Jan

And just as a followup re driving on the left leaving Shannon Airport, while I like some others find it no problem, the majority of accidents involving American tourists happen on the roadways leaving Shannon Airport! Factual! From my Irish relatives. So consider your own abilities and frame of mind after an extended flight and err on the side of caution if you have any doubts.

Harry

I will be visiting Westport to look up family tree. What is the best route back to Dublin and how long would it take. I hear the roads are very slow-going even though mileage is short. Thanks, Harry from Yuma, AZ

Ann

Dublin's well worth the visit. It's a big city, and many people go to Ireland to see the countryside, so--surprise, surprise--they end up not liking Dublin. It's a great city, and so much to see. Just watch out for pickpockets.

ire

my irish husband just told me a story last night about an american friend who visited Dirty Nettles ages ago and while he was eating his soup a pigeon dropped a surprise down from the open rafters into his soup! Now, I've never been to Dirty Nettles but I hear it's VERY touristy. If that's something you think you'll like then great, go, but otherwise, I'd avoid it. <BR>As for Doolin, I highly recommend it. <BR>Dingle is amazing.<BR>Also suggest: Kinsale, Cobh, and Kenmare.<BR>Have a great trip. (ps. I'll be in Bantry on the 21st for a wedding!)

Ann

Just to clarify, it's Nellie's, not Nettles.<BR><BR>Jan-I've only flown into Shannon once, but I couldn't believe the driving I saw there! We were behind a family who also rented a car from Avis, and we came very close to hitting them TWICE within about 200 yards of leaving the airport. At the first roundabout, they came to a complete STOP, even though there were no cars on the circle (almost backended them there). The only reason we didn't hit them is because we had an inkling that they would do something stupid like this. Then, further down the road, they suddenly stopped in the middle of the road, and made a U-turn. I watched them make the reverse U-turn a few seconds later, almost hitting 2 other cars.<BR><BR>When we returned our car, the Avis guy said that's pretty typical.

Mina

Ann, I hope you'll forgive her if you see a crazy Korean girl doing similar stupid things! ;-) I am not looking forward to the driving!<BR><BR>Diane, good to hear that you are going to Doolin first. Seems that's a common recommendation. I, however, am foolish and am going to Galway first! A drive into a city on my first attempt to drive on the left? Crazy!

Krista

Well, my husband and I are going to Ireland in October and flying into Shannon...we are staying in Bunratty for our first night (at the Lodge there since everyone seems to have high praises) and see Limerick and Adare area. Our second night thought I decided on Doolin (again on everyone's suggestions) but does anyone have a particular B&B in Doolin they would recommend???

Richard K

I've been very fortunate in that I have been to Ireland 7 times in the last 5 years. Travel opinions are very subjective, much like movies,literature, music and food. This in no way meant to disrespect anyone's suggestions posted - I only offer my own personal insights because I truly enjoy Ireland.<BR>IMO. I have seen too many travellers feel compelled to see as many sights as possible in a specified time period. Doing so really takes away the Irish experience. My suggestion is to slow down in Ireland - many of the roads make this the desireable approach anyways, and there is always a B&B around the next bend. I love getting lost in Ireland and taking side roads. Avoid any pub with too many flags outside. Walk into the "least desirable" non-descript pub for character & conversation. Stay in B&B's on working farms. Buy a pint for the stranger at the end of the pub - better yet buy one for the bartender!<BR>As far as the sites mentioned here - Doolin is great, especially at night, Ennis also is known for its Irish music.<BR>The Dingle peninisula is very special and it's low -key golf course is great!<BR>I personally enjoy Galway, again esp. at night on a pubcrawl staying in a local hotel. Connemara is lovely and magical, esp. right after a rain storm.<BR>same for County Donegal and Sligo. Take the sky road near Westport, esp. on a sunny day. Cork city has many,many fun pubs. As far as Dublin - it's the New Orleans of Europe right now but be aware that Temple Bar area is typically on weekends filled with many UK folks out to party and get real rowdy, much like Bourbon Street. I think the Guiness Brewery Tour, which is mostly now a self-tour, is well worth the visit.<BR>Highly recommended is the Newgrange site north of Dublin - apparently older than the Egyptian pyramids. I can go on, and I'm sure I am leaving out many other special places. Bottomline IMO- be adventurous,get off the beaten path,avoid most of the typical hotels, don't book in advance,try to focus on regions, slow down, buy a Guiness for a local,enjoy the driving experience (I personally love driving in Ireland)...Ireland has a way of getting into your blood - enjoy!

