you could try give this crowd a call

Paddywagon Tours

5 Beresford pl 1 Co. Dublin

0035318230822 or

Paddywagon Tours

17 Westmoreland st 2 Co. Dublin

0035316726007

im not sure of there itinery but they are on the scene quiet a while

Someone from AAA travel can help, if you're members.

CIE are very established at doing US to Ireland/UK group tours.

Simply search 'cie tours'.

You'll only get a taste of the isle if you go all those places in just one week but maybe you'll get a better idea where exactly you'd prefer to spend more time, the next time.

It is a good idea to join a tour group as long as you are prepared to abide by daily schedules.

well beans, i am not so sure a tour would do for you...the average age on a tour is well past the 20's, by about 3-4 decades...and on these tours you only get a snippet of the places they take you to...there is a lot of behind time, and very little free time for you to wander around....and the old village visiting you would do is in the evenings and other than pubs most things will be closed....i don't think a tour would suit you two at all.....

the folks on here can give you tons of recommendations to the places you have listed and you can rent a car, book your own b&bs a lot cheaper than paying for a bus tour.....

you will make friends in the pubs for sure, hear some good music, etc.....

let us know if we can help.....you will get the best advice in the entire world on here....

Thank you all for your tips and advice! I think after reading posts and looking at info on motorcoach/planned tours...we'll pass! We are now excited about renting a car and doing it on our own...with the forum's help, of course. Expect another post requesting advice soon...

Many, many thanks!