Ireland Assistance Needed
Sep 5th, 2007, 08:30 AM
#21
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OK.....my wife and I are leaving for Ireland the first week of October.
Flying into and out of Dublin. Thinking of fitting Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Galway/Shannon area in. We'll be there for a week.
I've been told that it takes a long time to drive between places. I am assuming most people will say that this is too much. I want to see the best Ireland has to offer.
Things we want to do/see the most:
Cliffs of Moher
Blarney Stone
Giant's Causeway
Brewery Tours
Flying into and out of Dublin. Thinking of fitting Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Galway/Shannon area in. We'll be there for a week.
I've been told that it takes a long time to drive between places. I am assuming most people will say that this is too much. I want to see the best Ireland has to offer.
Things we want to do/see the most:
Cliffs of Moher
Blarney Stone
Giant's Causeway
Brewery Tours
Sep 6th, 2007, 07:55 AM
#22
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The best you will see is the blur of the Irish countryside from the inside of your car or train. Yikes!
Please, pick no more than three (two is better) bases and use those as day trips. If you had three weeks, you could hit all three corners of the country, but not in one!
You're going to want to stop and explore those standing stones you see on the side of the road, that ruined castle, that lovely pub, the beautiful church. You can't do that and still get each place. And why would you want to? Please, slow down
I've been to Ireland three times, so I'm far from an expert, but I do know that the pace of life is slower, the sites are WORTH hanging around and exploring, savoring, and enjoying.
Besides, you want to be doing all that driving after some pints???
Please, pick no more than three (two is better) bases and use those as day trips. If you had three weeks, you could hit all three corners of the country, but not in one!
You're going to want to stop and explore those standing stones you see on the side of the road, that ruined castle, that lovely pub, the beautiful church. You can't do that and still get each place. And why would you want to? Please, slow down
I've been to Ireland three times, so I'm far from an expert, but I do know that the pace of life is slower, the sites are WORTH hanging around and exploring, savoring, and enjoying.Besides, you want to be doing all that driving after some pints???
Sep 6th, 2007, 08:33 AM
#23
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Dragon...
So, what areas do you recommend hanging around since you've been there three times?
Is one of our sites worth dropping over others (cliffs, giant, blarney)?
Which coastline/areas are better in late September/early October?
We had also wanted to do some canyoning, coasteering or caving while in Ireland and all the companies do these types of tours in Northern Ireland.
So, what areas do you recommend hanging around since you've been there three times?
Is one of our sites worth dropping over others (cliffs, giant, blarney)?
Which coastline/areas are better in late September/early October?
We had also wanted to do some canyoning, coasteering or caving while in Ireland and all the companies do these types of tours in Northern Ireland.
Sep 6th, 2007, 11:27 AM
#24
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I haven't travelled to the Blarney or Cork areas, so I can't comment on those, but if you're flying in and out of Dublin and only staying for a week, I would choose to stay in Northern Ireland and some of the more northern counties within the Republic (Donegal, Sligo, May).
My husband and I recently came back from 2 weeks in Ireland, and that was essentially the route we did (though instead of looping back to Dublin, we continued south and flew out of Shannon). We followed the coast basically the entire time.
Our favorite part of Ireland was the North Antrim Coast. The scenery is spectacular and there is plenty to do. We were there for 3 days and only covered the major sites (Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-rede, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills, Kenbane, Torr Head). We did not spend any time in Belfast or Derry, and I wish we had been able to.
For such a limited time, I wouldn't try to stretch it out too much. We did find the roads in Northern Ireland to be better than those in the Republic and were able to travel between places much faster than we were expecting to. Our expectations were based on all the warnings I had read on this board about the slow driving and it taking much longer to drive between places than you would think. However, we're both used to driving in New York City and might be more aggressive drivers than typical tourists (though the locals still managed to fly by us).
To be perfectly honest, I would skip the Cliffs of Moher if we went again. It has become too much of a tourist site - it was swarmed with people while we were there, and the way the walls are now you can't get a good view. I much preferred the Slieve League cliffs in County Donegal.
My only uncertainty with recommending a focus on Northern Ireland for this trip is the weather. We were there at the end of July, and typically wore jeans and long sleeve shirts. I'm not sure how cold it will be in October. I'm sure someone else could provide info on the typical weather during that time of year.
My husband and I recently came back from 2 weeks in Ireland, and that was essentially the route we did (though instead of looping back to Dublin, we continued south and flew out of Shannon). We followed the coast basically the entire time.
Our favorite part of Ireland was the North Antrim Coast. The scenery is spectacular and there is plenty to do. We were there for 3 days and only covered the major sites (Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-rede, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills, Kenbane, Torr Head). We did not spend any time in Belfast or Derry, and I wish we had been able to.
For such a limited time, I wouldn't try to stretch it out too much. We did find the roads in Northern Ireland to be better than those in the Republic and were able to travel between places much faster than we were expecting to. Our expectations were based on all the warnings I had read on this board about the slow driving and it taking much longer to drive between places than you would think. However, we're both used to driving in New York City and might be more aggressive drivers than typical tourists (though the locals still managed to fly by us).
