Ireland

[mom_to_zoe]

DH and I are considering traveling to Ireland next summer with our daughter who will be almost three at that time. Because of our daughter, and our own interests, we are mostly interested in the countryside, and outdoor activities, including some archeological sites. I was thinking I would like to rent a little house or cottage for a week and then maybe do a few days in Dublin.

I would love to hear about anyone's trips to Ireland, favorite sights and areas as well as any experience either (1) traveling with kids or (2) renting a house. TIA!

[ejs]

I love Ireland!! It's so beautiful and the people are incredibly friendly.

The Blarney Castle grounds are gorgeous. Your DD could walk around the castle, but she couldn't manage the climb up to the different levels.

There is a little town called Cobh is southern Ireland. It's where the ships heading to America departed from. It's very cute.

We loved the Dingle Peninsula, especially the town of Dingle. It's on a harbor and has great restaurants and lots of cute shops.

My absolute favorite place was the Cliffs of Mohr. They are these amazing cliffs on the water and you can hang your head over and look down at the water. It's breathtaking!

One thing about Ireland, there is a lot of smoking in the pubs and restaurants. So be prepared for that.

[emmjay]

I agree completely about the Cliffs of Mohr. That is one of my favorite places in Ireland. I also love the Aran Islands - I think they are worth more than a day trip, and they are in the same basic area as Doolin and the Cliffs of Mohr. Another gorgeous area is County Mayo, but there isn't a lot in terms of activities there. Northern Ireland is really nice as well, especially Derry and the area around Giant's Causeway.

They (thankfully) outlawed smoking in pubs/restaurants last year so you don't need to worry about the smoke anymore. It was weird going from the Rep. of Ireland into Northern Ireland - we had gotten used to not dealing with the smoke, and then we crossed over and there was smoke everywhere!

[ejs]

emmjay, thanks for the update on smoking! It's been a few years since we were there. I'm glad that's changed. It did take a bit to get used to.

[emmjay]

I was so glad they changed it too! Nothing like having to wash your hair at midnight to get the smoke smell out of it.

For renting a house, maybe you could look at Dublin Craigslist (http://dublin.craigslist.org/vac/), or whatever the main newspaper in Dublin is (I think the Dublin Post?). There is also a site called Escape Artist (http://www.escapeartist.com) that mostly deals in buying and selling real estate, but they also have vacation rental listings.

I think Ireland is a great place to go with kids!

[HeatherFL]

I agree with the others! Ireland is wonderful and you will have a fabulous time. :) The people truly are friendly. And when you stop to ask for directions you can end up having a half hour conversation!

When I had heard about them outlawing smoking in the pubs I declared I would go back. It was pretty heavy smoke and in some places they didn't even know what "non-smoking section" meant.

We were there for the Dublin Marathon and mostly stayed in Dublin and then took trips into Kilkenny, Wicklow County (PowersCourt Gardens) and also went north into Galway and other parts of the country. I actually have a day by day breakdown of our trip somewhere around here. I'll see if I can find it.

~H.

[Rosebud]

I've been looking around at Ireland info online because we're hoping to go in the next year or two. We are thinking about renting a house in the west of Ireland. I came across this website and they had some nice rentals. Passing it along for you:

http://www.shamrock-cottages.co.uk/

I would probably also check out the message boards at www.fodors.com and get some feedback on rentals there. The people on that board always have good info, I've found.

[tinkerbelljenny]

They (thankfully) outlawed smoking in pubs/restaurants last year so you don't need to worry about the smoke anymore

We went to Ireland in 2001 and I am extremely allergic to smoke and it was really hard because everywhere we went even on the bus and train trips, people smoked. We also went when there was the outbreak of foot and mouth disease so farmers had to burn "things" in the field. I won't go into detail. Any ways, I am so excited that there will be less smoke and we can't wait to return one day. We spent most of our time in Dublin. We took the high speed ferry over to Dun Laoghaire from Holyhead, England. I totally recommend this if you have time. It is like a mini cruise ship. It has restaurants, shows movies, has kids acitivies, and it even has a place to shop! We stayed in a B&B in Dublin. One of my favorite places to visit was the Guinness Factory, at the end of the tour, you get a pint of beer and for the little ones they have juice or water (for miss zoe). The view is amazing from the top of the building. We also took a bus and train trip to a tiny town where you can see them make wool sweaters, it was kind of neat and educational to see. I can't remember the name. I will be back when I find my notes.

[ejs]

Oh! One more thing that I thought was really cool: the Waterford factory. You get to see the glass being blown, the pieces being made and being etched. It's amazing how close you can get to the work being done. They would never allow that in the US.

You can buy pieces there and they'll ship them to your home so you don't have to lug them around.

[gina73]

My husband and I went to Ireland last year for about 10 days and had the best time. We stayed 2 nights in Dublin, then rented a car and drove around the southern coast, staying in B&B's along the way in Tramore (with a stop at the Waterford Factory), Kinsale (with a stop in Cobh - the last port of call for the Titanic!), then Dingle (by way of a tour of the Ring of Kerry), Doolin (where we stayed after seeing the Cliffs of Mohr - in the BEST B&B I've ever stayed in), Spiddal (but spent most of the day in Galway), and then splurged by staying in Dromoland Castle just outside of Shannon. I made a little blog for my family with a whole recap and TONS of pictures - let me know if you want me to send you the link.

The country side IS beautiful. The Cliffs are breathtaking - pictures just don't do it justice. We also really liked Dublin - all of the shops, pubs, museums, churches - and just walking around you get a feel for the city. Everyone was really nice to us too. Oh, and in Limerick there's the Bunratty Castle, which is set up like a little mock-village, complete with a petting zoo-type of thing.

I would just warn you about the driving, which can be a little nervewracking at first. Everyone is right about the smoking ban - it's prohibited anywhere in Ireland. Let me know if you want any more info!

[singerwife]

I second the Dingle penninsula! It's one of my favorite places in the world! I also agree with the Cliffs of Mohr recommendation.

Don't be intimidated by driving...it's not hard at all! I don't know much about house rentals, as we stayed mostly in B&Bs, but the western coast is AMAZING.

Have fun!

[BSBC]

My husband and I were in Ireland in 2003 for a wedding. Due to the wedding and the fact that we were traveling on to London, we spent our time in the Western part of Ireland. Galway was great. Also, as ejs recommended, the Dingle Peninsula is a lot of fun.

Except for the evening of our friends' wedding, we spent every evening at a bed and breakfast. We loved all of the B&Bs we stayed in except for one in Westport (which was near the rehearsal dinner site). I was a little nervous about staying in the B&Bs, but we found them charming.

If you happen to make it up to the north-western part of the country and you are looking to splurge on a hotel room, definitely stay at the Ashford Castle. Our friends' wedding reception was here and it was fabulous. Most US Presidents who visit Ireland end up staying here and I think Pierce Bronson's wedding reception was also held here. It is a 5-star hotel, but not nearly as expensive as 5-star hotels here in the US. Here is a link to the hotel's Web site: http://www.ashford.ie/welcome.htm.

We thought the food in Ireland was really good. We got hooked on Club Orange soda and we loved the potato chips and sweets that are sold throughout the country. We even had Chinese Food one night and it was pretty good.

Driving in the country is easy and the people are really charming. I would love to move to Ireland.

Have fun with your trip!

[funky$meg]

For those of who went, did everyone get around by car?
Is the public transportation cheap & reliable in bigger cities like Dublin?

Thanks
-Meg

[emmjay]

I have used bus, car and train to get around. The bus system seems to be pretty extensive and the buses are really nice for longer trips. I think the city buses are fine (I last took the Dublin city bus in 1990 so it's probably better since then!).

[BSBC]

We had a rental car. Due to DH's height (he's 6' 2") we rented a midsize car and ended up with a Volvo S40. We also specified an automatic. I'm glad we had an automatic and a larger car, since we had a fair amount of luggage. However, if you either don't have a lot of luggage and/or you're staying in one location, you might want to consider the smallest cars. Some of the roads are really narrow.

