sdw

Help! A friend and I will be traveling to Ireland the last week of june and first week of July. We were thinking of landing in Dublin spend 4 days there and drive south along the coast. We will have two weeks and are having trouble deciding what to see and how much time we should give ourselves. Any suggestions on places to go and places to see for two budget minded procrastinators is greatly appreciated!

Ann

First of all, rent an automatic car. The extra cost is more than offset by not having to learn to shift with your left hand while driving on the other side of the road. <BR> <BR>Hit Fox's Pub outside Dublin. It's a bit touristy, but fun and the food is good. <BR> <BR>Drive into the Wicklow Mountains. I went on a hiking trip through the Wicklows, and was constantly astonished by the scenery. <BR> <BR>The coast is okay, but you may want to head for Kilkenny--Ireland's best inland city. It's a lot of fun, but look out for lots of Americans. <BR> <BR>If you're open to suggestions, however, I would head north, rather than south. I lived in Northern Ireland for several years--and it is safe. Much safer than anywhere I've ever lived in the United States. Belfast is a lively interesting city. And drive the Antrim Coast road up to the Giant's Causeway. Don't miss the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge. Hit the Jameson whiskey distiller. Then head to Donegal. You'll be back across the border into the Republic of Ireland. Drive up to Malin Head--it's the most northern point of Ireland. The drive along the Atlantic Coast is incredible. I would also make a stop in Derry--while it shows its sad history, take the wall walk tour and experience the place.

Cathy

Sdw, <BR>Check out www.ireland.travel.ie. If you are staying in Dublin pre-book - stay city centre and don't hire a car for the days you are in Dublin. There are lots of suggestions about where to stay in Dublin, one of my favourites is Jurys Inn at Christchurch - very central and reasonable - per room rate rather than per person rate. One thing to remember about driving in Ireland is that it takes longer than it looks from a map, if that makes sense. There are lots of hostels in the Wicklow area - and they are quite reasonable but pre-book as it is high season. I would avoid Johnny Foxes pub as it is a very touristy place with touristy prices etc - ask at the B&Bs for real local pubs. For cheap food shop in Dunnes Stores and other shops and have picnics etc - Dublin is more expensive now than ever before. If you are visiting any of the major cities ie Galway Cork, Dublin etc check out the universities (in Dublin they are a distance from the centre) In Dublin purchase a rambler card for 1, 3 or 5 days. Hope this helps, Post if you have any more questions, <BR> <BR>Cathy

Cathy

SDW, <BR>I should have said that the rambled card is for the city centre buses - check out the Dublin site - accessable via www.cie.ie, <BR> <BR>Have a good time and I hope that the weather gets better for your visit as it is wet and cold here at the moment, <BR> <BR>Regards <BR>cathy

shannon

SDW, <BR> <BR>I would plan on including Galway and Dingle in your plans. (I preferred these over Dublin since they were obviously more rural than Dublin.)I second the Kilkenny recommondation. The tour of the castle they give is great. It is very feasible for you to arrive in Dublin and make it over the Galway. We did it and only had 9 days. As per the car...we tried to get an automatic, but somehow they conviently did not reserve on for us. If you know how to drive stick here, honestly you will be fine. Post if you have more specific questions.

Gina

I would vote for more time in the countryside and less in Dublin, although I'm sure many will disagree. I'm a city-lover and enjoyed my time in Dublin, but I'd venture to say you could make do with two and a half days in Dublin and allot the rest of your two weeks to the gorgeous Irish countryside. <BR>When we visited Ireland, I *liked* Dublin--but I *loved* County Clare and County Galway, the village of Doolin, rambling through Connemara and the Burren, taking the ferry and biking around on Inishmor (the largest of the Aran Islands), and exploring the passage tombs of County Meath. <BR> <BR>And we barely got started!

Jen

I agree with the others on Dublin. You can really do it in 2 days and it is worth having the extra time in the country. We returned last week from Ireland and DID NOT have an automatic car and we were fine. It takes a little getting use to but in my opinion it is definitely not worth the extra money to get the automatic. <BR> <BR>Bring a waterproof jacket and hiking boots or some kind of comfortable sturdy shoes. It rained at some point everyday we were there. <BR>

lisa

Jen...or anyone that can answer my question! <BR>This may sound silly but how water proof does one need to be? I don't particularly want to bring plastic slickers for my children as they are bulky to pack, stifling to wear and my kids don't really find them comfortable. <BR>I'm not in the position to outfit all of us with Gortex($$$) so can anyone tell me if water resistant jackets are sufficient along with two pairs of sneakers (wearing one pair while the wet pair dries!) <BR>I would expect that we wouldn't stay outdoors if it starts to rain. Do all the showers come as sudden and heavy down pours? <BR>Thanks for any help on this matter! We will be there at the end of June.

fae

We just returned from 2 weeks in Ireland.You ask about raincoats. We waterproofed our coats [find a can at Walmart]It rained every day but we were never soaked.It was cold but a sweater under our jackets was just right. It should be warmer the end of June. We rented our car thru Auto-europe via Hertz and did get an automatic which my husband felt he really needed after driving on the wrong side of the road another trip.Gas is about $3.00 per gal. We drove over 1,00 mi. Dingle Peninsula,Cliffs of Moher,Newgrange were our favorites. We packed with one small rollon bag each plus a backpack and carrybag. Since we B&B'd that was plenty to move up and down stairs.The most spectacular view was at The Railway Lodge B&B,between Dingle and Tralee on the Bay of Tralee.Patrick O'Shea is the owner and a very helpful one.The breakfast room embraces the bay and view. Definitely take a washcloth& soap.B&B's don't always offer them,I even took my net scrubber.Put it in a Ziplock bag and squeeze out the air. Used Z bags on our underwear and got more space than rolling them.Strawberries are on at the present and the sweetest I've ever eaten,buy them at a roadside stand. Relax and take your time,enjoy!

lisa

Fae <BR>Thanks for your helpful message! I will get some water proof spray!Otherwise it sounds as if we're packing right. <BR>Getting first hand tips is a great way to be prepared and I like that way. <BR>Thanks, lisa