The best way to tour Ireland without a car is to join a fully guided small-group tour.
On a Vagabond or Driftwood tour, you travel in a dedicated tour vehicle with a local VagaGuide. The driving, route planning and day-to-day touring logistics are handled for you, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery, stories and experiences along the way.
Vagabond and Driftwood tours are capped at a maximum of 15 guests. This allows your VagaGuide to get to know the group, answer questions and adapt the experience where conditions and the itinerary allow. Smaller tour vehicles can also reach roads and locations that may be less practical for larger coaches.
It is possible to travel around Ireland independently without hiring a car. The right transport option depends on the places you plan to visit, the amount of time available and how much planning you are comfortable doing.
| Option | Best For | Main Consideration |
| Small-group tour | Getting off the beaten track and seeing the best of Ireland | No planning and a stress free way of seeing Ireland |
| Train | Travel between connected cities and towns | Many rural attractions are not directly accessible by rail |
| Public Bus | Reaching a wider range of towns and villages | Timetables, connections and service frequency require planning |
| Taxi | Airports and shorter local transfers | Expensive and not generally practical for touring Ireland over several days |
Learn more about our small group tours of Ireland
