Posted by PAT on January 28, 2003 at 11:41:54:
In Reply to: Paddywagon Tour posted by Kendra on January 27, 2003 at 23:20:47:
: Hi Pat: My daughter is studying abroad in London this semester. My mother (59), my 2nd college-aged daughter and I are planning a trip to London March 26-April 8. We are exploring the idea of a few days in some part of Ireland, especially since the air fares are so reasonable. We have been checking out web sites of various tour companies that the study abroad programme director recommended to the students and were interested to hear any thoughts you had about such a tour. We have with great interest been looking at a 3 day South tour that Paddywagon tours offers. I might add that this is the first time abroad for all of us and we also plan a weekend in Paris. We realize that we are trying to fit too much into this short amount of time, but this is the opportunity of a lifetime for us and we want to make the most of it. Do you think this tour is worthwhile or would we be better off trying to rent a car and do it on our own. Thanks. Kendra
Dear Kendra,
The Paddywagon Tour that you are looking at is geared to backbackers, staying in hostels (as in dormitory sleeping arrangements). If you are doing it on a tight budget, this might be what you want, at least for your college age daughter. The other problem that I see is that it is a 3-day/2night tour covering an enormous amount of territory (Dublin to Killarney and up to Galway and back to Dublin and many stops along the way). You will be in the bus almost continuously, with no chance to enjoy any of the places you are going to. It is fine if you are a college student, but I would certainly think twice about it -- if this is your first time abroad and it's to be considered "an opportunity of a lifetime," why rough it and rush it?
It would seem that you and your mother should be looking at something a little more luxurious such as CIE's 4-day Taste of Ireland. It covers roughly the same places but at a much more relaxed and enjoyable pace and stays in superior and first class hotels, with all breakfasts and dinners provided.
Alternatively, if you can't spare the 4 days, then I would recommend that you just fly to Dublin and base yourself at a good hotel downtown for 3 days, enjoy Dublin and and take daytrips (Wicklow, Kilkenny, Boyne Valley etc).
Hope this helps,
PAT