We have signed up for the Best of Ireland in 14 Days tour. We would like to extend our time in Ireland, either before or after the trip (or perhaps both). We are not interested in spending more time in either Dublin or Belfast. We’ve thought of finding a small charming village to spend a few days, or taking a short tour with another company to an area not included in the RS tour. For example: The Ring of Kerry. We do not want to drive, so accessibility by train or bus is a must. There seem to be many day trips offered out of Dublin or no short 3 or 4 day trips. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Posted by
Chicago
3929 posts
My trip report from this past May might give you some ideas:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-ireland-may-2025-my-trip-report
Definitely check out Rabbie’s:
https://www.rabbies.com/en-us/tours/ireland
Howth would be a nice place to relax for a few days after the tour. Many options for short ½ day trips from there.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1781 posts
After our Best of Ireland tour we spent a few days in Kilkenny then back to Dublin and did a Wild Wicklow bus tour to Glendalough and Mary Gibbons bus tour to Newgrange, none of these three places were on the tour and we were glad we saw them and Kilkenny is very accessible by bus from Dublin.
Posted by
anyplace picturesque
26 posts
Having followed that very tour itinerary on our own by car IMO it's more or less exhaustive (NOT exhaustING!). I feel it might be rather difficult to find someplace not included in the tour that is worthwhile especially if you don't wish to drive yourself.
My suggestion might be not to pre-book but rather whilst on the tour if you stop someplace especially to your liking, try to book a hotel there for after the tour and then grab a train back?