It was pretty easy to drive around Ireland. The only difference between the US and Ireland is lack of National Highways. The Western part of Ireland does not have that many national highways. So it does take longer to get from point A to point B than it would here in the US.

[ejs]

We rented a car. DH drove the whole time and never had a problem. It was great because we could stop whenever we wanted to; it was nice to set our schedule ourselves.

To those of you who have said you'd love to move there: let me know when you're going and we can all ship our stuff together! :)

[emmjay]

We have talked about moving there too - I actually have Irish citizenship so it's something we have seriously considered. It's just such a fantastic place! :)

Also, I prefer having a car. It doesn't take too long to get used to driving on the left side of the road and it is really nice to have the flexibility.

[kwsu44]

Hey there,

I highly recommend Ireland. It was on my short list for a vacation spot for five years. (It was between that and Italy at first, I went to Italy in 2000 and Ireland in 2003). My friend Liz and I rented a car and drove all throughout the country, except for Northern Ireland. I think it was the best way to see the country and it allowed us to be on our own timetable. I think we put something like 1,000 miles on the car!

My favorite parts were Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher (although I kpet calling them the Cliffs of Insanity, from the Princess Bride) and the Ring of Kerry. The south is just so beautiful, we went on a boat trip of the Lakes of Killarney and had a blast. The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin was fantastic. They have a bar that overlooks all of Dublin and they give you a free Guinness w/your admission. I think we ended up spending a whole afternoon there! Whoops! I think I would have enjoyed Connemara and the Burren more if it hadn't been pouring the day we drove through there; but Kylemore Abbey is beautiful.

I thought the people were great, they would just start chatting us up in pubs (or wherver we were) and when they found out we were American, we became their best friends!!

All in all, one of the best vacations I've ever had.

[BethIrish]

DH and I are going to Ireland next May. I checked airfare last week and saw round trip tix for about $350. I checked today - $435.25. We will be leaving from Boston. We're going either May 12-21 or 19-28.

Does anyone know if Aer Lingus has airfare sales? I have a fare watch on Travelocity...just curious if anyone has any experience buying tix to Ireland! :D

[emmjay]

I don't know when the best time is for tickets, but I just wanted to tell you that I have been to Ireland in May several times and the weather has been GORGEOUS every time. I think that is the best month to visit Ireland, so you picked a good time to go! :)

Does Aer Lingus have one of those weekly email lists for specials? Maybe you could check their website and see if they have a mailing list.

[bookworm]

$350 sounds like an incredible price for May! $435 actually doesn't sound bad either. All the fare sales I've seen lately have been for the low season (Dec-March).

[wildcat]

I think that airfare sounds great also!! My DH and I went to Ireland for our honeymoon, but it was in September 2002. We paid about $1100 which included RT airfare (from KC), 10 days of rental car, 7 nights of B&B vouchers and 2 nights of hotel in Dublin. So, I'm not sure how much each piece of it was?

However, my DH and I went to Europe in May 2004 (flew from KC into London and then out of Prague back to KC, so an open-jaw flight) and we paid about $700 per ticket!!:eek: I know the open-jaw was more expensive, but still!

May is still considered "shoulder season" for Europe, but it is considerably less busy/cheaper than the peak season. I thnk the airfare you've found is probably a pretty reasonable price.

[tlew12778]

If you find something around $300-$400 now just take it. Otherwise wait until you are 2-3 months prior to departure. I am sure that Aer Lingus has fare sales. Every major airline does. Sign up for their mailing list, but also check sites and travel agents as they purchase seats ahead of time and then re-sell them.

[J&T2005]

Beth - how funny! My husband and I are planning our honeymoon (we didn't go anywhere after our May 21, 2005 wedding) and we're contemplating Ireland! And we'd be there the same time you would! :)

Anyway, I read somewhere that Orbitz and the other major search engines "keep track" of the searches you make for a time period... *shrug* I went to Italy a year ago and got the best tickets 7 weeks before actually leaving... but then I had gone to Italy previously and got my ticket 3 months before during the Christmas/Holiday sales... But then again, it's hard to tell if *all* ticket prices aren't going to go up because of gas prices... damn, I just talked myself into a circle... Anyone else? :o

[MandyMaloo]

My family travels to Ireland every year, and I don't think they've ever paid over $450. We usually go in Feb, which is considered to be an "off season". The weather is a bit more somber, but beautiful none the less. We always book through Aer Lingus, and we just try to book ASAP after we pick the dates we'll be traveling. If you keep waiting, they'll just go up. We've only been going there since 2002, but I don't think I've ever seen anything under $300. It's a great deal!

Have a wonderful time in Ireland...and take plenty of pictures!!

[BethIrish]

Thank you, thank you ladies for all of your input! I'm going to get on DH to buy the tickets tonight, I think. I was completely expecting the tickets to be around $400, so when I saw $350 last week I was psyched :) And also disappointed when it was more this week :(

I would wait longer to buy my tickets, but we are traveling with my IL's...and I want to get things set ASAP so my FIL doesn't change his mind ;)

J&T- that is so cool! We should definitely start a "Travel in Ireland" thread :D We are planning on flying over, driving and staying in B&Bs etc :) I can't wait!!!

wildcat that is an incredible price!

Okay, last question. Do you all think it would be cheaper to try and book more of a "package" like wildcat described? All of the traveling I've done in Europe consisted of a plane ticket, a rail pass and a backpack :p This whole staying-in-real-hotels-and-renting-a-car thing is new to me! (well, new for traveling abroad, obviously I've done it in the U.S.!)

[tlew12778]

I don't know about Ireland, but my parents just looked into a package for when they come to Italy for my wedding in April and the package was WAY more expensive than booking things separately. For instance, I think the travel agent wanted $1600 pp for the package and this included airfare, a villa rental (a house basically) and a car for the week. A villa rental runs about $3k for a week... a car runs about $75/day. You can get airfare for April from NYC to Milan for $500. So for 4 ppl the travel agent wanted $6400 while doing it separately would cost $5525. Now, for 4 ppl that doesn't look like that big of a savings, but the more ppl you add to that party, the more expensive the travel agent gets bc you are multiplying the car rental and the villa rental per person when they are only charged per rental, see what I mean?

What I would do, if I were you, would be to ask a travel agent for a suggested package then do some research on your own in terms of price comparison. We travel around Europe extensively (since we live here) and we NEVER do packages. My general take on them is that you pay for the convenience of having someone else organize your trip. If you're cool with that (like we are doing that for our honeymoon actually) then go for it. But if you're looking to save a buck and are willing to go the extra length to research hotels and stuff, then do it yourself.

Finally, there is something called "fly and drive" that you can look into. Basically this includes your airfare and a car. You decide your itinerary and you book your hotels on your own. This is pretty popular in Europe. A lot of the airlines offer specials in this regard.

[HeatherFL]

Also, clear your browser. Sometimes if you check airfare prices then go back prices go up. I paid almost $800 for tickets to Irleand so anywhere around $400 is AWESOME. I was there in October/November and the weather was amazing. We totally lucked out. I love Irleand. :)

~H.

[mollyeilis]

Okay, last question. Do you all think it would be cheaper to try and book more of a "package" like wildcat described? All of the traveling I've done in Europe consisted of a plane ticket, a rail pass and a backpack :p This whole staying-in-real-hotels-and-renting-a-car thing is new to me! (well, new for traveling abroad, obviously I've done it in the U.S.!)

Definitely check to see if Aer Lingus still has their package deal. Ages ago, 10 years ago next month, I went to Ireland for a week. Air, B&B, and rental car altogether. It was GREAT just giving the B&B people vouchers...paid for a certain level (in our case we had toilets down the hall, and if we wanted a room with a toilet we just paid them a bit more in cash), called the day before (in one case, the day of, but it WAS rainy October and we were nearly the only tourists in the west of Ireland LOL), drove around...fabulous.

If you're driving, try to see if you can by any chance get an automatic. You're already on the other side of the road and the other side of the car. Having to shift with your left hand is almost too much! Thankfully the foot pedals are the same, though. I don't think it's possible to get an automatic rental over there (about as difficult as it is to get a standard transmission rental in the States!), but it's worth a try. :) Just to make things a *bit* easier. And work out your "you're in the wrong lane get over NOW" communication beforehand, so as to reduce the arguments...bwa ha ha...

Ireland, oh Ireland....

[BethIrish]

EEEEEEEEE, I'm getting so excited just reading this thread. Thank you for all of your insight.

We are definitely doing the driving/BB route :) I will certainly be requesting the automatic - FIL and I are the only ones who regularly drive a standard...to be honest, I'm hoping he and DH will do all the driving ;) I can just hear my DH now..."What do you mean I'm in the wrong lane? I'm fine! AHHHHHHHH CRAP (swerve)...don't even say I told you so, Beth, don't even say it..."

SO, building on prior conversations, does anyone want to share details of their fabulous fly-drive-BB Ireland trips? I do want to stay someplace "romantic" one of the nights.... (We are going to try for our own little "souvenir" while we are over there..this trip will mark the beginning of our TTC journey! ;) )

[colleenjoy]

My DH and i spent our honeymoon in ireland. we used a company called sceptre tours. we went once before with them and both times were great. (I may start to sound like a commercial for them, but it's only because i think they are so great).

i did a quick search on their website, it's not listed any availibility in may 2006 yet, but a travel agent would be able to book for you.

in march they have a 7day/6 night private bath b&b with automatic car for 769 per person. that includes air from boston to shannon, car and b&b. this is the package we did the first time we went.

for our honeymoon we did the dromoland castle package. that has the first night in hotel, 4 nights in b&b and the last night in dromoland castle. includes air and car. that is 850 per person.

i highly recommend the castle package. is is so cool! we told them we it was our honeymoon and the upgraded us to a suite the top of the tower. it was amazing.

really they didn't pay me to say this :D i just think it's a great deal.

let me know if you have any other questions. i love talking about our trip.

Colleen

[emmjay]

EEEEEEEEE, I'm getting so excited just reading this thread. Thank you for all of your insight.

We are definitely doing the driving/BB route :) I will certainly be requesting the automatic - FIL and I are the only ones who regularly drive a standard...to be honest, I'm hoping he and DH will do all the driving ;) I can just hear my DH now..."What do you mean I'm in the wrong lane? I'm fine! AHHHHHHHH CRAP (swerve)...don't even say I told you so, Beth, don't even say it..."

SO, building on prior conversations, does anyone want to share details of their fabulous fly-drive-BB Ireland trips? I do want to stay someplace "romantic" one of the nights.... (We are going to try for our own little "souvenir" while we are over there..this trip will mark the beginning of our TTC journey! ;) )
Accommodations: IME, it's really easy to find B&Bs pretty much anywhere. I never book anything ahead, but at the same time I am not that picky about where I stay! If I was traveling with my parents or ILs I would probably look into places ahead of time. I agree with tlew12778that packages aren't generally cheaper, but I think her advice to do some comparison pricing ahead of time is a good idea.

Destinations: I love the Aran Islands, County Mayo, and the Cliffs of Mohr. Doolin, near the Cliffs of Mohr, is cute but in the last 10 years has become really touristy - there are other towns in that area with fewer tourists like Lisdoonvarna. Doolin is still a nice destination though. In Northern Ireland, the area near Giant's Causeway (near Ballycastle) is gorgeous if you happen to get up there.

Driving: I have driven in several "left-side" countries and it is stressful at first but after a couple of days it gets much better. The thing I had the hardest time with was gauging the distance between the passenger side of the car and the edge of the road. We had a lot of screaming about "You're going to hit the stone wall!" "Stop yelling at me when I'm driving!" "Look out for the parked cars!" "Be quiet!" ;)

[mollyeilis]

What part of Ireland are you guys going to? I only spent time in the west, landing in Shannon, going to Cliffs of Mohr, Galway, through the Burren into Ballyhaunis (a tiny-seeming town only stopped in b/c that's where a great grandfather was from), and then we reached Sligo and STAYED. Loved Sligo. :)

Sligo is poetry country; I'm not a poet so forgive that I don't know if it's Yeats or Keats, but there are lots of spots that were inspiration for whichever guy it was. :) Just like historical markers here, at least 10 years ago the spots are noted on the roads by brown and white signs with inkwell and quill.

Since you're going with the in laws, I'd choose, er, bigger B&Bs. Ones where they can be put in a room down the hall. One of the B&Bs we stayed in was simply a family's home; every time a child went off to college or got married (they had something like 7 children, ages ranging from middle school to just-graduated-from-grad-school) they opened another room to guests. It was lovely, but a bit *close* for TTC.

Further to what I was saying about communicating about driving...one thing that nearly brought my friend and I to blows was her penchant to do the *sucking in breath* thing when I did something stupid while driving. It would have been a LOT more helpful for her to use actual words and directions. Short sentences telling me what to do and then why.

Oh, and if you are going on a highway, unless it's all been widened and this isn't true anymore, there's a sort-of half-lane at the side of the road. If you're driving and notice cars coming up behind you, wanting to pass, it's *your* responsibility to get over into the half-lane so people can go. Again, it might have changed, but it's opposite from here where it's the passer's responsibility. You'll make Irish drivers a lot happier if you get over. :D

Hope all that helps!


link (http://images.snapfish.com/3449%3A78%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2327%3D%3C23%3D84% 3B%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3B44342%3A4ot1lsi) to a newly scanned picture of a bigger road; the side to the left of the picture is the half-lane I mentioned.

And a link (http://images.snapfish.com/3449%3A78%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2327%3D%3C23%3D84% 3B%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3B4438%3A92ot1lsi) to a picture of a narrower road. Don't ask me why it appears we're on the American side of the road...it's been 10 years so I don't know specifically, but maybe we're parked? I dunno. What looks like simple hedges on the sides of the roads are brush covered stone walls. And those signs with the black lines? At the time (it seems things are being changed?) we were told it meant 60mph, no special regulation on speed...ack!

[BethIrish]

Thanks ladies! All I know, as of right now, is that we will be flying in to Shannon airport :) I'm reading up on Ireland (Rick Steves & Ireland for Dummies.) I have a feeling that a lot of the planning will fall on my shoulders. The three things I know we have to do are visit Waterford (MIL), the Guinness place (FIL and DH) and someplace that makes Irish Whiskey (again, FIL and DH!) For me, I just love traveling and finding all of the 'nooks and crannies' of a country :D I'm much happier hanging out at the locals pub than doing a tour ;)

[firebird]

If you are going Boston to Shannon, I would also try American Airlines. They just started doing this route this past May. I just came back on Monday and flew with them because they were cheaper than Aer Lingus.

[Smittenk]

DH and I are headed to Dublin for Presidents Day Long weekend...we'll be there Friday-Monday. Obviously we'll be doing the Guinness Factory and the standard touristy things but I am hoping someone who has been there can suggest some cool places...places to eat...something we shouldn't miss etc.

Thanks in advance!

[keska]

DH and I were there in August for a week. I thought a week was too long, so it sounds like you've planned the right amount of time. Normally DH avoids tours but we did one of those hop-on hop-off tourist buses that go around the city and it's a good idea. They go between about 15 different sites, including the Guiness Factory, which is a little out of the way.

Personally, DH and I were a little disappointed at the Guinness Factory because they have exhibits that show you how they make Guinness but you're not actually seeing them make it.

I also enjoyed the big museum there. I think it's the history museum. They have an exhibit on Celtic jewelry and some other interesting stuff.

ETA: I really wanted to go see the Book of Kells but the line was so long that DH didn't want to wait. It's a big attraction.

[Smittenk]

THanks Keska!
Yep we definintely have the Book of Kells on our list of things to see on saturday.