To be perfectly honest, I would skip the Cliffs of Moher if we went again. It has become too much of a tourist site - it was swarmed with people while we were there, and the way the walls are now you can't get a good view. I much preferred the Slieve League cliffs in County Donegal.
My only uncertainty with recommending a focus on Northern Ireland for this trip is the weather. We were there at the end of July, and typically wore jeans and long sleeve shirts. I'm not sure how cold it will be in October. I'm sure someone else could provide info on the typical weather during that time of year.
Sep 6th, 2007, 12:13 PM
#25
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I agree with tmac above - concentrate on the wonders of the north this trip, especially if you are going repelling or cliff diving
Save the south and west for another trip. There will be another, Ireland is addicting!
Bundle up warm - it's cold up there in October.
Save the south and west for another trip. There will be another, Ireland is addicting!
Bundle up warm - it's cold up there in October.
Sep 6th, 2007, 12:27 PM
#26
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I doubt I'll ever be in Ireland again. We hardly ever go somewhere twice unless they are short trips within the USA to our favorite places. There are so many other places in the world to see, I'd rather see those places instead of going back to a country/area I've already been in. I don't think I'll ever go to Iceland or Scotland again, even though I enjoyed both. I just got back from doing Southern Utah and many Fodorites were telling me that I'd be back there again someday so no need to fit too much in. Many of them have been back numerous times. I can say with 99.99% certainty that I'll never be in the Southern Utah area again. We did what we wanted to do/see there. Hope I don't sound bitchy, don't mean to...we just try to fit as much in a possible because you never know if you'll make it back someplace.
Isn't the northern part of Ireland the green Ireland you always see or hear about? I thought I read that the southern part is the dry and less colorful section.
Isn't the northern part of Ireland the green Ireland you always see or hear about? I thought I read that the southern part is the dry and less colorful section.
Sep 6th, 2007, 12:33 PM
#27
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I find the southwestern part to be the greenest, but that's just my opinion.
And northern Ireland isn't the same country as the Republic of Ireland (southern) so it really isn't the same place. It's the same island, but then again, visiting Australia one week and saying you've seen it all and will never visit is just as silly, IMHO.
And northern Ireland isn't the same country as the Republic of Ireland (southern) so it really isn't the same place. It's the same island, but then again, visiting Australia one week and saying you've seen it all and will never visit is just as silly, IMHO.
Sep 6th, 2007, 01:50 PM
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All of Ireland is green. Maybe what you are thinking of is the more rocky Connemara region? But it's still beautiful and green. Seven days is just not that long to see a whole country. I know what you mean about not necessarily going back--I know it will be a while before I go back if ever, but I did spend a full three weeks really getting the flavor of the place.
Sep 6th, 2007, 02:20 PM
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I have been to Ireland in October plenty of times. I do not consider it cold. I was in Northern Ireland last October and wore a long sleeve shirt most of the time with no jacket and was perfectly comfortable. Someone with thin blood who lives in Hawaii or Florida may feel the cold more. I find that they tend to feel cold if the temps go below 80.
Jedivader, Everyone has given you their well intentioned advice about not trying to see the whole country in a week. I would take that advice myself. Even so you are resisting the thought of not doing it all. You will never return to Ireland and want to see what you want to see.
I say do what you want. See it all from your car window. Spend each night in a different spot so you can fit it all in. It is your trip and if that is what you want to do - go for it. Some people are perfectly happy with a glimpse of Ireland. Canyoning is out. No canyons in Ireland. There is a cave you can tour near the Cliffs of Moher south of Ballyvaughan called Aillwee. There are caves near Doolin.
As far as Ireland being dry, I believe they had 54 straight days of rain this summer. Ireland dry? ROFWL!!! Where do people get such information?
I would hate to be the other couple along for the ride!
Jedivader, Everyone has given you their well intentioned advice about not trying to see the whole country in a week. I would take that advice myself. Even so you are resisting the thought of not doing it all. You will never return to Ireland and want to see what you want to see.
I say do what you want. See it all from your car window. Spend each night in a different spot so you can fit it all in. It is your trip and if that is what you want to do - go for it. Some people are perfectly happy with a glimpse of Ireland. Canyoning is out. No canyons in Ireland. There is a cave you can tour near the Cliffs of Moher south of Ballyvaughan called Aillwee. There are caves near Doolin.
As far as Ireland being dry, I believe they had 54 straight days of rain this summer. Ireland dry? ROFWL!!! Where do people get such information?
I would hate to be the other couple along for the ride!
Sep 6th, 2007, 04:13 PM
#32
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jedivader,
Why don't the four of you get on a tour bus for your green blur. At least the driver would see the blur. Yes, I said green, I got a good laugh on that.
You've gotten some really good advice here and I hope you use it so you can enjoy your one time visit. Also, get some travel books to read about Ireland.
Joan
Why don't the four of you get on a tour bus for your green blur. At least the driver would see the blur. Yes, I said green, I got a good laugh on that.
You've gotten some really good advice here and I hope you use it so you can enjoy your one time visit. Also, get some travel books to read about Ireland.
