What is fun to do in ireland?
Jul 14th, 2011, 10:13 AM
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Dears, what Viajero2 is trying (very rudely and unhelpfully) to say, is, what do you like to do for fun? What draws you to Ireland?
I just returned from 8 days in the southwest and what I enjoyed at 65 I doubt if you would find as entertaining, although my late-teen granddaughters said they had a great time.
Let us know a bit more about yourselves and your interests and we will try to help. Some of us.
I just returned from 8 days in the southwest and what I enjoyed at 65 I doubt if you would find as entertaining, although my late-teen granddaughters said they had a great time.
Let us know a bit more about yourselves and your interests and we will try to help. Some of us.
Jul 14th, 2011, 10:52 AM
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See the little block up top on the right hand side that says, "Search the Forums?" Type in Ireland and you will be able to start your search from a lot of helpful posts! Also, buy either Fodor's or Frommers tour book and both of you really read it. We were there a week, rented a car and stayed in B&Bs. We loved it! Some of our favorites: Cliffs of Mohler, Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive and seeing miles and miles of stone fences, Bunratty, The pubs at night with their peat moss fires, a silly thing like kissing the Blarney Stone.
The roads are very narrow and you drive on the opposite side of the street than the USA so you have to be careful and make sure you take their insurance offered at the rental place.
The roads are very narrow and you drive on the opposite side of the street than the USA so you have to be careful and make sure you take their insurance offered at the rental place.
Jul 14th, 2011, 11:38 AM
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Jaja-thank you! we are looking for suggestions on things to do in towns like cork or galway etc.. We plan on seeing usual sites but while in town(s) where to go and what to do (like festvals or pub crawls) or theaters and/or dance club type places.
Jul 14th, 2011, 12:01 PM
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What viajero was saying is that the question and post are meaningless without context. Blasting viajero as a type of a hole that starts with "a" is, at best, not endearing.
Let's deal with basics:
How old are you (-ish will do)?
What do you like to do generally?
What do you like to do or see that you associate with Ireland?
What's fun at a pub from your current conception of Irish pub life?
What's fun at bars in your current view of nightlife?
And consider the following: (1) Irish trains are run on a nearly complete hub-and-spoke system which makes moving from one "spoke" to another difficult even if the towns themselves are actually close (http://www.irishrail.ie/home/maps/in...amp;width=540#)
(2) driving in much of Ireland makes Scotland seem like the Autobahn - narrow roads, slow driving speeds, slow vehicles - so making time from city to city isn't swift.
Let's deal with basics:
How old are you (-ish will do)?
What do you like to do generally?
What do you like to do or see that you associate with Ireland?
What's fun at a pub from your current conception of Irish pub life?
What's fun at bars in your current view of nightlife?
And consider the following: (1) Irish trains are run on a nearly complete hub-and-spoke system which makes moving from one "spoke" to another difficult even if the towns themselves are actually close (http://www.irishrail.ie/home/maps/in...amp;width=540#)
(2) driving in much of Ireland makes Scotland seem like the Autobahn - narrow roads, slow driving speeds, slow vehicles - so making time from city to city isn't swift.
Jul 14th, 2011, 12:26 PM
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Jul 14th, 2011, 01:54 PM
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How old are you (-ish will do)? 29
What do you like to do generally? Check out live bands
What do you like to do or see that you associate with Ireland? Music
What's fun at a pub from your current conception of Irish pub life? Lively places with people around age group
What's fun at bars in your current view of nightlife? Check Out live music
Now we know you want to go to Cork (why Cork??) or maybe Galway. But we STILL don't know: • we have no set itinerary. Which is why i asked opinions on where people have had awesome experiences like "hey- we went to this place in wicklow that would be worth the drive!" Or " avoid this town-its lame". Im trying to get an idea of cities to go to- like why not cork? Dublin all its cracked up to be? This way i can map out dull places vs good places since i dont have a lot of time. My idea was areas of Dublin, cork, galway. Which is best to hit if i cant do all three areas. All i wanted was to hear peoples stories-i wasnt expecting you all to write my itinerary for me so dont jump down my throat for asking.
When the trip is • sept and the festival was just an example
If you are renting a car or not (makes a difference where you can go) yes renting a car.