The bus is a great idea...thankyou!

[basketcase]

I've been to Dublin twice.

If you like Japanese food, my all-time favorite Japanese restaurant is in Dublin: Yamamori Noodles (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/dublin/D44352.html). It was so good, we went twice in the same weekend!

We also enjoyed Mermaid Cafe (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/dublin/D44341.html), although it's pricey. Good if you want a really nice dinner out.

It sounds like you have a good idea of things to do. I enjoyed the Guinness Factory, but more for the free pint at the top of the tower than anything else! ;) I also enjoyed seeing Trinity College and the Dublin Writers' Museum (but maybe that's because I was an English major).

Have a great time!!

[HeatherFL]

Loved Dublin. I know I have a long list of stuff to do there somewhere in a Word Document. I'll see if I can find it! :)

Heather

[HeatherFL]

I couldn't find that Word Document, so I went to my old WC journal LOL (Haven't been there in ages!) to pull some of the pics and info...

We stayed at the Davenport Hotel-loved it.

Here are some things we enjoyed:

Irish White House
Grafton Street for flowers, shopping and people watching (Chocolate Cafe's YUM)
We also got on a double decker bus that takes you around the town and stops, it was so fun!
Trinity College
St. Stephen's Green Square Mall
National Museum
O'Connell Street
Christ Church
St. Patrick's Cathedral (beautiful choir!)
Dublin Castle

If you feel like taking any day trips, here were some we really enjoyed:
Howth Harbor
Malahide Castle-Malahide
Ireland's Eye Island-Killeny
Powerscourt Gardens (BEAUTIFUL!!!) in Enniskerry County, Wicklow
Towers Valley at Powerscourt
Kilkenny Castle front view-Kilkenny
St. Canice's Cathedral (13th Century)in Kilkenny
Dominican Black Abbey in Kilkenny

Hope this helps!

Heather

[Smittenk]

Wow Heather, that's fantastic, thankyou so much!!!

Thanks for all the replies..I think we will have a great time this weekend!

[salysaturn]

I know this is too late, but...

We stayed @ Jury's Christ Church Inn. It was your basic hotel, I thought it was close to a lot.

We did the Guiness Factory, and we just ran to the top for our free beer :) I still have the little "drop of Guiness" they gave us.

I did a lot the Heather did, but we were there for school, so we had school stuff to do. We attended Trinity College.

[Smittenk]

Thanks Salysaturn!!


We are staying at that Jurys...it is soo close to everything which is great!! We are doing the Guiness factory tomorrow and today we are doing trinity college and the book of kells!! Last night we had an amazing time in Temple Bar

Thanks again!!

[Rosebud]

I'm still working on planning my Ireland trip for next year and just wanted to drop off some links I've found that may be helpful to others here.

If you're flying in and out of Shannon: http://www.shannonregiontourism.ie

For transportation to the Aran Islands: http://www.doolinferries.com

For a directory of pubs: http://www.irishmusicbars.com

For info about Galway: http://www.irelandwest.ie

For more ferry info: http://www.shannonferries.com

For information on the Waterford area: http://www.southeastireland.com

Soccer information and tickets in Ireland: http://www.fai.ie

Literary pub crawl in Dublin: http://www.dublinpubcrawl.com

Visiting Northern Ireland: http://www.discovernorthernireland.com

Traveling to Great Blasket Island: http://www.greatblasketisland.com

The Irish Rail System: http://www.irishrail.ie


Some trip reviews from Ireland (on the Fodors.com boards):

Sept. 2005 Ireland Trip (http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34680132)

June 2006 Ireland Trip (http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=34821178)

April 2006 Ireland Trip (http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=34786386)

May 2006 Ireland Trip (http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=34802336)

October 2005 Trip Report- Dublin Only ( http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=34703368)

October 2005 Trip Report (http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=34708951)

June 2006 Trip Report (Northwest Ireland & Dublin) (http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34838325)

August 2005 Trip Report (http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=34667493)


Some of the sights that are "must sees" on our trip (which will probably be May 2007):

Gap of Dunloe, Co. Kerry (http://www.killarney.ie/dunloe.htm) (and Killarney National Park)
http://images.snapfish.com/3464573%3A6%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E65%3A%3E567%3E WSNRCG%3D3233567846397nu0mrj

Glendalough, Co. Wicklow (http://www.wicklow.com/glendalough/)
http://images.snapfish.com/3464573%3C4%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E65%3A%3E567%3E WSNRCG%3D323356784%3A868nu0mrj

Kylemore Abbey, Co. Galway (http://www.kylemoreabbey.com/)
http://images.snapfish.com/3464573%3A6%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E65%3A%3E567%3E WSNRCG%3D3233567846394nu0mrj

Cliffs of Moher, Co. Galway (http://www.galway.net/galwayguide/visit/burren/)
http://images.snapfish.com/3464573%3A6%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E65%3A%3E567%3E WSNRCG%3D3233567846395nu0mrj

Trinity College Library, Dublin (http://www.tcd.ie/Library/)
http://images.snapfish.com/346457445%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E65%3A%3E567%3EWS NRCG%3D3233567852355nu0mrj

[Rosebud]

A co-worker of mine is from Dublin and she wrote down some info for me about things to see and do in Ireland. I thought I'd post it here in case it might help anyone else who is planning a trip.

Areas to see

- Donegal and Connemara have the typical rolling hills, bogs, white thatched-roof cottages kind of Irish landscape. It's very stark and beautiful. Connemara is known for its marble and ponies.

- Galway is a college town, so there are lots of young people, great pubs and lots of very good live traditional music in the pubs. However, you may find a lot of tourists in these pubs, too. Galway is right on the edge of The Burren, a big area of ancient limestone caves, dolmens and the stunning Cliffs of Moher (a must-see).

- There's a beautifully restored Norman castle right near Shannon called Bunratty (kinda touristy but very impressive). They've recreated a whole village around it. Wander around a bit and then go for a pint in "Dirty Nelly's" pub.

- Dingle Peninsula is just above the Ring of Kerry. You can hire a guy to take you out into the bay to swim with Fungi, their famous resident dolphin!

- If you get the opportunity or time try to pay a visit to the ancient monastic settlement on Skellig Michael. Pretty incredible!

- Killarney will be very touristy, as will kissing the Blarney Stone. Up to you. However, a drive through the Killarney National Park and the lakes is gorgeous (and if you go in the Spring there'll be lambs everwhere-- so cute!).

- Kinsale is a very picturesque fishing village in Co. Cork, not far from Cobh.

- I recommend stopping at the Rock of Cashel. It's well worth a visit.


To See in Dublin

- Trinity College & the Book of Kells
- Grafton Street: Shopping, Pubs, Buskers (street musicians)
- Christchurch: Crypts
- St. Stephen's Green: feed the ducks!
- Guinness Brewery
- National Gallery/ National History Museum (if you like museums)
- Temple Bar: Shopping, Pubs, Hipsters
- Literary Pub Crawl
- O'Connell Street

There's a good tourist info center on Suffolk St. (bottom of Grafton St.).

[Rosebud]

Sorry to be posting so much... but I just saw this in Newsweek and thought I'd add it to the thread.

Travel: Luck of the Irish

April 3, 2006 issue - Since smoking was banned in Dublin's pubs two years ago, the city has opened up dozens of heated terraces and the party has moved to the street. TIP SHEET joins the revelers.

Shop: Brown Thomas is Ireland's best department store, with fancy fashions, Irish linen and Waterford crystal (88-95 Grafton Street).

Eat: La Stampa's sumptuous dining room wows guests with its eclectic art deco and Gothic features, but the menu boasts more-traditional staples. Go for the seafood, including Irish rock oysters, salted crab and Dublin Bay prawns (35 Dawson Street; 353-1-677-8611).

Visit Kilmainham Gaol, where Ireland's tortuous political history is on display with regular tours and exhibitions. ($6; Inchicore Road, Dublin 8; 353-1-453-5984).

