raincity

I am planning a side trip to Ireland and have no idea where and what to see because I want to see it all. I wish I had more time but i only have 6 nights. I will be traveling at the end of July. Thanks

crckwc1

raincity -- Before we can offer suggestions, we need to know several things: from which city are you starting and ending your trip? Will you be driving or using public transportation? What is your daily budget? Are you traveling alone or with someone?
Since you obviously can't see everything in 5 short days, you need to focus on a specific area and/or a specific interest (castles, history, scenery, music, etc.). If driving, remember that you'll do well averaging 35-40 mph unless on a motorway. This will limit how wide an area you can cover. Please do a little more homework and come back with more specifics.

raincity

Hi crckwc1
Here's my conundrum: I have a son that will be traveling to northern Spain with a group and at the end of his trip, need to escort him back home. My husband and I have 2 weeks of vacation time and thought since we have to cross the ocean we might as well stop somewhere. I know I am all over the map but as you can tell I am as excited as a kid in the candy store. We are not world traveler and don't know if we should make that side trip or just spend that time in Spain. We are in the planning stage of our trip with the family and again, don't know where and what to see and to do homework about both places will just bog me down. I just can not decide. We are simple people and if it helps we enjoy being outdoors.

Spivonious

My wife and I are going to Ireland in a few months. We plan on getting our fill of the outdoors in areas such as Connemara, the Burren, and County Wicklow.

With only six days, I'd concentrate on one or two areas in Ireland. Maybe three days in Dublin, three somewhere in Country Wicklow?

Personally, I'd spend the two weeks in Spain and save Ireland for another trip, especially if it was my first trip to Europe.

raincity

spivonious thank you for your reply. It makes the most sense. do you have a must see while in spain?

crckwc1

raincity - I agree that with limited time to spend in Ireland, that you concentrate on Spain. There is much to see there. I suggest you either purchase a Spain travel guide or read some at your library to decide what appeals to you most. In two weeks you won't be able to see everything so, again, you will have to choose what interests you most. There are too many sites to list here, from mountains to beaches, from cities to villages, from museums to bull fights, etc. Some fodorites don't like Rick Steves, but his guides do set out specific itineraries that you might find useful in planning. Have a great trip!

Spivonious

raincity - I haven't been to Spain, so I can't help you there. I can only say that, having squeezed in three countries over two weeks in my first trip to Europe, that the trip is much more enjoyable if you can unpack and relax a bit. It makes the trip an experience versus a whirlwind of tourist stops.

I've enjoyed the Lonely Planet guidebooks. If you don't want to buy one, check your local library. The prices won't be up-to-date, but it will give you some ideas as to what you want to see in Spain.

annadade

You coul do a lot in Ireland in 6 days, depending on what you like to do in your leisure time. For example, Dublin is a lively city where you could take a tour of all the great literary highlights there and visit the home of Guinness and then go across to Galway city, full of arts and culture and a brilliant bohemian athmosphere,or there's Westport a beautiful town in Co Mayo and go to the North West where you can enjoy some spectacular scenery or learn to surf! Weather is pleasant in July, and yes it could rain..but just come prepared for that.. there's festivals most weekends and some really nice restaurants and pubs to eat in..so don't rule Ireland out!!Just plan well for your 6 days.

TPAYT

I think it makes more sense to travel in Spain and then pick up your son, but if you really want to go to Ireland first my suggestion would be to stay on the West Coast.

You said that you like being outdoors so that's the place to be. We mostly travel in Frnace(so nothing to add about Spain) but we did take 2 trips to Ireland in Sept. '10 and May '11. We enjoyed the West Coast so much in Sept. that we returned 8 months later to tour the middle, north to south.

The West Coast was the most scenic and it was wonderful driving to all the small towns. The Dingle Peninsula was the best place that we visited. You could fly to Shannon and spend 6 days in the stunning Irish countryside and then fly to Spain.

Here's a quick look:
http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripw...00a3-15f8-d09e

If you have more interest look on my profile for "The land of pleasant surprises" trip report.