since we would prefer not to pack and move much,would it be advisable to station in Dublin and take day rail trips to Cork,Waterford and possibly Galway?

That would be possible but not advisable - all three cities are 3 hours by train. That's a lot of traveling for a day trip! <BR> <BR>Here's their website: <BR> <BR>http://www.irishrail.ie/ttable/index.html <BR> <BR>Regards

I have a flight next month connecting through HEL on Finnair. Should I be worried? <BR> <BR>I disagree with the disagreers. Am I therefore intolerant, smug, and arrogant because I simply disagree with someone else's viewpoint?

Sandy - these are great distances. "ger" is right. You wouldn't want to take day trips to these places. In all honesty, I don't think you'd want to take trains either. You should consider renting a car and staying a night or two in each place. But, the driving times are longer than one might expect as the roads are not very good. For that reason, don't be overly ambitious about how far to drive each day.

Sandy, <BR> <BR>You could combine Cork and Waterford by staying in one location and taking a day trip over to Waterford, persumely to see the factory. Galway is also one location - so why not divide your holiday in 3 locations, Cork region, Dublin and Galway. <BR> <BR>The Rail systme here in IUreland is not of a high standard or service and really the only way to see the countryside and cities is to rent a car, allow twice the amount of time you would normally do at home to travel half the distance and do not even let the thought of driving in Dublin enter your mind - also avoid travelling into or out of Dublin at the weekends or at peak times, as someone who drives on Irish roads it is a nightmare. Rent the car when you are ready to leave Dublin. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps, <BR> <BR>Cathy