M.E. Burton

Hi~ Reeaview House in Doolin---it is a wonderful place to start your visit to Ireland. Your hosts Dara and Niall Hughes run a wonderful spot. We are going there for the second time this September. It is an easy drive from Shannon---the directions are on their site at www.ireland-doolin.com and then to the Seaview House. Dara serves a breakfast that is beyond belief---home baking at the very best! She is very knowledgeable about the area and will give suggestions as needed. Also, will make dinner reservations, etc. Some great meals to be eaten in Doolin! The pubs are lots of fun and The Burren is a very interesting part of Ireland to tour. Have a great trip! MEB

pj

Hi Diane!! Make sure you go to Anascule and have a drink at the South Pole. Tom Crean of Shakelton fame was from this town. South Pole was his home before becoming a pub!!<BR> PS Thanks for the wonderful bread and sundried tomatoe flatbread!! Patti

mjs

It is alittle difficult to give much in the way of advise without knowing how much time you will be spending in Ireland. I do however have a few thoughts. First we do come from California and I believe it took us about 21 hours from our house to Shannon and I found that I could drive 2 or 3 hours without much problem. You may be different. We also found that we like the west/southwest the best. Waterford and even Dublin can be skipped if you do not have much time. ( I do like Dublin, just think the country side is more interesting) Believe Dromoland castle to be a overpriced American tourist destination. Ashford castle on the other hand is I think worthwhile. Agree with Heatons as a very nice place to stay in Dingle. Also like the idea of Doolin. Recommend the Drumcreehy house in Ballyvaughan as a very nice place to stay in that general area. Karen Brown's book on B&B's was quite useful.<BR>Anyway hope my flight of ideas proves to be of some help to you. Hope you enjoy your trip.

Ambrose

How difficult will it be to get a B&B in Dublin during September? Better during the week or weekends?

pj

ttt

larry

ttt

Ambrose

Sorry but I don't understand the last 2 messages "ttt". Is this in response to my question?

Ann

Ambrose-that means someone brought your message to the top so others might be able to help you.<BR><BR>Yes, it can be difficult to find accommodation in Dublin any time of the year. Definitely book it ahead of time. I once called 47 hotels and B&Bs before ending up in a nasty youth hostels. Even the very most expensive places were booked.

cd

We had the same experience in Dublin trying to find a B&B in March. It took me two weeks of emailing before we found a place to make a reservation. And then it had a lot to be desired.

herb nolan

This year things are a bit better,especially from the point of view of getting a hotel booking.The drop in tourist numbers has driven the price down and sometimes hotels are as cheap as bed and breakfast.Try www.jurysdoyle.com

bill

Yes, you need to book in advance in Dublin. I booked 5 months out and had to call quite a few places to find an opening. The weekend is worse.<BR><BR>Richard K.:<BR>Great advice. I might not suggest that a person NEVER book B&Bs ahead. If I were to stay in a particular area for a number of days, I would book in advance just to make sure I would have both a nice place and not have to move if it is booked. I have a couple of favorites that I like to go back to because of the people I've met there. There are a few areas (like Dublin and maybe the Shannon/Bunratty area) that it's not a bad idea or required to book ahead. <BR><BR>The only other really good reason to book ahead is if you are traveling in a pack and need three or more rooms. It is harder to find a place on the spur of the moment that would have enough rooms and you don't want to spend your time looking for rooms when you could be drinking some Guinness or Smithwicks at the pub.<BR><BR>You're right, it's amazing but even with such a small island, it's impossible to list all the places to go. We too enjoyed the back roads, but let's not encourage too many people to take them. That's why they are so nice. Our last trip was so filled with backroads that when we found ourself on the one or two major roads we didn't know what to do with ourselves. Look at all this room for dcars in both directions! One of the memorable backroads was to Barley Lake in west Cork. I think this is an area that the locals go. Spectacular!!<BR><BR>Have fun on your next trip.<BR><BR>Bill

Richard K

To Bill of 8-5:<BR>Cheers to a Smithwicks drinker - a great ale and an excellent alternative to the black brew. You are correct sir, my comments were not directed at "pack" travelers nor for those who may be looking for a "base" for a few days or more. Thks for the tip on Barley Lake - I'll look forward to getting lost in my quest to hopefully finding it (or not) on my next trip to Eire.