Victoria

My friends and I just returned from a womderful trip to Ireland. Any Questions?

Christine

I'd like to plan a trip to Ireland for about 10 days sometime next year. I'm not sure when the best time to go would be. I would also like to get a package deal with accomidations and travel all in one. I want to travel all over Ireland if I can. Do you have any advise? Also I'm planing to go by myself is this a wise idea?

Victoria

I found Ireland to be a very safe place to travel, and think it would be a great place to travel alone. The people are very friendly and it was quite easy for us to meet people along the way. <BR> <BR>In terms of package deals, I would visit the nearest Irish Tourist Bureau or look at travel web sites.

Gail

My friend and I are going to be in the country for 5 days only. We land in Dublin. Based on your experience, how would you best spend that time in Ireland? <BR>

Victoria

Five days is fine. I would only spend a night in Dublin - visit Trinity College and the National Gallery. Then head out to the country - You have time to head out to the ring of Kerry and the Kenmare area. The countryside was what really made Ireland special to me.

Dave

Try to take the 2 hour walking tour of Dublin which leaves from Trinity 3 times a day. Have breakfast at Bewleys and walk around Grafton Street. See the play at Abbey Theater. <BR> <BR>The western coast, especially the cliffs of Moher and the burren, are "must" sees. <BR> <BR>

Mike

We have also just returned from a visit from Ireland, and would suggest the following, from the above questions: <BR> <BR>- I'd suggest visiting in the spring of the fall - avoid the summer with its peak. We had every indication that all the wonderful places we saw were completely overrun with people during the peak times. We got to see them with out the crowds, traffic, etc. <BR> <BR>- Driving will be, uh, interesting. Irish Roads (even the so call "National Roads") are amazingly narrow, winding, full or blind hairpin curves, etc., etc. You will definitely need a car, but be prepared for some close calls! <BR> <BR>- I don't think five days is sufficient to see the ring of Kerry properly. All you will have time to do is drive around in a car, without much time to get out and explore. I'd give Dublin a full day or two, depending upon what you like. Definitely see the Book of Kells (and other medieval documents) at Trinty College, the Museum and the Guiness Brewery Tour if you like Beer. The Cathedrals are not really all that special, but can be seen quickly if you are in the vicinity. <BR> <BR>- From Dublin, I'd suggest heading our either to Cork or to Galway. There is more to see and do on the way to Cork, but we liked Galway much more. From either Cork or Galway, I would do day trips into the surrounding areas. Don't try and do to much! <BR> <BR>Regards, <BR> <BR>Mike <BR>

jdoyle

My wife, 16 year old daughter and me are planning a trip next April, right after Easter. We will only have 6 days in Ireland. We plan to fly into Dublin and drive to Shannon. We'll fly back to the US from Shannon. Do you have any suggestions on where to stay, what to see and tips on driving around. As an alternative, should we fly in and out of Dublin and just explore the area close by?

SUE

For those of you who are planning a trip to Ireland in 99, if your plans are flexible, you might want to check out Aer Lingus "Discover Ireland". They are offering 2 tickets (R.T.) to Ireland from all of their U.S. gateways (New York, Newark, Chicago and Boston for only $488 R.T. Can you believe $488 for 2 R.T. tickets. Also the Discover program offers hotel accomodations starting at $35 per person assuming double occupancy and Avis rental car starting at $21 per day. I am not a travel agent, just a person who is interested in "travel bargains". I intend to take advantage of it and thought someone else might be interested. Happy traveling.

Amy

My mother & I are going to Ireland March 25 for 6 days. The $488 RT from Chicago is what got us going - we ended up flying into ireland and out of Munich for about $525 because of the great deal to ireland. <BR> <BR>Sue - we ended up getting a car from Hertz, but not for $21 a day...can you tell me more? <BR> <BR>Victoria, did you go to the Bunratty Banquet? My mother and I are planning to go to that. Any comments. <BR> <BR>I love this forum! <BR>-Amy <BR> <BR>

Jennifer

My husband & I spent two weeks in Ireland this past June. It was my fourth trip to Ireland and it keeps on getting better. If you like to visit castles and other national sights of interest that are run by the country, consider buying a week long pass to all the sights instead of paying separate admission. The Irish Tourist Board can help you with that. The one big mistake we made this trip was prepaying our car rental with Hertz with and Amex card. When you use Amex in Ireland, it doeas not cover you for insurance. We ended up paying a couple hundred dollars more. My fault really for not checking before hand. The only other problem we had with the car was trying to get it into reverse for the first time. Pretty comical, we finally asked a passerby. The key is you have to lift up on the lower part of the shift and then push it into gear. I have a great B&B in Carlow if youre interested.

