I have been mulling over the best way for me to do Ireland for years now. I think I do not want to go on a tour via bus nor do I wish to drive by myself. I have been told I could do this by myself and it does seem possible to do via public transportation. I would fly into Dublin and do things there for 3 days (and Newgrange). Then take a train to Galway and spend the remainder of my time (10-13 days total for a 1st visit?) in the West, flying out of Shannon. Have any of you "Solos" done this and can you offer advice with specifics of which towns, which sights and how many days each?

Hi-

I went to Dublin and stayed in a hostel/guesthouse around the corner from the bus station. From there I headed north by bus, hitting, Cork, Doolin, Galway then the train back to Dublin. I met some really cool people and I'm sure you'll find it very easy to get about. This was my first solo trip to europe, so you can imagine my fear. It was gravy.

I mean I headed south. We'll blame the chardonnay.

i know this query is a couple of months old but i've just seen it now. As an Irish woman who loves to travel solo I would advise some serious research before you venture solo here! I have travelled around Europe solo and revelled at the effectiveness of European public transport in comparison to our Irish system. There's actually not much wrong with it, - it just isnt really tourist friendly. So get onto the Irish rail and bus network websites and really research your itineray and make sure the accommodation you book is convenient to your transport and dont be too influenced by the "tourist route" . Spend a few days in Dublin, Stay near Dublin City Centre,- take the DART train to Howth and walk the cliffs; take the St Kevins Bus to Glendalough and spend the day in the mountains and lakes and ancient remains there; visit trinity college and stroll along Grafton Street (nicest shopping street in dublin); Maybe do Newgrange from there;Then leave Dublin and take train to Galway and while you are there take a boat to the Aran Islands (I'd say the tourist office in Galway City would advise you on times and buses and boat); Maybe take a bus from Galway to Clifden or one of the other towns in Connemara and spend a night around thete(Buy a good map of County Galway). The Burren limestone landscape in County Clare is lovely, - lots of traditional music in the pubs around there also the cliffs of Moher which are beautiful and Shannon Airport is near you there so it might be an option at the end of the trip. The Irish rail website is www.irishrail.ie and the main bus service is www.buseireann.ie. There are some private local buses too but Bus Eireann is the main one.Avoid the tacky tourist traps. Hope all goes well for you. Hooray for the Solo traveller!!!

Molly,

Thanks for the suggestions on traveling solo in Ireland. My sister and I spent about three weeks driving in Ireland last fall. I just loved it, but I didn't see everything I wanted to see because my sister was having trouble with hip pain and didn't want to walk. I didn't feel very motivated to do things without her.

I have no problem traveling alone, and I want take a solo trip to Ireland to see and do the things we missed when we were together. I think I can use some of your suggestions so as to use public transport or tours rather than drive.

I especially want to explore the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, and ancient historical sites. Anyway, I like your suggestions.

I just returned from a week of solo travel in Ireland, traveling to Dublin, Cork, and to Bantry, Sheep's and Mizen Head in the SW part of the country. The thing I loved about it was being able to utilize all forms of transportation - took train from Dublin to Cork; drove from Cork to SW part of the country; and flew back from Cork to Dublin. I think your plan sounds fine, and I definitely think three days in Dublin will suffice. Dublin-wise, you'll want to hit up Grafton street, Temple Bar area, stroll along the River Liffey, and just take in the city.

When in Dublin, I stayed at the Jury's Inn Christchurch, which I found to be a great location - near the sites (walking distance), but not within the chaotic-ness of the bar - and across from the beautiful Cathedral.

I think you'll be using the Heuston train station in Dublin to get to Galway. I found it to be a nice, little station and very organized.

As far as driving goes - remember sometimes this is driven by neccessity - not all things off the beaten pathworth are accessible via public transportation. In a way, driving is nice because you can stay as long as you want, have the solitude you wish, etc. Good luck - it's a great country to do solo and the people are incredibly friendly and will ensure you have a wonderful time!

Wow! I posted that inquiry last November and every time I checked, found no response. Today is 3/27/08 and I am delighted to see the responses from Molly007 and Irish_sojourner - so very helpful. Essentially, Molly, you have outlined what I more or less have settled upon altho I have booked nothing firm yet. I just turned 70 but am fiercely independent and used to being alone with no major infirmaties except that number! Can't thank you enough for taking the time to set something clear down even with the time lags......thankyou, thankyou, thankyou!!!

What great advice you got here. I'm just seeing this post.

I went to Ireland solo several years ago and did not drive at all. I flew into Shannon, got a taxi to Galway (there's probably a bus but I few from San Francisco and was too tired to wait for one). I stayed at Galway for 3-4 nights, selecting a very nice hotel, the Great Southern, from which I could walk everywhere.

I took a day trip out of Galway to the Arran Islands, by bus and then boat, and then riding a bicycle around the island I toured. Heaven!

Then, I took the train, 3 hours, to Dublin, stayed there at a centrally located hotel, the Mayflower, perhaps? Sorry can't recall the name. I felt very safe there. (On a later trip a woman friend and I stayed at the Fitwilliam Guest House (not hotel) which was just fine for us--we checked in the day of 9-11. They were very supportive of us (Americans), flexible with the dates, etc.

I am not a late late hour person but was able to get to some pubs and enjoy the music in both Galway and Dublin. In each place I asked for frank guidance from the hotel folks as to which pubs would be safe and appropriate for me.

I will never regret taking that trip on my own (I had just finished a grueling doctoral dissertation) and, planning ahead and using some sense, I felt both safe and independent doing so.

I did a solo Ireland trip last fall and did drive myself. It was a big challenge to my nerves before I went but it didn't turn out to be as difficult or as scary as I had built it up in my head. I bought the mega insurance with the car just in case and set out with a hotel plan for my nights , cell service was perfect everywhere I was even in the middle of the Burren or the west coast of Galway which was comforting.

I drove all over the west and southwest and turned my car in before I hit Dublin before going home. I'm sure this isn't for everyone but I would do it again. I'm sure you could do it on public transit but I really like being in charge of my own schedule and pace.