See Ireland's top university, Trinity College, where Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett studied. Don't miss the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from A.D. 800 (library entry: $9.50).

Stay: Owned by U2's Bono and The Edge, Dublin's landmark The Clarence is on the banks of the River Liffey. Stop for a drink at the storming Octagon Bar, where you might just spot a famous band member (from $475; 353-1-407-0800; theclarence.ie).

[KaliLily]

I've been trying to think of something special for DH and I to do next year in honor of our 10th Anniversary. I've been wanting to go to Ireland for several years, and DH would love to go back again, so I thought it'd be the perfect anniversary getaway.

Our anniversary is in August, but I'm open to going whenever is the best time of year there. Any advice?

[sarahh]

Just bumping this up for more dialouge on Ireland. My DH and I would LOVE to go for my 30th birthday in April! :o)

[Rosebud]

Just posting an article I saw in the Boston Globe:

If you go: The Skellig Islands, Ireland

How to get there

The Skellig Islands are in County Kerry, Ireland, about 122 miles, or a three-hour drive, from the airport in Shannon. Follow highways N70 and R565 to the town of Portmagee on the Iveragh Peninsula off the Ring of Kerry.

Pat Joe Murphy's cruises to the Skellig Islands depart daily at 10:30 a.m. in spring and summer, weather permitting, and cost about $42 per person.

Des Lavelle's boat trips depart daily at 11 a.m., mid-April to mid-September, from The Skellig Experience visitors center on Valentia Island and also cost about $42 per person.

Where to stay

Beach Cove B&B
St. Finian's Bay, Ballinskelligs
011-353-66-947-9301
www.stayatbeachcove.com
Comfortable, remote location with scenic beach vista and view of the Skellig Islands. A 15-minute drive from the Portmagee pier and Valentia Island. About $37 per person, including breakfast.

Island View Guesthouse & B&B
New Road, Portmagee
011-353-66-947-7188
www.islandviewguesthouse.com
A half-mile from the Portmagee pier. About $42 per person, including breakfast.

Where to eat

Ballinskelligs Inn (Cable O'Leary's)
On R566 (just off R70)
011-353-66-947-9106
www.ballinskelligsinn.com
A lively atmosphere and the usual pub fare (burgers, fish and chips, Guinness on tap) served late into the evening. A typical meal costs about $13, including a pint.

Skellig Mist
Main Street, Portmagee
Coffee, tea, and homemade pastries near the Portmagee pier. About $6.50 for a fresh pastry and tea or coffee.

What to do

The Skellig Experience
Valentia Island
011-353-66-947-6306
www.skelligexperience.com
Open April-November. Museum display, audio-visual presentation, gift shop, and island cruises.

[HeatherFL]

I was there during the month of October and it was great. I think August would be nice too. :)

Here is a breakdown:
January 5°C (41F)
February 5°C (41F)
March 6°C (43 F)
April 8°C (46 F)
May 11°C (52 F)
June 13°C (55 F)
July 15°C (59 F)
August 14°C (57.2 F)
September 13°C (55 F)
October 10°C (50 F)
November 7°C (47 F)
December 6°C (43 F)

~H.

[KaliLily]

Wow, those are really mild temperatures. Upper 50s would be a nice break from the sweltering August weather here in NoVa.

Thanks for posting, Healther!

[Rosebud]

Info on Galway from the L.A. Times:

Cobblestoned answer to the ordinary city

If you're making plans to visit Ireland, consider starting in Galway City, a compelling curiosity shop of a metropolis that hugs the immense bay celebrated in song. The city of more than 65,000 on the nation's western flank hums with the vibrancy of the affluent new Ireland and cranks out more festivals than an accordion has folds.

Vibrant street life

Galway City is a walker's wonderland. Its cobblestoned, pedestrians-only Shop Street is alive with performers as diverse as fiddlers and puppeteers, Spanish flamenco guitarists and Hungarian fire breathers. Attractive boutiques compete with comforting pubs where traditional Irish music sessions — rare in many other towns — can erupt anytime and last into the night. With the nearby National University of Ireland hosting 13,000 students and backpackers filing in from across Europe, the atmosphere is youthful yet cosmopolitan.

A river walk

Along the river it is all tranquillity, with a park-like esplanade leading to the mouth of Lough Corrib. Pause for coffee at the Bridge Mills Restaurant and you might spy anglers plying the waterfalls for salmon, although mismanaged commercial fishing has diminished their numbers lately. The vista is nonetheless inspiring. Beside the river arise both the 19th century cathedral and the sparkling new Galway Arts Centre, home to a thriving theater and art gallery.

An unexpected melting pot

Loop back down High Street to explore the handsome back lanes where a cornucopia of craft and clothing shops, bookstores and more galleries abound. The foreign tongues you'll hear inside are not likely to be speaking Gaelic, however, but Polish; 120,000 Poles have flocked to Ireland for work in the last 16 months. Nigerian, Romanian and American accents are also common.

Cultural crossroads

Few worry about this. If anything, the new Eastern European influx adds vitality to a town where people know an ancestral thing or two about seeking a better life elsewhere. Galway, called the "The City of the Tribes" for the collection of Anglo-Norman families who first settled there in the 12th century, has long been a crossroads of freely mixing cultures. And mix Galwegians do, especially at night when a party atmosphere reigns. Some of the prime hot spots ring Eyre Square, which used to be the town's leafy showpiece until construction crews ripped everything up for a remake, then walked off the job. It's still Ireland, after all.

A lucky charm

And naturally, not all is bliss. With one foot in the sea, Galway can be showery, and food and accommodations tend to be pricey; a wannabe American diner is peddling hot dogs at the equivalent of $8 per. Traffic in the surreal succession of surrounding roundabouts is often insufferable. Nevertheless, Galway is the traveler's four-leaf clover, a lucky place to savor the splendors of Ireland, old and new.

Where to eat

Ard Bia at the base of High Street is a cozy venue with an inventive menu featuring local game and even roast pumpkin and Gubeen cheese in filo pastry. Entrees from $20; 2 Quay St., 011-353-91-539897, http://www.ardbia.com . Da Tang Noodle House is a favorite with the locals. Entrees from about $10; 2 Middle St., 011-353-91-561443.

Where to stay

For a central location, it's the Eyre Square Hotel, with doubles from $100 a night; Eyre Square, 011-353-91-569633, http://www.eyresquarehotel.com . The Glenlo Abbey Hotel offers manorial surroundings on the shores of Lough Corrib, with doubles starting at about $265 a night; 011-353-91-526666, http://www.glenlo.com . For an intimate getaway, try the 1890s Moycullen House just up the road, with rooms from $50 per person; 011-353-91-555621, http://www.moycullen.com .

[HeatherFL]

No problem! I totally understand. I'm in Florida and even though I don't like cold weather, it was just perfect in Ireland! We only had one day it was a little much (rain and cold mixed together.)

~H.

[docoNY]

just an fyi - the days are there really short in the winter.. its dark in the morning till 9a and then dark again around 4 and the summer is the total opposite.. still bright at 10/11p and then bright again at 4a

we got at Christmas (IL's are there & my extended family) which is fun but it can be dreary - love going in the spring & fall.. there are a lot of tourists in the summer and more $$ so we usually avoid going then

I have been there around 23 times but spend most time with family but I always give Ireland thumbs up :)

[Rosebud]

Some restaurant recommendations in Dublin (from the Chowhound.com boards):

Darwins, 16 Aungier Street
(It's owned by a butcher and the steaks are good as is everything else.)

Maloti, 34-35 South William Street
(For a modern Indian meal Try Moloti on South William street. Service and food are excellent and the set menu is a fantastic value with good priced wines.)

Queen of Tarts, Dame Street
(This is a good place for pastries, lunch or snacks)

Patrick Guilbaud's in the Merrion Hotel, Upper Merrion Street
(For haute cuisine-- two Michelin stars)

Davy Byrnes, 21 Duke Street
(For upscale pub grub-- famously the spot where Leopold Bloom lunched in "Ulysses")

Bewley's Café, Grafton St
(For a real taste of Dublin and its people, Irish breakfast, tea and pastries. Great old-time decor.)

