Lisa

We are planning a 10 day trip to Ireland in September. We will be arriving in Dublin and plan to spend the first 3 nights there and then travel along the coast spending the majority of our time in the West. Our plan is to then make our way back to Dublin where we will spend another 2 nights before departing for home. I've read that Dublin is overrated and am wondering if I am allowing for too much time in Dublin? Does anyone have any advise as to how much time to allot? <BR> Thanks <BR>

Arizona

Of course, it's all up to you. If spending half your time in Ireland in Dublin appeals, sure. But we found that two days and three nights in Dublin was plenty. Especially when we discovered the scenic delights throughout that beautiful country. You will find the West Country and the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Mohr...well, we could go on and on. We found that staying in B&Bs and small country hotels and inns gave us a chance to meet more people, engage in conversations at leisure, and sample all sorts of food. You will adore Ireland...just bring along your umbrella.

Seamus

If you plan to do extensive genealogic research, or particularly fancy spending nights in pubs, your itineray for Dublin should be fine. Otherwise, you can "do" Dublin in two days and spend the rest of your time in the more beautiful and less urban parts of Ireland. The West/Southwest is truly magnificent. Allow a day to drive the Ring of Kerry, it's worth it. Plan a day in Killarney, too. There are numerous B&Bs and you'l have no problem finding accommodations. For a bit of an indulgence without a huge price tag try booking a night at the Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge, and by all means plan to have dinner there.

JOAN DOYLE

Having spent two all-too-short visits in Ireland I would agree with the two previous posters: unless you're going to do genealogical research in one of Dublin's libraries, you'll find it's just another big city. But the South and the West,now--there's the real Ireland. Roads are narrow and twisting and you can't make much speed; but the trip is well worth at least a week. And, tho' Killarney is a family spot for me, it's become way too big. I recommend Kenmare which has scenery and great restaurants. But if I keep praising it, it will soon become as overrun as Killarney. But head south and west and enjoy. The people especially are a delight. Joan

Tom Fortin

Two days at the beginning of your tour would be about right. Assuming you will arrive in the AM. Be aware that getting into the city in the AM can take an hour or more. Get a B and B within walking distance (20 Min) of St, Stephens Green. The Donneybrook area is convenient. Try to spend the first afternoon getting acquainted with the lay out and history of the city and later focus on the items that interest you. There are at least three tour bus companies that offer hop on hop off service and commentary. They will give you a good 90min. overview of Dublin. The next day sleep in and spent time at Trinity College (Book of Kells), the Museum of Art and so on. If you are going south get a train from Houston Station and go on to Cork or Killarney ( change at Mallow). From there you may drive or bus it to your favorite spots. Try to reservive some time for day walks. You may well find that you may only have time for one final day in Dublin before returning home.

Kate Woodward

Yes, Dublin is a bit overrated. 2 days is enough. I consider it to be a big party city. If you like to drink all night, then stay longer. Otherwise, go see some beautiful parts of the country instead. Even Howth and Dalkey, two "suburbs" outside of Dublin, are really pretty and worth the trip.

marianna

Ditto to all of the posted messages. Stay in Dublin for one or two (at the most) nights when you arrive and then leave to see the smaller more quaint towns. Then, as you're leaving Ireland, only stay the night before you depart. Dublin is overratedd and over crowded. You'll be happy that you spent the majority of your time in the countryside of Ireland.

Amita

I'm from NYC and I thought the people in Dublin were rude (well, one guy was rude). I was also staying in a dank little hostel in a scary part of town. As with any big city, make sure wherever you stay is safe. One day & one night turned out to be enough for me. The second day I escaped to the country. Like others here, I had a great time in the south & west (can't say enough nice things about Dingle). If you want a big city, Cork is the place to go. More scenic than Dublin and a great jumping off point for day trips like Blarney Castle (where the stone is).

JD

Lori, <BR> <BR>Two or three nights in Dublin will give you plenty <BR>of time to see the city. Be sure to visit Grafton <BR>Street - pedestrian shopping - and St. Stephen's Green, along with a trip to see the Book of Kells. <BR>Another beautiful part of Ireland is Connemara - the <BR>far western part of the country. If you have time, <BR>visit Kylemore Abbey, which is also located in Connemara. If you haven't been to Ireland, you'll love it. The accomodations are great, the food is outstanding, and the people are most hospitable. Enjoy your visit!

kam

Am I going to be jumped on when I say I don't like Dublin???? I really don't but a first timer should see a bit--2 days is fine. That said, see also the Dingle Peninsula, Galway City (that's big enough for me!!), and my family's place of origin, Connemara---but read a little of the history before you go. Stand in the middle of desolate Connemara and imagine being Irish and not allowed to speak your language, practice your religion, write down your history, own land or fish in the waters off the coast. What a wonder that those people survived! It's a wonderful country with super people--spend as much time talking with the Irish as you can!! Our favorite hotel is Ballymalloe House in Shanagarry, Cork, but I don't particularly recommend Cork City as a destination. The above posts are all good advice Enjoy! <BR>

John Grant

<BR>Nobody above mentioned the pubs and music of Dublin. True, you can take a nice carriage tour of the city in one day, check out Trinity College in another, but you must hear traditional Irish music to have really been there. You may not be able to see across the room for the smoke, but the old folk tunes will also bring tears to your eyes. Yes, I'm Irish!

kam

Absolutely agree with the music pubs---and when they all stand up to sing at closing time, it's something to witness. But, the cigarettes are terrible! Remember that there's also a lot of music in the West and it's most interesting to hear Gaelic being spoken and sung! Wish I was going soon!! <BR>

Teresa

You have gotten wonderful advice about what to do in Ireland, but just want to add my 2 cents about the music and pubs. Absolutely wonderful and it too did bring tears to my eyes. I have always wanted to go back, but reading the replys certainly gives me the bug. <BR>

Kim

I'm planning a trip to Dublin for St. Patrick's Day 1999. I'll be in Ireland for a week. I'm also interested in the Aran Islands. Any thoughts on how to get between the two (bus,car, etc.)? Any suggestions of places to stay, eat, see? <BR>Thanks