Greetings,
advice please! this is my first post to this forum, but I've been reading and can see that you wouldn't steer me wrong.... This is a first trip to Ireland, at the end of January, for me and three women friends. We're starting with 2 days in Dublin, then we think to rent a car and drive to Wicklow, around to Kildare, and up to Newgrange. Or something like that.
The biggest question we have is about lodgings. Even tho this is not a busy season, is it best to get reservations in advance? Are the places listed on the internet sites as utterly cool as they seem? Are there lots of places that aren't on the internet that might be as good or even better?
Also, do any of you know anything about the feast of St. Brigid in Kildare?
Thanks,
peregryn

test

I would have reservations for Dublin. Aside from that, you wouldn't need to reserve in advance in January. You'll always find somewhere to stay, although some B&Bs and guesthouses will be closed for the season. Some of the places you've seen on the internet are as utterly cool as they look...and some others are probably not.
I think it would be fascinating to be in Kildare for St. Brigid's feast day on Feb. 1. She's got an interesting pagan/Christian following and I expect you'd see observances from both traditions if you were there that day.

Agree with maryz re: reservations in Dublin. However, and I have no explanation why, we have had terrible luck booking guesthouses/B&Bs/inns in Ireland over the internet. One landlady in Newport, Co. Mayo (where we'd retreated when yet another pre-booked place turned out to be a hellhole) told us that the really popular places didn't have time to put up websites and didn't find it necessary for their business, which was mostly based on word of mouth. During our last trip, in Sept. 2002, we stayed in only one pre-booked B&B that was okay.

I have no idea if our experience was common or unique. At a minimum I'd search this site for recommended B&Bs, and since you'll be travelling in the off season, don't prebook those recommended but drive by, then if you are still interested, ask to see a room before you hand over any cash.

Good luck on your planning.

I got a good deal on self-catering accomodations (1 week, 4 beds $290 euro). Check www.hiddenhr.com.
They can send you a brochure.

You may also want to check www.irelandexpert.com

thx for replies -- MaryZ, we will be in Kildare for Brigid's day, (my travel-mates are Wiccan, I'm a tag-along) -- bring candles, they say...
Rickmav, message received, we've reserved a place in Dublin & otherwise will look before putting money down
enjoylife, I am enjoying the links you suggest, had not seen them before...

I agree with others. Make a reservation in Dublin, but after that, I don't think you will have any trouble at all finding places.
The Irish Tourist Board has a great book listing all the approved B&B's and we relied on this for most of our choices. If you don't have time to get it before you leave, do pick up a copy at the tourist board in Dublin. It will really help, and will put your mind at ease.
Have a great trip.

I read in Rick Steves' Ireland 2004 that you might leave Dublin on your arrival and visit your other sites so you can be rested and really enjoy Dublin at its best.
I'm planning a trip in June and will take his advise. May stay in Kinsale or Kilkenny our first night. Have a great trip. (high fees to keep a car in Dublin your first 2 days. My plan is to take the tour and then return the car and take bus (?) into Dublin. We're off to Liverpool after Dublin.

Advice for the car....don't arrive in Dublin on a Friday or Sat. It's hard to get an automatic car on those days...