We are two women who will be stopping through Dublin on our way back to the US in June. I realize this is hardly any time at all, but the opportunity arose to spend 3 nights in or near Dublin and we figured that was better than nothing.<BR><BR>We get into Dublin late the first night and don't want to drive, so we'll probably stay somewhere close to the airport or where we can get a shuttle bus to. The next day we are willing to rent a car, or take a train, or whatever. Or, should we just stay in Dublin? We are more interested in seeing beautiful scenery than city sights. I'm thinking we'd like to go north. We really need ANY suggestions or advice. We'd like to spend around $100.00 or so for a room or b and b. We don't want to try to see too much, but just concentrate on one area. Thanks for your help.

spolei,<BR><BR>As a day-trip from Dublin City, you might consider taking a short, one-hour drive from the capital to County Wicklow. This area is known as the &quot;Garden of Ireland&quot;, and it is quite pretty. <BR><BR>Should you rent a car, the Wicklow Mountains makes for atractive touring, and there are numerous sights to see. Two of the more popular are Powerscourt and Glendalough, the latter of which is one of Ireland's most famous monastic sites. <BR><BR>Whatever you do, get a good travel guide to Ireland before landing in Dublin. I realize you'll only be there for three days, but by doing some reading about prospective sites, you'll be better able to direct yourself to what you do - and do not - want to see. Moreover, the sites that you do experience will be all the more rewarding.<BR><BR>Best of luck.

spolei,<BR><BR>I agree with David, both on Wicklow as the prime &quot;close in&quot; destination around Dublin for scenery, and on the value of having a car to reach the best views. Perhaps on the first night, you can stay in Malahide, very near the airport and tour Malahide castle in the morning, before heading south.<BR><BR>One possible itinerary: Start, as David said, with a visit to Powerscourt. You can't go wrong by starting in the south of Dublin and driving the R755 route (called the Military Road) through the Wicklow Mountains, driving past black water lakes and waterfalls. Visit Glendalough and stay near the Vale of Clara, town of Laragh. Check www.wicklow.ie for a list of small B&amp;B's in the area.<BR><BR>On more alternative, depending on your tastes on &quot;scenic&quot;. Co. Kildare, west of Dublin is more pastoral, more agricultural. It has some castles to and manor homes, such as Castletown House to explore. It also has some nice canal walks and is a major equestrian center, if riding is your thing.

So what is the point about &quot;two women&quot;?<BR>Stupid me. I have advise for two people. Sorry!

I agree with the notion for scenery of going south into Wicklow. David and Clifton's suggestions are great. If you wanted to go north, you could visit Newgrange, though going with a tour group might be better because you should be assured of getting to actually visit the site.<BR><BR>You can certainly get B&amp;Bs for $100 a night or less outside the city center. You might consider picking up the car when you arrive. You could find a nice B&amp;B nearby.<BR><BR>Bill

I'll be a dissenter here, but only because I love Dublin. I would spend at least a day or two seeing the city. I have no idea where you're coming from, but it might serve as contrast to where you will have been. Everyone here is very quick to tell people to get out of the city and see the countryside. I'm more impressed with the scenery on the west coast, so if I was on the east coast, I'd stay in Dublin and if you need a daytrip outside the city to say you've done it, see Newgrange and the Boyne, and that's about it. But Dublin proper has plenty to offer, particular from an Irish history perspective. I'd get a good guidebook and read up.<BR><BR>And you can easily find a b&amp;b for well under $100 a day! I'd go to the Irish Tourist Board site and find one there. I've stayed in B&amp;Bs numerous times and have never had a complaint.<BR><BR>Good luck and enjoy.

Amyb:<BR>I totally agree with you about Dublin. I loved it and could have spent several days there instead of just one. Yes, the countryside of Ireland is beautiful but don't rule out Dublin so quickly.

Heading north from the area around the airport is easy. It's about a 2.5 hour drive to Belfast. You could head up into the Mourne Mountains or drive up the Antrim Coast Road. There have been a lot of postings on this, so do a search.

Thank you so much for your advice. I'll get my travel guides and maps out and get to work.<BR>