6 nights in Dublin
 

Spending 6 nights in Dublin so we can connect with our son and daughter-in-law, who are WWOOFing through Europe. My husband has some health issues that can limit his walking. We'd love suggestions as to must-sees/dos in Dubln and possible day trips from the city---recommended destinations and best day-tour companies..
Thanks so much.

Are you set on 6 days in the City?

The only short distance tours I would recommend from the city are Newgrange etc to the north and Wiclow/Glendalough to the south, so that's 2 days. There are lots of tours which have sprung up with the motorway network that involve 6 to 12 hours just sat on the coach for 2 hours at sights.

Where are the family based for their WWOOF? have you considered 2 or 3 days for Dublin City and 3 or 4 days for somewhere in (non Dublin) Ireland?

Also---any recommendations regarding renting a car and driving?

Family will be passing through Dublin for a few days, on their way to Belfast. Long story short, we're set on 6 days in the City---Does that seem like too long a time to be there?

How limited is your husband's mobility? Would he find things like museum visits difficult? Are stairs a problem?

We took a tour through Irish Rail that was pretty good. But you really need to figure out if hubby's mobility will fit.

http://www.irishrail.ie/fares-and-tickets/tours-by-rail

Mobility issues involve walking distances without opportunity to stop and rest and having to standing still for any length of time (listening to a tour guide). I'm thinking we need/would like to take trips that allow for more independence and minimal walking---confusing, I know. I looked at Paddywagon Tours day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. Is anyone familiar with that tour? Does it require a lot of walking?
I've also thought of taking a train to various locations?

In my opinion, a relatively long bus journey to visit one or two attractions is an inefficient use of limited time.

Dublin has quite a number of things you and he might find interesting. You might take an open-top bus tour (quite enjoyable in itself) and identify some places that you might go back to for a fuller visit.

I think Newgrange is a special place, but would be concerned that he might not be able for it. Glendalough is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, but it's hard to get good value from a visit if you can't manage a gentle walk for a couple of miles.

Kilkenny is a manageable day-trip by train - good castle, okay cathedral, interesting medieval house, etc.

Is hiring a car, perhaps for a couple of days, a possibility?

www.olympia.ie/whats-on/once-the-musical/ I would love to see this!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...ty_Dublin.html


small bus and he got us very close to everything. Asher gardens has trails/paths to walk but also a nice courtyard with Avoca store serving good coffee and breakfast items. Nice tables and chairs.
Dinner theater would be good
Museums have areas to sit. We walked a lot in the Collins Barracks but there were areas to sit.
Hop on hop off bus might be a good option for the two day pass to get you closer to things to see.
Luas is great for getting around/we bought the leap card.

I could fill 6 days easy there.
Dart ride to Howth would be good. Places to sit and eat along the harbor.

So much nice information---many thanks to those who have given this some thought and responded!
We've considered renting a car for a couple of days but have read that driving is stressful, especially in and out of Dublin??? Would appreciate more input regarding driving.

I would not recommend that you drive in Dublin. Not only is it moderately difficult to drive there, but parking can be extra trouble or expense.

A certain amount depends on where you stay. Have you got any ideas on that?

We're booked at the Shelbourne Dublin, on Stephen's Green---got a nice package deal.

You should expect a bit of luxury there! But it does knock on the head my thought that you might use a car. You will be close to a lot of good stuff, and there are plenty of public transport options.

Thanks so much again---Lots of good suggestions!

Ditto what folks are saying...lots to do in Dublin. Certainly do include New Grange to the north and Glendalough to the south for half day trips. I am thinking you could locate a wheelchair...and I myself am now at that point.

OK, now as for Dublin, we did lots of walking but surely you can use buses and cabs. A list of must sees: trad music in Temple Bar area, Trinity College/Book of Kells, Kilmainham Jail to understand the struggles, Writer's Museum, Evensong at Christ Church, Grafton Street and Molly, either Gate or Trinity Theatre (we took in drama at both), Dubliana display at Christ Church. Not sure Guinness tour worth it.

If your family are working between Dublin and Belfast, I would also consider having the 2 bases.

I wouldn't do the Cliffs from Dublin you have 5 hours of the day looking at motorways and N roads. I would consider the Giants Causeway and Antrim coast/Glens from Belfast. You will find Belfast friendlier to folk with disabilities than Dublin, at least there is (or was) the odd bench to sit down on.

Car rental isn't really necessary if you use the two main cities, as you indicate having a car is more hindrance than help.

Thanks to Ozarksbill and Tony2phones for your extensive thoughts. I'm loving these suggestions!

Thanks to Ozarksbill and Tony2phones for your extensive thoughts. I'm loving these suggestions!
I saw a combination rai/bus tour from Dublin to the Cliffs---any thoughts on that?

Rail & Coach tours Cliffs from Dublin with a couple of providers. 2 1/2 hours train journey each way between Dublin and Galway. 1 1/2 hours coach from Galway to the Cliffs. So that's 8 hours out of the 10 hour trips.

Railtours, do a Bunratty and Cliffs tour which takes 15 hours and involves the train to Limerick then bus to Bunratty for a couple of hours on to the Cliffs for another couple of hours before heading to Galway and the train back to Dublin. leaves about 7am gets back about 10pm.

We take guests to Bunratty and the Cliffs although not usually on the same day which would be too much for my CFS/ME

If you want to see the Cliffs.. I suggest you land at Dublin Airport and get one of the Express bus's to Galway. If the weather and jet lag is in your favour then take one of the late morning / afternoon tours from Galway http://www.galwaybustours.ie/cliffs-...er-burren-tour and spend the night in Galway returning to Dublin on day 2. It takes a day out of your Dublin time but then so would a 15 hour day trip.

WOW---gotta think on that one! Thanks for the insight!