My friends and I are planning an Ireland trip for Sept. 2004. We do not want to drive, but do not want to take the typical tour bus with 40 other people. I have found a tour company Vagabond-Ireland, which offers several adventures. Has anyone ever taken one of their trips? Do you know of any other tour company which offers trips with 20 or fewer people?
Thanks.

ttt

You might want to try PaddyWagon Tours. I think they are 'backpacker friendly.' PaddyWagon has 3-day and 5-day inclusive tours from Dublin and they operate fairly small buses.

Or you might want to structure your own itinerary using BusEireann. That's how I travel in Ireland. I believe they operate day-trips from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. I picked up a few tour brocures at Galway Bus/Rail station last Spring.

Thanks NEDSIRELAND for the info.

http://pub158.ezboard.com/firelandye...picID=93.topic

http://www.PaddyWagon.com
After I replied I checked PaddyWagon and they have a 6-day 'deluxe' inclusive south/southwest tour with stays at hotels & B&B's (private rooms) rather than hostels.

They use small Mercedes buses: there's no way they seat more than 20. You can see from photos on their website that their clientele covers a broad spectrum (i.e., not just 'hiking backpackers')