Guides to assist with learning more about Ireland

Hello!  Four of us, age 60+,  are traveling to Ireland mid April 2023.  Our airline tickets and hotels will be paid for in advance (Delta and Hilton points).  Curious to know which airport is the best to fly in and out of and if anyone knows of "guides" to assist during our stay.  We would like to utilize trains or buses so we can enjoy the scenery.  We will be visiting Dublin and Belfast but Galway and Dingle look lovely and many, many villages!  I'm so confused as we will be there for 12 days and with visiting the major cities we are rural folks ourselves and would love to be with the locals, visit pubs and hear local musicians.  Our family names have been traced to Ireland (McDowell and McElravy) and hope to learn more.  Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Cheryl,

How lovely to hear that the four of you will be over with us in April!

I would say that Dublin would be the best place to fly into and start your time with us as the trains all run from the city with Irish Rail. There are bus and taxi links from the airport to the city all available outside of the arrivals area.

Belfast and Galway would be wonderful choices by rail, with plenty to do in and around the cities to keep you occupied. While in Galway, Lally Tours, Galway City Tours, and the Galway Tour Company would be great people to take you on day trips. In Belfast, the City Sightseeing Bus is a great option, or maybe a Black Taxi tour.

Killarney would be another lovely spot to base yourselves for a few days. Lots to see and do, plenty of countryside to explore and places to visit by bus. Killarney Tour, Killarney Shuttle Bus, and Killarney Guided Tours will be able to help with trips in the area including Dingle!

Getting to Killarney from Galway would be best by bus. Transport for Ireland has a great journey planner to look at. Enter the from and to locations and see the services and providers. Here is an example for today to give you an idea of what will be available. It's not a quick journey and involves a change in Limerick but the travel is part of the enjoyment of being here.

There are train and bus services back to Dublin from Killarney so plenty of options there to finish of your time with us.

I did a quick surname search on John Grenham's website and McDowell is most popular in Counties Antrim and Down, so maybe while in Belfast you will find some relatives. :) McElravy didn't show any results but McElrevy did suggest Antrim again.

Hopefully, this has helped to get your plans started. Maybe some of our members and industry partners will be able to help too.

Martin ☘️

Thank you...thank you...thank you!  I can't wait to get started on planning our trip. 

How exciting, Cheryl! I'm sure Martin's tips will prove themselves useful. You can always reach out as your trip gets closer in case you need anything.

Happy planning!  😊

Hello from Atlanta Georgia.  Our trip was postponed but we have booked the dates (finally) for September 15th - 26th.  Landing in Dublin and staying for 4 days.  On the 20th we would like to find our way to the West Coast/South Coast with returning to the Dublin on the 25th to leave on the 26th.  I am using your advice and resources to see where we should go next.  We do not want to rent a car unless you feel Dublin to Galway is something easy for a USA driver to do.  We are low key and looking to visit areas to meet the locals for a remarkable journey. 
Thank you.

Hello Cheryl!

It's great to hear about your upcoming trip to Ireland.

To address your concern about transportation, there's absolutely no necessity to rent a car for your journey. Ireland has a robust and reliable public transportation system that can conveniently take you from Dublin to Galway and further to the west/south coasts.

In Dublin and Galway, the city centers are compact and walkable, and public transportation is plentiful for any further afield explorations. Day tours are a great option to visit iconic sites like the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren from Galway, without needing to drive.

Traveling by train or bus can be quite relaxing and will allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Irish landscape without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads. Plus, this approach aligns perfectly with your intention to have a low-key visit and engage with locals. You'll find plenty of opportunities for friendly chats on public transport!

I hope this information reassures you. Wishing you a memorable journey to Ireland!

Have a great trip! 

Thank you and if i have any more questions, i will be sure to reach out.