amelie

If you only had 3-4 days in Ireland (most likeling flying into Dublin) where would you go, how would you see enough???

My husband is from Scotland (we live in the US) and will hopefully take a trip back to his home next summer, and would like to take a mini-trip to Ireland. Is the 3-4 days not even worth it?? Should we spend this time somewhere else (Southern Scotland or Northern England?)..?

Thanks!

Clifton

If you find that you are arriving in Dublin, for 3-4 days, I'd stay on that side of the island. The very dramatic sights are on the opposite side, in the west. But they are also dispersed along the coastline and require a car and a bit of time to see much.

So, with 3 or 4 days in the east - I'd try to see Dublin (not a monumental city as some in Europe, but lively). And for day trips and to see a little of the more gental part of the famous Irish countryside, I'd consider:

Newgrange - Prehistoric tomb north of Dublin.
Malahade Castle - Just barely north of the city
Glendalough and the Wicklow Mts - Mystical ancient monastary site built by St. Kevin, set in a dramatic valley in the beautiful Wicklow mts. The scenic drive starts just of the Dublin loop motorway and just gets better passing the Sally gap and waterfalls until you reach Glendalough an 1-2 hrs later.

amelie

Thanks!

DavidD

Amelie,

If you can obtain a rental car, I wouldn't rule out a short visit to the west of Ireland.

You can drive from Dublin to Galway in about three hours. Mind you, this wouldn't be the most scenic route, but in short order you'd be in Galway, a good base to explore Connemara (very scenic countryside) and the lively and fun city that is Galway. In addition to exploring Connemara, you might consider a day trip that leaves the mainland for the Aran Islands. On a clear day, a trip to Inishmore can be especially enjoyable. Lastly, if you're into hiking, consider a reasonably short drive northwest from Galway City to Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holiest mountain and one that is wonderfully situated overlooking Clew Bay.

Best of luck.

GeoffHamer

I'd get the train to Galway, stay two nights there and do a day trip to the Aran Islands. However, my tastes and interests will be different from yours. I would hesitate to make recommendations to a close friend, let alone a stranger.

StephenG

Definetly agree with Clifton, would only add a quick stop and lunch at Powerscourt on the way to Glendalough.
Leave the west for next time and week or two trip.

wojazz3

You said most likely flying into Dublin, but you could easily fly into Shannon also which would give you options for the west. Then again, you could fly into Belfast and see NI which is beautiful and less crowded.

I think you could get a taste of Ireland in 4 days, but it may make you want to come back. If you are going to the west, I would make arrangements to fly into Shannon instead of Dublin and either not drive or take a train there. Ryanair flies into Shannon from Glasgow for prices starting at 2 pounds plus tax. http://www.ryanair.com/

Bill

P_M

So many good ideas here, but we really enjoyed the drive along the coast of Norther Ireland. We visited the rope bridge and the Giant's Causeway, both on the North coast. I know we hear a lot of bad stuff in the news about NI, but we found it to be a beautiful place with some of the kindest people in the world. I would go back tomorrow.

amelie

How easy would it be to fly into Dublin and fly out of Shannon? Wouldn't be against rainting a car in Ireland either....

These are all really good suggestions, thanks!

Frank

We spent 3 nights in Dublin and found plenty to do without taking a day trip.

If you are not opposed to escourted tours, CIE offers a 4 night "Taste of Ireland" tour which spends 1 night in Dublin, 2 nights in Killarney and a final night in Shannon. Obviously you fly into Dublin and out of Shannon. It includes a short tour of Dublin, an Irish Caberet, Tea and Scones at a working sheep farm, Blarney Castle, Jaunting carts in Killarney, Muckross House, the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Banquet at Bunratty Castle.

We added the tour on to our 3 nights in Dublin and felt we got a sampling of the city and country.

wojazz3

amelie:

Flying into one and out of the other would be very easy, particularly if you were going back to Scotland. When you purchase Ryanair tickets, there is no big savings on a RT (how could there be at 2 pounds). Still, I think I would choose just one area. That's just me.

P_M is right BTW. NI is beautiful and the Antrim Coast and the Glens of Antrim are marvelous. I should be there in May.

Bill

amelie

You were serious about it only costing 2 pounds plus tax? I thought that was a type-o!

wow!

Itallian_Chauffer

Tickets as low as 2 GBP, PLUS taxes (probably another 30), still, and all, pretty cheap. Aer Lingus charges no more to do the in /out from either airport. Most domestic US carriers (like Delta alternate flying into one, then hopping over to the other airport on flights in and out of the US. Check to see if your airline charges a premium for "open jaw" flights (US to Scotland, Shannon to US). You can then do a discount flight into Ireland, or take a ferry, even.

SiobhanP

Check out ryanair and yes occasionally they are cheapie and fly into shannon. I would not go the whle hog and drive to Galway and croafg Patrick. It is too far. I am just back from a weekend (Long one 5 days) that we drove to Westport, Co. Mayo (Near Croagh Patrick) and it was exhausting.

flygirl

I would fly into Shannon instead, and tour the west coast.