there.
Posted by
OP
Cotati, CA, USA
3 posts
I'm just so torn because we're under 25, and have never rented a car before. I've read that you CAN rent under 25 but sometimes the fees just dont make it worth it..
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
Bus Eireann is pretty good for getting around most of Ireland, but when you are trying to get around more remote rural areas for sightseeing and need local buses, they aren't as frequent or reliable as you would want (especially in the off season). You could see what kind of tours Paddywagon has available. You may not like cities, but without a car you may want to rethink using the cities as just a place to sleep for the night and then use the Tourist Info offices to find short daytime tour buses or for a list of driver/guides who can get you out of the city for the day to see the sights. Galway is a great smallish city full of students so you can tour rural or coastal sights (The Burren, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher) easily by day with a tour bus and then be back to enjoy good pubs, clubs & restaurants. And there's plenty of budget lodging there from hostels to B&Bs.
Posted by
Dublin, Ireland
105 posts
Would agree with a lot of what Ceidleh has posted above. Not easy getting to the more remote areas that you might like to see without a car. Having said that, getting a car might be prohibitive pricewise, because of your age I'd imagine you'd get hammered for car insurance. You might have a look at these, might be something there for you
http://www.eilireland.org/visit-ireland Have a great time here, whichever way you go.