Ireland tours

I don't like bus tours on general principles. The roads of western Ireland are narrow and buses can't travel on most of them. The train system is almost non-existent, so renting a car is really the only way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Europe.It seems like every other house is a B&B so finding a place to stay isn't a problem.

I,ve been to western Ireland before, and I'm planning another trip to it right now. You'll love it.

I always drive when I'm there, but I have encountered tour buses almost everywhere that I have been. Ireland has a very extensive national bus system (www.buseireann.ie), and there are lots of companies offering bus tours, as well. One advantage of a bus tour is that there is a guide who explains and gives you background on what you are seeing, so you can learn a lot more than if you drove yourself. And if you are traveling alone, it gives you a chance to meet some people.

The west of Ireland is a very different place than the Dublin area, and you really should see it if you have the chance. Though there is little in the way of train transportation in the west, you could take the train to Galway from Dublin and then pick up a tour by bus.

Natalia,

Given the limited time you have in Ireland, my suggestion would be to go with a tour company. I've spoken with people on a Paddywagon tour and they seemed to be very pleased with it. Paddywagon uses a mini-Bus, so a bit easier to drive on the narrow roads. IMO, this would be a very efficient way to get around and you'll probably enjoy it more with a group and a Guide.

Despite the narrow roads, full sized tour Buses are used regularly. For example, Rick's Ireland tour uses larger Buses and they're able to get around well, even on the very narrow roads in the Dingle Peninsula (the Drivers are excellent).

The rail network in Ireland isn't as well developed as in other parts of Europe, so getting to smaller places may involve a lot of planning with Train & Bus routes.

Cheers!

From Dublin you can easily catch an early train to Ennis or Galway then a bus will get you to the picturesque village of Doolin by early afternoon. Settle in to 1 of many hostels or B&B's then take a 20 min bus ride to the Cliffs of Moher and walk 2 beautiful hrs back to Doolin for pub-grub, Guinness and trad at O'Connor's pub. You can also explore caves, the Burren or take a ferry to the Aran Islands from Doolin.
Dingle is fabulous, but will take most of a day to get there.
The World Heritage site of Newgrange is in the beautiful Boyne Valley, only 1 1/2 hours (by bus) north of Dublin and fantastic if you like history.
Driving in Ireland takes a long time. Do not fear the public transportation, it is cheap, stress-free and will take you wherever your heart desires.
Enjoy Ireland!

With the limited amount of time you have I would go for a tour. www.railtoursireland.com has several one and two days tours. Their tours have always been interesting and well organized and informative.

Check out the portal ireland.com, they have a recommended tours section.

The Tourist Information Center in Dublin offers bus tours to the countryside (day trips and perhaps overnight). If you are just spending time in Dublin and then going to the countryside for 2-3 days, you may want to consider the TI trips and use Dublin as your base. Roads in Ireland are very narrow and if the weather is bad, you may not feel comfortable driving in the rain and wind.

Another option to consider is staying in Dublin and taking day trips outside the city. There's lots to see in and around Dublin.

I certainly agree that the west coast is a wonderful place to visit, but two or three days just doesn't go very far out there. You're better off going back when you can devote a week to it.

If you do choose this route, some places to consider are Newgrange, Glendalough, and the Wicklow Mtns. You could even go see the Rock of Cashel, although you'd probably want to spend the night instead of trying to make it back to Dublin the same day.