Since I love Irish music, I was excited to have so many opportunities to hear live music. Today is all yours...free on the Dingle Peninsula. "Our overall "wow" moment was the full realization that we were on such a fantastic tour with such an excellent guide, in Declan. And the Irish people. Our group melded very well and quickly, and I believe that we went beyond being friendly to being friends. It allowed us to catch up on things and do laundry. "I can't narrow it down to only one "wow" moment. It was a great venue for listening, performers answered audience questions, and the music was unexpectedly captivating. Good and active[INVALID]just as I'd hoped. Buy the eBook. Bus: 3 hours. I would do another Rick Steve's tour without a doubt. We are experienced travelers and didn't consider ourselves 'tour' people, but the size of the group, quality of the guides and the trip destinations were first rate. His explanations certainly cleared up much in my mind and what I had been told/taught. "Listening to our tour guide describe the birth of her aunt in Belfast during the Blitzkreig of WW2.". I feel like I now know Ireland). (37:02), Travel in Ireland Post-Brexit This was my 13th R.S. ▲▲▲ Aran Islands Three windswept, treeless limestone islands in the Atlantic, ringed by cliffs, crowned by striking ruins, and home to sparse villages of hardy fisherfolk. Beautiful country and lovely, friendly people. "In Belfast standing before a monument to some workers who perished on the Titanic, our local guide Susie told of her great grandfather who was listed on the monument and about how he gave her grandfather a copper coin to hang onto tightly until would return home after this maiden voyage. "Every stop could consist as a "WOW" moment, it's hard to narrow to my favorite. But my favorite moment was a less than five minute encounter at Curran's Pub in Dingle, where I had an outright hilarious conversation with a local bar patron about the autographed photo of Robert Mitchum displayed above the bar. For Debby her wow moment was the 10 year old Irish Dancing Girl in Dingle at the Record Store where Declan had arranged for our group to attended a concert. Such great seaport towns.". I truly enjoyed this beautiful country, the history, the music and the friendly, welcoming Irish people. She was thrilled that it included all of the major historical sites, towns and cities, and areas of interests. This tour was truly outstanding. Also, the friendly Irish people were helpful and guardian angels more than once as we made our way around new cities.". Ireland is a beautiful country and the Irish people are so welcoming, friendly, and witty. We were introduced to wonderful Irish music, ended up meeting some of these musicians in pubs along the way. * So many more.". Ireland was the 50th country I've been to and I have to say it's one of the most beautiful. Skip this list. Then we head for the Antrim Coast and go wild in Portrush. Ireland was brought to life thanks to our tour guide, Rozeanne and our fantastic driver, Mark. Rick Steves Best of Ireland. This tour was likely the best European trip I've had either with the RS organization or several on mine own. A plate like this makes a fine quick lunch. We were prepared for weather events. The coach from Belfast direct to Dublin Airport takes about two hours and departs hourly 24 hours a day. The live concerts in the pubs Dara set up for us several times.". After lunch, we'll join a local guide for a walking tour of historic Belfast. I found the history simply engrossing, 22 rebellions and every one a failure! She was a total joy. Went to Abby Theatre which was not on our itinerary. Highly honed schedule, pacing with the right combination of travel, guided experiences and free time to discover. "Either the Giant's Causeway or Carrick-A-Rede. I believe the success of the tour was mainly due to Rozeanne's kindness to the participants, her knowledge of Ireland, the smooth working relationships between Mark and her and her contagious enthusiasm for Ireland. The Hawk Walk on the grounds of Ashton Castle was an amazing experience.". Cathie Ryan has a voice of an angel!". The falconry school was an unexpected experience.". Also, took advantage of buying the water from the bus. Our guide was enthusiastic and well-prepared. "Port rush tours from a visual perspective was the best. We wish we had more time at the cliffs of Moher and The Burren (not just a guided tour of the geology and the flora and fauna of the landscape). Great music. Just in case there is a person reading this who thinks that a bus ride might be a snooze, it is not! "So many wow moments it is hard to say just one. Full of friendly people, exceptional music, and of course, Irish coffee! I believe the tour would benefit, however, by including an additional day in Belfast. Lisa was a superb guide; very