Thornton's at Fitzwilliam Hotel, St. Stephens Green
(One of the best places to eat in Dublin, if you have money to throw around. 1 Michelin star.)

Chapter One, 18-19 Parnell Sq.
(Chapter One does a fabulous theatre menu, being close to the Gate Theatre. I would recommend it for traditional irish food, gourmet style. Their early-bird menu is pretty legendary- 35 euro for three courses- more expensive than other pre-theatre menus, but in a different class.)

The Tea Room at The Clarence, 6-8 Wellington Quay
(The Clarence Hotel does a lovely afternoon tea.)

[RealIrishGirl]

I'm from Ireland and there are still places I haven't visited. I'm now living in NY and each time I got back is to visit my family and friends. DH and I had our wedding over there and we honeymooned around Ireland. We just rented a car and drove right around the coast - what a great trip. I would second pp's recommendations about staying in B&B's, rather than renting a cottage. And us Irish are very friendly and yes if you ask directions, you'll get their life's history...lol.

If you need to know anything, please ask.

[KaliLily]

My dream of celebrating my 10th Anniversary in Ireland next year may actually come true! I just checked DH's British Airways account and we have enough miles for one economy or economy plus ticket! Or if DH can earn 7,280 more miles with work travel in the next year, we can go economy and get the second ticket for only $175 with their miles + cash option!!!! Either way, we'll save hundreds of dollars!!! :D :D

It's happy dance time! Hmmm...maybe an Irish Jig would bring me some luck! ;)

RealIrishGirl - Your honeymoon trip is exactly the kind of trip I would love!

[AndreaMMS]

Oh, Ireland is AMAZING!!!

If you are looking for breathtaking scenery you MUST go visit Cannemara. I've been all over Europe and that is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

And if you want a gorgeous place to stay

http://www.ballynahinch-castle.com/

knocked my socks off!

[Rosebud]

I'm six months away from my Ireland trip and starting to think about an itinerary. I've been posting on the Fodors.com boards, but would also love to get some input from anyone here who knows Ireland.

Any thoughts on this itinerary? Any specific sights or hotels/B&Bs in these locations that you would recommend?

Day 1- Clifden
Arrive Shannon Airport in the AM. Rent car. Drive to Clifden

Day 2- Clifden
Explore Rossadilisk & Omey Island (family locations).

Day 3- Clifden
Sights: Sky Road, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey

Day 4- Doolin
Drive from Clifden to Doolin. Stop in Galway City on the way.

Day 5- Doolin
Sightseeing: The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Quin Abbey

Day 6- Killarney
Drive to Killarney. Sights: Killarney Lakes, Muckross House, Ross Castle.

Day 7- Killarney
Drive the Dingle Peninsula. Possibly take boat trip to see Fungi (dolphin)

Day 8- Glendalough
Drive to Glendalough via the Rock of Cashel. See Glendalough sights.

Day 9- Dublin
Drive to Dublin.

Day 10- Dublin
Sights: Post Office, Trinity College/Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, Christchurch and St Patrick's Cathedral, Guinness Brewery, Temple Bar

Day 11- Dublin

Day 12- Belfast
Take the train to Belfast. Sights: Black taxi tour of murals, City Hall

Day 12- Belfast/Edinburgh
Possible half-day trip to Giant's Causeway. Take a PM flight to Edinburgh.

Day 13-15- Edinburgh

Accomodations:
In Clifden we're thinking about The Quay House (http://www.thequayhouse.com/).

In Doolin we haven't picked a favorite. We're also considering other nearby towns-- not completely set on Doolin.

In Killarney we're considering Ross Castle Lodge B&B (http://killarneyb-and-b.com/RossPage1.htm). We'd definitely prefer to be out of the city, as we've heard that Killarney isn't all that great.

We need ideas for where to stay in Glendalough.

In Dublin, I'd love to stay at the Westin Dublin (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1314) if I could use some Starwood points-- otherwise it's too expensive. Also considering Kilronan House Inn (http://www.dublinn.com/) and would love other suggestions around 200 euro/per night or under.

We need ideas for Belfast hotels/B&Bs.

Thanks! :)

[HeatherFL]

I think it's a great itinerary!

I don't know what the rates are now, but we got a nice suite when we were in Dublin at The Davenport (http://www.ocallaghanhotels.com/davenport/). LOVED IT! Close to everything and walking distance to Grafton Street and many other places in the city!

ETA: A Junior Suite in April is going for 195 to 215 Euro a night (I searched using a three day stay-195 the first two nights and 215 the 3rd night.)

~H.

[Rosebud]

Thanks, Heather!

The Davenport looks really nice & it's in a perfect location. Thanks so much for the tip. :)

[HeatherFL]

No problem! I'm jealous. You will have a great time! :)

[stacyface]

My husband and I went to Ireland, London and Paris on our honeymoon, and Ireland has the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen. You will never see so many shades of green in your life! A very laid back country and slow-paced. Driving is the best way...such an adventure! If you have any questions, please feel free to pm me.

[cherry]

belfast hotels:

the merchant (www.themerchanthotel.com) - VERY upscale, central location... but around $400/ night.

ten square (www.tensquare.co.uk) - upscale, modern, even more central than the merchant and across from city hall... but also pricey: about $250-300/ night.

more affordable but decent options:

malone lodge (www.malonelodgehotelbelfast.com) - excellent location (university area, lots of nice restaurants, cafes and stores within easy walking distance), decent and spacious: about $100~150/ night.

jury's inn (http://www.jurysdoyle.com/index.php?hotel_pid=25814) - also great location, very solid, affordable: about $100/ night

other options are the holiday inn (better than it sounds) and days inn, both new-ish hotels in belfast.

i'm sure these are on your list, but while in "the north" try to make time to see:

:: the giant's causeway
:: carrick-a-rede rope bridge
:: cushendall
:: portrush
:: belfast city center (gorgeous architecture), including city hall
:: the crown bar, in the city center and near most of the above hotels
:: queen's university + surrounding area
:: check out the cathedral quarter
:: stroll along the lisburn road (lots of unique boutiques, great restaurants and cafes, etc.)

[Rosebud]

Thanks so much for all the recommendations, Cherry! I am going to check out those hotels right now.

Also, we'd been planning to spend half of a day going up the coast to Giant's Causeway but haven't been able to find a reasonable way to do this via public transportation. Seems like we may need to hop onto a day-long coach tour to get up there. We're definitely planning to see the sights you mention in the city. Thanks!

[cherry]

rosebud03, you are more than welcome! if you have any questions i can answer, just let me know.

unfortunately, public transport out to giant's causeway is pretty much non-existant (it's kind of "out there", even though it's actually only 1-1.5 hours from belfast or so). a day tour isn't a bad idea, either that or renting a car (if you want to brave driving on the "wrong" side of the road!) anyway, it's a MUST-see so it's cool you are definitely going to include it.

[Rosebud]

We BOOKED OUR FLIGHTS!! We're definitely going to Ireland this Spring. I'm so excited! :D We changed our itinerary a bit since I last posted (we decided to save Scotland for another trip), so here's the update. We're still looking for sightseeing & restaurant recommendations-- basically any little tips on these areas we've selected.

Day 1- CLIFDEN
Arrive Shannon in the AM. Rent car. Drive to Clifden.
Lodging: Buttermilk Lodge B&B

Day 2- CLIFDEN
Sights: Explore Rossadilisk & Omey Island

Day 3- CLIFDEN
Sights: Explore Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Sky Road, Westport?

