Gail

I recently learned that I will be in Ireland from October 8 (9:00 a.m.) through the 12 (leaving on the 13). A friend is going to travel with me - so there's 2 women traveling to Ireland. It is better to rent a car, or take coach tours? Hotel or B&B? What would be the best use of the time we have there? We do want to dine at a castle. I'd appreciate any input that you can provide. Thanks.

kam

You don't say where you will land in Ireland. Assuming it's Shannon, I would rent the car but wouldn't plan to go very far as the roads are small, frequent stops for traffic, and many photo ops! If you're going to be in Dublin I would give you the opposite advice. I think the fun of Ireland is talking to the people, so I would vote for the B&B route which will allow you to meet your hosts. Generally the farther west you stay the more interesting the countryside and people. There's a wonderful little town called Clifden in Connemara and Galway City is nice for shopping etc. Cork, I would not recommend. Killarney is lovely. Castle dinners are a mixed bag. The best known one is at Bunratty Castle, but it's very touristy and the food's pretty bad. There are several old castles that are now hotels, such as Ashford in Cong and Ballyseede Castle in Tralee. You need to understand that castle in Ireland is not of the Cinderella type! <BR>Two women traveling alone will not ever be a problem in Ireland. Have a great trip and bring raingear!

Ann

Lucky you! I agree with the previous post advice. Definitely bring rain gear. Don't rush around trying to see all the sites, the most enjoyable thing about Ireland is the people. Go out to pubs at night and try to take in local life. I've been to Ireland three times and I never been disappointed with anywhere I've been. Just remember to slow down and enjoy. B&B's are a great way to get a feel for the Irish. The Irish Tourism Board will send you a free book with pictures of each place or you can buy one when you get there. I love the Dingle Pennisula (go out to Slea Head)much less touristy than the "ring of Kerry" also the Cliffs of Moher in Clare are breathtaking and a pretty easy drive from Shannon. Galway is a great city, you could get a place for a few nights and then day trip out to other places. Have a great time.

Betty

<BR>We just returned from Ireland on the 15th of Sept. I agree with everything Anne has said. Galway is lovely also. We did B & B all the way and absolutely loved every one. Have kept all the addresses and cards and will gladly share. However, if you are not familiar with the territory it is pretty hard to find a specific B&B. They are numerous and we were more than satisfied with every one! If there are no vacancies, they are so cooperative about calling another for you. We had NO reservations made ahead. In two weeks, we only had one night that there was a slight problem. A great place for a vacation.

Nicole

I also just returned from Ireland with a friend, but my recommendations would be different than the rest. First I hated Galway - all big cities in Ireland were just like any other big city. Cliden was just plain dull we no character or nice countryside - although Conemara national park was beautiful. The best part about Ireland is the country and small towns. I loved Kilarney - it was just the right size and it was a good place to go to the ring of Kerry, Dingle Pennisula, Kilarney national park, and Blarney. We drove and had learned to hate the bus tours that took up 3/4 of the tiny road - plus the tours give you limited time at certain stops. We liked the South west part of Ireland we stayed for three days. B&B's are absolutely everywhere and much much cheaper than hotels - about $20 to $25 dollars per person. We had a book from the tourist board, but the road signs in Ireland are nearly non-exsistent so I found it easier to pick a B&B off the road that looked nice instead of following the book and trying to find the address. We also had reservations to dine at Burnratty castle, but it was so full of tour buses and tourists we cancelled the reservation. If you were flying into Dublin I would stay one night in Dublin, go on to County Clare to see the cliffs of Moher, than on to Kilarney to stopping by to see the Dingle Pennisula, King of Kerry, Kilarney National park, and than to Blarney. There is a great store for shopping that I loved called Blarney Woolen Mills. There is also the greatest linen shop in Kilarney called Memoirs that I loved - really small shop run by a family that makes its own lace. If you have time you may want to start farther west and go through Conemara national park and stop by Kylmoore abby which has great cheap crafts. Although - believe it or not - it didnt' rain the whole week we were there, I am sure you will need rain gear! <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Mavis

We've just returned from two weeks in Ireland. Instead of B&B or hotel I would opt for a short break with a self-catering cottage. Shamrock Cottages has a website you can access and because you can drive quite a distance in a day in Ireland I would make day trips from there. If landing in either Shannon or Dublin I would rent a car, drive to Waterford and stay somewhere near Youghal/Ardmore. The beaches there are fantastic and deserted and you can walk on them for miles. Ardmore is a lovely little town, try Paddy Mac's pub for great meals and traditional music or the Marine Bar along the N25. Friendly ppl, terrific food and music almost every night. Youghal is a fishing village, lots of great seafood, don't miss Aherne's. I would miss Cork, but don't miss Cobh (pronounced Cove), it is where most of the emmigrants leaving Ireland left from and they have an amazing exhibition, including info on the Titanic and Lusitania. Kinsale is the gourmet capital of Ireland, just south of Cork, and if you do don't miss having a pint at The Spaniard. Have fun. <BR>