I couldn't have been better-pleased with this trip. It was a perfect blend of travel and staying put, rural and urban, listening and doing, off the beaten track and popular, free time and scheduled activity, home visit and public places. The accommodations were universally comfortable and central and the food was delicious. The local guides were quirky (each in a different way), knowledgeable, funny, and grounded in the local sod. Our leader, Paddy Naughton, was fantastic--easy-going yet firmly in control, passionate about his country, open about his own views and experiences, well-educated and articulate about local and national history, caring and concerned, and always accommodating. The group was great too--we had only 16 in the last trip of the season, and that enabled us to get acquainted and move together relatively easy. Even the weather cooperated for the most part, giving us just enough "Irish mist" to remind us where we were.

Whoever designed this program for Road Scholar is to be commended. Everything is planned to a T--delightful guide, fascinating instructors, comfy and well-located hotels, great food. And Ireland itself is just amazing: gorgeous landscapes and friendly people everywhere we went. What are you waiting for? GO!

Best ever tour of Ireland!!!

We visited Ireland in 2010 with Stephen Delaney as our host and guide. What a delightful young man, full of energy, information and a trove of historical insight. Thanks for providing us with such a quality experience!

Just got back from the 14 day Best of Ireland. It truly was the best. The leader, guides, instructors were knowledgeable, informative, funny, helpful, you name it. Ireland is truly a beautiful country with some really wonderful people. We will definitely go back thanks to our Road Scholar experience.

This experience was well worth the time and money. I was enriched in many ways by the knowledge of the leader and lectures. Ireland's heritage is rich and interesting. A beautiful site to see - Ireland!

The leader, Paddy Naughton, was the best ever. He made the program one of the best we have ever attended! He gave us an understanding of the Irish people and their love of country. He was well organized, passionate about the Irish culture and possessed an indepth knowledge of its history.He was a clear communicator with a lovely sense of humor. He went above and beyond what was expected, making the trip a wonderful experience.

We are just about to finish an absolutely wonderful, incredible two weeks with the Best of Ireland. Stephen Delaney is an incredible guide with an intimate knowledge of Ireland and a great ability to communicate with sense of humor. We really appreciate the small group size of 24. With this small group I now feel like I have 25 new friends, (including Stephen). Having organized trips for a group of 25 in the past, I appreciate the efforts that Road Scholar has put in to make this trip smooth and enjoyable. (They seem to even have control of the weather. Every time we stopped for hikes, or photos the rain would stop). Anyone who wants to read and see photos of our trip is welcome to view our online journal at http://travel.topicwise.com/doc/GeneBarbIreland2011

Outstanding program; well paced and superbly guided by Stephen Delaney. Ireland is wonderful and made all the more wonderful by Stephen. He is without peer.

Did not meet my high expectations. Too much explore on your own time. Good exposure to "authenic Ireland" but too much time in Kilarney and Dublin. Of five international elderhostels I attended I rank this at the bottom.