nsgriff

Hello all,

My fiance and I are currently in the process of planning our honeymoon in Ireland. Given the stress of planning an out-of-town wedding, we haven't exactly dedicated the time into planning our trip to Ireland. I thought I'd post on here and see if anyone could help us out.

We've got our airfare booked, but thats ALL. We fly into Dublin on Sept. 20th, 2005.

We leave from Shannon on October 1st, 2005.

Everything in between is blank -- no hotels, no plans, nothing.

We are planning on renting a car. Our tentative idea is to spend the first two nights in Dublin, and then to head out to the southwest area -- Killarny, Dingle, Cork, Waterford -- and eventually end up in Galway.

If anyone has ANY suggestions for things to do, places to go, places to stay, anything, I'm all ears!

Thanks in advance!

SusanP

I can't help with Ireland, but to give you a head start, it will help people if you give a per-night budget for hotel (an actual amount, don't just say "moderate" or "budget," as those terms can mean very different things to different people). A search here on Ireland hotels would also probably help you. Have a great trip!

jules4je7

I'd strongly recommend buying a guidebook or two about Ireland, like Fodors and Rick Steves. Rick has excellent advice, particularly for the first-timers. Read it. Do a little research. If you don't you'll miss a bunch of cool sights, and probably lose a lot of money.

People here are helpful, but all over the map over what they can afford and what they'd recommend. Think a little about what YOU two would like (big cities? small towns? Pub crawling? Museums? Or just looking for a nice place to celebrate/consummate your marriage?) Whatever it is, only you know what you'd like. Guidebooks can also help give you ideas about what to see in detail, along with prices, times, etc.

When I went, we focused on the big cities at first, sprinkled with small towns in between. I found it refreshing to go to a small town, recharge my batteries a bit, then move on. Some people would find the change from big to small and back again stressful. You have time to talk about this stuff and decide, but I'd get cracking since you'll probably want to start making some reservations.

Also, I'd rethink the car idea and see if it's really necessary, or if you need it for just parts of the trip.

Happy travels,

Jules

nsgriff

Thank you both you for recommendations. I've got a copy of Fodors as well as Karen Brown's Charming Inns and Itineraries. I've paged through both, but was also interested in recommendations from "real" people.

As for a price per night, I'd say approx. $150-$250 a night. I honestly don't know what the average price of a hotel is, so I'm open to suggestions both higher and lower. I understand that that's a pretty wide range; however, I'm willing to spend for that special someplace...as this is a once in a lifetime type of trip.

I'm much more of a fan of small cities. We're not huge museum-type people, but we would like to visit anything worthwhile. We're basically looking for something very memorable, and are wanting to try a bit of everything!

pastyp

nsgriff - for that something a little bit extra special try this link

http://www.irelands-blue-book.ie/

The accomodations listed are a little above the average B&B and hotel in terms of price and a huge jump in terms of comfort and character - but then if you're on honeymoon one or two nights in these accomodations will help make it special.

Most of the properties are old manor houses or stately homes that now recieve guests and are usually located on large private estates. I have stayed at quite a few of them and have always had a memoraable relaxing stay.

Just my two cents - congrats and hope you have a great stay in Ireland