Community Chat

[Crv]

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.

[Plaid Pants2]

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

It was beautiful!

Have fun in Ireland!

[ChicagoHeather2]

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.

[on the bay]

I'm so jealous!

[muttmom]

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.

[gmkb]

Two towns that I like are Skibbereen and Westport.

Edited to correct spelling.

[Crv]

Chicagoheather2.  We will be staying for a week.

[lulu2]

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.

[World Traveler]

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. 

[ChicagoHeather2]

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.