Ireland driver-guide

My wife and I took an excellent “Splendor of Ireland” tour with Harp & Shamrock Tours, June 7-19, ’05. (We opted for a 4-day extension, and our actual return was on June 23 because Aer Lingus had a mechanical problem that caused us to remain in Ireland a fifth day.)

Aidan Murray, the driver and tour guide, specializes in small-group tours of six to 10 people in a 14-passenger Mercedes bus. He has 24 years of Ireland tour experience.

He selected an array of intimate accommodations where the included evening meal selections were a special treat. We noted that in almost every location there were at least as many nonresident locals dining there as there were hotel guests.

Aidan’s regular itinerary covers the entire country, including three nights in the northern County Donegal. His small bus can travel on a number of Irish roads that the larger buses cannot enter. This tour is especially well suited to small family gatherings. If you are interested in tracing your roots, Aidan can be most helpful.

The 2005 land tour price was $2,495 and was excellent value.

The U.S. agent for Harp & Shamrock Tours (visit www.harpandshamrocktours.com) is Barry Nash of Nash Travel Tours (23 James St., Danielson, CT 06239; phone 800/227-2577).

SCOTT PINCKNEY

Fairfax, VA