My husband & I are planning a trip in October to Ireland & as we have only seven days we would like to know the "must see" places. We would like to stay in B&B's and see at least 2 castles. We like medieval history (the older the better) and I understand there are some medieval dinner shows held in castles. Also, is it difficult to get accustome to driving on the left or should we go by rail? <BR>

I did this trip last Oct. It was about 40-50 we saw the sun 1 time to bring winter clothes. But we had a great time. In Dublin we stayed at Kilronan House (in Fodors) very nice about 6-7 blocks from Temple Bar and center of town but an easy and nice walk after 2 Pints of Guinness. <BR>Dublin Casle is very nice, we toured the Guinness Brewery Kilmanaim Gaol (jail) did a bus tour to Glendolough that was also great. <BR>We took train to Kilkenny . Kilkenny Castle nicer than Dublin Castle (the castle is closed on MON) <BR>There are some nice sweater shops and pubs in Kilkenny. I would just stay there for 1 -1 1/2 days. We stayed at Butler house with a view of castle it was about 100.00 USD inc brkfast but for 1 night well worth it <BR>We then took bus to Cork for 2 days. Cork was OK but we took day trip to Cobh and I highly recommend that. <BR> <BR>We didn't get to the west but I plan on that the next time I go. <BR>I hope this helps. <BR>Also we did spend 4 days in Dublin that is just enough time to see things and the people are so friendly. If you are standing on a corner looking at your map, someone will stop and ask if they can help.

Cherly, <BR>I would also recommend Kilkenny. It's your typical, story book small Irish town. You can walk from one end of town to the next with no difficulty. The castle is very nice and has recently been renovated. The tour is very informative, lots of history. Two nights, three days there is plenty. I would stay away from Dublin. After touring the country side and then having to go to Dublin, it was a major let down. If you have to go there, make it the first stop on your trip and only stay for one or two nights. I felt that the small towns had so much more to offer and really captured the essence of Ireland. Dublin is overcrowded and overrated. Have a great trip. <BR> <BR>

The cliffs of Mohair are definately a "must see" - they took my breath away. The whole west coast in general is much better than the east with more castles and scernary - the countryside is Ireland's biggest charm. I wasn't impressed with Dublin and Waterford was such industrail city besides the crystal outlet. The trains in Ireland are pathetic and most people there travel by bus. I rented a car and didn't have too much problem with driving on the left - one word of advice though, get as small a car as possible! The roads are extremely narrow! Ireland - I think is Europe's greatest secret and is the most beautiful place of all. <BR>Enjoy!

The "show" you're thinking of is at Bunratty Castle, very near Shannon Airport. The castle is supposed to be one of the best restored in the country. Fly into Shannon, spend the first night in Bunratty (lots of B&Bs) and then take off for the southwest - Kerry, Cork, and Tipperary. <BR>We'll be going in less than a month, and one of the places we're staying in Cork is a B&B in small (5 guest rooms) castle built in 1035 - how's that for old! The place is called Kilbrittain Castle and gets high marks in Frommer's. In Tipperary, on your way back to Shannon, check out Cahir Castle (13th century) and the Rock of Cashel - a cluster of well preserved ruins on a high hill. <BR>I'm told that driving on the left is only a problem on the first day... or anytime after too many pints of Guinness. We're renting a car - much more flexibility.

Thank you for all who offered such great advice on Ireland. You've made it easy to map out my trip and I am so excited to go. Thanks again!!!!!

How easy is it to rent a car in Galway or Ennis? A friend and I wanted to rent a car in these railtowns because we plan to take the train from Rosslare to Ennis. We want to drive through the Burren and see the Cliffs. What car rental companies did people use? Where did they rent them? Where did they drop them off? I was planning to use Tom Doolin, as he seems to be the most inexpensive on the Internet...

Denisse <BR>Last year when I checked for a rental car in Ireland, I found that the least expensive way to rent was to go through my car insurance, AAA (Calif. Automobile Assn.) AAA then gave me a discounted car rental through Hertz. I am guessing you might be from Hawaii from your E-mail and you therefore might check with your auto insurance carrier or call Hertz directly. Hope this helps!

Where is Kilbrittain Castle in Cork?It sounds very interesting.It is a B&B??What are the rates for two people sharing a double room.Would you recommend booking now for a September 18 trip??Please e-mail me if you can.Thanks a lot,Jeremy.I was planning on staying in Kinsale but am hearing conflicting advice that it is overated and somewhat of a tourist trap. <BR> <BR> <BR>?

Hi.I will be in Ireland in mid sept. and would appreciate anything you found out about renting a sub compact(smallest size) car for two people.I would pick it up at shannon and return it there.