Ireland
 

Hello all, I will be in Ireland in about a week and have had little time to plan. I will have 5 days in Ireland before I go to Scotland and I plan to see Dublin (1 or 2 days?), Galway, and Kerry. I'm not particularly looking to see museums and castles the whole time. I'd like to take in the landscape with some biking and hiking. Any suggestions??

Go to www.irelandexpert.com and click on her Ireland guide and see Dublin, The West and Kerry sections for what to see and do plus recommedations on where to stay.

I like Mikey! Patricia Preston's web site on Ireland is outstanding. Contains great details re: Kerry Dublin and Cork, etc. A must before you book a B&B or hotel. We will be in Ireland middle to end of August and used Preston's site to book B&Bs, etc. Have a great trip.

The ring of Kerry is very picturesque although you may not have enough time. We traveled it by car in 2 days and enjoyed it very much <BR> <BR>Our trip was unplanned as far as making advance reservations and we had no trouble finding B&Bs in Oct. We visited the tourist offices and used BABA (book a bed ahead)to help us locate rooms in specific areas or at certain price ranges, and they were very helpful. <BR> <BR>If you're planning another trip to Ireland consider the Giant's Causeway and the Glens of Antrim. It's great scenery in NE Ireland. Belfast is also a lovely city. <BR> <BR>Scotland is great! Have a good trip. <BR> <BR>Dee

Ramin, <BR>August is the height of high season so plan on booking your B&Bs ASAP - Dublin is difficult most of the time so check with the Tourist Office & Board -www.ireland.expert.com. There are festivals in both Kerry - in Tralee - and in Galway - Horse Racing Festival and many people who attend these events book their B&Bs from the previous year so be warned and get booking. You might like to plan on staying outisde these areas eg Cork for Kerry and Mayo for Galway and use a car to travel around. irish public transport is not the best. You won't need a car in Dublin - traffic is chaotic most of the time - so wait until you are ready to leave the city before collecting your car. If you are not interested in museums and castles etc then plan on just one day in Dublin and take the hop on hop off tours that depart from O'Connell Street. Hope this helps <BR> <BR>Cathy

Ramin <BR> <BR>Sorry the Tourist BVoard web site is www.ireland.travel.ie. I meant to say check out the B&BS that Pat recommends and see if there is availabilty via www.ireland.travel.ie. However do remember that it may be difficult to get a location in the city centre area so look at places outside the city that are on the DART line (ie local train network). Hope this clears up the above mistake, <BR> <BR>Cathy

Thank you so much!

While in Kerry, do the Gap of Dunloe tour. From Kate Kearney's cottage outside of Killarney, either walk, pony trek or take a jaunting cart about 11 km to the Lakes of Killarney where you will take a small open boat (holds about a dozen people) which will take you through the Lakes to Ross Castle. The boatsmen are famous for their amusing stories and folklore. The tour can be arranged through your hotel or B&B proprietor. It's a full day tour and most beautiful.

The hiking in Ireland is incredible--it's never too hot, the paths are pretty well marked, and there are no snakes! Outside of Dublin is the Wicklow Way, which has some beautiful hikes.