How many changes of clothes for RS's 2-wk Ireland tour?

If I recall correctly, I had laundry done by the hotel in Kinsale (Friar's Lodge) and Galway (Petra House). I'm sure there were other opportunities, but that's what I remember. I did the tour in 2011

You should be getting your tour package within a few months. You will be able to use the Ireland book to check for laundry facilities in each town you visit. I much prefer to do my own, I like to control drying time and it is opportunity to interact with the locals.
Also, when you get your list of hotels their websites will be listed. Then, you can go online and check out what each hotel provides. Plus, you can always do your own washing up. There is lots of advise on how to do ones laundry, here, on this website.

The town of Dingle does not have a self-serve laundromat, however they do have a drop-off laundry, Dingle Cleaners, located right next to the Esso Gas Station on Bridge Street. The same-day laundry service was wonderful – our jeans were muddy from hiking, so I dropped them off in the morning and picked them up clean and folded in the afternoon.

Debra has a great suggestion - go to the local laundromat. Take a break, read your guide or the newspaper, chat with the locals. One gal in Inverness told us about a big sale at a local sporting goods store and gave us directions to get there. We stopped at a few in GB and just enjoyed the gossip and relaxation. Your in control of your clothes and their treatment. Also, almost any send out service will cost a whole lot more. I'm sure there'll be lots of chances to do laundry in Ireland and it really helps you travel light.

As I recall, none of my 2008 tour hotels had self-service laundry. You'll have better luck getting laundry done on one of the stops with at least two nights, as many of the one night stops you arrive too late in the day to arrange for laundry service that will be done in time for your departure. It may go without saying, but try very hard to take as many things you can hand launder yourself that dry overnight. I personally am glad that I didn't spend any time meeting locals in a laundromat and instead spent time meeting them in pubs!

I don't know about now but a few years ago,2005, self service laundromats were difficult, if not impossible to find. Plenty of places to leave your laundry and have it done but none where you could do your own.

David, I took that tour a few years ago, but can't remember the laundry details in each town. I'd have to check my trip notes. I do remember dropping my laundry at the service wash shop in Dingle, and then picking it up in the afternoon. As someone else mentioned, it was by the Esso station and a short distance from the Alpine Guesthous where I was staying (tour members were "split" between two Hotels there). As I recall, the stop in Dingle is a "free day", so you'll have lots of time to work on laundry or just wander around and explore. That's a fantastic tour so I'm sure you'll have a great time. Sláinte!

I'm reposting b/c while we've figured out that we'll be dropping our laundry off, we've yet to figure out know how many changes of clothes to pack - mostly because we can't figure out if we'll be arriving early enough/leaving late enough to drop off the laundry. E-mailing RS's staff has not proved helpful, as they simply write back with a cookie cutter letter that says that our guide will help us when we get to Ireland! So, folks that have been on the tour, how many changes of clothes did you pack?

David - while I have no experience with the RS tour, if it's two weeks and you're unsure about the laundry schedule (but can guess at least one, probably halfway through) then I would just pack what I need to get me through 7 days. That doesn't have to be 7 totally different outfits. Some things can be worn multiple times before needing wash. My best guess would be if the itinerary lists free days, count on laundry those days. If you're going to Galway at all, there is a self service with a local lady who will also wash if you want to leave it there, or, she'll sell you soap and help you figure out the machines. :) It was great, I sat and read a book and hung out with other world travelers stoping by to wash a load. Others have given you a tip for Dingle. Also, that laundry in Galway was the only time on our 10 day trip that we did an actual load of laundry (combined my dirty stuff with a bit of my friends) and that was on Day 4. We did a few other pieces by hand in the sinks and then we were wearing our last clean clothes for the flight home!

Okay I'll answer the question although I did not do this RS tour. 2 pairs of pants, 4 tops, 1 Sweater, 1 turtleneck, each.
Standard two week travel packing for me in the fall.

The laundry day is in Dingle, you will have two options for getting your laundry done. The day you get to Dingle you will arrive in plenty of time to drop off your laundry. It will be ready for pick up the next day. Or, you can wait til the next day to drop off and then pick it up the next afternoon. Example, you arrive Friday afternoon and drop off your clothes, they will be ready Saturday. The laundry is located just down the street from your B&B.
Now, for clothes, take 3-4 pairs of pants and the same in shirts. Make sure they are mix and match. Plan to take 2 pairs of waterproof shoes, we had rain every day while we were there. Also, take a waterproof raincoat and a lighter jacket or sweater for layering. If you are cold natured, take silk underwear, hat, gloves and scarf.

Dingle: Day 5 & Day 6; Drop off at Dingle Cleaners adjacent to Esso station, Pick up Day 7. Day 5 plenty of time to drop a load off before it closes for the evening. Kinsale: Day 4 (Friars Lodge) lodging offers their machines to you Galway: Day 8 * There is a drop off cleaners on your way when walking into the town for dinner. I can't recall the name, just ask the guide or the owners. (Petra House) lodging offers their machines to you if they are not beng used.
Both owners are so gracious and welcoming. Dingle offers you the most time and I recall half the group doing it, especially their jeans. Enjoy Ireland!!!

David, I'll try to provide a more specific answer to your last question on the number of changes of clothes, although my travel style is probably different than yours. I typically travel with two pairs of pants, two long sleeve and two short sleeve shirts, about six sets of underwear and socks and one pair of shoes. That combination seems to work well for the most part. That's what I took on the RS Ireland tour. I always assume that I'll have to do a "light wash" in the hotel room sink a couple of times during the trip, and wash the larger items when proper laundry facilities are available. I use a lot of "travel friendly" Tilley clothing that's designed to be washed in a hotel room sink. It's not surprising the Rick's staff replied with a "form letter", as it would be difficult to figure out the best clothing choices for each tour as most people have personal preferences. The suggested packing list in the Guidebooks provides a good place to start. Be sure to pack some rain gear. Although the weather was great for most of the tour, there were a couple of "damp" days. Cheers!

David, I have been to Europe 7 times and about to make my 8th trip. This one is for 12 days which includes travel. I have an aversion to wearing the same top, underwear and socks twice and laundry service will not be an option this trip. So I will pack 11 tops, a mixture of blouses and long sleeved t-shirts, 3 jeans, 2 blue and 1 black, a sweater, 11 underwear and socks. I take a wool blazer that I carry on along with my winter waterproof coat. I also take a pashmina to use as a scarf or to cover my head if I don't want to pull up my hood. I wear black penny loafers and socks on the plane and pack my leather waterproofed boots. A nightgown and little travel slippers and belt are added. For Ireland I also bring a silk thermal undershirt. These clothes will allow me anywhere but possibly a 5 star restaurant which we normally don't go to. Could I pack all of this in a carry on and day pack? I don't know, I have never tried. My daughter lives in Europe so I always have to check in a bag because of the list of things she requests. What do you take on your vacations normally? It depends on whether you would do hand washing or can find a laundry and the hassle that involves as to your preferences. Enjoy Ireland, it's a beautiful country.