brenhur

Hi, I am doing a 6 days in Ireland but the twist is that i will be going to the Irish derby half way through my trip.

There's going to be a small party of us (5) and we are looking to have a good time (drink) as well as get an appreciation of Ireland. I am trying to get a few more days in which means pursuading the others.

Anyway, day 4 of our 6 days is the Irish Derby which is in Kildare (not far from Dublin). I have to choose where I should fly into. I would really appreciate some advice as to what part of ireland i should fly into to start my trip. Cork? Shannon? Galway?

Now considering this and know that on my 4th day i have to arrive in Kildare, where do you think we should go. We are all male, single and in our early 30's (if this helps with the advice). We don't want to be drinking all the time because we want to appreciate all ireland has to offer.

Therefore, our itinerary so far looks like this:

Day 1: Arrive????
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4: Kildare (Irish Derby)
Day 5:
Day 6: Depart Dublin

yesiree100

Where are you flying from?

If it's North America, Dublin and Shannon will be your choices. If it's Europe, then you've got a few more options.

From the USA, my advice would be to fly in and out of Dublin. Choose a location in the southeast...Kilkenny, Wicklow or somewhere outside Dublin.

You could fly in to Shannon and spend a few days in Doolin or Galway and fly out of Dublin. But since your visit is short, I think it's a good idea to stay in one area.

That's a busy time in Dublin and Kildare, so it's a good idea to make your accommodation plans for those areas early.

brenhur

Thanks for the reply. I will already be in Europe. I will be flying from Paris. I've read that Dublin is just like any big city and i should see as many of the smaller places as i can. I will definately fly out of Dublin (to Scotland)

We will be hiring a car and driving. Should we fly into shannon then?? After Kildare, should we just go to Dublin for the few days before we leave or go somewhere nearby.??

Thanks in advance.

Scarlett

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34373959

this is one of the most entertaining posts about a trip to Ireland I have ever read. Even if it does not answer a question for you, I think you will enjoy it and will look forward to Ireland even more

SiobhanP

Brenhur, Its not a lot of time to see the country. You could go to Shannon rent a car and do Clare etc and head back to Dublin by way of the Races. Is this the Budweiser Darby in June? If so book rooms NOW! I had one of the best days out at this event a few years back and it fell on my birthday. Pay extra for encloseure tickets, try to crash one of the parties in the tents but don't worry as after the races is the best part. Several hotels nearby (follow the crowds) get decked out with tents and outside heating and bars in the grounds and the music, drinking and dancing goes to late. I actually went to work the day after and was nearly asleep all day. I had the best day and night out in years at this. Ok Maybe the few bottles of Champers we brought along helped and a friends hubby did not drink and drove us home to Dublin after. We ended up dancing in the rain with Umbrellas and overall had a mad time. Enjoy! Might make it this year myself

brenhur

Thank you for your replies. I know it is not enough time. Ideally i would love to spend a few extra days in Ireland as everyone here in Australia RAVE over it.

Yes it is the Irish Derby, I think its on the 2nd July this year. Race days are always the best days. We can't wait as we are usual race goers down here in Aus and enjoy having a good time. I'm looking to book into a place called Osprey which looks pretty good on the net.

I will take you advice and try to get into the enclosure. What is the usual dress standard in there? We are all travelling Europe so we won't be packing any suits.

Any more advice on what to do and where to go would be appreciated.

OH, also, where do you recommend we stay in Dublin? What area/district

mrwunrfl

Wow, that's almost exactly the same as my (tentative) itinerary, so far.

June 29, Arrive DUB
June 30,
July 1,
July 2, Irish Derby
July 3,
July 4, Depart DUB

Got the Westin Dublin for the first two nights (at half the regular *points!). Probably the airport Hilton the last night.

I see that they sell tickets online, with two seating options:
1) Admission & Reserved Upper Balcony Seat, EUR 190.00
2) Reserved Enclosure/Minstrel Seat (Lower Grandstand Level), EUR 70.00

SiobhanP

The enclosure most people dress a bit up. Yes you will see the ladies in hats and designer gear and many men in suits. Its not mandatory but would be appropriate, The Osprey is meant to be nice but make sure you have transport to and from the races.I would book a taxi in advance.

CU

www.horseracingireland.ie would be interesting as would www.ireland.ie

StephCar

good info...bookmarking for a trip to Ireland this summer. Thanks.

brenhur

Is the Osprey still fally handy to everything? Where would you recommend we stay while at the races?