Best of Ireland 2025

Welcome to Robert and Debbie Newcombe's web scrapbook of our trip to Ireland in May 2025. We had been wanting to go to Ireland for years since we both have ancestors who moved to America from Ireland, Robert's during the potato famine and Debbie’s much earlier. Before leaving we hired a genealogist to try to find living relatives but had no luck. Nevertheless, there were moments during this trip that got to me (Robert) emotionally more than I expected, especially in regard to the suffering my ancestors must have endured during the famine and crossing.

 

We chose the Rick Steves Best of Ireland (in 14 days) tour because we have very much enjoyed the previous seven RS tours we’ve taken. They also offer a Heart of Ireland (in 7 days) tour that includes different towns. So we added days before (Pre Tour) and after (Dublin Post Tour) in an attempt to see “everything.” 
 

I’m creating this scrapbook with three audiences in mind:

1) Debbie and Me! We want to remember this trip. That means there are a lot of details you might not care about so just click on the photos in each section to see the slide shows.

2) For Family and friends who might be interested. (See above.)

3) Rick Steves travelers who are considering (or have already booked) this tour; for you I’ll add tips specifically related to the tour.

Pre Tour
Dublin
Kinsale
Dingle
Galway
Westport
Antrim Coast
Belfast
Dublin Post Tour
Tips for Rick Steves Travelers