Travel Review: Ireland Family Vacation, Culture & History, Beaches

As wonderful as all of the fabulous hotels, breathtaking sights and sensational dinners were, our driver was easily the best feature of our vacation.  He was courteous, cheerful, always early, always available, and genuinely devoted to providing us the best tour of Ireland possible.   He went over the next day's schedule with me every evening and without asking, he confirmed all dinner and activity reservations.  He was innately able to recognize the needs and preferences of all members of my family, (which includes my 8 year old daughter and my 80 year old mother) and customize  transportation, rest stops and even activities and meals such that preferences and limitations of all were addressed.  A typical example would be when he suggested that he would sit in the shade and entertain my mother for an hour with aspects of Irish literary history while the rest of the family enjoyed a hike down to swim at one of the many Slea Head beaches.  During driving he described Irish history in great detail, and in doing so, he tremendously embellished our appreciation of the landscape and the culture.  He also provided interesting and informative commentary regarding incidental sights that we came across while driving -even teaching us some Gaelic!

Our driver had the knowledge to take us to areas and activities that tour groups do not commonly come across, as well as to avoid certain locations which he knew to be too crowded for enjoyment, or simply not worth the time.

I cannot emphasize enough what an asset it was to have this driver along on our trip.  It truly would never have been even close to the same experience without him.