TIA to all who may be able to help. My parents are closing in 80 and in overall good health but my father's scoliosis is progressing rapidly. Additiona surgery has been deemed inadvisable and his back bothers him more by the month, thus limiting his mobility. he does walk withou use of a walker or cane but needs to rest frequently to recharge and goes only short distances at a time. They are Irish by descent and have long discusses a trip there (which they can afford) but seemingly just haven't gatered the impetus or haven't sat down to do the planning (trip planning and execution still prompts squabbles after 48 years of marriage!). I've been considering buying them a 7-10 day trip, one that would have a customized itinerary including trips to the counties from which their families came. Ideally something with a car and driver to maxinmize flexibility and limit walking. Can any of you suggest a place to start my research or recommend a service/agency that might help arrange such things?

The first thing I would do is call the local Irish Tourist Board (In USA at 1-800-223-6470). Then you can talk to a representative that can provide you brochures on recommended companies that provide chauffered tours in Ireland. You can also go to their website at http://www.ireland.travel.ie/home/index.asp , but probably better off talking to a real person. They will also be able to tell you a travel agent in your area that specializes in Ireland.

I'm sure Pat Preston will have some advice for you. Contact her at www.ireland-withpatpreston.com She's a wonderful source for difficult Irish questions. Don't think her own tours would be suitable, but you might think about them as well. Good luck. I have 80 something parents who are also Irish, but they're in no shape to go traveling.

What I recommend for some of the older folks who can't drive over there is to hire a driver. This is very common throughout the British Isles. You get the luxury of planning your own itinerary, don't have to join a group which may move faster than your father is capable of, and have great company. <BR><BR>The local tourist office in the area you want to visit can make recommendations. Pat Preston is also a good source of info and may be able to steer you towards someone.

Owen, this just reconfirms my belief that we need to travel when we can, not put it off to the "future" (as in "retirement"). Money is a consideration with me, but I have decided to do what I can while I can (I'm closing in on that retirement age.) I hope your parents go and come home with marvelous memories.

You're so right Betyh. At age 45 I've done far more traveling than my parents have in their entire lives but it's all been in the US. Now that my daughter is grown and in three years will be finished with college, I intend to start traveling as much and as far as possible while I can still do it in an active manner. My parents have been able to afford this since they retired 15 years ago but have continued to put it off until now, when it will be difficult (if even feasible at all for my father). Best to do it on a budget when one can still really enjoy a full range of acivities. Thanks to all for the great suggestions.

Owen-<BR>I was in a similar position a couple years ago, looking to do an "Irish heritage" tour for "me dear ol' mither", and did just what you propose- a private driver on a prearranged itinerary. I went through the Irish Tourist Board to locate recommended tour opertors, chose an agency called Destination Ireland &amp; Great Britain and was utterly delighted. They arranged the driver to pick up at Dublin airport, accompany through 7 days around the Emerald Isle. With the car we were dropped as close as possible to everything we wanted to visit, and the driver's knowledge of the place added a great deal to our enjoyment. There will be places your father will likely find inaccessible (e.g., climbing up Blarney Castle) but therre's plenty more that he and your Mom will enjoy. Each night we stayed at a castle, manor or excellent guest house. I highly recommend them - on the web at www.digbtravel.com - as at least a place to start. You might be able to put together something yourself using the web, but I found their services terrific and price very reasonable.<BR>One comment - given your father's scoliosis, take into consideration that most European cars are smaller than in the US and try to specify something with enough space for your Da to be comfortable. (We had a Volvo and it was just fine) You may also consider bringing or renting a collapsible wheelchair. While your father may "get his Irish up" at this proposition, it does make for an easier time of things, and just having it the trunk (or "boot", as they say there) can be a source of reassurance.<BR>I encourage you to proceed with your plans - our trip was truly memorable.<BR>Enjoy!

Owen- there is a wonderful customized tour group called IN QUEST OF THE CLASSICS that does Ireland. THey have an 800 no..call 800 operator and ask for their no. THey use a small mini van-if they hook you up with an existing tour or can personalize it and let y ou do your own thing with one of their drivers---they are WONDERFUL and can put your parents into some great manor houses,arrange sightseeing,etc-all you need to do is decide what counties and cities you want to do and they will figure out price....