topic Re: Ireland in Community Chat

Ireland

Crv — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:11:59 GMT

Taking a trip to Ireland in September. The last 2 times we went we fly into Shannonand headed west -

this time we are headed to Dublin. Does any have any suggestions on places to go and know of any country side towns off the beaten track??? We will have a car so driving is not an issue.

Re: Ireland

Plaid Pants2 — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:13:32 GMT

I went to Ireland in 2002, and stayed in a little town called Fermoy in County Cork.

It was beautiful!

Have fun in Ireland!

Re: Ireland

ChicagoHeather2 — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:34:03 GMT

Off the top of my head ...

On the eastern side of Ireland - north & slightly northwest of Dublin (easily doable as a single daytrip):

Newgrange / Knowth / Tara
Howth for a seafood dinner (I loved Ivan's but it closed)

South of Dublin:

Powerscourt - amazing gardens & good spot for lunch in cafe
Glendalough - one of my favorite sights
County Wicklow is beautiful rural scenery overall - Avoca is a small town with a lot of charm ... check out the original Avoca mill/shop and if you are into "Ballykissangel" this is your town (take a photo & stop into Fitzgerald's to feel like you're on the TV set)

How far west / south are you thinking? How many days?

These aren't necessarily completely unknown nor way off the beaten path suggestions, but must-see sights IMO. I can give more suggestions depending on your time and route as well as what interests you.

I love the eastern side of Ireland, but am such a fan of the entire length of the west coast. I haven't spent much time in the interior - just passing driving around the coasts.

Re: Ireland

on the bay — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:41:27 GMT

I'm so jealous!

Re: Ireland

muttmom — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:42:19 GMT

Although you are renting a car, I'd suggest you look at itinerary from bus tours. CIE specializes in tours of Ireland. Reviewing their tours will give you a good idea of areas you'd like to visit. We've toured most areas. If your time is limited. I'd head west from Dublin. The entire west coast is my favorite area. If you have more time, head north from Dublin, up to Belfast. You could do the north coast and see the Giant Causeway. Head south along the west coast, then come along the south coast, up the east coast, back to Dublin. I like Westport and Sligo on the west coast.

Re: Ireland

gmkb — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:53:10 GMT

Two towns that I like are Skibbereen and Westport.

Edited to correct spelling.

Re: Ireland

Crv — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:52:49 GMT

Chicagoheather2. We will be staying for a week.

Re: Ireland

lulu2 — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 21:42:11 GMT

I love Ireland, all of it. I agree the west coast is beautiful. A day trip to the Aran Islands is well worth it.

A bit south of Dublin is the harbor area of Dun Laoghaire. We've spent a few days there and loved it. There is easy access to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains.

Re: Ireland

World Traveler — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 22:31:50 GMT

This is very interestting. I will be in Ireland the end of June, first part of July, and am interested in all the suggestions given. Hope to hear more from those of you who have been there.

Re: Ireland

ChicagoHeather2 — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 22:37:53 GMT

I would highly suggest time in County Wicklow - so beautiful and quite a bit to see. You can definitly do Glendalough and Powerscourt while staying in a country B&B. Wicklow Mountains National Park is beautiful though September is a bit early for leaves turning.

Depending on how much you're a fan of of traveling the bucolic scenery of Ireland, I would figure 3 nights in Wicklow is enough. I don't like moving every night or two, though, and prefer to base for sightseeing for at least a few nights, then move on. I figure with your experience in traveling and driving in Ireland, you're all set.

A charming town driving south from Dublin along the coast is Greystones. A nice break in the drive and good spot to enjoy a pint outdoors with a slow lunch.

On the other/north side of Dublin, Newgrange you can see in an hour or so. Definitely a nice stop to/from if you are headed up to Northern Ireland. I am completely inexperienced with Northern Ireland as my visits are just to the Republic.

Re: Ireland

Ms X — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 23:52:03 GMT

I've never been to Ireland, but what about visiting some of the old castles? Blarney Castle is in the area where my ancestors lived, County Cork.. There's also Dublin Castle, but if I understood what I read on the Internet just now, it's been turned into government buildings, which doesn't sound too interesting.

Re: Ireland

Crv — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 01:02:42 GMT

we decided to spend 2 nights in Dublin. I found an apartment on air B and B on the Main Street in the city. Decided to get a 72 hour tour bus ticket . This will pick us up from airport and we can take any of the different tours that they offer for 72 hours. We will then take the tour bus back to airport and pick up a rent a car , get a map and just start driving. This way we do not have to deal with parking in the city and it will allow us to see everything there is to see. Will purchase the tour ticket from tripadvisor.

Re: Ireland

JudyL — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 02:46:09 GMT

I'm going to Ireland in September also! Have a wonderful trip!

Re: Ireland

ballyk — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 14:55:05 GMT

I've been 4 times and Dublin remains my favorite but we have stayed in some very charming small towns. We always travel by bus so that is somewhat limiting.

Stayed at a B&B in Salt Hill close enough to Galway but not as busy. A B&B in Bantry Bay which is small and on the coast. Spent Christmas in Youghal a couple years ago. Another small seaside town north of Cork. My ideal retirement place.

Re: Ireland

lulu2 — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 17:31:43 GMT

@ballyk wrote:
I've been 4 times and Dublin remains my favorite but we have stayed in some very charming small towns. We always travel by bus so that is somewhat limiting.

Stayed at a B&B in Salt Hill close enough to Galway but not as busy. A B&B in Bantry Bay which is small and on the coast. Spent Christmas in Youghal a couple years ago. Another small seaside town north of Cork. My ideal retirement place.

@ballyk

We enjoyed our stay in Youghal.

Re: Ireland

ballyk — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 19:07:29 GMT

@lulu2 wrote:
@ballyk wrote:
I've been 4 times and Dublin remains my favorite but we have stayed in some very charming small towns. We always travel by bus so that is somewhat limiting.

Stayed at a B&B in Salt Hill close enough to Galway but not as busy. A B&B in Bantry Bay which is small and on the coast. Spent Christmas in Youghal a couple years ago. Another small seaside town north of Cork. My ideal retirement place.

@ballyk
We enjoyed our stay in Youghal.

I just loved it there. My wish is forget Florida and spend my winters there