KC

Hi everyone!I am trying to decide where to go for next summer's vacation! We recently got back from 5 weeks in Italy, Switzerland, France, and Germany, and I found this forum to be so helpful in planning that trip (thank you!). One of the places that I have always wanted to go is Ireland, so I have started looking into it. I have read some guidebooks, but would like some advice from people who have been there about favorite places. We have 2-3 weeks to spend, and we will be trying to stick to a budget! We love beautiful scenery, history, "cute" towns, and nightlife. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Mick

Hi KC <BR> <BR>Tourism is big business here in Ireland, and so over the last couple of years one billion websites have sprung up to help guide and advise tourists. <BR> <BR>Check out http://www.softguide-dublin.com/ , http://www.visitdublin.com/ , and http://www.goireland.com/ --- hunt around for the things that interest you, and then go for it! <BR> <BR>I've recently discovered www.heritage-ireland.com. This site lists all of the mansions, ruins, castles, etc that are preserved and supported as historical sites. Was at Aughnnure Castle in Co. Galway--- all preserved on the inside, five floors high. brilliant. <BR> <BR>More info on Ireland is on my own website (no. 54616540) <BR> <BR>All the best & enjoy your vacation!!! It's hard not to, over here. <BR> <BR>Mick <BR>www.dfaguide.com <BR>

Kathy

Just went in July and Ireland has all the things you're looking for. Bed and breakfasts abound wherever you go. You could make reservations at some and then be spontaneous and find others when you get there. We loved Kenmare and would stay there the next trip for a least a few days. Allow LOTS of travel time between sites, no matter how close it looks on the map. Flying into Shannon is a breeze to get in and out of. We used Dan Dooley for car rental and had no problems. See the Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House and the Ladies View near Killarney.... Would skip the banquet at Bunratty, but some like it. Good food can be found in all price ranges. We ate great seafood dishes. Have a wonderful trip.

ALW

My very favorite part of Ireland was the Aran Islands. Of course, I was there in February, which was gorgeous, not too cold (for one from Chicago), and completely lacking in other tourists. I haven't found anything yet to match the incredible beauty of the Aran coastline.

Ann

Don't miss Northern Ireland (and don't let the idiots stirring up trouble this week stop you from going--you won't be anywhere near where that's all happening), particularly the Antrim Coast road drive. Across the border in the Republic is my favorite county in Ireland, Donegal. The Inishowen Pennisula is simply heaven on earth.

Capo

Hi KC. My favorite part of Ireland was County Clare, on the west coast. I can still hear the sound of Irish people I met when I told them I was headed there; they'd inevitably kind of sigh and say, in that wonderful Irish lilt, "Ah, County Clare."

Cathy

KC <BR> <BR>Mick forgot to mention the grand daddy of the web sites www.ireland.travel.ie run by the Irish Tourist Board. One other web site worth checking out for her regional guides and helpful hints and her forum is Pat Prestons www.irelandexpert,com <BR> <BR>As an Irish person living in ireland I love to escape to either the North West eg Sligo and Donegal or the Wicklow Mts. You should also check out www.hidden-ireland.com <BR> <BR>In 2 to 3 weeks you will be able to see all the hightlights and off-beaten track places too. Most people forget to travel inland to the Midlands and the border counties but with all the time you will have don't miss places like Louth and Carlingford, Cavan and Leitrim <BR> <BR>Hope this helps <BR> <BR>Cathy

Danna

KC... we loved the Glenariff Forest Park, stay in Cushendall at the Meadows B&B (Anne Carey proprietress) ... the forest park's waterfall walk is enchanted, and the hill (forgot the name) behind the Meadows is enchanted as well. Have Fun!

Leslie

I'll second the advice to expect point to point driving to take twice as long as you might normally think. For efficiency, consider flying into Shannon and home from Dublin so you won't have to retrace steps. Don't rush things and find opportunities to interact with the people and the music. <BR>Favorite places: Dingle Peninsula, Dingle Town (good place for pub hopping and music) and Slea Head Drive on the the Dingle Peninsula. Also, Killarney, Kenmare, and Kilkenny, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Muckross House, Wicklow mountains. Haven't been to the north.

maureen

My favorite spots are: <BR>The Rock of Cashel in Tipperary <BR>Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula on a clear day. Take the boat ride across to the Blaskets if you have a fine day. When driving on the peninsula take the Connor Pass Rd. <BR>Take your time, stop into the pubs, and be flexible. <BR>Have a great trip

