Planning Your Ireland Itinerary: Should You Do It Yourself, Use a Travel Agency, or Go Hybrid?

When it comes to planning a trip, there are endless options: do it all yourself, book through a travel agency, or go for a hybrid approach. It’s a debate that’s been going on among my friends, and honestly, I’m a DIY kind of traveler. I like to have control over my flights, my accommodations, and my itinerary. But, as with any debate, there are pros and cons to each approach. So, let's dive into the pros and cons of planning your own itinerary vs. using a travel agency and how I ended up creating the perfect itinerary for my trip to Ireland.

Flying toward our next great adventure!

Why I Prefer Planning My Own Ireland and Edinburgh Itinerary

I’m all about freedom and flexibility, especially when it comes to my travel. When I plan my own trip, I have full control over the details. From booking the flights to choosing the exact accommodations and activities, the ability to customize everything to my personal preferences is a huge plus. Plus, it can be more cost-effective.

For my Ireland and Edinburgh trip, I decided to take the DIY route, and here’s why:

Cost Savings

By handling everything myself, I was able to take advantage of rewards programs, discounts, and points. I used Booking.com for accommodations, and by combining my Hilton Rewards, Booking.com rewards, and Capital One points, I saved a considerable amount of money. Even the flights by shopping around and using the right credit card became much more affordable than booking through a travel agency.

Personalized Experience

Ireland is full of diverse landscapes, history, and activities. I knew we’d want to explore more than just the typical tourist spots, so plan your own Ireland itinerary to focus on what really matters. Plus, by staying in Dublin for a couple of days and renting a farmhouse near The Sea of the Fethered, we had a perfect blend of city exploration and peaceful countryside relaxation.

Flexibility and Freedom

When you book your own trip, the sky’s the limit. Ireland has so much to offer castles, coastal views, lakes, national parks, and charming small towns. By planning on my own, I could choose exactly where to go and when. You can rent an Airbnb, book a castle stay, or use the Heritage Pass to visit historic sites. You can go kayaking, rent boats, explore the countryside by car, or take the train to discover hidden gems.

What About Using a Travel Agency?

Some people swear by booking everything through a travel agency. They like the idea of a stress-free vacation where they simply pack and go, leaving all the details to someone else. And there’s no denying that using a travel agency can be convenient and save time. Here's what you get when you book with a travel agent:

Stress-Free Experience

With a travel agency, everything is handled for you: flights, accommodations, transfers, and often even tours. You don’t need to spend time researching hotels or activities everything is taken care of. You simply show up and enjoy the vacation. This works well for those who don’t want to deal with the nitty-gritty details.

Set Itinerary

While flexibility is great, some people prefer having everything planned out for them, especially if they’re short on time or want a hassle-free experience. Agencies often create structured itineraries with everything mapped out, so you don’t need to worry about figuring out what to do or where to go.

Guided Tours

For those who prefer a guided experience, travel agencies often include tours with knowledgeable guides. This is great if you want more historical context, insights, and the convenience of not having to drive or navigate on your own.

The Hybrid Approach: A Little of Both

Of course, there’s always the middle ground. Some people choose a hybrid approach, where they book the basics through a travel agency like flights and certain accommodations but take control over the rest of their trip, such as activities and specific destinations. It’s a great way to have some flexibility while still getting the structure and convenience of a travel agency.

Here we are, ready to make memories.

Creating My Perfect Itinerary for Ireland: A DIY Adventure

After weighing the pros and cons, I opted for DIY travel planning for my trip to Ireland, and I loved it. Here’s how I put everything together:

Day 1-2: Dublin

We started in Dublin for two days, which gave us time to adjust to the time zone and explore the city's iconic landmarks. From Trinity College and The Guinness Storehouse to wandering around the Temple Bar district, Dublin was the perfect place to start our adventure.

Day 3-4: Farmhouse in The Sea of the Fethered

Instead of moving from hotel to hotel, I wanted a place where we could truly unwind. We rented a farmhouse near the Sea of the Fethered, about a five-minute drive from the town center. This gave us a peaceful base where we could relax, cook meals, and take day trips to nearby historic sites and castles.