Jennifer

My husband & I spent two weeks in Ireland this past June. It was my fourth trip to Ireland and it keeps on getting better. If you like to visit castles and other national sights of interest that are run by the country, consider buying a week long pass to all the sights instead of paying separate admission. The Irish Tourist Board can help you with that. The one big mistake we made this trip was prepaying our car rental with Hertz with and Amex card. When you use Amex in Ireland, it doeas not cover you for insurance. We ended up paying a couple hundred dollars more. My fault really for not checking before hand. The only other problem we had with the car was trying to get it into reverse for the first time. Pretty comical, we finally asked a passerby. The key is you have to lift up on the lower part of the shift and then push it into gear. I have a great B&B in Carlow if youre interested.

Amy

Jennifer - We pre-rented a hertz car already too and we are paying the insurance. How do you avoid the insurance? <BR> <BR>Also, we would love info on the B&B. <BR>Amy

Jennifer

amy, B&B in Carlow Town, Co, Carlow is called the Borlum House. Very well run by Carmel O'Toole. Was originally an inn in the early 1800's. Conveniently located about an hour southwest of Dublin. tel# 0503 41747. It was fairly inexpensive, very clean, lots of hot water and quiet. we liked it so much we ended our trip there as well. As far as car insurance goes, if I had charged the car on a Mastercard or Visa, the credit card agreement states that car rental insurance is covered. Check your card agreement or call customer service.

Nancy

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Ireland(and our first trip out of the US) Any suggestions or tips?

peggy

What a glorious country and a great first trip! I have ben there twince in 16 months, both times in Sept. Both times were fly & drive packages thru CIE (AAA can get you in contact with them). The cars were fine and the B&B vouchers worked great. We usually made reservations thru the Tourist Board a few days in advance. There is a minimal cost (a couple of pounds) but a great service. We were to stay three days in Dublin last time but lost a day, thanks to some bad weather. Trinity College, Grafton St, Powerscourt were great., but then I would get moving and see the rest of country. We usually stayed 2-3 days in one place so we could day trip. Oh we did rent a cottage on a sheep farm for a week on our first trip...what a riot! The west is my favorite, the Connemara, Dingle By, Donegal. If you love history, castles, and dramatic seascapes this is the place for you.

Erin Mariani

Where is the sheep farm/cotage

charlie

Boy oh boy,I'm just surfing through and find these posts on Ireland that bring back some very pleasant memories.Two years ago I was "forced" to take my wife to Ireland(she's the Irish one)to meet her family in county Mayo.Since then I have forced her back twice as I am now honorary Irish(love at first sight).We have a trip to Hawaii planned for 9/99 and I now think that maybe Ireland would be a better chose, I guess I'm really hooked.To all enjoy !!!!!!!!

Joe

My wife and I are planning a trip to Ireland in Sept.for 3 weeks.Primary destination Clonmel in County Tipperary.We had counted on our Visa Gold card to pick up the CDW insurance,but as of March 1 ,1999 Visa will no longer provide that perk.What I am most interested in is the driving experiences in Ireland.In my research on the net some say the roads are good--some say they are ok---some say whoa!!--Roundabouts have captured my interest how are they best handled?Any info on Ireland will be greatly appreciated.

Marcia

An Irish friend and I are going to Ireland/Scotland for about 2 weeks in September. Her family is from County Mayo so we'll be spending time there. My family is from Glasgow so I want to take the ferry there. I expect we will only spend 3 days there. My idea is to take the plane into Dublin assuming we have to fly out of the same place. Has anyone had experience especially on these deals going into one airport (like Shannon) and out another (like Dublin)? My friend wants to see all and do all but I'm trying to prioritize. Besides Dublin,Mayo County,Dingle,Kerry,and Galway are there any other major places you'd recommend? Is it realistic to hit the highlights of these places in a week and allow 3 days to spend with my friend's family and 3 to spend in Glasgow in addition? <BR>Open to suggestions. <BR>I know we want to go