Returned from my trip to Ireland and LOVED it. Thanks to whoever told me about paddywagon. They were awesome, we really lucked out with our guides. Advice I would give, DO NOT MISS THE NORTH, I found Northern Ireland amazing, especially Derry. Anyone have any questions about the country?

Sounds like you had a great time. What would you recommend about Derry

Derry? Well, don't stay overnight for one. There's only one thing to really do in Derry, a walking tour of the old walls and the bogside. I say it was great because I found it incredibly interesting. We were lucky because this guy who does walking tours of Derry works for Paddywahon too, so we had an in... I wouldn't know if any others are offered. Another great thing is a old black cab ride through Belfast, enough to bring tears to you eyes.

What is an "old black cab ride" and why tears??
Thanks!

A few old boys run cab tours through the shankhill and Falls road areas, used to do walking tours but apparently there was an issue with flying rocks... They take you around and explain the significance of the murals and tell personal stories, best tour I've ever had.

BMC--could you tell me a bit about Derry? I was thinking of spending a night there. I am starting in Belfast then heading up to Ballycastle , Portstewart then over to the Inishowen Peninsula then down to Derry. However, my plans are flexible. Any places you think I shouldn't miss?

The fountain is interesting. It is an area of about 900 protestants surrounded by 80 000 catholics, and every day a bus comes and takes them all over to the protestant side of the river so it's deserted most of the week. There's a fellow named Davey Crockett who's a local character, wanders around with his dog around the old walls. Staying in Derry huh? I was told it's not a nice place after 6 o'clock... safe, but not a very cozy atmosphere. Apparently after 6 you can't find a police officer in the entire city, because the catholics are not friendly with the mostly protestant police. People gather on either side of the peace wall and throw bricks and what not every night too... fun eh? Take a walk through the bogside, IRA heartland, site of Bloody Sunday and take in all the murals, the little girl was shot by the British in a cross fire and her parents had the wall painted looking up at the British watch tower. I would make Derry a day trip personally, spend some time in the country.

My favourite place to stay would definately be the town of Ballintoy... Awesome. Stay at the Sheep Island Inn... or hostel... or B&B, whatever its called. Really cheap but it has great rooms, awesome owners and it looks right down on the beach. Ballintoy harbor is beautiful if the sea is rough. There are only two pubs in the town and they are right across from eachother, i remember the musician at one saying to the owner after a particularly raunchy song, "Hell I've been kicked out of every bar in Belfast, the two here ain't gonna make no difference." It was there that we experienced a lock in, fun fun night. You can also take a quick jump over to Giant's Causway, which, of course, is great.

I think I am actually staying at the Sheep Island Hostel. How many people were on the Paddywagon tour? I think it turns out that I will be in Ballintoy the same night the tour bus rolls in. What was the age range of the people on the tour? Did you party a lot or were you mostly exhausted at night from the jammed pack days? I have a friend who is thinking of taking a tour with paddy wagon-she can't decide on going solo or with a tour. tours are not for me but they do sound like lots of fun.
Thanks for your help.
S

On the first tour we were mostly 20 somethings. Australians right out of uni, Canadians and Americans on Summer. We lucked out on our 6 day south with an amazing group and better guide, his name was Micheal (SP) and he was hilarious. The Americans found it a bit much (constant swearing, sexist jokes, completely insane driving), no disrespect to the Americans, I'm just saying the two that were on our tour were not fond of the driver, but they were great people. Us colonial types had a blast though, I was chasing sheep on our first day, doing bog jumping and watching dogs sing in a pub the size of my bathroom. So if you can put up with the rogueish Irish behaviour (and constant rants about the evils of the British) then you will have a blast. It all really depends on the group and driver you get, as I said, we really lucked out and I would not have done Ireland any other way for the first time. Nothing but great reviews from me. No doubt there was alot of drinking involved (morning, afternoon, on the bus, off the bus, evening and night) but you can opt out of course... with mild harassment .

The three day of the north was more laid back. After a week of non-stop partying with Mike we got Don, who was a great tour driver, but not prone to making you get up infront of the bus and sing the ratlin' bog. It was a more relaxed tour and on this one we had some older couples, late 30s. It gave us a chance to really learn about the north, just sit back and take it in.

Both groups were of about 20 people, maybe more. It was early in the season (May 1st-16th) so I don't know what they are like now. Paddywagon has a luxury coach that they use for larger groups, just hope you don't get that, it is funner driving the minibus and not knowing if you'll live past the next turn in the road.

If the paddywagon is there, they should be fun, chances are the guide will have arranged some music at one of the local pubs for you. If it is Don or Mike tell them Brian and Ashley say Hi! (Mr. Ottawa for Mike) they probably won't remember me but oh well.

hey..you are from Ottawa? I am from Northern ontario...actaully in mississauga right now though-and just finishing up my last three days of work--heehee..i am a lucky teacher. THe tour sounds good. Hopefully there is a decent group staying at sheep island when I am there. Thanks again for your help and advice.
S

BMC: Gotta ask about this paddywagon tour. Where to I find out about it? We are going to Ireland later this summer, and this sounds like something we would really enjoy. However, we have a two year old....completely inappropriate?

On another note, how long were you there? And would the North be dangerous with the kid? We are going for just over a week and I didn't think we would have time to make it up there.

A two year old? I think that you have to be legal to go on the tour. Alot of drinking, swearing and general lewd behaviour going on. So yeah, probably bad idea.

As for the north with a kid. I wouldn't do any risky stuff, stay out of shankhill and falls road. But go out into the countryside, go to Ballintoy and other nice little village. The key to the north is DO NOT TALK POLITICS! Don't ask someone whether they're catholic or protestant, and if someone asks you say "I'm American" or "I'm Canadian". You'll have to do some real research into where to go. There are some very nice places in northern Ireland, mixed communities. Talk to some tourism people from the north and ask them what would be appropriate, you can even do some day trips up to the north is you feel uncomfortable staying in Belfast, there are no more borders between the two countries. So two answer both your questions, no to paddywagon with a kid (the webstie is www.paddywagontours.com) and know the north before you go (As I twenty year old I wouldn't feel comfortable saying "Yeah! Take your kid to Belfast right away!&quot

Thought they were silly questions, but wanted to ask anyway. Thanks.

I looked at the paddywagon tours website, and it's not surprising that the drivers terrify the passengers. They cover a huge amount of area in a short time. It does appear to be the party tour. Hey, they guarantee a 100% Irish experience, whatever that is. You can't beat that.

Oh and I like the "older couples" thing. Late 30's! Yikes! Were they able to board without their walkers? Just messin with you.

Glad you Colonial types had fun.

Bill

As a resident of "the North" I can assure you it is quite safe to bring your children here. Just like everywhere else in the world there are problems with it, but I guarantee there are far less areas here that you will feel uncomfortable in than say LA or New York has.