Joan
Sep 7th, 2007, 04:56 AM
#34
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Thanks to the ones that gave legit advice, screw the rest (irisheyes & chatham).
I thought this was a place for assistance and suggestions, not a place to practice your smart-ass remarks and rip on people.
This board has the feeling of an AOL chatroom full of idiots and teenagers now.
No one was resisting advice, I was giving my ideas/thoughts/hopes.
If you don't have something useful to say, just shut-up and let others respond.
I thought this was a place for assistance and suggestions, not a place to practice your smart-ass remarks and rip on people.
This board has the feeling of an AOL chatroom full of idiots and teenagers now.
No one was resisting advice, I was giving my ideas/thoughts/hopes.
If you don't have something useful to say, just shut-up and let others respond.
Sep 7th, 2007, 05:17 AM
#35
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I had already decided not to offer any further advice or assistance to jedivader because I am simply not interested in his or her approach to visiting a place.
But if I was still on the field, I would walk off now.
But if I was still on the field, I would walk off now.
Sep 7th, 2007, 05:42 AM
#36
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Hi jedivader--
Welcome to Fodor's. I'm a little perplexed at some of the exchanges above; I think you've been honest and clear about what you're trying to see on this trip. I do think some of the posts on this particular thread are rude; advice is needed, not judgment. However, your comment generalizing these boards doesn't really reflect some of the very good advice on this thread.
That said, here a few posts with Western Ireland itineraries...some of them are older but I think you'll find them helpful:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35050224
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34633374
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34692473
Welcome to Fodor's. I'm a little perplexed at some of the exchanges above; I think you've been honest and clear about what you're trying to see on this trip. I do think some of the posts on this particular thread are rude; advice is needed, not judgment. However, your comment generalizing these boards doesn't really reflect some of the very good advice on this thread.
That said, here a few posts with Western Ireland itineraries...some of them are older but I think you'll find them helpful:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35050224
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34633374
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34692473
Sep 7th, 2007, 05:49 AM
#37
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So because you don't like my approach to visiting a place, trying to do as much as possible, you don't want to assist.
What the.....!
All of a sudden, I post telling people that I'll probably never get back to Ireland and that I don't like going places twice and some posters jump on top of me and others decide to not post anymore advice....ridiculous.
Thank you to the posters that provided assistance and not attitude.
What the.....!
All of a sudden, I post telling people that I'll probably never get back to Ireland and that I don't like going places twice and some posters jump on top of me and others decide to not post anymore advice....ridiculous.
Thank you to the posters that provided assistance and not attitude.
Sep 7th, 2007, 05:52 AM
#38
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With only a week, there's really not a lot of time. I understand your thoughts of not going back to a country once you've been there - my husband and I also have a long list of places we want to go, and we generally don't want to duplicate. However, we only covered the north and west sections of Ireland. We will go back to see the south and east sections. We consider them to be very different. We probably won't be back in the next 3 years, but we will be back.
That being said, I would consider the following route.
Dublin
Belfast
Ballycastle
Donegal or Ballyshannon
Dublin
Bushmills Distillery is located up near Ballycastle and I thought it was a great tour.
Cornlough, on the coast road between Belfast and Ballycastle is a great little town - picture perfect.
There is a large castle in Carrickfergus, just north of Belfast.
When we were first researching our trip and looking for some more 'adventurous' activities, there seemed to be a number of places based in Bundoran (near Ballyshannon) that organized such activities. We did not end up having time to do any, so I can't comment on how good any of those places are.
I would highly recommend getting a guide book of some sort (we used the DK Eyewitness Guide) to start getting an idea of what sites would most interest you. We can offer recommendations to you on this site, but our personal taste may be different than your personal taste. There is so much to see in Northern Ireland - more than enough to fill 1 week.
That being said, I would consider the following route.
Dublin
Belfast
Ballycastle
Donegal or Ballyshannon
Dublin
Bushmills Distillery is located up near Ballycastle and I thought it was a great tour.
Cornlough, on the coast road between Belfast and Ballycastle is a great little town - picture perfect.
There is a large castle in Carrickfergus, just north of Belfast.
When we were first researching our trip and looking for some more 'adventurous' activities, there seemed to be a number of places based in Bundoran (near Ballyshannon) that organized such activities. We did not end up having time to do any, so I can't comment on how good any of those places are.
I would highly recommend getting a guide book of some sort (we used the DK Eyewitness Guide) to start getting an idea of what sites would most interest you. We can offer recommendations to you on this site, but our personal taste may be different than your personal taste. There is so much to see in Northern Ireland - more than enough to fill 1 week.
Sep 7th, 2007, 05:57 AM
#40
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tmac....thanks!
My wife and I decided last night to stick to the northern half of Ireland. We actually only have six full days. We were thinking:
1: Dublin
2 & 3: Belfast area
4 & 5: Somewhere around Galway/Central Ireland area
6: Dublin
My wife and I decided last night to stick to the northern half of Ireland. We actually only have six full days. We were thinking:
1: Dublin
2 & 3: Belfast area
4 & 5: Somewhere around Galway/Central Ireland area
6: Dublin