With our farmhouse as a home base, we spent the day exploring Ireland’s countryside. We hopped in the car and drove through rolling green hills, stopping by small villages, ancient castles, and coastal views. We used the Heritage Pass to visit some of Ireland’s most famous historic sites, including Kilkenny Castle.

Day 5-6 Next, we flew to Edinburgh, Scotland, for an overnight stay. Edinburgh is a stunning city filled with rich history and beautiful architecture. We toured Edinburgh Castle, wandered down the historic Royal Mile, and enjoyed the medieval charm of this iconic city. The castle views alone were worth the trip! We stayed at a local hotel in the city center, allowing us to explore more of Edinburgh's fascinating sites in a short period of time.

Day 7-9 Back to the farmhouse and exploring Ireland's countryside.

Day 9-10: Dublin for One Last Day

We headed back to Dublin for our final day to relax before our flight. We stayed near the airport to be close for our departure, but we still had time to enjoy a casual stroll through the Phoenix Park and grab some last-minute souvenirs.

Smiles and stories of the memories of a great adventure

Final Thoughts: Dreaming, Exploring, and Finding Balance

This trip to Ireland and Edinburgh has been a dream of mine for years. From the moment I started reading about castles, ancient landmarks, and the rolling green hills of Ireland as a teenager, I knew one day I would stand there, soaking it all in. The excitement of finally being there was everything I imagined but reality, as it always does, brought its own challenges.

As much as I wanted to explore every corner of Ireland, I also had to accept that my body doesn’t always cooperate in the ways I’d like. The fact is, there are days when I’m not physically able to go as far, stay as long, or do as much as my mind wants. And that’s okay.

What made this trip perfect for me was the balance. I was able to explore the beautiful sites, marvel at castles, and take in the breathtaking landscapes, but I also made sure to build in downtime. After long days of sightseeing, it was so refreshing to return to our farmhouse in The Sea of the Fethered. I was able to relax, spend quality time with my best friend and two sons, watch TV, play cards, and share stories. Those moments of laughter and connection were just as valuable as any of the sightseeing we did.

Planning the trip myself gave me the flexibility to take my health into account. If someone else had planned it for us, I’m sure they would have had us on a tight schedule, cramming in all the must-see attractions, without understanding that sometimes, rest is just as important as the adventure itself. I didn’t want a trip where I had to push through fatigue or discomfort. Instead, I wanted a vacation that worked for me, even with my physical limitations.

I got to live my dream vacation not despite my limitations, but with them. I was able to choose where I wanted to go, how long I wanted to stay, and when I needed to rest. That flexibility gave me the freedom to enjoy every moment and appreciate every experience without feeling like I was compromising.

Ultimately, the joy of this trip wasn’t just in the places we visited or the activities we did it was in creating an experience that was uniquely mine, one that allowed for both adventure and relaxation, exploring and resting, laughter and discovery.

Explore More. Where to Look for Travel Ideas

The world is full of adventures, and you don’t have to travel far to experience them.

Here are some ideas to get you off your devices and exploring in your own backyard:

• Explore Your Local Parks: Whether it's a nature reserve, botanical garden, or national park, spending a day hiking, birdwatching, or just enjoying the outdoors can be incredibly refreshing.

• Visit Local Historical Sites: Often, we overlook the history right in our own towns. Check out local museums, monuments, or even old buildings that tell the story of your area.

• Take a One-Day Road Trip: Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. Jump in the car, pick a nearby town you’ve never explored, and spend the day discovering its hidden gems.

• Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding: If you live near a lake or river, renting a kayak or paddleboard for the day is a great way to get active and see your surroundings from a different perspective.

• Join a Local Tour: Check out local walking tours, ghost tours, or bike tours to get a fresh take on your own city or nearby town.

If you’re looking for something more, consider taking a weekend trip to a nearby destination you’ve always wanted to explore. Sometimes a quick getaway is all it takes to refresh your spirit and spark new adventures.