Dublin & Surroundsings
 

Hello,
I am planning a quick trip to Ireland for my moms 70th Bday. Originally we had thought of Spain but flights to Ireland are so much cheaper. We are planning April 28th thru May 8th. That gives us 9 days. How much time in Dublin? Galway? What to see in the surround areas outside of Dublin? Where to stay in Dublin? I was thinking of renting an apartment. Thank you in advance for all your help.
Lily

We are visiting Dublin for our second time this May. On out first visit we stayed 5 nights, this trip we are doing 4 nights.
We loved the museums, very underrated by those who seem to think Dublins most important tourist sight is the Guinesss and the Temple bar zone, lol

We did a wonderful daytrip to Howth( easy quick train journey on the DART ) on our own, and took an amazing tour to see the Hill of Tara, and visit Newgrange( recommend, MARY GIBBONS TOURS). We also did aday tour of Rural Pubs, loved it too.

I presume you have already bought tickets to Dublin? Just a comment that if your objective was to manage the airfare only, your approach makes sense. On the other hand if you wanted to manage the overall expense, you would probably wanted to see the accommodation and other expenses before making the flight arrangement. Spain is usually a cheaper country to visit once you are on the ground.

If you have some ideas on what you want to see and do that might help.
What were the reasons for choosing Ireland,
Have you skipped through any guide books.
Do you aim to drive or take public transport and local tours.

Dublin and Galway are very different as are other locations around the island and whilst some above are happy with only seeing Dublin I have no desire to spend more than one or two nights a time there. If you gave 3 of your nine nights to Dublin and use Public transport then 3 days to Galway and 3 days to Killarney would make a standard by bus and local tours itinerary, driving gives more freedom.

http://www.daft.ie/dublin/apartments...ublin-1627222/

Mary Mullins, she has two apartments in this building by Cows Lane, great area close to Christ Church. She rented it for four nights to us last year. It has a lovely rooftop area. Very close to the http://www.olympia.ie/ Check them out for evening entertainment. The literary pub tour is also very good to do in the evening.
The 1916 Easter uprising anniversary is this year and there are many exhibits and events for this so check out that. Great museums, history, transportation in Dublin. Check out the leap card. Day trips are good to Wicklow and as Justine mention the other trips.
Go bus to Galway and the Galway tour company offers some excellent day trips of that area.