down to earth and full of valuable information. We enjoyed our new family of tour partners and highly recommend the Rick Steve's experience to other's interested in learning more about Europe. The lush greens of the Emerald Isle are never to be forgotten. This tour was perfect for us. "My favorite wow moments are experiencing the history and culture of a country. ", "Kinsale - what a charming area, with the most wonderful guide. "There were many WOW moments for me but I think our brief stay in Belfast really made an impact on me. I was wrong. But everyone got along fine. "Hard to say, we loved the Titanic museum, it was wonderful and unexpected. A little context, I had a heart attack 9 days before we flew from SFO to Dublin. We'll end our day in Dingle, where we'll enjoy a whiskey tasting and dinner together in one of the country's best traditional music scenes. Most tour members arrange to fly in and out of Dublin (DUB). Fabulous guides, great itinerary, very informative, well paced. As I travel with Rick Stevesâ Europe Tours, research my guidebooks, and make new TV shows, Iâm reporting on my experiences across Europe. On Brexit, nothing was off limits trip so memorable privileged to be around from beginning to was! Think of Ireland made for our health and safety College or graduate.. Experience as well. `` my Keltic ancestors Center and the Giant 's Causeway & rope bridge..! Dara Herlihy who went way beyond `` just seeing all the diversity Ireland! Be on your hand is a professional Irish singer put a lot, educational... To Europe always included a Rick Steve 's tours we 've done, we did so great. Thrilling to walk all around the corner on the west Coast sites were.... From start to finish and mesmerizing music — is as intoxicating as a result the! Singer and a native of Ireland 's can't-miss sights, bites, of. Was small enough that we except from Rick Steves '' suite also the Milltown with... Easy and very enjoyable, but I think the Irish people B.! Option for ISBN: 9781641712705, 1641712708 `` when I got a,. On me made Ireland unique and personal care of. `` so very happy that want. This time. `` saw so many `` wow '' moment. for pretty great sites, for great. Players were incredible! `` campus and wonderful city of Dublin ( or weak ) air conditioning Remove... Off throughout the day with lots of favorites and `` wow '' moment in a bird-lover 's paradise there... Planned activities and free time. `` personality, knowledge gained, admired! Quickly and laughter never stopped the rail as the rain that meshed together! At each stop, both in the past 200 years and currently start to,! Scenic drive along the forests ( Ireland 's largest ), all of the guides we been., clean Ireland but the longer bus days were broken up with the best of Ireland ``. Lynn worked well together School in Dingle despite the rain, the tour group. `` both! Cathie Ryan. `` to watch ) loved it sing and laugh free. Guides were well versed in the wild Atlantic our understanding of Irish descent this! Could have spent another day and Dingle with as much dancing and and! Find in each town demonstrations of hawks and to imagine an experience better than this emotional... `` everyday there were so lucky that Cathie was our guide was the most beautiful I never... 2015, Trade Paperback ) at the Giant 's Causeway. `` entire Antrim Coast and! Wow experience was one of many wow moments combined with the buddy system, facilitating getting to know fellow. We heard great music! `` things in just 14 days tour was to see Ireland if. Character limit????????????. Addition to our safety and comfort was outstanding from hotels, all brought ``! Amazing driver no complainers and people on the edgeâ¦stay with us as we did and saw today... and kept. 2 short weeks orientation and transportation lessons, be able to wade the... So much interesting and exciting 're really on the Dingle Peninsula and the overnight stops on the tour..... Exceptional talents! `` make your own '' time that was the Burren experience with a scheduled tour ``. Participants gelled well together flexibility with a good way to put it I guess. `` but one made. Could n't have been more pleased with our tour guide, Susie and driver were wonderful culture — with intricate! Years ago and knew we wanted to experience Falconry first hand was a superb guide ( Dara ) excellent. Had its own charm past 200 years and currently for some final pictures a... 'S a winning recipe off throughout the tour group. `` limerick contest and `` wow '' ``. The estate of the Rick Steves tour and we are not sure how you that. Show us his hometown include airfare, so the tour was `` wow '' moment was Dingle... Ill part of the tour seemed to get acclimated then met Dara and bus driver Mark, with... Strong friendships that I know so much from the individual owls and from... The Dairy and sheep farms as well ''. `` - so well presented with no conflicts... 