Anytime is a good time to visit Ireland. Since the temperate climate ensures moderate temperatures all year long, the main issue for most tourists is cost. Hitchhiking in Ireland is legal and free but has obvious risks. The commonly used forms of transportation for touring Ireland are cars, trains, buses and bikes. The difference in cost between these forms of transportation is vast but finding the cheapest options is easy. Students and older persons should always carry identification to ensure they receive maximum discounts. Travelers need to bear in mind that seasonal adjustments in pricing are common.
One of the most common methods used to tour Ireland is a bus tour. These can be done by group or individually. The national bus tour operator is Coras Iompair Eireann (universally called the CIE). These tours can include meals, accommodations and a complete sight-seeing agenda. CIE offers many kinds of tours so that tourists can custom their travels based on their budgets. These tours can be an inexpensive way to see much of the county in a structured manner, at a set price.
CIE Tours International, Inc.
10 Park Place, Suite 510
PO Box 1965
Morristown NJ 07962-1965
Phone:1-800-CIE-TOUR or 973-292-3899
Email: helpdesk@cietours.com
If less structure is desired, a private bus tour is a better choice and is also cheaper. Bernard Kavanagh & Sons, Ltd is Ireland's biggest private bus tour company and offers very inexpensive ways to tour the country. Accommodations and meals are not included in the cost but knowledgeable drivers and staff can recommend low cost hotels and hostels, as well as restaurants and nearby attractions. These kinds of tours can be one quarter of the cost of an all-inclusive alternative. Bernard Kavanagh & Sons Ltd can be contacted here:
BERNARD KAVANAGH & SONS LTD.,
Bridge Garage,
Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny. Ireland.
Phone: +353-56-8831189 / 8831230 / 8838833
Email:info@bkavcoaches.com
Car rentals
Cars are generally the most expensive way to get around Ireland due to the cost of gas and the expense of cars in general. But cheap deals can be found with a little comparison shopping. Budget Car Rental Ireland is one of the better options for those with a limited budget. Small, economy cars are available at a very low cost (excluding taxes and insurance). For smaller groups or individuals, this can be the easiest way to tour the country at a low price. Budget Car Rental Ireland can be reached at
Budget Car Rental Ireland, Athlone Road, Roscommon, Ireland
Phone: +353-9066-27711
email: reservations@budget.ie
Train tours
Trains are a cheaper alternative to cars. Train passes can be bought by the day, week or month and tourists have the option of traveling when and where they please. Trains and train stations are nationwide and also provide an excellent way to view Ireland’s urban and rural areas free of charge. Meals and snacks are offered on board. Irish Rail runs the train transportation of Ireland and offer ongoing specials including tours. For bookings, tour information, prices and scheduling, they can be contacted here :
www.irishrail.ie
For the more adventurous and budget conscious, touring Ireland by bike is by far the cheapest option. Tours by bike are common in Ireland although the rainy weather may cause discomfort for some. All inclusive custom and group tours are available that include tour guides, accommodations, structured sight-seeing and pick up and drop off at airports, but these are more costly that individual tours. Individual and limited guidance tours are also available but tourists are on their own in terms of meals, accommodations and activities Staff can offer recommendations on low cost places to stay and eat. Cheaper, individual tours are generally recommended for more experienced bikers.
For more information on bike tours in Ireland, Iron Donkey is a good bet for cheap deals:
Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring
15 Ballyknockan Rd
Saintfield
Co Down
Northern Ireland
BT24 7HQ
Phone:From the US/Canada 011-44-2890-813200
email:info@irondonkey.com
