Linda

I'm going to be spending some time in London in mid-October and find I have about 4 days to do something else. I've already seen a lot of England, having lived there for a number of years, and had thought of making a quick trip to Ireland. I'm well aware that I will not be able to see very much in 4 days, but thought I might be able to get a taste of the country. (I am also aware the weather will be far from optimum, but I don't melt in the rain.)<BR><BR>My questions: If you only had 4 days in Ireland, where would you go?<BR><BR>Since this will be after October 1st, will many of the typical tourist sights be closed, i.e., would the trip be worth it?<BR><BR>Or should I just save Ireland for another time and head across the channel for a few days.

kavey

Linda<BR>Will you be hiring a car to drive around or relying on public transport?<BR>Kavey<BR><BR>(Don't know about weather and sights, I've only been in summer, but the itinerary we did relied on a car).

Danna

We visited Ireland in October and the main tourist sites weren't closed till the end of the month, very few tourists, and the weather was fine! Have a grand time!

Linda

Kavey, I think I will be renting a car, but haven't thought it out that far yet. Still trying to figure out if it is feasible for only 4 days. Do you have suggestions for things to see in such a short time? Would I be better off concentrating in the Dublin area or going somewhere else?<BR><BR>Danna, thank you for the encouragement. I'd almost discounted Ireland because I thought much would be closed. Now I'm getting excited!<BR><BR>Thank you both for your help. Any other suggestions?

Linda

I never did tell you about my interests. Sorry.<BR><BR>Mostly I love visiting museums of all kinds, castles of any kind, ruins, and quaint villages. I'm not too much for outdoors, though do love to drive through beautiful countryside.

Kathy

My vote is to go to Killarney (Muckross House, etc.) then down to Kenmare and the Ring of Kerry. Lots of other choices abound but I think you will experience a good bit of Ireland's beautiful scenery and friendly hospitality. FYI, the Ring drive on the map is deceiving; it will take quite a while on the small roads. If you go, plan on staying at least one night on the peninsula. Have a great trip.

jill

Linda, depends on what city in Ireland you fly into from Ireland. or are you takilng the ferry? with only 4 days you will want to stick close to the place you are ariving and leaving from.

kavey

Unless you want to make it into a city break I'd fly into one city (such as Dublin) and get a car for a couple of days driving outside of it, with maybe 1 night in Dublin, 2 in villages outside of it and another 1 night in Dublin.<BR><BR>When we went for a week we ferried into the South East (Rosslare), drove Westwards through Waterford and onwards, stopping overnight at the homes of my friend's family or in hostels, really enjoying the driving, I cant remember how far West we went but I recall going up North through Limerick. We also stopped in Galway area which was very pretty before driving back across to Dublin for the ferry back to Wales.<BR><BR>We really enjoyed pootling along the lanes but it was summer and in October it might depend on the weather.<BR><BR>Perhaps you could look into which main town you are most interested in (Dublin is a wonderful place to visit with lots to see) and then look at the map and see if there are other locations around thst area that you would like to drive to and stay in.<BR><BR>This might help:<BR><BR>http://www.map-ireland.com<BR>http://www.ireland.travel.ie/home/

Ann

Fly into Belfast, spend a day there, and then drive up the coast, along the spectacular Antrim Coast Road. Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Bushmill's Distillery. I think the Carrick-a-Rede bridge comes down sometime in early October. Not sure on that. Come back through the Glens of Antrim. If there's time, head to Newcastle and the Mountains of Mourne. Great hiking, or if you're not feeling energetic, you can drive up into the Silent Valley.

Aleta

We were there 2 great weeks 6 years ago, but I keep diary of trip.<BR>Skip Killarney, big and touristy shops. Loved Ring of Kerry area, drive ring in the morning before all the buses of the afternoon. especially. We stayed at Caragh Lodge. Ask to stay in the older house, not the addition. For double at the time was 95 pounds incl breakfast and VAT, dinner was 24 per person and worth every cent. Owner Mary Gaunt was chef, and the gourmet dinner was delicious and innovative. Room looked over beautiful gardens and lake. Dinner ordered by the fire in lounge, then you are taken to table when dinner is ready.<BR>We met Americans who in one day had traveleld there from Waterford, gone around Ring of Kerry and toured O'Donnell house. Some people like to rush that way, we stayed 2 days to walk the gardens, enjoy a rest, etc.<BR>In central part, we stayed in Adare. We ate at the Mustard Seed athe the Echo Lodge. Would have been a nice stay there, with only 11 rooms and this wonderful and now well known restaurant. At the time they charged 50-60 per person in low season and dinner was 26-29. Again the food was impressive. Didn't care for the west coast as much as the east, more rugged. Liked the Cork area, and remember hat the town of Macroon, half way to Kenmare was very pretty.<BR>October is chilly enough for sweaters and a rain coat or parka. Wasn't too bad.