Give me Top Ten 'Must Sees' in Ireland!
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Give me Top Ten 'Must Sees' in Ireland!
I am finding it difficult to decide what parts of Ireland to visit. I have 3 weeks for our holiday with 2 adults and 3 children (ages 18, 12 and 9) to visit Ireland and Scotland, both. Which Country should I do 1 week in and which country should I do 2 weeks in? What are the top 10 sights (in your opinion) in Ireland to see. I was leaning toward Dublin, and Waterford ares, but my son really wants to see Giant's Causeway up North. Is it possible to do both? Any suggestions +/or guidance are welcome.
Thanks, Reggs
Thanks, Reggs
#2
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At what time of year?
Or you guys more into cities or the countryside?
Do you like to travel from place to place, or do you prefer one base and several day trips?
Will you have a rental car, or have to rely on public transportation?
With regard to Ireland:
Giant's Causeway and the Antrim coast in general are very, very nice.
So are Dublin, and Cork/Cobh.
Right south of Dublin is Co. Wicklow. When you google that, you will find many nice destinations for day trips, visiting manors and parks, and hiking.
And the "Rings of...", of course. Driving takes quite some time, so it makes no sense IMO, to include the ring roads in a whirlwind itinerary.
The Cliffs of Moher are supposed to be another "Must see", though I don't know why you would drive hours to stare into the ocean from a certain elevation.
Since you will probably be at the cliffs anyway, you could add a tour of the Burren.
From the other trillion posts on Ireland itineraries, Bunratty Folk Park (near Shannon airport) is a great place to experience all of Ireland squeezed into one theme park. Not my cup of tea, but tastes differ, and it should be fun with kids.
Haven't been to Waterford yet (if you were talking about the factory), since their over-kitsched and over-priced crystal and glassware do not exactly match my taste. Simple personal dislike, no general statement.
You will find great examples of Irish arts & crafts in many towns, though. For example, in Kilkenny there is one centre for local crafts right opposite the castle.
I completely skipped the NW counties of Ireland since many find it too remote, and already have a more than full itinerary from touring the SE and SW plus Dublin, plus possible NI.
Or you guys more into cities or the countryside?
Do you like to travel from place to place, or do you prefer one base and several day trips?
Will you have a rental car, or have to rely on public transportation?
With regard to Ireland:
Giant's Causeway and the Antrim coast in general are very, very nice.
So are Dublin, and Cork/Cobh.
Right south of Dublin is Co. Wicklow. When you google that, you will find many nice destinations for day trips, visiting manors and parks, and hiking.
And the "Rings of...", of course. Driving takes quite some time, so it makes no sense IMO, to include the ring roads in a whirlwind itinerary.
The Cliffs of Moher are supposed to be another "Must see", though I don't know why you would drive hours to stare into the ocean from a certain elevation.
Since you will probably be at the cliffs anyway, you could add a tour of the Burren.
From the other trillion posts on Ireland itineraries, Bunratty Folk Park (near Shannon airport) is a great place to experience all of Ireland squeezed into one theme park. Not my cup of tea, but tastes differ, and it should be fun with kids.
Haven't been to Waterford yet (if you were talking about the factory), since their over-kitsched and over-priced crystal and glassware do not exactly match my taste. Simple personal dislike, no general statement.
You will find great examples of Irish arts & crafts in many towns, though. For example, in Kilkenny there is one centre for local crafts right opposite the castle.
I completely skipped the NW counties of Ireland since many find it too remote, and already have a more than full itinerary from touring the SE and SW plus Dublin, plus possible NI.
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If you have any interest in things ancient, the passage graves at Newgrange north of Dublin are not to be missed. The Rock of Cashel is most impressive. What I remember most on our guided Ring of Kerry tour was a demonstration of trained sheepdogs - fascinating!
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I vote for the Rock of Cashel, Cliffs of Moher; the village of Kinsale was my absolute favorite.
Was very disappointed in Waterford -go to Macy's for better prices!
Driving everywhere is definitely part of the fun!
You may need the 2 weeks for Scotland.
Was very disappointed in Waterford -go to Macy's for better prices!
Driving everywhere is definitely part of the fun!
You may need the 2 weeks for Scotland.
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Hey Everyone,
Thanks for your suggestions; I am presently researching them. Cowboy, we will be going in July which I know is tourist crazy time. We have lived in the concrete city of Bangkok for 12 years, so Country sights would be nice, but we love adventure and can handle the City as well. We are very interested in the Irish arts and crafts and in general their way of life. The singing and dancing.... We would like to stay at a Castle. A really cool Dungeon would be greatly enjoyed by my son! I really want to keep the children entertained and enthusiastic. We want the authentic cultural experience!
Thanks again, Reggs
Thanks for your suggestions; I am presently researching them. Cowboy, we will be going in July which I know is tourist crazy time. We have lived in the concrete city of Bangkok for 12 years, so Country sights would be nice, but we love adventure and can handle the City as well. We are very interested in the Irish arts and crafts and in general their way of life. The singing and dancing.... We would like to stay at a Castle. A really cool Dungeon would be greatly enjoyed by my son! I really want to keep the children entertained and enthusiastic. We want the authentic cultural experience!
Thanks again, Reggs