We (2 adults and a 12 year old) are staying in Dublin for 3.5 days this summer, and would like to take a day trip to see some of the rest of Ireland. We won't have a car and would like to travel without the stress of driving and with someone who can provide some context for what we are seeing. Can anyone recommend any guided trips? Is a long day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, Burren the way to go....or should we think about something like the guided Wicklow walking tour? Also, if anyone can actually recommend a tour company, that would be great....I'm not finding lots of recommended options, like there seem to be in other locales. Thanks!
Posted by
Orange County, CA, USA
9 posts
Hi Ruth! You will love Dublin and Ireland in general! I have not taken the Wicklow day tour but know people who have, via Over-the-Top Tours, and they say well worth it. Also, the same company has shuttles which run to Bru na Boinne (Newgrange/Knowth) a trip I made last spring. And definitely worth the trip! You can find them on the internet. The lady that runs it, Olwyn, is very nice to deal with. Also, be sure to take the hop on/hop off bus in Dublin - a wonderful way to get a feel for the city! And don't let anyone talk you out of visiting the Temple Bar area. Lots of fun! Howth is a nice place to visit that you can do on your own - can take DART train from the Tara Street Station and you're there in about 15 min. - nice little seaside village and pretty walks. Good luck and have a wonderful time! When are you going? I return for my 3rd time in Sept. and cannot wait. I wish I had known of your planned trip because I would have recommended that you book a Wolfhound Adventure Tour (wolfhoundtours.com) - the absolute BEST way to see Ireland and it would have for sure kept your 12 yr old entertained! It's a small group tour (max. 12 people). Check them out, maybe there's still some room on a tour that matches your dates. The company is run by one guy, Dave O'Connor, and he is absoutely the kindest, funniest most knowledgeable young Irishman! Cheers! Jane
Posted by
Spring, Texas
635 posts
You'll spend about 4 hours each way going to Galway on any kind of tour. You could take a train from Dublin and it would be faster but I think that trying to do the Cliffs or the Burren as too far for a day trip. The "classic" day trips out of Dublin are either to Newgrange, Knowth & Boyne River area or to Powerscourt, Glendalough & Wicklow mountains. Pick either one and you'll be fine. I've never taken a tour out of Dublin so someone else will have to recommend a tour company.