I'm travelling to Dublin for a week with two seniors( mother, uncle)would like to know the 'must see' places in and outside the city... day trips . Also,does it make sense to spend a few days in a B&B outside of Dublin. We all prefer not to stay in large impersonal hotels , prefer wonderful B&B"s .. suggestions? thanks

My daughter and her friend went to Ireland last May and stayed three days in Dublin, which they said was too long..too big of a city for them..they liked going to see the Castles and exploring the countryside...they had a wonderful time and I can get you more info from them if you would like...just email me at home... <BR>Will you just be in Dublin or traveling around Ireland? They started in Dublin and went South around the bottom tip of Ireland and back up the west coast to Galway and took a train back to Dublin. <BR>It was a great experience for them..they stayed in all B&B's except for Dublin which was the Jury's Christchurch Inn but I did do some research and have some websites on B&B's...

My opinion...with only one week in Ireland, wouldn't spend the whole of it in Dublin.. In fact I spent one day in Dublin and that was enough for me. The countryside and smaller towns are much more interesting to visit...so yes, definitely spend a few days outside the city and any number of farmstay's or B & B's....use www.karenbrown.com to find a B & B. If you're renting a car, don't be too ambitious, as we were, about driving long distances...there are no super highways and everything takes longer. Meet the people and find Irish music..that's the best part...

One day in Dublin was also adequate for me. Unless you're really interested in a particular aspect of Irish history (The Easter Rebellion, famous authors, etc) the only "must see" within Dublin I would recommend is (are?) the Books of Kells at Trinity College. <BR> <BR>Within 1-2 hours from Dublin, I would say that the Brugh na Boyne (Newgrange, Tara, ...) area north of Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains (Glendalough) south of Dublin would rank high on most lists of places to see. <BR> <BR>An important consideration is how you plan to travel. By car? I think you will want to avoid driving in (or through) Dublin if possible. By train? Keep in mind that rail service in Ireland is quite limited. By Bus Eireann? As long as you choose a town with good connections, there's no need to stay in Dublin. By day-tour? Dublin is probably your best bet, since you will have the most options from CIE tours and others. <BR> <BR>If you're not planning to rent a car, I would recommend splitting your time between Dublin (with day trips to Newgrange and Glendalough) and Galway (with day trips to the Burren/Cliffs of Moher, to Connemara, and possibly to Inishmor). Not necessarily the Best of Ireland, but a very good cross-section of highlights and easy to see without a car.

Pam <BR> <BR>We have booked a B&B outside the city center of Dublin (Drumcondra area) for late June-so I have not actually stayed there yet-but in all the correspondence the people have been very kind and easy to work with. I picked this place because it is close to the Dublin Airport and also to the bus to take you into the city to see the sights. <BR>It is called "Griffith House" and their web address is: http://indigo.ie/~griffhse <BR>It costs 25 Irish Punts per person/per night with full Irish breakfast. <BR>We love B&B's and never stay in hotels in Ireland-the B&B's are just wonderful. <BR>Hope this helps- <BR>Patti

Especially with seniors, I wouldn't recommend Dublin. It's like any big city - too busy and hard to get around unless your patient. I would suggest renting a car, going to Counties outside of Dublin - maybe Kerry/Cork/Clare where the scenery out of this world - and just make a day trip to Dublin, if your so inclined.<BR><BR>Slainte!

I have a different opinion all together. Dublin is one of my favorite cities. But then again, we love to go to pubs and talk to people. Strolling through St. Stephens Green is great and the GPO (General Post Office) is pretty cool if you are interested in the history of the Republic. <BR>Grafton Street has some great shopping and the Guinness Brewery tour or Dublin Castle and a good visit to Trinity College campus is nice (where they filmed Educating Rita, a few years back) are also interesting. But then I would say 90% of people go to Ireland expressly to see the lovely green hills and get out into the country side. I just happen to LOVE Dublin and could easily spend several weeks there.

You guys are scaring me!! I'll be spending a month in Dublin, 8thMay - 5th June, is it really so bad that one day is enough? I have no option as I'm going to visit my daughter who has just recently moved to Dublin. She will be working most of the time I am there, so I will have my days to myself. I am hoping to take day trips out of Dublin, anyone have some more must see ideas for that? I'd be most grateful for any info. <BR>Thanks

Carol, read my post above. IMO the joy is the people of Dublin, I lived in Dublin for nearly a year when I was in my 20's. Yes a lot has changed now.. mostly the booming Irish economy. You should be able to take a bunch of day trips as well. I envy you.

SO relieved to hear other people say a day is long enough in Dublin! My sister and I spent 4 days there 2 years ago and agreed that one day would have been enough (and we're "easy to please, explore every nook, love the big cities" travelers). Grafton Street is overrated, as was Bewley's. Though we weren't big on shopping, we were surprised by how much we liked the big old, glass shopping center across from St. Stephen's Green. Another highlight, and one that your parents will probably really enjoy: High tea at the Shelbourne Hotel (just off Grafton Street on Baggot--can't miss it). Hope you get out of the city and meet the real "Irish!"

Pam, <BR><BR>We stayed at Stauntons on the Green, on the south side of St. Stephen's Green, it's a guesthouse and lovely! We only had 2 days in Dublin,it was grand. The National museum and it's collection of gold from so many eras is amazing! Shopping and wandering is great. I agree it's important to go out beyond as well. Have a great trip!

Carol-Dublin's a great city, with plenty to explore. Unless you hate cities, saying that one day in Dublin is enough is like saying 2 days in New York City is enough. Just have enough sense to not even try to drive in the city. Your daughter should be able to get you started in the right direction.<BR><BR>Mel-I wasn't even aware that Bewley's and Grafton street were "rated" let alone overrated. No one in their right mind would eat at Bewley's, but they have great coffee.

Hello All, Now you got me thinking again(dangerous,I know). We planned on spending 3 nites Dublin after 3 nites Galway and 2nites Dingle. one nite Adare on the way from Dublin to Dingle. I love cities and I love the country....what's a woman to do? Maybe 3 nites Dingle and 2 nites Dublin?? I am in quandry too! ;-/ Judy

Thanks everyone, you've all made me feel much better. I have almost certainly decided not to hire a car. I may take day tours and try and get out of town on the train. I am sure we will have lots of fun in the pubs at night, anyone got good recomendations?

I love Dublin! I visited Ireland 5 yrs ago and arranged to have a couple of days in Dublin before &amp; after our Brendan Tour (which was great, too). We enjoyed every minute of it. I return with a cousin next month and plan 5 days there before moving on. Try a Dublin Bus 2-3 hr tour to get a feel for places you want to check out. There is also a "hop on hop off" day pass available. Museums, shops, parks, PUBS, historical sites, music, food! Maybe if I lived in a big city, I wouldn't find visiting one as much fun.