ajawhitesox

Hello everyone! I've decided to take a last minute trip from Chicago to Ireland at the end of October. I'll be arriving on a friday and departing a week later on saturday.

Any suggestions on what region a first timer to Ireland should concentrate on? I was doing some research and have possibly narrowed it down to the southwest region...but I'm still unsure. Also, any suggestions on places to go or cities to stay in would be greatly appreciated as well.

The only thing that I know for sure is that I am beyond excited to explore this country!!

Thanks for all your help!

nytraveler

It would help to know your interests.

We adore Dublin but I know a lot of people aren;t that enthused - but to me it has several great museums and a wonderful theater scene (definitely ry to see something by one of the Irish authors - Wilde, Shaw et al) and is good for at least 3 days if one is the jet-lagged landing day.

pgriffin

I would explore Dublin for two or three days when you land. See the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Jail and go to a few nice pubs and try the Guinness.

Then I would go to Galway - both the city and the county. If you have four or five days in the region you could spend two days in the city and three days in Connemara. Connemara is beautiful and a nice look at rural Ireland. Places like Roundstone, Clifden and Connemara National Park. You can base yourself in Clifden, which has the best infrastructure in the region.

That makes up your eight nights.

Please bear in mind that late October can bring some mixed weather, i.e. crap weather!

Luv2travel15

I say west coast of Ireland. Our 1st trip was to Galway, Killarney, Aran Isles and we loved it. I planned our itinerary and hotel stays (we preferred hotels to B & B's).

We did stay at one lovely B&B in Bunratty before we flew home.

http://www.bunrattycourtyard.com/

We've been to Dublin and Belfast and enjoyed both areas but West of Ireland was clearly our favorite. Much to see and do there!

Tony2phones

The 3 key locations this time of year would be Dublin - Galway & Killarney.. you can travel between the 3 on Public transport and local tours will be running.. If you are renting a car you have more options between the points.

Yes we do have some mixed weather over here, but so do many other places! Our weather comes off the Atlantic so any of the western seaboard gets the brunt of it. Generally windy and wet from September although this year has been unusually mild and dry (until today) so who knows what the next few weeks will bring.

If you consider the Connemara then Sea week is running next week + from 18-28th October.. Then Halloween of course.

GreenDragon

As Tony says, that's the typical First Timer Triangle, as I call it - Dublin, Killarney, Galway. Some add Kilkenny on the way, which is a lovely medieval city. If you can do an open-jaw ticket (flying into Dublin and out of Shannon, or vice versa) you'll save some travel time returning to your point of origin.

I went in late November last year, and had 45-50 degrees each day, with 40-45 each night. The days were short, but the pubs were warm! Just be prepared for rain, wind and cold whenever you go out, and you'll be fine.

ajawhitesox

Thanks everybody. I'm thinking about making my way to Galway as soon as I land in Dublin. Head to Killarney or Kenmare, Ring of Beara, Cork or Kilkenny, and back to Dublin. And stop and do/see as much as I can without feeling rushed.

GreenDragon

The Ring of Beara is fantastic for not feeling rushed!