We did a driving tour of Ireland 3 years ago, on the ground it is a lot larger than we thought! We had a great time on our own, stayed in B & B's. Very nice people. One day driving on a small lane in the south the low pressure tire light came on. We came to a small hamlet and asked for a garage in a little convenience store and the gal at the counter said her brother had a garage down the road. So we went and he put the Renault up on the lift, plugged the flat and we were on our way for 10 Euros. That's nice folks! Loved the place.
It sounds like you have a great trip already planned. Just remember to drive on the left side of the road. Pay attention on your first roundabout! (do not enter the roundabout on the right!!)
