I have a trip planned to Ireland next month. I will have one free day (the day I arrive) and would like to go to the Cliffs of Moher. Unfortunately, my flight arrives 30 minutes after the tours leave and I do not want to rent a car.
I know I can get there via train/bus connection, but would appreciate advice on the most direct route.
Any help is appreciated!
Where you land will make a difference - Dublin or Shannon?
Sorry, I forgot to mention that. I land in Dublin.
The Cliffs are not easily doable as a day trip from Dublin. It's a several-hour trip either by train to Galway and onward by bus, or by bus alone, and then the same trip back. And your flight will likely land somewhere near midmorning (by the time you get out of the airport).
I was afraid of that. I may be able to move up the next day's itinerary in order to have a full day for this.
Anyone have experience with Railtours, PaddyWagon or Extreme Ireland?
In my opinion, the cliffs were cool, but not worth eating up an entire day if you're not going to spend any more time on the West coast than just going there. Dingle, Galway, Aran Islands, etc. are all worth spending more time on that side of the island. You might consider a day trip closer to Dublin if that's where you'll be spending most of your time (I've heard Newgrange is great).
I agree with CL. The Cliffs are nice but you live in SF and the northern CA coast is far more dramatic than the Cliffs.
I agree that Cliffs alone is a long trip for a little reward, unless seeing other things in the area for a couple of days.
Saw Paddywagon tours everywhere in Ireland. I did not use them but the people who got on and off seemed happy with the experiences.
The Cliffs are great but not worth that amount of effort. Plus like on the California coast you could get fog and rain and be able to see only 50 feet ahead. A day trip from Dublin on bus to Glendalough and Powerscourt through beautiful countryside would be time better spent.
Thanks everyone for your responses. Despite the time and effort it will take to get there, I still think it'll be worth my while to go. I was able to switch around my itinerary so that I could take a tour, which will include a few additional sites. Someone else gets to do the driving, so I can just relax and take it all in.
I think you'll be happier going to the Cliffs, since it's something you really want to do, than to visit Powerscourt where it will not be beautiful in February (I know this firsthand). Glendalough in February is still very worthwhile, though.
Yasmin,
"Anyone have experience with Railtours, PaddyWagon or Extreme Ireland?"
I've spoken with members of Paddywagon tours (while in Ireland) and they seemed to be very happy with the quality of their tours. From what I could see, they tend to attract more of a younger "backpacker" crowd but they were having a great time. This type of tour probably doesn't provide the same depth of information as Rick's tour, but it's good for a younger crowd.
Hope this helps.
Happy travels!