Day 4- DOOLIN
Drive from Clifden to Doolin, via Galway City.
Galway Sights: Latin Quarter, Lynch Castle, St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch

Day 5- DOOLIN
Sights: The Burren/Caves, Cliffs of Moher, Quin Abbey

Day 6- KILLARNEY
Drive to Killarney.
Sights: Killarney Lakes/ Gap of Dunloe, Muckross House, Ross Castle
Lodging: Ross Castle Lodge B&B

Day 7- KILLARNEY
Drive the Dingle Peninsula.

Day 8- KILLARNEY
Possible day trips from Killarney: Kenmare, Kinsale. Or just spend more time around the lakes.

Day 8- GLENDALOUGH
Drive to Glendalough via the Rock of Cashel.

Day 9- DUBLIN
Drive to Dublin.
Lodging: Westin Dublin

Day 10- DUBLIN
Sights (spread over 3 days): The Post Office, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, Christchurch and St Patrick's Cathedral, The Four Courts, Guinness Brewery, Temple Bar, No. 29 Lower Fitzwilliam, National Museum, Dublin Castle Tour, Garden of Remembrance

Day 11- DUBLIN

Day 12- BELFAST
Drive to Belfast
Sights: Black Taxi Tour of the murals, Belfast Castle, some of the city sights Cherry recommended

Day 13- BELFAST
Drive up Antrim Coast: Giant’s Causeway, Rope Bridge

Day 15- BELFAST
Drive to Dublin, via Trim

Day 16- Fly home

[docoNY]

sounds like a great trip! very jealous! I want to go and tour around instead of always seeing my relations! :D:D

[cherry]

congrats on booking your trip, rosebud! some tips:

:: on your way out to connemara, i recommend stopping in a little village called barna (it's on the main coast road to connemara, about 15-20 mins outside galway city). two great restaurants: donnelly's of barna (http://uk.holidaysguide.yahoo.com/p-reviews-60529-prod-travelguide-action-read-ratings_and_reviews-i), good, uncomplicated pub grub and great guiness; ty ar mor (couldn't find a website, but it's great for seafood and is right on the pier/ beach.
if you do check out barna, take a stroll along the pier and small harbor.

:: in galway city, stop into the roisin dubh (means "dark-haired rose") pub on shop street (the medieval street where most of the shopping and nightlife action is). it's the best pub in town and has live traditional music most nights.
also, mcdonagh's (around the corner) is the place for fish and chips (http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=west_ireland@602&cur_section=din&property_id=93142).

i have to run now but will come back if i think of anything else. where did you decide to stay in belfast?

[Rosebud]

Thanks for the tips, Cherry! We will definitely try to check those places out. My DH looked over our itinerary last night and wants to stay one night in Galway, one night in Doolin instead of 2 nights Doolin-- so we were just thinking about things to do/places to eat in the Galway area when I read your post. :)

We're still undecided on where to stay in Belfast. We'll have a car with us, so I was thinking we might want to stay out of the city centre to make parking easier. :confused: We're thinking a B&B, not too expensive. Some of the places I've looked at:

Ash-Rowan Guest House (http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=3917)

Somerton House (http://www.somertonhouse.co.uk/)

Crocus B&B (http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=9454)

We really haven't worked on sorting out the Belfast portion of our trip yet, though. I need to sit down with a map and give it some thought!

[cherry]

hi rosebud, of the B&Bs you posted, i'd go with the ash-rowan. the other two look lovely, but aren't in the best (or most central) areas. ideally, you'd want to stay in south belfast, specifically the botanic, stranmillis or malone (ideally lower malone) areas. if you stay in botanic or stranmillis, you'll actually be walking distance from a lot of the sights (and these are in the university neighborhood so there are more bistros, general action, etc. around). i think B&Bs would usually have parking with them but i recommend staying in town anyway.

also, i think it's GREAT you are spending a night in galway - it is such a fun, artsy town with lots of good nightlife (and theater options, if you are into that). i don't think you will regret it ;)

[tonic]

Hi! I just subscribed to this thread. My husband and I are planning a trip at the end of May (hopefully!). Just got a guide book tonight! I am really excited :)

[Rosebud]

Thanks, Cherry! Ash-Rowan was my first choice... but now it looks like their website is down and I can't find any contact info for them. I'm wondering if they've gone out of business? I was just going to book Somerton House, but now I'll try a little harder to find a way to reach Ash-Rowan. I really appreciate your thoughts!

[monkey]

If you have time, go further south to Ring of Kelly. The park is amazing. It's like one of those ancient magical forests that you see in movies with special effects. It's gorgeous!!!!

[Rosebud]

I finally called Ash-Rowan this morning, since they hadn't responded to my email from 4 days ago. They have a room available, but it's 96 pounds/night. Somerton House is 50 pounds/night. The dollars to pounds exchange rate is really tough right now, so I think we're going to go with Somerton House to save $$. I'm hoping it won't be too much trouble to either take our car into the city or a bus/taxi from there.

So, now we just need to book Doolin, Killarney and Glendalough. We're getting closer...

[KaliLily]

Hi! I just subscribed to this thread. My husband and I are planning a trip at the end of May (hopefully!). Just got a guide book tonight! I am really excited :)

Which guide book did you get? DH and I are hoping to go in August or September.

[cherry]

rosebud, the ash-rowan is EXPENSIVE! i think you did the right thing by booking the somerton. you will still be close to town/ the city center and if you want to go out in the evening, cabbing it won't be a problem (taxis are cheap and plentiful in belfast).

tonic, kalilily, enjoy planning your trips! kalilily, i personally think september is the best month to visit ireland. it's not the cheapest, but for an island with VERY unpredictable weather you probably have the best chance of sun and no rain, plus still long evenings and nice sunsets.

[KaliLily]

Cherry - Thanks for the tip!

[Rosebud]

One month from today I will be in Ireland!! SO excited!! Just a few updates:

We're planning to purchase a Heritage Card (http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/HeritageCard/) when we arrive in Ireland. You can buy them online in advance, but we figured we'll just get one at the Shannon airport or at the first site we tour and save the shipping cost.

We did order this touring guide (http://www.heritageisland.com/Touring%20Guide.asp) which provides a lot of additional discounts for major attractions in Ireland. It covers several places we plan to go that the Heritage Card does not. And it was only 6 euro.

We've been looking on the Chowhound and Fodors.com boards for restaurant recommendations, as well as this site: http://www.adlib.ie (http://www.adlib.ie/)

And that's it. We're all set to go... just getting very excited.

[Rosebud]

Oh, and these are the hotels/B&Bs we ended up booking. I'll report back on how we liked them when we return.

Clifden: Buttermilk Lodge B&B (http://www.buttermilklodge.com/)
Doolin: Cullinan's Guesthouse (http://www.cullinansdoolin.com/)
Killarney: Ross Castle Lodge (http://killarneyb-and-b.com/RossPage1.htm)
Glendalough: Riversdale House (http://www.glendalough.eu.com/)
Dublin: Westin Dublin (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1314)
Belfast: Somerton House (http://www.somertonhouse.co.uk/)
Dublin Airport (night before we fly out): Days Hotel Dublin Airport (http://www.theairporthoteldublin.com/)

[cherry]

rosebud, have a great trip and looking forward to seeing your report when you get back! can't wait to hear how the westin dublin is - it looks incredible!

[Rosebud]

So, we're leaving for Ireland tomorrow!!! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Thank you for all of your tips and encouragement. I will write up a trip review & post a bunch of photos as soon as I return in 2 weeks.

:)

[tonic]

So, we're leaving for Ireland tomorrow!!! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Thank you for all of your tips and encouragement. I will write up a trip review & post a bunch of photos as soon as I return in 2 weeks.

:)

Have tons of fun!!!!!!

[Rosebud]

So, we are back from Ireland and had the most amazing time. I've got tons of photos and a recap to post, but you'll have to bear with me until I get it finished-- I'm sure it'll be LONG. In the meantime, I'll be happy to answer any questions.

A few general things I can tell you:

- We got used to driving on the left really quickly. Some of the roads are very scary, with blind corners and sheep in the road and all of that. More often, they are just fine. We got the extra CDW insurance but had no damage to the car.

