Ireland Advice for seniors

[CrazyLucky]

My dad's heritage is Irish and he always wanted to visit Ireland, but couldn't afford it.  By the time I was financially secure enough to take or send him, my mom's health failed, and there is no way he was going to leave her for a week.  Mom passed last June, and Dad turns 80 this year, so this is the year.  I am going to take him for a one week trip.  DH and I went to Ireland, so I know it's going to be a lot of walking.  He's in great shape for 79, but still... he's 79.  Would you do a totally independent tour, just him and me; a tour group, where the itinerary is pre-determined and neither of us has to drive; a tour group that is geared towards seniors?  I'm not sure I'd have as much fun on a senior trip, but honestly, this trip is all about him.  I ask him what he wants to do or where he wants to go, and he's just overwhelmed, so I'm trying to reduce the choices for him.  I'll appreciate any input you have for me. 

[mrsd2006]

I'd probably look into an organized tour where the transportation is provided for. We did a week driving in Ireland, I wouldn't have made it trying to drive there lol. Luckily DH managed to not kill us.
Do you know where you want to visit? I'd figure that out first, and then try to find a tour that covers most of what you want to see.

[wise_rita]

Analysis Paralysis is a very real thing when it comes to trip planning!

With 1 week you won't have much time to travel too far. I'd start by looking at the itineraries of various tours just to see what the main attractions/locations are. Blogs (Pinterest!), travel books (library!) and message boards can help you pinpoint what is available, so your dad can decide on his priorities...or you decide for him if he can't commit.

What airport will you realistically be flying into? That will help you figure out how far you can go from your start/end point. Maybe you could fly into and out of different airports on a multi-city ticket, which could help you cover more ground without backtracking.

Don't write off organized tours. They take a lot of the hassle out of traveling, so might be the most efficient way of doing this.

[jamaicam]

My parents are pretty good and experienced travellers, but at 76 and 72, they have now started to use organised tours to some places. They will go on their own with family or if it is somewhere they are comfortable with, but use them other places. This summer they are doing one to Cornwall (because apparently parking there is awful in the summer) and South Africa (because they want to see a lot and are more comfortable with others dealing with the arrangements).

All of that is to say that organised tours can be great! But I would agree not todo one that is focused on seniors if you are with him and he is fit.

[gardengal]

Do you have any details on what his dream Irish vacation is?

Like, if he wants to visit the town/county his ancestors came from, a tour might not work unless it’s touristy.

My neighbors cancelled their 2020 spring break to Ireland but I know it was a heritage trip for them too & they had contacted a local to drive them around. If you like, I could ask for details but something like that might be best of both worlds?

[CrazyLucky]

Thanks. Part of the trouble with my dad is he never says what he wants. "Do you want chocolate ice cram or vanilla?" "Yes." I'm sure he's just trying to be easy, but it would be easier if he would state his opinion.
He did go out and get his passport photos, so that's step one. Next is figuring out what time of year and then major attractions. I think a tour group might be better for me, but I'm not sure for him. He's the guy that reads every single plaque, and so if we're on a tight schedule, he might miss some things. Anyway, I appreciate the advice and suggestions. I'm sure we'll have a blast.

[tacokick]

We went to London and Bath for my FIL’s 80th and he got around fine. We didn’t do any hiking with him but general travel was NBD. We did public transport or walked everywhere.

Does he do any travel? What’s his day to day life like? My ILs are pretty seasoned travelers and from NYC so used to walking/navigating public transit so that I’m sure helped.

If it was me, I’d think of what you’d want to do that he might also have an interest in and go from there. Give him limited choices so it isn’t overwhelming.


Members of my weaving guild who are all 80 or just about and recently did a regular textile, farm and art tour of Scotland and loved it. I don’t know if you’d want a senior tour if you are going with him. Maybe find one that built around an interest you might share?