What do you like to do generally? Check out live bands
What do you like to do or see that you associate with Ireland? Music
What's fun at a pub from your current conception of Irish pub life? Lively places with people around age group
What's fun at bars in your current view of nightlife? Check Out live music
Now we know you want to go to Cork (why Cork??) or maybe Galway. But we STILL don't know: • we have no set itinerary. Which is why i asked opinions on where people have had awesome experiences like "hey- we went to this place in wicklow that would be worth the drive!" Or " avoid this town-its lame". Im trying to get an idea of cities to go to- like why not cork? Dublin all its cracked up to be? This way i can map out dull places vs good places since i dont have a lot of time. My idea was areas of Dublin, cork, galway. Which is best to hit if i cant do all three areas. All i wanted was to hear peoples stories-i wasnt expecting you all to write my itinerary for me so dont jump down my throat for asking.
When the trip is • sept and the festival was just an example
If you are renting a car or not (makes a difference where you can go) yes renting a car.
Jul 14th, 2011, 01:58 PM
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You have to understand - its like someone coming on and saying what is there fun to do in the USA. Ireland may be smaller but there are so many options. You need to give us an idea of what you want to do and how you want to see things for us to help.
Good start - now you have 7 days and like live music and are in your late 20's. Do you plan to take public transit or rent a car? Are you flying in and out of Dublin or can you book open jaw flights, into Dublin and out of somewhere in the south....?
Good start - now you have 7 days and like live music and are in your late 20's. Do you plan to take public transit or rent a car? Are you flying in and out of Dublin or can you book open jaw flights, into Dublin and out of somewhere in the south....?
Jul 14th, 2011, 02:21 PM
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jamikins is exactly right - if I asked you what was "fun" in the US, you might tell me I HAD to go to the hottest clubs in New York (for example) when what I'd really rather do is go hiking in the Rockies. But there's no way to know that if all I give you is "what's fun?" That's why people are asking for more information. However, you did get some pretty rude responses.
Also, why did you pick Cork or Galway as starting points - did something about them sound fun to you? Did you look at a map and see that they were major cities? Knowing what made you start there will help people give you suggestions.
It sounds like you're very focused on music. I can't speak much about music in Dublin, but we spent a few nights in pubs in Dingle and Ennis, on the western side of the country - the night we were at Murphy's in Dingle was particularly fun. The people around weren't our age, though (I'm 30) - many, if not most, were older than us. Still lively, though.
Doolin is supposed to be a good spot for traditional music, but it's a VERY small town, so given what you seem to like, I'm not sure I'd stay there.
Do be aware that if you're locked into flying into and out of Dublin, you won't have a ton of time to spend in different places. Driving in Ireland tends to be slow (average 35mph is a good rule of thumb, especially in more rural areas). You'll have time for two or three places, max, and three will be pushing it if you have to get back to Dublin to fly home.
By the way, you don't want a car in Dublin. Just rent one whenever you leave the city and return it when you go back.
Also, why did you pick Cork or Galway as starting points - did something about them sound fun to you? Did you look at a map and see that they were major cities? Knowing what made you start there will help people give you suggestions.
It sounds like you're very focused on music. I can't speak much about music in Dublin, but we spent a few nights in pubs in Dingle and Ennis, on the western side of the country - the night we were at Murphy's in Dingle was particularly fun. The people around weren't our age, though (I'm 30) - many, if not most, were older than us. Still lively, though.
Doolin is supposed to be a good spot for traditional music, but it's a VERY small town, so given what you seem to like, I'm not sure I'd stay there.Do be aware that if you're locked into flying into and out of Dublin, you won't have a ton of time to spend in different places. Driving in Ireland tends to be slow (average 35mph is a good rule of thumb, especially in more rural areas). You'll have time for two or three places, max, and three will be pushing it if you have to get back to Dublin to fly home.
By the way, you don't want a car in Dublin. Just rent one whenever you leave the city and return it when you go back.
Jul 14th, 2011, 02:59 PM
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You would love The Temple bar district of Dublin, hostels are everywhere if your trip is a budget one. Cork has a lot of clubs and music, I didn't find it dirty. Galway, we are going for the Galway oyster festival in Sept. This is something you might find fun. The Matchmaker's festival in Lisdoovarna, the whole month of Sept.
Jul 15th, 2011, 01:12 AM
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Don't know your dates for September but Dublin 2 Galway 2 and Cork 2 gives a free day to get back to Dublin. September is festival time all over Ireland and Accommodation can be either tight, expensive or both. You say music but what sort?