Wendy

KC, <BR> <BR>I tell anyone who'll listen to visit Ireland. I've been 4 times now and still can't get enough. Everyone who's posted a reply is right on the money - the West coast is really THE place for those "cute" towns, etc. However, on the East side there is just as much, if not more, to be had! <BR> <BR>I adore County Wicklow - it's not called the Garden of Ireland for nothing. Visit Glendalough and the surrounding area. If you follow the series Ballykissangel then go to the town of Avoca. (Or go even if you don't follow the show!) The drive is stunning, the scenery gorgeous and the town superb! <BR> <BR>My other favorite area is Kilkenny. I stayed in a beautiful town called Inistioge at a wonderful B&B that you can find on line (www.NorebridgeHouse.com). And don't forget to visit Kilkenny Castle in the town of Kilkenny. Both are well worth the trip. <BR> <BR>I really wish I had more room to tell you all about my visits. The web site Ireland.Travel.ie is extremely helpful to find places to stay. So is TownAndCountry.ie <BR> <BR>Above all, make sure you go! Have a great time!

Gayle

If I ever make it back, I will return to Bantry Bay and plan to spend more time along that coast. Would like to sneak back to the tiny town of Glendor (sp) for a better look.

Bill Longman

What to see/do in Ireland? Depends alot <BR>on who you are! Great scenery of course such as Cliffs of Moher, Slea Head, Wicklow Mnts. Many castles and pubs (with traditional music). Don't overlook the mysterious Burren and monastic ruins like Glendalough and Dublin city itself. Here you run into a wonderful literary tradition, so check <BR>out Abbey Theatre, Writer's Museum, and <BR>over in Co. Galway, W.B.Yeats summer home Thoor Ballylee.

Jim

Favorite spots/areas: Wicklow Mountains (great hiking); Kilkenny (best inland town in Ireland); Antrim Coast road (includes Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede bridge); Inishowen Pennisula; Belfast; Cliffs of Moher; Fermanagh (Ireland's lake district); Dublin. <BR> <BR>Least favorite: Killarney and Knock. Absolutely overrun with tourists and shops selling leprechaun stuff. There are so many wonderful places in Ireland to visit that I wouldn't waste time in either place.

Bill Longman

<BR>I've already mentioned a few spots, and agree with others. Now for a photo plea! As I get pictures back, I find that my roll with ones of Glendalough, Rossborough, Wicklow Mnts. are ruined! <BR>Could anyone provide a few duplicate slides or tell me some place to get them? Would really be grateful. Contact me direct if you wish. <BR>...Bill in Missouri Ozarks <BR>

Pat

My sister & I traveled through Ireland last June and one of our favorite little towns was Kinsale. The Dingle Penisula was beautiful, but driving the Connor Pass was not an easy thing. You need to be an experienced driver. The road is very very narrow with no guard rails. It is beautiful but you need valium.

Kate

All the above are great suggestions - take your pick! <BR> <BR>I, however, have a slightly different piece of advice. I'm currently reading a book called McCarthy's Bar by Pete McCarthy. It's his personal story of a trip around Ireland trying to go to as many bars called McCarthy's Bar as possible! It's very well written (he's a broadcast journalist by trade) and extremely funny. My parents are Irish so I've been there many, many times and have to say that I can relate to it so well. <BR> <BR>I'm assuming that you're American so don't know if it's freely available but I'm sure that you'll find it on amazon.com. <BR> <BR>Even if you don't read it, you will have an absolutely fantastic time!

kam

Connemara is our favorite part. MalDua House in Clifden is delightful or Ballynahinch Castle. The Twelve Bens are beautiful in different lights and Kylemore Abbey is a delight. If you're interested in history of ancient Ireland, don't miss Clonmachnois monastery. Two "cute" towns with music pubs are Doolin and Dingle town. In Dingle is It's a very small country but you'll need lots of time to slow down and enjoy the beauty, the good food and the people of Ireland.

Kate

Kate-I'm reading that book at the moment, too. For the most part I've enjoyed it, but I'm a bit sick of him taking pot shots at Americans. It would be one thing if his insults were funny (Bill Bryson is frightenly good at that), but they've just gotten old.

Bob hannan

Hi KC, <BR> I am a chauffeur by profession and would be delighted to show you the wonderful sights of Ireland. <BR>Please make contact with me and I will gladly be of further assistance. <BR>Kind regards, <BR>Bob Hannan.