weelass...in here please

MrsPiz053009 · October 2011

I am a lurker on this board but I'm hoping you can help me anyway. We are going to Ireland in July or August of next year....first time. No specifics planned yet. there anywhere or anything we absolutely have to see/do?

weelass24 · October 2011

Ohhh yes. So much to see! How long are you going for? Are you going to drive or take trains? It all kind of depends on that.

I highly recommend Galway for a night or two and Belfast for sure. Belfast you can shop and tour and then take a bus tour (day trip) from City Centre up to Giants Causway and Derry. Giants Causeway is a must. If you fly into Dublin and don't want to drive over there, you can get to both places by train easily.

Dublin is OK. I wouldn't waste more than 2 days there. You can see the city on the red double decker buses. Get on one and get up to Kilmainhim Jail and see the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Dublin is expensive and everybody will push you to go to Temple Bar. If you are into a crazy bar scene, its a good time. Otherwise, it's good to see and move on.

B&Bs are very popular there and a good, cheap option. Another decent hotel chain is Jury's Inn. They have properties in all 3 cities. Any hotel will have what they call "residents bars" which are open until much later than the pubs and are for people staying there.

Two cute seaside towns are Bray (in Wicklow) and Newcastle (in Down). They are really pretty towns and have tons to do in the summer. If you want to stay in a castle, Bunratty (in Clare) is the place to go. They do a dinner show and they get the audience involved.

Other than that, hit up the regular touristy places, like Ring of Kerry, Blarney Stone and have fun!!! Ireland is sooo much fun.

MrsPiz053009 · October 2011

Going for 10 days not counting travel time. No decisions yet on driving vs train, what do you recommend? I think that we are thinking about renting a house in a central location and doing day trips from there. My sister wants to go to Kerry and Cork and my dad wants Dublin. Mom and H and I are pretty much along for the ride.

weelass24 · October 2011

It really depends on how comfortable you are driving over there. Renting is expensive. We actually own a car over there because buying a cheap used car is less money than renting for a week. You'd need a minivan (people carrier) with 5 going plus luggage. You'll see far more of the country in a car, but if you don't feel up for driving on the right side of the car, then don't.

I don't drive there, but I can't get affordable insurance, which I need since I am would be driving privately owned vehicles. You can get insurance through the rental place, which you will need. Most American auto insurers will not cover you in Ireland. And anyone who drives needs to have coverage. There is no uninsured driver coverage over there.

IDK how old your parents are, but they will not allow anyone over the age of 75 to drive a rental there, much to the delight of my 76 year old father. LOL

MrsPiz053009 · October 2011

It will be more like 13 of us as my cousins, aunts and uncles and my other sister will also be going. I think renting will probably be the way to go and my parents are footing the trip and money really isn't an issue(i hate the way that sounds). My parents are 62 and 58 so no problem there Big Smile

Thanks for all of your help, it's really appreciated

weelass24 · October 2011

Well, if there are 13 going, you may want to consider a 7 day tour and then staying on for a few extra days to hit up some other places. That way your transport and lodging are taken care of and you'll be sure to hit the highlights, for most of your time there. Then the last few days you can stay in the same place, but roam around on your own or take day trips.

Want a personalized experience?

weelass...in here please

Re: weelass...in here please

Choose Another Board

Search Boards