Ponytrax, I think you mean that you don't want to be cocooned in a tourist bus or a guided tour and Ireland is possibly one of the best places to throw off these shackles because its small and nowhere is very far from anywhere else. So hire a car, drive wherever the mood takes you and ask local people but try not to patronise them. If you find the roads different to those of USA, remember if you prefer freeways go to LA, if you love sunshine on tap go to Spain, if rainy,drizzling days get you down remember that's what pubs are for. Remember above all, Ireland is home to about 5 million people (North and South combined), they are not all in the tourism business and can sometimes get a bit weary of what are to them the same old remarks about how 'quaint' everything is. Give people a chance to get to know you a little before you look for instant connections. Look for the meanings and the reasons for those things that appear strange to you, thats how you find the essence of a nation. Enjoy your trip ponytrex.