I am planning a trip to Ire/GB for Sept/Oct of 2003. Air fare is frequent flyer miles. Comments on car rental vs public transport or trying to book tours.<BR>Thanks

<BR>Well - I have done Ireland in November and GB in March. So hear goes.<BR><BR>I would not drive in GB unless you are going someplace the train does not go. The Rail system there is great, and much less nerve racking than driving. (we did London/Edinburgh/Bath/London/Cardiff/London no problems at all) . <BR><BR>In Ireland you will need to either drive or use a bus - trains there are minimal compared to GB. I drove from Shannon/Galway/Waterford/Killarney/Shannon with only 1 flat tire- not too bad, just take your time. Mind you, Sept/Oct is the end of the high season, so there will be more people on the road than I had in November, but still do-able. If you don't care to drive on the left side of the road, you may want to do a bus tour. <BR><BR>Good luck

This is the same question I had, but for June - July (I know, peak time). I have two related questions, though. <BR><BR>If I want to see some of the smaller town and villages in England, do I rent a car in say, Bath, to go to Avebury or Newbury? Or just scrap the side trips (it is a family first-time trip). <BR><BR>Part II: Do the trains run to the ferries over to Ireland? Then what, rent a car there?<BR><BR>Thanks for any help, this is a first-time trip for a family of four.

Jeanette... We first visited Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic in October. It was grand! We used the coach (bus) throughout this trip, because it was more fun. We did get a car on the second trip to Scotland. I suggest the coach for your first trip. You get to figure out how to get around together, and then look around and enjoy the view. I don't suggest a tour, it's quite doable and more fun on your own. Have a grand time!

Beware of the rather short days in the fall/autumn! I think May is the best time in Ireland.

Jeanette,<BR><BR>While I can't speak to the GB part of your question, your trip to Ireland would be enhanced if you rented an auto. Ireland has a pretty sleepy rail system, and part of the country's charm is it's byways, not highways. Drive the minor, even ultra minor, roads. They've improved dramatically in the last decade or so (thanks to EU funding), and you'll no doubt discover a good many unexpected delights along the way.<BR><BR>Best of luck.

Thanks for the great info. I am aware of the shortened days of Sept/Oct. and would prefer May but have several constraints.

Rick,<BR><BR>I am going to London next week. I am renting a car for 4 days (with 2 other people) in London and planning to drive to Stonehenge and Salisbury, then the next day to Lacock and Bath, stay in Bath 2 nights then visit Castle Combe and Avebury on the way back to London.<BR><BR>I'll let you know how it goes when I get back. You also certainly could rent a car from Bath instead of London. <BR><BR>Happy travels,<BR><BR>Karen

Going to Dublin in Sept. for 2 weeks
Anyone suggest an itinerary
Thanks

sinsusie: You would do better to start a thread w/ your own questions instead of topping a six year old thread that likely has little to do w/ your potential itinerary.

When you re-post - please give us something to work with. Your question is sort of like "I'm going to the USA - what should I see?"

What sorts of things interest you? Do you plan on driving or taking public transport? Are there specific places on your "must" list? Anything?