When our previous travel plans fell through, my parents suggested we all go on a Rick Steves tours instead.  They had been on several previously, though this was my first and I had wanted to go on one for quite a while.  Throughout our time in Ireland, we were consistently surprised at what the locals called "fine weather" with the additional that it was quite unusual to have this long of a stretch without rain and with so much sunshine.  Luck of the Irish, I say! 

 

I will definitely go on another tour as I found this one to be a nice balance of structured and free time to pursue individual interests.