Booking restaurants in Dingle in September is generally unnecessary. In the case of Out of the Blue, it doesn't fit with their business model, because if the boats don't land good fish on the day, they don't open (although I have never experienced that). I'd book in the morning when you are setting out on the Slea Head drive.

http://www.outoftheblue.ie/

What type of Sim service do you all buy when you visit Ireland? I guess I just need data for google maps when I drive?

After leaving Brazen head you could check out Christ Church or Dublin Castle. Cows lane is across the street and they have Queen of tarts for a pick me up, nice shops and a market on Saturday.
I just bite the bullet and pay out the nose to Verizon.

I got these recommendations for Dublin? Anyone know if these are any good?

Dublin restaurants: Wagamama Noodle Bar, Pacino's Kitchen on Suffolk St


Two more weeks! Can't wait.

Wagamama is great. Hope they still have Korean bbq ribs.

Going to check that out.

Looks like the weather is 60s and rainy all next week.

Should I bring a pretty thick rain jacket? Any other recommendations on what to pack?

I am traveling light. Small duffle bag and bookbag.

>>Should I bring a pretty thick rain jacket?<<

I wouldn't. I only take heavy/thick outerwear in deepest winter. I'd take a light rain jacket/poncho that you can wear over more layers if it gets chilly

>>Any other recommendations on what to pack? <<

You won't need heavy clothes -- maybe a fleece vest at most. As mentioned up thread, you will want to pack layers.

You absolutely MUST go to Guinness + Temple Bar area - your group will love both! I would still see The Cliffs of Moher, as well as Inishmore, but if you ferry from Dingle, you will see the Cliffs from the water. If you take the small ferry there, water can be pretty choppy & windbreaker needed. Looks like you aren't going to Cork, and that area isn't as exciting to me as Killarney (Ring of Kerry.) Dingle (breathtaking!, Aran Islands & Galway.

We loved the cliffs of moher
it was a wild windy day and there was a sign up warning of treacherous conditions but we only went up to the first pathway and didn't venture along the cliff pathways
it was spectacular with the waves crashing and the spray coming right over the barrier
have seen nothing like it anywhere and it is just soooo irish and splendid

my hat was blown clear off my head and OH valiantly retrieved it...adding ruefully that he shoulda let it go...( no one likes my hat )

one of the finest experiences in my life...ahh the cliffs of moher! in january

Okay, I will definitely pack a fleece and rain jacket.

Do People need Gloves at this time?

I already made reservations for resturants in Dublin and Dingle.

Anyone have good recommendations for places to eat in Killarney and Gallway?

Also, what is the best way to get Euros?

Should I make an exchange at the Airport or should I stop at a local ATM and withdraw using a debit card.

>>hould I stop at a local ATM and withdraw using a debit card.<<

That

There are ATMs in the arrivals area at the airport.

starwaker, your friend's must be texting like mine. We were all checking the weather this am. I leave on Tuesday for two weeks. Rain and more rain. We can't hike Crough Patrick if it rains. We all are packing light rain jackets. Temps are not bad though. I take those little thin gloves you get at target for 1.50. Did you call your banks to let them know you would be using your debit/credit cards in Ireland? I take two but try and only use the one that charges me nothing. The other is my back up card.

Macross, that is awesome. Let me know how it is once you are over there

I called my bank. My friend emailed me this as a good 25Euro sim card. If you haven't paid verizon yet, You may want to pick it up for google maps.

http://www.tescomobile.ie/plans.aspx

>>Macross, that is awesome. Let me know how it is once you are over there<<

You really need to understand weather in the British Isles . . . it could be raining in one place, light showers 5 miles away, and totally clear/sunny another mile farther.

And it could all change in 15 minutes.

A 'rain, rain, rain' forecast does not mean it will be raining hard or all day or everywhere -- or it could.

Just be prepared w/ layers. Do take one waterproof poncho or light raincoat. You might need it every day -- or once -- or not at all.

I have been watching the ten day hourly reports. Right now we get two hours of sun on Friday for Crough Patrick. I am hoping it will clear a bit more. I live in Fl where it rains across the street but not in your yard. Our weather people always say 50% chance of rain. We have always been lucky with some good weather in September so hoping.

>>Right now we get two hours of sun on Friday for Crough Patrick<<

There is no way a forecast 5 days from now will tell you anything useful except maybe a general trend. "two hours of sun on Friday" is next to useless information.

(Helpful) suggestion - check the weather forecast 3 or 4 hours before your outing -- then you <i>might> have a decent idea what is happening.

>>I live in Fl where it rains across the street but not in your yard<<

Not only is it similar in Ireland -- there can be 4 seasons in one day.

<(Helpful) suggestion - check the weather forecast 3 or 4 hours before your outing -- then you might> have a decent idea what is happening>


Since we need at least 6 hours of good weather we have to look farther out.
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/pea.../forecasts/764

I love this weather map. It isn't bad going up but the shale is slippery coming down. We will be checking on Wed to see which day if any will work. If not we will do plan b. This is my 6th trip there and have seen a bit of everything but snow.

That was just a way of saying -- until the day of you won't know for sure. the 3 or 4 hours wasn't being absolutely literal.

- so 6 hours . . .

Excited I know! Wish you had more time in Ireland (we had three weeks) so could cover Dublin and West Coast and more. What three must sees in Dublin? Well, I suppose morning at Book of Kells and Trinity College along with just strolling around Grafton St. (saying hello to Molly Malone), afternoon trip to ancient Knowth burial chambers, evening in Temple Bar area for the lively music. Notice I did not include Guinness tour.