Yesterday, I took the second to last step in preparing for my exploration of Ireland - I purchased my plane tickets. All that's left is to get my passport. I'm planning on taking a train all around the country, visiting a different city each day (with a side-trip to London on my birthday). My flight first arrives in London and I know I'm going to be aglow with excitement at the first time I actually sit on foreign soil - by myself.

Has anyone else decided to visit a country they've never been to before and just explore it on their own? Any stories to share?

I am very happy for you but I am a little confused. Are you touring the U.K. or Ireland. If you tell us a little more about what you want to do and when we would all be glad to give you a lot of advice that you can take or not. Have fun

What fun! Happy Birthday in London
I look forward to reading all about it when you get back~

drjfever
It is an amazing thing to explore a new place on your own. My first experience doing this was five weeks on my own in Australia in 1988! I left my DH and son (a teen by this time) at home to take care of themselves. It was one of the most empowering experiences I've ever had. Go for it!!!

The first time I went to Europe, the most important impression I brought home was that everything was so old!!

Have a wonderful time.

I don't mean to throw cold water on your plans, but:

I hope you left enough time for your Passport to arrive (or plan to spend an extra $60 for expedited service).

Your plan to take trains "all around the country" isn't the most practical approach to tour the Irish Republic. I think BusEireann can take you more places. You could buy a BusEireann Pass or a combination pass (Irish Rail & BusEireann).

If Dublin is your point of entry to the Irish Republic, you might consider http://www.Paddywagontours.ie to tour the west and southwest.

http://www.BusEireann.ie
http://www.IrishRail.ie

My trip is going to be mainly in Ireland, but I am going to take Aer Lingus over to London for one day, since I'm in the "neighborhood". As far as taking trains "around the country" I have specific cities I'm going to, and it seems that trains would get me there the fastest. If anyone has any suggestions on a faster way to get from city to city and back again that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, let me know.

Ireland's train system utilizes a 'Hub and Spoke' layout, meaning that you can not go from say, Galway to Cork without first heading toward Dublin. NEDSIRELAND's suggestion of a BUS and RAIL Pas would be best as it would allow you to take the bus in cases where the train didn't go to, or wasn't as expedient. The super cheap airline tickets are generally only THAT cheap when purchased in advance.
You don't mention dates for your travel. Self-drive car rental is an inexpensive option in the off season. I just booked a mid-size for 9 days at the begining of April for under USD200 (including the full tank of gas). High season would be higher, though.
Bob

For the type of holiday that you are planning I think www.ireland.ie/index.asp will give you all the information you require and more. Enjoy your trip and give me a wave as you pass me by on the road with my cow.

Do a text search here for CRAZY MINA's Trip Report. It was quite some time ago, but she did a on her own tour of Ireland. It's a highly entertaining read AND informative, as well.

Bob

Actually, here is the link to her report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34373959

Bob