Hi everyone...We are planning 6 weeks in the British Isles and Ireland, using public transportation (we have driven all over Europe many times but now at ages 63, 73 and 80 we are ready to let others do the driving). So we are seeking advice, particularly about Ireland. Haven't set up time frames exactly, but perhaps 2 weeks in Ireland. Will be posting more questions later I'm sure about the other countries as well, but right now I'm trying to narrow our Ireland options.

Our wish list of things to see/do: beautiful countryside/coast, a castle or two, walkable charming towns with markets, some traditional music and dancing, perhaps a scenic railway ride, interesting museums, and such like. Initial ideas included Dublin, Kilarney, Kilkenny, Kinsdale, Galway. Thoughts on this?

Thinking was to take the ferry from Stranaer to Belfast and then a train to the Republic of Ireland. The train system in Ireland seems to require Dublin as a hub, which would mean back-and-forth to/from Dublin. We had hoped to see Dublin last and then take the ferry to Holyhead (we are flying in and out of Heathrow).

How is the bus system for getting around? Any ideas on a good base for seeing the coast without a car. We realize taking a bus trip along the coast is not optimum but if we can find a nice base town for exploring at least some of the coast, that would be great.

So many questions. Thanks for any ideas. We know we can't go really wrong but would like to tap into the experience and brains of Slow Traverlers.

Cheerio.

The bus system in Ireland is great. I did all my travelling that way, including going to nearly all the destinations you did, although in reverse order!

Bus Eireann is the name of the national bus company. The distances may be short, but Ireland's narrow old roads mean travel time is long and you will need to plan accordingly.

I think five destinations in two weeks is a bit too much. Dublin is crammed with things to see and do and I encourage you to spend longer there. Kilkenny I thought was very pretty and Kilarney to die for - if you would like walking through the national park. Otherwise I'm not sure that there is that much to do.

Anyway, check out the bus timetables and see if they suit.

Happy travels, Claire.

Thanks Bambi...this is helpful. There is so much to do in Ireland that I know we can find lots even if we have to omit some gems due to transportation, etc. And we often enjoy a leisurely bus or train trip broken up by a short stop between destinations at some little pretty town. Thanks again.

on our recent trip to Ireland we met an Australian woman and her daughter who were using Paddywagon Tours http://www.paddywagontours.com/
to travel around. They were staying at our B & B as Pasddywagon offers the option of either staying at hostels or they find you B & B accommodation if you want more privacy and comfort. They seemed to be very happy with their trip.
jabo

Thanks Jabo...I appreciate the suggestion and the link -- Paddywagons looks to be a real possibility for us. They have both day trips from various cities as well as a jump-on/jump-off option which appears to offer a pretty nice itinerary to some of the major places to see without having to be kept to a whirlwind tour schedule. I've sent off a query. Thanks again.

I've been to Ireland many, many times (and lived there for about 5 months) and have never rented a car - can be a pain depending on where you are located (i.e. some places will only have bus service once a day if you are out on a country road) but...if you plan on an extra bit of time, you can get around fairly well - don't be afraid to just pay for a taxi once in a while if the bus doesn't suit your scheduale...even going 25-30 min. from a town will not break the bank (well...it WILL...but blame it on the dollar!)

p.s. Claire, Kilkenny is next on my list - I haven't been down there at all yet...do you mind me asking where you stayed? (looking for maybe a vacationn rental - hopefully in a village or at least within walking distance to a shop)thanks!

lol - I stayed in the youth hostel there. A vacation rental would be comparative luxury!