Ireland without a car
 

I am planning a trip for four (all in our 60s) and we have decided NOT to rent a car for exploring Ireland. We will be spending 5 days in Scotland before arriving in Ireland.

Our plan includes 3 days in Dublin and then a train/bus transfer to Dingle where we will spend 3 nights. We plan on hiring a guide to drive us in the Dingle and/or Ring of Kerry area.

Our flight from the U.S. to Scotland brings us to Glasgow. (The airline does not fly to Ireland.) This brings my question. There is a flight from Cork to Glasgow at 14:55. If I can hire a driver(I have spoken to one but haven't confirmed), I will book that flight. I am wondering if anyone has a better suggestion for airports in the Dingle region. Thanks for any advice.

dingle999: >>But unlike Tony I try to GIVE accurate info and do not diss other parts of Ireland ..<<

That is a very self serving load of clap trap. Tony helps just about everyone asking about Ireland -- no matter which area(s) they want to visit.

And another thread heading down the tubes because one can't post his opinion w/o attacking others. Your <i>six</i> posts would have more credibility w/o the personal animosity.

dingle, I love Tony and he helps many but I know he hates Dingle and Doolin, unfortunately others don't unless they are on TA and here.
I do agree that Killarney is a good base for day tours but the op has already secured a tour with a private driver.

Drowden, you are flying to Scotland from the US and then flying to Dublin and then wanting to get back to Glasgow, Scotland? I think the Kerry airport only fly to Dublin and London so Cork might be your best option.

Its a shame you are not seeing Ireland by car. Although, my hubs swears he will never drive "on the wrong side" of the road again. It really is the best way to view Ireland.
I went to Dingle and absolutely loved it.
Here is my blog....

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...gs-day-one.cfm

flpab why does he hate Dingle and Doolin ?
Indeed why does in Ireland ?

Indeed why does he live in Loughrea Co Galway Ireland ?


brookums71 nice Blog ..

Thank you dingle999. I just re-read it and relived the whole thing.
You really must see Dingle.

I don't think he hates them but they are touristy to him. I live in the land of tourism so what I like about Florida tourist would hate so have to keep that in mind. I do the same when I think about Ireland. You couldn't drag me to Disney or Universal. I love the non touristy beaches and local places. I think it is the same for some in Ireland but not telling people that come to my state not to go to Disney. I just tell them to stay on property, safer that way and to go to New Smyrna Beach over Daytona. I have been to Dingle once and that was enough. I love Wicklow, Dublin and the west coast. Next trip is Westport for biking and hiking.
Tony lives near the big grey lake, close to Athenry so can't be bad.

A friend and I saw Ireland without a car though in a couple of spots we got a car to drive us.

Dingle is lovely and we spent several days there, but I wouldn't necessarily use it as a base; it isn't exactly central and they do seem ambivalent about tourists.

We used trains and for one segment a bus to travel.

While the locals are having a civil argument, the outsiders might comment on the OP's question. If Dingle is the destination and Cork is not, there is no need to detour to Cork if you swap Dublin to the end. If your Glasgow-Dublin flight is early enough, you can immediately do Dublin-Tralee train, about 4 hours, then frequent enough bus to do the Tralee-Dingle, about 70 minutes. On return, just do the opposite. You will have more flight choices and competitive airfares to return to Glasgow from Dublin.

Kerry airport is closest to Dingle, but you have to stare at the bus schedule to make sure there is a way out if you are not driving or taking a taxi. http://kerryairport.ie/website/wp-co...-Timetable.pdf

Thanks for all your input. We have settled on flying out of Cork because the timing is right and the price for a flight to Glasgow (where we will spend an additional two days) is reasonable.

For those of you who advise renting a car, I agree in theory, but I'm just not brave enough. FYI, we will be taking private tours (just the four of us) so that is a good compromise, I think.