kalnalcl

So an idea has been floated that we take a family trip to Ireland. I've been designated the person to come to Thanksgiving with a proposal. I have not officially agreed to this, but thought I'd put some feelers out. The group would probably be 12 people, ages - 16, 17, 22, 24, 26, 26, 39, 40, 55, 62, 63, 65), all in good physical condition.

I'm thinking the only way to do this and not have a miserable time myself is to organize a guided tour with a company that has a small bus so the group would be just us and we could customize the itinerary but it would be planned. That way there is no discussion or debate over what we're doing every day.

Does anyone have a recommendation for such a company?

Thanks in advance!

elberko

Rabbies might be able to do that for you:
https://www.rabbies.com/en

I've been on their regular tours, and they are often recommended here.

janisj

CIE is a long standing group tour company that also does custom tours (though there are other good firms as well -- CIE is the first that came to mind)

http://www.cietours.com

janisj

Oh -- If Rabbies does customs tours (not sure if they do) they would be even better.

geetika

Does Rabies operate in Ireland too, I thought it was a Scottish tour operator.

Kalnalcl, you can check out the following two companies and ask them to put together a custom tour to suit your requirements. They will come up with a several different itineraries for you to propose to your family.

In your place I'd look for a judicious mix of group as well as individual activities. Do make sure there's down time when the youngsters can go out on their own and do stuff that excites them and the older folks have their own party!

Our family regularly has these multi-generation vacations, we're 8 of us, but it has always worked out well. Enjoy!

http://butlerstours.com/
https://www.paddywagontours.com/

Tony2phones

Rabbies have been operating in Ireland for a couple of years or so now.

Copy and paste my answers to similar questions elsewhere this week

"you have the two options covered. either rent a couple of mini bus's or 3 large cars for self drive which gives the group some scope for alternative options on the same days. OR charter a private mini bus tour.

Pricing will depend on the Vehicle (s) and the Date (s) be aware that on a charter tour you will also be contributing to the drivers accommodation. Self drive you can make the plans you want, chartering you should work with the driver to make an achievable itinerary based on the drivers permitted hours."

"You have a couple of options with 15 people, either 2x9 seat mini bus's or 3 large cars. OR chartering a coach tour operator, there are any number of these on the island of Ireland. as you have Cork as a focal point then I would suggest your charter is based there. Buttlers would be one of the main options [email protected] also try Martin Crowley [email protected] and Cremin Coaches [email protected] "

travelhorizons

I've often worked with a U.S.-based company called Celebrated Experiences. They have very good knowledge of the country and provide expert advise and help you craft a custom trip.

https://celebratedexperiences.com/ireland/

janisj

>>Does Rabies operate in Ireland too,<<

Rabbies has tours in Ireland and in England as well. But Tony has given some good contacts.

kalnalcl

Thanks for all the great info everyone!! I look forward to getting into it this weekend!