stumblingthrunature

Next March my husband and I will be in Ireland for five days (six nights). Our hotel is in Dublin so recommendations of things to do in the city are much appreciated! We are accustomed to driving in the US so we're a little wary of renting a car--how difficult is it to get adjusted to left-side driving? Does it make more sense to take trains or other public transit to our destinations?

We also love hiking and would love to spend a day doing it if possible, but I'm having trouble finding good hiking spots. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

stumblingthrunature

Sorry--meant six days five nights! Wish I could edit

dodi66

Will you be staying in Dublin for the entire time? You didn't mention any other destinations. You do NOT want a car if you are staying in Dublin. As for getting adjusted to left side driving, that depends on your mindset. My husband has driven a motorhome all over Australia, and cars all over Europe, including Ireland, England, and Scotland (we live in Nevada)and has no trouble adjusting, in fact, enjoys it. But a lot of people are not comfortable with doing so. And if you aren't comfortable with driving on the left, you should not do it. However, you definitely do not want a car in the city of Dublin, nor do you need one!!! You mentioned wanting to hike....the best hiking is on the west side of Ireland...if you are planning to go there, then, yes, you will want a car.

stumblingthrunature

Thank you for your reply! Yes, we will be in Dublin the whole time but are open to leaving the city for day trips. Good to know that a car is not necessary/useful during the city...do you know whether it would be possible or advisable to take a train to the west side instead of a car?

Tony2phones

If you are based in Dublin the west might not be the most practical use of limited time. Bus or Train to Galway takes 5 hours return then getting out from Galway adds time so makes a long day before you think about any activity. Cork is 3 hours by express bus and Killarney 3 1/4 hours by train.

Handy for Dublin is Bray Head and this is an easy walking option along the east coast just south of the city with transport links https://fatstevewalks.wordpress.com/...ray-head-walk/

You could also walk some of the Wicklow Way http://www.wicklowway.com/

North of the City Howth has a Sunday market and some nice coast http://howthismagic.com/

As to the City, Kilmainham Gaol is an option, the Dead Zoo (Natural History Museum)the live Zoo. Tours to Newgrange http://newgrangetours.com/ or Glendalough and Wicklow http://www.wildwicklow.ie/ or Glendalough and Kilkenny http://www.paddywagontours.com/KILKE...ur-From-DUBLIN

You can get the train to Belfast for the day but remember they use £Sterling not €uro up there.

My view on the tours only made possible because of the Motorways, waste of time, get the DVD. any tour that spends the majority of the time looking at the motorways and then small roads with a quick look at what they are aiming to get to before turning round for more of the same make no sense at all.

If you want to see and experience the west or even a bit of it then come back when you have more time.