My husband, sister, niece's daughter and I are taking a first time trip to Ireland in November due to the fantastic prices from Sceptre Ireland. I realize the weather may leave a bit to be desired, but need help if you don't mind. We're flying in and out of Shannon, planning on Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Mohr, Ring of Kerry and a visit to Waterford Crystal....I have no idea how long any of this is going to take, where else to visit, should I pre-book the B&B's [as I've seen both points of view on the sight]and are we really going to get to see anything and will there be anywhere to stay as I've been reading that most places close up in October. And, if you resent me asking these questions - please take your anger out elsewhere. I'm looking so forward to the adventure of the trip, but am a bit wary also. To those of you who help, my undying gratitude.

My suggestions are: Galway, Clifden (drive out the Sky Road, BEAUTIFUL), Definitely spend a day or two in the town of Dingle. Mill Town House is a great B&B that is a short walk around the bay from Dingle. Hope this helps, SG

You don't mention how many days you have allotted for your travels. It will be easier for folks to make useful suggestions if you provide this info. I went in early June and we reserved our B&B's inadvance because it's already getting busy at that time of year. If you have your heart set on staying in a particular B&B it may be advisable to reserve in advance but generally, in November, it's way past peak season and you'll be able to find lodgings anywhere when you arrive.

Our biggest mistake was trying to cover too much distance in too short a time. It takes far longer to get from one place to another over seemingly short distances than it does in the US and there's usually much to see along the way.

Going to Waterford and then all the way back to Shannon may have you spending more time traveling than is desirable. It might be best to add the Dingle Peninsula into the itinerary and leave Waterford, the Wicklow Mountains and the Dublin area for a future trip (you'll want to go back again!).

I found the Rough Guide to be very helpful in planning as well as the Fodor's guide (my local library had both). Then I posted my planned itinerary both here and at www.irelandexpert.com in the Q&A section. Pat, the moderator at irelandexpert, is very helpful and knowledgeable. I got great advise both here and in her forum.

We spent 3 weeks touring by car. My favorite cities were Dingle, Adare, Killarney and Kilkenney. I would avoid Cork, Limerick and Galway. My advice, get a car and be adventurous. Hit the smaller towns, avoid the larger ones.

Our first trip was in November of 2000, So I can give you some 1st hand recaps.

1. When looking at maps and distances - plan 35mph. Sounds low, but that really is what you will average.

2. Sunset is around 4:30/5pm -and then it gets dark very quickly. Plan to be at you final destination for the night before then.

3. I booked all my b&b's ahead of time, not wanting to waste precious daylight looking for places to stay. Also - I was under a specific budget & wanted to see ahead of time via websites , what places looked like. Also - if you are booking 2 rooms , you may want to book ahead.

Oh - and book your weekend nights ahead as well.

4. Umbrellas are fine to take along, but we really relied on our winter slickers ( flannel lined, thicker raincoats) - make sure it has a hood. This worked as our everyday coats. By layering , we could adjust how warm/cool we wanted to be.

5. We were there for 8 nights - here is what we did , and didn't feel rushed.
Day 1 - arrive -overnight Galway
Day 2 - drove up to Kylemore abbey - O/N -Galway
Day 3 - drove to Waterford stop at Cashel & Cahir on the way O/N Waterford
Day 4 - Waterford Crystal & town - O/N Waterford
Day 5 - drive to Killarney ( stop at Lismore) O/N Killarney
Day 6 - Ring of Kerry O/N Killarney
Day 7 - Drove to cliffs, on to Bunratty - O/N Bunratty
Day 8 - Bunratty castle & Shopping - O/N Bunratty.

If I had it to do again - I would have stayed in Cashel or Kilkenny instead of Waterford, and did the Crystal tour as a morning trip.

Hope this helps.

Cyndi,

I go to Ireland as often as I can and have gone once a year for the last 5 years. If you would like more info or have any questions please do not hesitiate to email me. I'm happy to help folks with what little knowledge I have.

[email protected]

I've not gone in Nov. but Debbie's advice sounds about right. Be sure to bring rain clothes and wind jackets - one or two that does both if you can.

You shouldn't need to prebook B&Bs since there will be few tourists campared to summertime. I am like Debbie and like to know what to look for and what to expect, so I do a lot of looking stuff up online beforehand. However, if you pick up a good B&B book then you should have your choice of places.

I suggest you stay closer to towns so that you can walk/drive or taxi to pubs, movies (or, as my Irish friend says "go to the *cinema* to see a *film*&quot, and craic in general. Great night life in Ireland especially in winter time I'm told.

Have great travels!

Wendy

another really good site to visit is

www.irelandyes.com

Michele Edrvig has a great Q/A forum there as well.

We are going in Nov too, also booked Sceptre & flying into Shannon. We go Nov. 8-15. When do you go? My friend & I both bought an Eyewitness Ireland book and she also bought Best Loved Driving Tours in Ireland and a book about B&B's, which ended up being the same one Sceptre sent us. I think all 3 will be very helpful & they are nice books. We got all of them from amazon.com. You can email me direct, if you want to. [email protected]

Those 2 books you bought ( eyewitness & the driving book) are my FAVORITE Ireland books! They have helped me plan both of my trips to Ireland.

good choices.

We've been to Ireland during the summer, but also in late November. Because you won't have lots of daylight hours in November, I really recommend not trying to cover too much ground...unless you want to spend all of those daylight hours in the car.
Unless we had our hearts set on a specific place, we didn't pre-book B&Bs in November and had no problem. It's true that some close for the season, but you'll find quite a lot that remain open.
Depending on the length of your trip, I might consider cutting the visit to Waterford. Concentrate on the mid-west coast from Ring of Kerry (or Dingle)up through the Connemara area.
Our November weather wasn't bad, although it can be breezy along the coast and getting caught in both rain and wind can chill you to the bone. I was absolutely forced to buy some beautiful sweaters and to sit by the fire in pubs with a hot Jameson's. Oh, it was terrible!