After a walking trip in SW Ireland, a friend and I will spend four nights in Galway starting July 1, one night in Ennis, and then return home from Shannon July 6. We will not rent a car but plan to take day trips from Galway using public transit, small group tours, or, if necessary, we could hire a driver for a day. (Recommendation for such a person or service would be quite welcome.)
I know that the Wicklow Mountains are usually and sensibly visited as a day trip from Dublin. Is there any way at all to do it as a day trip from Galway?
Not knowing much about the area, I've come up with two ideas and need to know if either is feasible.
1. Take a super early train from Galway to Dublin and link up with one of the group tours leaving from there, returning to Galway on a night train. (I'm assuming I can get a non-stop train early morning and late evening. Is that true?) How far ahead would I have to reserve this?
2. The other idea is to arrange for a driver or guide to meet us in a small town on the train or bus line nearest the park, then have them take us on a tour or hike and return us to the station for a night trip back to Galway.
This is my first trip to Ireland and I would really appreciate any suggestions.
I know that the Wicklow Mountains are usually and sensibly visited as a day trip from Dublin. Is there any way at all to do it as a day trip from Galway?
Not knowing much about the area, I've come up with two ideas and need to know if either is feasible.
1. Take a super early train from Galway to Dublin and link up with one of the group tours leaving from there, returning to Galway on a night train. (I'm assuming I can get a non-stop train early morning and late evening. Is that true?) How far ahead would I have to reserve this?
2. The other idea is to arrange for a driver or guide to meet us in a small town on the train or bus line nearest the park, then have them take us on a tour or hike and return us to the station for a night trip back to Galway.
This is my first trip to Ireland and I would really appreciate any suggestions.
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