This site might be helpful for events but finer detail and small local events would depend on dates? Post your question on other forums for more info from others.
http://www.discoverireland.com/us/ab...events_ireland
http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowForum-...8-Ireland.html
This site might be helpful for events but finer detail and small local events would depend on dates? Post your question on other forums for more info from others.
http://www.discoverireland.com/us/ab...events_ireland
http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowForum-...8-Ireland.html
Jul 15th, 2011, 04:08 AM
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Ah yes, the Matchmaker Festival in Lisdoonvarna is a hoot! It's sounds odd, and it kind of is in a way, but it's something for everyone, all ages, has a lot of traditional music as well as a bit of blues, jazz, rock, and has a great (but short for Ireland) history. Here's the official website with dates www.matchmakerireland.com/festival.html if you want to check it out for a night. As you have a car, it won't be hard to reach from Galway. Don't forget to wear your Claddagh ring the right way around!
Galway is a fun town, will have the pubs and live music venues you're looking for, particularly in the centre of town in the pedestrian area and just at the start of it (does it bode well that I can't remember the name of the large white pub in the square, but know what it looks like?!!!). The Temple Bar area in Dublin is right up your alley. Jury's is a noisy hotel, but right in the thick of it so you won't notice the noice and you'll be out making it rather than trying to sleep. Just follow your ears in that district and you'll find what you want. Otherwise, if you come across The Brazen Head (oldest pub in Ireland, located on Lower Bridge Street) or Oliver St John Gogarty's in Temple Bar you'll find all the diddly-dee music you can handle! Also have a look at www.dublinevents.com and search for live music. Cork has a lot of pubs/venues for bands, but unless you're going to visit your friend, I'm not sure I'd spend a lot of time there.
Ditto for the advice given above about not driving in Dublin - traffic is diabolical at the best of times and what should take 20mins often takes 2hrs. If you can pick up and drop off your car outside the city centre, then do that, or you'll waste too much time watching the back of cars which could be better spent watching bands.
Galway is a fun town, will have the pubs and live music venues you're looking for, particularly in the centre of town in the pedestrian area and just at the start of it (does it bode well that I can't remember the name of the large white pub in the square, but know what it looks like?!!!). The Temple Bar area in Dublin is right up your alley. Jury's is a noisy hotel, but right in the thick of it so you won't notice the noice and you'll be out making it rather than trying to sleep. Just follow your ears in that district and you'll find what you want. Otherwise, if you come across The Brazen Head (oldest pub in Ireland, located on Lower Bridge Street) or Oliver St John Gogarty's in Temple Bar you'll find all the diddly-dee music you can handle! Also have a look at www.dublinevents.com and search for live music. Cork has a lot of pubs/venues for bands, but unless you're going to visit your friend, I'm not sure I'd spend a lot of time there.
Ditto for the advice given above about not driving in Dublin - traffic is diabolical at the best of times and what should take 20mins often takes 2hrs. If you can pick up and drop off your car outside the city centre, then do that, or you'll waste too much time watching the back of cars which could be better spent watching bands.
Jul 15th, 2011, 11:51 AM
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I think your favorite stop will be Galway. Great small city with a young crowd with lots of clubs and trad bars in a very compact area. The city center is packed with such things. You will find the same in Dublin though it always feels a bit more frenetic to me and weekends seem almost out of control.
Cork has never done much for me. I find driving there confusing and it would be worse if I weren't accustomed to driving in Ireland. Since you will have Dublin and Galway, maybe pick something smaller like Kinsale or Dingle. Personally I would choose Dingle over Kinsale in a heartbeat. If I were to pick any smallish village, it would probably be Westport, but that's not the way you are going. Another good option would be Kilkenny .... ah yes, Kilkenny. Try that on for size. Ireland's smallest 'city'. Lots of history, a castle, a round tower you can actually climb and a pretty active night life, especially on weekends when the stag and hen parties are in full swing.
OK, there's my take
Cork has never done much for me. I find driving there confusing and it would be worse if I weren't accustomed to driving in Ireland. Since you will have Dublin and Galway, maybe pick something smaller like Kinsale or Dingle. Personally I would choose Dingle over Kinsale in a heartbeat. If I were to pick any smallish village, it would probably be Westport, but that's not the way you are going. Another good option would be Kilkenny .... ah yes, Kilkenny. Try that on for size. Ireland's smallest 'city'. Lots of history, a castle, a round tower you can actually climb and a pretty active night life, especially on weekends when the stag and hen parties are in full swing.
OK, there's my take
