My husband and I are taking our first trip to Ireland. We are arriving in Dublin on a Saturday afternoon, and flying out of Shannon Thursday morning. Any suggestions of where we should go/what we should see? We are not drinkers...and I'm pregnant...so no long hikes, etc. We are considering renting a car. Also, what is the weather like during early March?

Thanks!!

Hi Mommabears

The weather in Ireland is not always easy to predict. It will be cold in the beginning of March, and in the west it will be rainy(its always a safe bet that it will rain on you in the west). Layers are basically always a good idea!

If its your first trip to Ireland, I would definitely spend time in the West. I have lived in Galway and also Dublin, and as much as I love Dublin it is basically a big International city, but with a few unmissable sights. If you like the history behind Ireland(which I do), definitely see Kilmainham Jail while you are here. Also, St. Patricks Cathedral, Christ Church, St. Stephens Green, and the Book of Kells which is located in Trinity College. There is a hop on hop off tour which is great, it takes you to the best sights. Dublin can really be done in 1-2 days.

I would definitely suggest spending a time in the West, seeing the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, spending time in Doolin(famous for its Irish music), or going to Dingle. The Aran Islands, especially on a good day, are a great day trip from Galway, and you can do tours created by the locals(anyone on the Island will be a local, the only way to live or move to the Islands is if you marry an Islander or were born there) which is always a fun way to see everything without being to hard on the feet. The Rock of Cashel is also very neat. It honestly depends on what type of vacationers you are and what you enjoy doing. I am American, but have lived in Ireland for 2 years, and have done the "first trip to Ireland" for numerous friends and family members(actually in the process of doing it for an Aunt right now). I have done or know about the majority of sights and attractions here, so if you have any more questions for me about Ireland, transportation, tours, etc feel free to email me at [email protected].

Hi DubTraveler,
That interesting information about the Aran Isles caught my attention.
We are planning to take a ferry there in May.
Do you know if any of the tours by the locals take one to 'Father Ted's house'? My guide book says the TV series was based on Aran & partly filmed there.

Hi Tod,

Actually the Father Ted House isn't located on the Aran Islands. The series was loosely based on the Aran Islands and life on them, but the scenes with the house were filmed in the Burren in County Clare. I actually think someone lives in the house now?

Dingle,Galway and Killarney on the west coast made the top 100 in the world in tripadisor.com recently. I really like Killarney,especially its national park. Dingle is less than 2 hours drive away.