Trains, barges, busses
 

We're seniors hoping to tour in Ireland without a self-drive car, or the motorcoach tour. Has anyone had experience with Irish train travel, affordable Irish barge trips, or bus travelling in Ireland? Thanks.<BR>

tim, we just got back from two weeks in ireland. fabulous is all i can say!! so glad we didn't drive! we bought the explorer tickets for rail and bus (not intercity buses) and found that a great way and would do it again in a heartbeat. why travel on a bus with a bunch of Americans when you are on a bus or train with the folks from Ireland.:)

Pam -<BR> Would appreciate hearing some details as to how you go around Ireland and where you went.<BR> We've been there on a tour but want to go back on our own (but NOT drive).<BR>We'd heard it was pretty impossible to get about without a car but you seem to offer some real hope.

Meant to say "how you got around..." not "go around"

It is certainly possible to get around Ireland without a car. It just requires a little more patience, planning, and flexibility than auto touring does.<BR><BR>I spent two weeks in Ireland, using a combination of Bus Eireann and day tours, and was able to see many of the "must see" such as the Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel, Dingle Peninsula, Glendalough, etc.<BR><BR>Traveling by bus is much easier in the summer, as some routes and tours operate less frequently (or not at all) in the off-season. It's also important to pack light, since it may be necessary to walk a few blocks to find a B&B.