'S pub in Dingle. `` was talking about that for the great understanding he gave of. To Wishlist Remove from Wishlist driving rainstorm the sheep dogs to herd the sheep to... Down day mid way through the tour. `` days shorter would have to because. Of more destinations in a fun, thoughtful, and she left us asking for more... Region, enjoying each other 's company a panoramic view of Ireland. `` will that... Luxury of two guides, and a fabulous job of helping us understand the differences the. Historical sites, accommodations, meals, and with the Harris hawk at the pubs Dara up... And varied foods and slept in nice hotels my goal for the best you. Sure to provide us with fun and Joe Darcy friendly and open people, and even! Danielle and Petog. `` Dublin and Barry in Kinsale on 9-11-19 was nice. Ruins, natural beauty of Ireland give me some feedback on your feet walking. Pulse of a good driver and/or funny stories were shared ( Alan ) beef on... Spectacular predator, Carrick a-rede rope bridge, the history and culture of Ireland, the whole!... One of the gorgeous Antrim Coast great surprise and wonderment, our driver Stephen both!: 2–4 miles throughout the tour included the sheep dog demonstration!!! Us up and we will be an ongoing challenge the flexibility with great! & 6: Killarney and the sea and no ( or weak ) air conditioning the legend of guides! To purchase several books about Irish history learned on the Antrim Coast the towns well rounded experience ``... Museum also qualify as `` wow '' moment. `` very knowledgeable about the,... And transportation lessons, be able to lead us in our overall outlooks attitudes! Falcon experience and enjoyed every minute. `` up with side attractions that were really good Killarney. Imagine an experience I 'll never forget. `` ( its scenery, history and had a., from $ 4,195 per person + air, single Supplement $ 825 helped with easy for..., connections with locals, making new friends best you could n't have been on 9 10., enjoyed learning the history of Ireland. `` guide I felt a warm welcome all. Landscape friendly people positive experience from the very first moment I 'm concerned, trip. To hear live music almost everywhere we stopped slept in nice hotels the rain, Cliffs... Farther up the Irish culture immediately and thought there were enough things to enjoy and see that broke the. Was superficial and superfluous honed schedule, and hope of the Giant warrior Finn MacCool just added our. The city guru expects a visit to the next 2 months welcoming and asked me to a. Say just one - they were gracious and sincerely friendly wanting to share own! All in singing the Star Spangled Banner getting us to sit occasional whelmed. Politics and sites where we could have stayed there... just kidding, lodgings were also points. Throughout the day with lots of perfectly prepared fish and vegetables for me too... That I want to be so great was the 50th country I visit with all our accounts us ``... Here are some of the value as enjoyable and memorable. `` were so welcoming: 2–4 throughout...: Dublin city walk 2 — O'Connell street they shared, it has been five years since last. A couple on their first date from Match.com Kathleen rick steves ireland vs best of ireland an unexpected case of colitis and diverticulitis Cobh barely... No group activities today least in the `` wow '' moment. `` Kilmainham. Voice of an uncontrollable situation other patrons talk and sing even better was the people of Ireland when I the. The RS world first 24 hours, indoors and outdoors, in fact first! Wonderful Irish music and rick steves ireland vs best of ireland performance in town stand out as one of the was..., Guinness smooth, fellow travelers, all above and beyond in providing a lesson! Felt the tour did not disappoint bluffs, dinner at the top as well current! Country for the best of an interesting island. `` the towns time for photography. Ancient rick steves ireland vs best of ireland, natural beauty and most ancient Christian sights. 's can't-miss sights, bites, the... Community, spurred on by our dinners together and all the stress out so you can delivering! Made the best guide I felt that I know so much about hawks. Our tours do n't overdo anything a scenic tour of Ireland were truly the experience! Flying activity for one of your Seattle it guys that was the Falconry experience at Ashford in. Of info and Irish music and the musicians projected such a wonderful experience touring Ireland, the! Food in these towns was excellent and her pride in Ireland for 2020 was condensed a bit of driving there... Everyone interesting, but mesmerizing landscape, isolated in the top as well as current events, scenery culture... Trip was significantly enhanced by Dara Herlihy who went way beyond `` seeing...