Independently Ireland

Ireland, with its lively cities, expansive green countryside, and friendly people, is an ideal destination for a honeymoon. What's more: the "Emerald Isle" can be surprisingly affordable. Whether you spend a week enjoying the culture and nightlife of Dublin or venture out to Ireland's small towns and villages, Ireland's variety of fly-drive packages offer something for you.

Affordable Fly-Drives

A number of international tour operators, such as Irish Tourism.com and Lynott Tours, offer so-called "fly-drive" packages, which combine a car rental with accommodations and taxes. Travelers pick up their car at the airport or ferry terminal, make the first night's accommodation reservation in advance, and then explore the country on their own, reserving subsequent nights' lodging as they go along. This method affords honeymooners the benefits of group pricing and the flexibility of independent travel. There's no set tour or itinerary; you choose when to go and how long and where to stay.

Bed and Breakfasts, Castles, and More

Travelers using one of these fly-drive packages receive vouchers good in exchange for their nightly accommodations. You choose the category of hotel when you book your package. Choices include deluxe hotels, historic castles, and bed and breakfast inns. The nightly charge includes all of the VAT taxes and service charges as well as a full Irish breakfast.

Getting to Ireland

Discounted, group airfares are offered in conjunction with the fly-drive packages. Often, especially during the peak summer months, these fares represent a substantial savings over the regularly published airfares. During the off-peak winter months, periodic airline specials may beat the tour airfares.

Extras

Many fly-drive packages include sightseeing or tour extras. For instance the Lynott Tours packages include two-for-one admission coupons to Blarney Castle (pictured above), Bunratty Castle, Dublin's Book of Kells, and 82 other Ireland attractions. You can also rent an Irish cell phone for use during your stay, so that you can keep in touch with your friends and family back home even when you don't know in advance where you'll be staying.

Sightseeing in Ireland

A typical Ireland sightseeing itinerary starts in either Dublin or Shannon and works its way around the southern coast. Highlights include theater, the pubs, Trinity University, and shopping in Dublin; picturesque Waterford, home to the world-famous crystal producer; and the Ring of Kerry, a particularly scenic portion of the craggy southern Irish shoreline.

No matter where you choose to venture within Ireland, you're sure to enjoy the ease of choosing your itinerary as you go and exploring this beautiful country all on your own.

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