- Our favorite places: Clifden/Connemara and the Killarney Lakes. We could have stayed much longer in both these areas. We also really loved the Dingle Peninsula.

- Places we didn't like as much: Doolin. And we didn't really warm up to Dublin until our last day there.

- The exchange rate was painful. It was hard to stop obsessing about how much we were paying for things, especially in Northern Ireland. B&Bs are definitely the way to go in Ireland, not only because they're so charming but they provide breakfast and that definitely helps with the food budget.

- We spent so much time in the car, so it was good to bring CDs along with us. But we actually ended up listening to RTE (Ireland's news radio) most of the time and became really well informed about current events in Ireland. Let's just say I could now debate you on the stamp tax and Bertie Ahern's finance scandal after two weeks of listening to RTE. ;)

In short, Ireland is an amazingly beautiful country, with so many diverse experiences to offer. If you're considering a trip, I can't recommend it enough!

[SusieQ]

So, we are back from Ireland and had the most amazing time. I've got tons of photos and a recap to post, but you'll have to bear with me until I get it finished-- I'm sure it'll be LONG. In the meantime, I'll be happy to answer any questions.

A few general things I can tell you:

- We got used to driving on the left really quickly. Some of the roads are very scary, with blind corners and sheep in the road and all of that. More often, they are just fine. We got the extra CDW insurance but had no damage to the car.

- Our favorite places: Clifden/Connemara and the Killarney Lakes. We could have stayed much longer in both these areas. We also really loved the Dingle Peninsula.

- Places we didn't like as much: Doolin. And we didn't really warm up to Dublin until our last day there.

- The exchange rate was painful. It was hard to stop obsessing about how much we were paying for things, especially in Northern Ireland. B&Bs are definitely the way to go in Ireland, not only because they're so charming but they provide breakfast and that definitely helps with the food budget.

- We spent so much time in the car, so it was good to bring CDs along with us. But we actually ended up listening to RTE (Ireland's news radio) most of the time and became really well informed about current events in Ireland. Let's just say I could now debate you on the stamp tax and Bertie Ahern's finance scandal after two weeks of listening to RTE. ;)

In short, Ireland is an amazingly beautiful country, with so many diverse experiences to offer. If you're considering a trip, I can't recommend it enough!

Ireland is on my must visit list. I look forward to reading your trip review! I loved the review you did on your honeymoon! ~Susanne

[justHB]

Subscribing.

Going in February for 8 nights - in and out of Dublin.

We'll definitely want to hit up County Cork as that's my ancestry (still trying to determine exact locations - the family member who has all of this info (my mom's cousin) has gone radio silent).

Thinking:
2 nights in Dublin
2 nights in Kilkenny
2 nights in Cork
1 night in Mayo (Ashford Castle - or should we do Dromoland)
1 night back in Dublin before leaving

Or ...

What about just 1 night in Kilkenny and 2 nights at Ashford Castle. If we're using Ashford as a home base for those two days, what else is worth visiting in driving distance?

[cherry]

justHB, i would do 2 nights in mayo or that vicinity and just the one night in kilkenny. in the mayo area, try to go to:

- cliffs of moher
- connemara (kylemore abbey, cong, galway city)

both ashford and dromoland castle are amazing. i *think* dromoland is slightly fancier, though.

[sarahh]

OK…my boyfriend and I are thinking of going to Ireland next May. I’ve read Rosebud’s AMAZING recap thread and also this informative thread and I think I have a good start on planning. We will probably only have 7 nights on our trip so I am trying to figure out how to maximize my time but still get in all the “must-sees�….those include:

Book of Kells
Trinity College
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
National Museum
Newgrange
Dingle
Ring of Kerry
Gap of Dunloe
Cliffs of Moher

I’m thinking that we’ll make Dublin our “base� for at least three or four days. That we can explore the city for a day or two and also make a few day trips. Would any of you know if Newgrange is a close enough distance to Dublin that we could make a day trip out of it? What other days trip would you recommend?

After that we’d like to drive out to the “other side� and check out Killarney (Ring of Kerry?), Dingle, the Cliffs of Moher, etc. Would it make sense to lump those all together? Are they in the same general area? Would three or four days be enough? What would be a good base location for this portion of our trip? Killarney, Shannon??

Sorry I have so many basic questions. I’m hoping some of you can get me headed in the right direction! THANKS!:D

[Rosebud]

Yay! Ireland!

Yes, Newgrange is close enough to Dublin that you can do it as a day trip. If you don't want to deal with driving out of Dublin you can arrange to go to Newgrange on a charter bus, which should be pretty cheap and easy.

With your limited time, I think you should do either Dingle or the Ring of Kerry, but not both. They are very similar in terms of scenery and each one takes a full day.

Most of the things you want to do & see are grouped together by location, which is good. Here's how I think you could schedule the trip to fit it all in.

Day 1- Dublin (Trinity College/Book of Kells)
Day 2- Dublin (St. Patrick's Cathedral/ National Museum)
Day 3- Daytrip to Newgrange
Day 4- Drive from Dublin to Killarney
Day 5- Killarney (Gap of Dunloe)
Day 6- Daytrip to either Dingle or Ring of Kerry
Day 7- Drive from Killarney to the Cliffs of Moher and then on towards Shannon airport
Day 8- Depart Ireland from Shannon airport

On the drive from Dublin to Killarney you could stop at the Rock of Cashel, which is cool. Or you could stop at Kilkenny Castle, which is supposed to be fabulous. Or even at Blarney Castle.

All of these days leave you enough time that you can easily see other things in the area and take your time, which is nice.

[sarahh]

You ROCK Rosebud...thank you SOOOO much! :)

[tonic]

Yay! Ireland!

Yes, Newgrange is close enough to Dublin that you can do it as a day trip. If you don't want to deal with driving out of Dublin you can arrange to go to Newgrange on a charter bus, which should be pretty cheap and easy.

With your limited time, I think you should do either Dingle or the Ring of Kerry, but not both. They are very similar in terms of scenery and each one takes a full day.

Most of the things you want to do & see are grouped together by location, which is good. Here's how I think you could schedule the trip to fit it all in.

Day 1- Dublin (Trinity College/Book of Kells)
Day 2- Dublin (St. Patrick's Cathedral/ National Museum)
Day 3- Daytrip to Newgrange
Day 4- Drive from Dublin to Killarney
Day 5- Killarney (Gap of Dunloe)
Day 6- Daytrip to either Dingle or Ring of Kerry
Day 7- Drive from Killarney to the Cliffs of Moher and then on towards Shannon airport
Day 8- Depart Ireland from Shannon airport

On the drive from Dublin to Killarney you could stop at the Rock of Cashel, which is cool. Or you could stop at Kilkenny Castle, which is supposed to be fabulous. Or even at Blarney Castle.

All of these days leave you enough time that you can easily see other things in the area and take your time, which is nice.

I agree with Rosebud's suggestion to do Ring of Kerry or Dingle but not both.
I think I would suggest Dingle Slea Head over Ring of Kerry. It was more scenic in my opinion.

I also highly recommend Ormond Castle and Kilkenny Castle. You can catch both on your drive across to Killarney. I have not been to Newgrange, so I can't comment on it. I think Cliffs of Moher are a must see. I'd place it above Ring of Kerry and Dingle.

I really need to post my trip recap here :)

[sarahh]

I agree with Rosebud's suggestion to do Ring of Kerry or Dingle but not both.
I think I would suggest Dingle Slea Head over Ring of Kerry. It was more scenic in my opinion.

I also highly recommend Ormond Castle and Kilkenny Castle. You can catch both on your drive across to Killarney. I have not been to Newgrange, so I can't comment on it. I think Cliffs of Moher are a must see. I'd place it above Ring of Kerry and Dingle.

I really need to post my trip recap here :)Thanks so much Tonic! I feel like I have a handle on the planning now! You both have given me a great "template" to work off of! :)

And YES...you do need to post a trip re-cap. :D