Does anyone have any experience with the COSMOS 9 Day Irish Explorer tour? I'll be taking this tour with my husband, younger sister and her boyfriend in October. Our ages range from 24-32. I would be interested to hear your feedback on the tour itself. Also, what additional tours you took and what you may have done during the "off" time or in the evening.

Also, any additional information that young Americans should know for their first time in Ireland would be interesting too!

Thank you!

Before signing up with this tour I would ask the company the average age of the travelers.

The one tour I took (Scand and Russia when that was the only option for going) had more than 30 members, of which I (late 30s was the youngest). The next youngest was a woman about 45 traveling with her mother. the others were all retired couples - some VERY retired.

This tour may be completely different - but I would want to know before putting down any money.

Cosmos will be a bunch of oldies and both couples will spend the trip thinking "I hope we don't end up like __ and __" or "oh, __ and __ are so spry for 80." You're entirely too young and too energetic for this.

Use Contiki or something that is closer to your age range. The single-country tours on Contiki tend to be less populated with drunk collegians and there are ALWAYS couples that don't go for the party hearty part.

Or you could do it yourself.

here is the link:

http://www.cosmos.com/Product.aspx?trip=59200

I wouldn't take that tour if it was free (well if it was FREE I'd think about it). 8 nights, 6 one night stands (two one nighters in Dublin), stuck in a coach w/ 40 OAPs (old age pensioners)

If you must use tours consider one of these:

https://www.rabbies.com/tour_ireland.asp

They are a great Scotland-based company that does small group tours - 16 or fewer passengers and attracting a wider age range.

I'm glad Janis defined OAP - my translation was less pleasant.

It sounds like you already booked so make the most of it. You might be surprised and meet some lovely people. I am 61 and not a stick in the mud.
First night: Regency in Dublin, closest bus stop is Swords and Seven oaks. You can buy day tripper passes for four that are cheap. Use the train or luas or bus.

Belfast Jurys Inn: You are right by City Hall. I would get a black cab tour from blackcabsNI.com Bobby is great. City Hall was built at the same time as the Titanic by the same people so very similar. Great night life. Visit Bittles http://visit-belfast.com/things-to-d...er/bittles-bar Huge mall close by.

Sligo, long day there, bus and train close by to take for a little night life, nothing by hotel that I can see on the map.
Ennis: cab it to High St

Tramore, that looks lovely. I would head to the Promenade and Tramore Surf shop and beach. I have been to other areas around here and the water and coast are beautiful.

Killarney, looks like a cab again for night life

Dublin Jury's Inn Custom house: You are on the Liffey and a short walk across the bridge to Temple Bar.

Sit in the back of the bus, Those old ladies are very picky about being up front by the driver. Have a good time and enjoy.