How can we do Ireland like this?!
 

Help, Fodorites, I have a problem.

My husband and I, along with my brother, want to visit Ireland. DH and I have traveled to other parts of Europe independently, always using public transportation. He's adamant about NOT renting a car, as driving in a foreign country is a stress to him, he hates driving (does too much of it everyday), and wants to relax and really see things, not be watching the road and looking for roadsigns.

My brother would not do well on an escorted tour, as he's a VERY picky eater, wouldn't do well with set "farmhouse" meals, doesn't like the structure of an escorted tour, and if he's someplace interesting, would like the option of spending a little more time there.

Is there any way we could use a combination of public transportation and private tours to see the main sights of the Western and Southern areas - e.g., Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Cobh (for the Heritage Center), and possibly some quaint little towns with authentic pubs? We're not interested in "kissing the Blarney stone", touing the Waterford crystal factory, and don't necessarily have to see Dublin. Just want to see the scenery and experience some of the Irish way of life (pubs!).

Is this possible, with our unarguably self-imposed restrictions? Can anyone offer us any help with this? Thanks!

My husband hates driving as much as yours does. That's why I do all the driving. How about if you and your brother do all the driving/navigating, and let your husband relax?

I do all the driving as I cannot read maps and husband can - and is happy for me to drive. However, I am used to driving on that side of the road which helps. The Irish can be pretty crazy drivers too but we loved the freedom of it.

Well, the rail options aren't extensive but I can say that a train runs from Dublin to Cork and you can connect there for a short hop to Cobh. I really like Cobh, and the station sets you down close to the Heritage Center.

We base in the Waters Edge hotel there in Cobh for a couple of days and do drives from there. We drive everywhere, but I think local driving is not as stressing as long-distance, got-to-get-to-the-next-B&B hauls.

Still, there are some extraordinary sights on backroads that would be very difficult to see by bus, but some heavily trafficked routes should have tour buses.

Thanks for the replies.

PM, unfortunately, my brother has vision problems, uses special high-tech glasses when driving and has a VERY restricted license. Plus, I'm the map-reader/navigator, can't do that and drive too! As I said, hubby just likes to kick back on vacation.

I'm thinking of flying in/out of Shannon, and possibly using Galway City for 3-4 days as a base for Connemara and Cliffs of Moher via day-bus tours.

I think I saw somewhere that there's bus service between Galway and Killarney, and could stay there 3-4 nights as a base for Dingle Peninsula tour, National Park, possibly Gap of Dunloe.

Would we be able to get to Cobh for the day, or would it be best to overnight there? Would head back to Shannon from there - any suggestions for routes?

Thanks again for the input.

We had the same experience. My husband is always our designated driver since I have bad eyesight but he prefers to relax and not drive on vacation. Almost all the posts I read on this board said it didn't make sense not to rent a car in Ireland. Glad I didn't let that deter us from our preferred way of travel. We spent two weeks in Ireland last month and traveled only by public transportation (bus) and day tours and had a great time.

If you also decide to go that route this is what I recommend. Take some extra time planning your possible routes using the Irish rail and bus websites, print out timetables to take with you. There was little printed information available at the bus stations so I was really glad I had my printouts from home. Day tour companies also have websites and everyone I contacted by e-mail with questions were prompt and helpful.

Using Galway as a base for day trips to Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher was great. Several tour companies run day trips from the parking lot across from the tourist information office.

Details are in my trip report if you click on my screen name.

Have a great time in Ireland!