Ireland: Driving, Escorted Tour or Private Driver?

(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN

Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?

I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.

The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!

Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!

Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!

Australia

Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.

While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.

And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.

Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.

Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.

Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!     

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Pam MacIntyre

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Discover the Magic of the Irish Countryside

Ireland is Calling—How Should You Travel?

Drive yourself, join an escorted tour, or hire a private driver? Let me break down the pros and cons so you can find the travel style that suits you best.

Driving Yourself

This was our favorite way to explore Ireland. Having the freedom to set your own schedule is incredibly relaxing—perfect for soaking in the lush countryside at your own pace.

We rented a car from Hertz in Dublin, and they made it easy to get on the highway toward Galway. We stopped halfway in Athlone to visit Sean’s Bar, which claims to be the oldest pub in the world—open for over 1100 years! If you’re driving, definitely consider a quick pint here. It’s a great example of how self-driving lets you customize your trip to your interests.

We stayed in a cozy B&B in Galway and, still a bit jetlagged, decided to take it slow—grab a bite, take a nap—and then enjoyed the Cliffs of Moher refreshed and ready.

Thinking about self-driving? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Cars in Ireland are often smaller than what you might be used to.


• Roads can be narrow and may not have shoulders.


• You might want a GPS or a navigator to help out.


• Remember, you’ll be driving on the left side, with the driver’s seat on the right. We only accidentally went on the wrong side twice, and both times it was easy to correct since there was no traffic.


• We usually plan itineraries to avoid driving in Dublin or other busy cities like Belfast—they can be a bit hectic. If you choose self-driving, I’ll help you navigate these details.

Escorted Tours

Escorted tours have come a long way since I first started in the industry 25+ years ago. They’ve evolved from feeling like “school field trips” into carefully curated, tailored experiences.

Tours tend to be a bit easier on the budget compared to independent travel, and there’s something for everyone—whether you’re into wellness, food, or more active adventures. There are plenty of excellent companies and itineraries to pick from, making escorted tours a great value.

Be sure to review the itinerary closely to make sure it hits the spots you want to see. If there are activities you’d rather skip, many tours offer free time or alternatives—you can always ask me during planning, and I’ll check what’s possible.

One of the best parts? You’ll likely see and do more than you could on your own.

Private Driver

If you want to kick back and soak in the scenery without the stress of navigating or driving on the left, hiring a private driver is a fantastic option.

Your driver is usually a local expert, full of fascinating stories and history that add a rich layer to your journey. You get to completely customize your itinerary, set your own pace, and focus on what you love most.

One client joked that having a driver meant she could enjoy as many Black and Blacks or whiskey shots as she wanted—no worries about who’s driving home! That’s the kind of freedom a chauffeur experience can offer.

So there you have it—a quick guide to the different ways to travel Ireland. Ready to discover this enchanting country? I’m here to help make your trip unforgettable.

Would you like me to help tailor your Ireland adventure? Just say the word!