Too Little Time in Ireland--Advice?

Old Sep 20th, 2017, 07:27 AM
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Too Little Time in Ireland--Advice?

I am planning a short trip to Ireland in late October. I get to tag along on my husband's business trip, so 3 nights in Dublin are set: the initial 2 nights, then the last night before flying out. Because this is typically when the weather turns, we are thinking we should stick to another city for the remaining 3 nights, with Galway being the obvious choice. If we have good weather, we will explore the cliffs and whatever else we can fit in. Does that sound like the best choice? (unlikely to return unless there is another work trip, as we are Mediterranean lovers for our personal travels.)
Husband is open to driving after doing it the last three years in Italy, though the left side thing has me a bit nervous. If we pick up the car in Dublin, we could explore en route to Galway--for example driving up to Newgrange to see the neolithic site. Any advice on where to pick up the car? Best area of Galway to stay with a car? Any other suggestions? I am thinking it would be easier to just have the car versus taking the train and then figuring out day rentals.
Thanks in advance for input!
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Old Sep 20th, 2017, 08:28 AM
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To be honest Dublin with a tour of Newgrange. Express bus or Train to Galway and take tours from Galway, Inis Mor or Connemara and or Cliffs and Burren. No need to rent a car local tours from Galway are very good and won't be busy given late October unless you are talking the Bank holiday weekend the very end of the month.
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Old Sep 20th, 2017, 08:39 AM
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Is the car that much of a hassle? Or is it the parking or ?
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Old Sep 20th, 2017, 12:58 PM
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A car is a pain in Dublin, driving around Dublin is getting worse especially with lane closures along the quays. As to Galway parking can be a problem but there are options for accommodation with parking. Car rental is the biggest drawback if you only want 2 or 3 days is it really worth it? getting the bus direct Dublin to Galway is cheaper than the fuel cost /toll etc. Rental is available from Budget rent a car in Galway if you do feel the need for a couple of days rental.
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Old Sep 20th, 2017, 01:01 PM
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My husband and I rented a car for two weeks on one of our trips to Ireland, but we turned the car in at the aiarport when we arrived in Galway and took a bus back to Dublin. As Tony says, the bus was cheap and convenient.
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Old Sep 20th, 2017, 01:14 PM
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We drive everywhere in Ireland. You don’t want a car in Dublin, but you can pick one up at the airport after your two nights there and then head to Galway. We usually stay in B&Bs; there are several on College Road and most offer some parking. (You can check with them in advance.) If you prefer hotels, stay in one outside of the city center and parking will not be a problem.

Hope you have a great trip!
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Old Sep 21st, 2017, 06:18 AM
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Thanks everyone--will share these with the driver and will report back in fall how it went!
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Old Sep 21st, 2017, 06:21 AM
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Don't be a stranger. if there is anything else between now and your arrival ask away.
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Old Sep 21st, 2017, 07:09 AM
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Agree with picking up car as you leave Dublin. I think you'll want one for Galway, mostly for exploring outside the town.

Any chance you can fly out of Shannon? Easier than returning to Dub. airport although I understand the road between Galway and Dub has been improved.
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Old Sep 21st, 2017, 09:00 AM
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There is a slab of tar all the way across from Dublin to Galway these days, you can leave Dublin airport and be in Ballybrit on the edge of Galway in just over 2 hours.
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Old Sep 21st, 2017, 09:17 AM
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Nope--hubby's ticket is paid for, so we're set on Dublin for departure.
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