Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

First timers in Ireland

Search

First timers in Ireland

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 16th, 2014, 10:04 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
First timers in Ireland

It is our first time to Ireland and we are really excited.
I am meeting my 20 year old daughter in Dublin mid April and I shall be renting a car. We plan to head down to Kenmare, Co. Kerry for a few days where I have found a lovely cottage to rent in town. We shall head back to Dublin for the weekend as we are meeting up with my son (22 years old). My daughter will unfortunately leave us and I shall be taking my son back down to Kenmare. We shall use this are as our home base for 5 nights.

2 nights - Kenmare (daughter)
2/3 nights Dublin (son & daughter)
5 nights - Kenmare

I enjoy driving and we are all looking for fun pub nights, beautiful country sides, warm people and memorable traditional Irish experiences.

We welcome all and any advise.
Thanks in advance.
tmurph is offline  
Old Mar 16th, 2014, 12:11 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I recommend some time on Beara whilst based in Kenmare http://goo.gl/c1RV6W gives some great advice.

Kenmare is not a big town and Mid April not as busy (except Easter) as might be expected, plenty of chances to get to know the locals.
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Mar 16th, 2014, 12:40 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You will be 30 miles away from one of the most beautiful spots in Ireland: Gougane Barra. See http://www.gouganebarra.com/.
Padraig is offline  
Old Mar 18th, 2014, 01:40 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Not wanting to highjack this topic...but...
Padriag-
We are driving from Killarney to Ardmore in May and I haven't pinpointed where and what to do on the way. What can tell me about Gougane Barra that would make a good stop albeit a bit out of the way?
Ralstonlan is offline  
Old Mar 18th, 2014, 02:01 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Do you need recommendations for places to stay or things to see in Dublin?
My mom and stayed that at a lovely, albeit tiny, hostel literally right next to Trinity College. That was a worthwhile stop for us because I studied the Book of Kells, but I would recommend it to anyone. It's a beautiful campus! If you have the time, getting a guided tour is a great way to learn about the history of the school. We ate at the Hard Rock Cafe which is important to our family but if you'd rather, you'd certainly be able to find a more traditional Irish pub style place to eat. Later we visited St. Patrick's Cathedral which has the tomb of Jonathan Swift and not much else. Finally we visited the Guinness Storehouse. If you or your daughter/son appreciate beer and how it is made, this is a absolute must-see. For someone who does not like beer, I was very interested. It's a very well-done, modern museum. Besides that, walking along the river and taking in the sights made Dublin a memorable spot.
spanishsarah47 is offline  
Old Mar 18th, 2014, 02:45 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just a word of caution on the subject of Gougane Barra.
The Forest was due to be closed in January to permit a programme of tree felling, made necessary by an attack of tree fungus.
The plan was to close the forestry for about 6 months so the ongoing activity might take away from the tranquillity of this gem of a location.
SeeDee is offline  
Old Mar 23rd, 2014, 06:57 AM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you everyone!
I have checked out the Beara Peninsula and it is on our agenda. Thanks for the link tony2phones, the review of their drive is very detailed.
spanishsarah47 thanks for the advice on Dublin and the hostel beside Trinity College - I will have my son look into it. He is responsible for finding accommodations for the Saturday while we are in Dublin.
We were concerned about being in Dublin on Good Friday (closed), although now I am coming across many 'must do' visits that do not require alcohol. We will save Guinness Storehouse for Saturday.
Cheers
tmurph is offline  
Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 10:53 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We are a family of 6 coming to Ireland in early July. We fly into Shannon. Any suggestions on where to stay the first couple of nights that will fit our family of 6 or do we book more than one room? I know the Irish love big families, so hopefully it won't be to difficult to accommodate us.
kljbm is offline  
Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 11:26 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Kljbm... probably better to start a new question with some ideas on what you want to see/do. with a group of 6 you will need 2 rooms and a big car..
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Apr 2nd, 2014, 04:28 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
thanks tony2phones….just new to all of this.
kljbm is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gallichiro
Europe
5
Jan 7th, 2011 12:56 PM
redneck6497
Europe
39
Jan 3rd, 2011 01:15 PM
Subright04
Travel Tips & Trip Ideas
5
Mar 10th, 2007 05:34 PM
Subright04
Europe
10
Feb 5th, 2007 08:58 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -