We will be traveling to Ireland on Aer Lingus from Chicago. What is your opinion of this airline? Also, we will be doing the B&B driving tour and have narrowed our travels to the southwest part of Ireland. Any suggestions on what to see and where to stay?

We just flew them last month and were perfectly satisfied. Our flights were on time (actually we arrived 1/2 hour early at Shannon), and I liked their 2-4-2 configuration - it was easy to get a row to ourselves.

Aer Lingus is serviceable, and that's about it, in my opinion. <BR><BR>It's convenient for its non-stop flights to Ireland.<BR><BR>But make sure you bring plenty of your own water and snacks, because -- at least in my experience -- the FAs weren't very attentive. (Despite telling us to drink plenty of water during the flight, they rarely came around to bring us beverages. Instead, they announced that there would be self-service drink service, which amounted to a little table next to the lav -- that's appealing! -- stocked with lukewarm juice and water. And try climbing in and out of your middle seat repeatedly to get something to drink ...)<BR><BR>Don't expect seat-back entertainment systems or anything fancy, and don't expect comfortable seats.<BR><BR>

I've always had excellent service on Aer Lingus, and am heading to Dublin again next week.<BR>While you're driving in the southwest, consider Casey's Hotel in Baltimore - immaculate, excellent food, stunning views; and the Old Weir Lodge in Killarney - doesn't look like much from the road (it's in a long string of hotels as you approach downtown from Muckross), but it's wonderful. Excellent breakfasts, and the hosts could be poster-people for Irish hospitality.<BR>Enjoy your trip!

The design of the upholstery on the green seats consists of Molly Bloom's soliloquy from "Ulysses" (the mustard-colored seats seem to feature something in Gaelic but I wasn't able to identify it. <BR>The overall service in my opinion compares unfavorably to British Airways and is more akin to a domestic US flight. Hardly unbearable, but I agree that you shouldn't except too much attention/organization, etc from the flight staff.

I flew from Chicago to Dublin last fall. It was ok but certainly nothing special. I've heard so many speak highly of thir attendants, but i noticed nothing special. Still I'd take it again.

Hi,<BR><BR>We flew Aer Lingus from Edinburgh - Boston (via Dublin) return in the Summer, and I'd definitely fly with them again. We were moved to emergency exit seats with extra legroom, as my bf is 6'7", and we hadn't been allocated the roomier seats we'd asked for. The attendants were reasonably attentive - I have no problem going for my own juice... For the price, I'd definitely use them again, and I'd say they were MUCH better than British Airways, who I would never choose to fly with again (many long haul flights with them - all of them awful). Yes, there's no seat-back entertainment, or constantly attentive staff, but let's face it, it is only a 6/7 hour flight.... I'd use them again.<BR><BR>Hope that helps a bit!<BR>Jenny

Aren't they on the verge of bankrupcy?

Aer Lingus is fine. Its an airplane..nothing fancy...nothing unsafe...no frills. Try to sleep. While in the SW see Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and Tralee. The SW is beautiful. As for the B&B's...I biked around there a few years ago in May with no reservations. We just pulled into a town and looked for the Shamrocks on the houses which meant that they were ITB approved. This may or may not work for you depending on the time of year you go. All were pretty much the same for us throughout all Ireland. Basically imagine someone staying in your room at your parents house and getting up in the morning so your mom could fix them breakfast...thats what its like. All were friendly and clean and we picked them completely randomly. Don't expect TV's, phone soap or shampoo...it ain't no Holiday Inn. I'm sure you could find those if you worked at it though. We only wanted "en suite" which means you have your own bathroom/shower as opposed to sharing. You will love Irl.

As many above have said, it's nothing special, and it's not a bad airline. The trip is very average. Less room than some airlines, more than others. Flight attendants aren't overly attentive, but neither are they rude. If you're looking for average, you've found it.

If you transfer from NWA to Aer Lingus, A.L. seems fantastic!

To see in the southwest: Bantry Bay and Glengariff area are beautiful, if a little off the main highways. Kenmare was the nicest of the little towns we saw. If you want to splurge, stay at Sheen Falls Lodge. Otherwise, there are B&B's in town. Stayed at Greenmount (sp) in Dingle. Best breakfast, but weak shower -- although maybe I just noticed that because it was rainy and I was in the process of catching bronchitis. If it's clear and sunny, go up to Aghadoe (near Killarney) for a stupendous lake view. Enjoy.

As most of the rest have said, they are passable. My experience from Dublin to Boston was not good. The plane taxied for take-off, almost ready to go, turned off plane, sat on tarmac for four hours while they replaced a couple of computers. They took off the first class passengers and the rest of us sat. They did not offer any food or drink. They played a bad movie and the flight attendants were in a foul mood. It took 11 hours to get home to Boston.

We used Aer Lingus from L.A. to Dublin last June and were very pleased with the service. Of course, after dinner I took a sleeping pill and woke up 8 hours later flying over Ireland...Now that was a great flight. When in the SW we stayed in Killarney for four nights and made it our home base. I loved not having to pack & unpack every night. There is sooooo much to see within a reasonable driving distance. Have a wonderful time. I can't wait to return.

Thank you to everyone for their input. We are planning on departing on March 20 and returning on March 27th. I hope the weather co-operates. Has anyone visited SW Ireland during this time? I would appreciate any input.<BR>

Jenny: Who said because your 6'7" or two hundred and fifty pounds you get the big seat? Go first class if you do like it?

Tim,<BR><BR>I don't see why you have to be so confrontational (and I feel, rather rude), but .... we arrive 3 1/2 hours before check in to be first in line to ask for these seats - I don't see why I can't do this, as anyone else also has this option. It is usually something we do for the sake of my bf's comfort. We are usually successful when doing this. The seats with more legroom are actually usually narrower with Aer Lingus, as the bulkhead sticks into the side of them (a tip if you are larger weight wise - it could well be uncomfortable).<BR><BR>Personally, we don't have the sort of money to fly first class - it's pretty expensive to buy in the UK (that flight would have been &pound;800 GBP each); don't know how it compares to the USA. <BR>

if you go in the summer try seacourt in butlerstown near kinsale for a great B and B

Aer Lingus is having a special offer at present and is charging as little as $288 round trip from Boston to Shannon.I did that journey last year and the flight takes 6hr 20min.See their web site at www.aerlingus.com for lots of other bargains.