Jim, I haven't been on a cycling tour as such, i have been to Ireland and have cycled. Not alot but enough to know that the whole cycling / driving on the left can be un-nerving at best..at worst..REAL dangerous. Sounds cliche but I just can't over-emphasize this FACT.. More than simply "riding on the other side"..EVERYTHING is dif.(difficult AND different). The whole way you'll take turns is unfamiliar. Simply the direction you look in is opposite, a split second hesitation..well.. you can imagine. I was advised this and prevailed upon by my hosts to heed thier warnings, I did.. I found 3 dudes to take some short 20-30 mile rides with. The roads are narrow, the cars speed , NO traffic lights just round-abouts - really scary. In a pack though, MUCH easier and safer. If i'd survived on my own, it would have STILL been too scary to enjoy. LOTS of places to explore..counties kerry..througfh Cork..onto waterford ..to name a few. It's a taal order to find someone with whome you'll be able to share your time-frame. I'd surely focus more on arrangements to participate in tours or such existing there, rather than trying to find a buddy(as unfamiliar with Ireland as you) on this side o' the pond.. great cycling / friendly enviornment indeed. As I've said..I'm not a touring expert..I do know how it is there and I KNOW there are great tours.