<BR>Hi! I'm travelling to Dublin in 2 weeks and still haven't decided how to map out my trip. I'll be running the marathon on the 29th (will be there a couple days before for some sightseeing) and though it might be nice to head out Tuesday the 30th to see the countryside - but I must be back in Dublin Thursday night as I'm leaving Friday morning. People have suggested Dingle, but is that too far for the time I have (essentially, Tues, Wed and half day Thurs)? Or should I stick to Wicklow and Kildare? Or maybe just stay in Dublin? Any suggestions welcome!!

There are plenty of things to do in Dublin and its vicinity to keep you occupied.I suggest you join one of the hop-on and hop-off bus tours which run all year round to the major tourist spots in the city.I also suggest you visit Wicklow for a day trip by bus and a half day trip to Newgrange,a 4000 year old building 30 miles north of Dublin.There is plenty of night-life in Dublin.Visit the main tourist office near Trinity College.Also put the words Dublin,Wicklow or Newgrange in the search facility in Fodor`s.

Dingle might be a stretch--for two nights I'd suggest Kilkenny and/or Waterford. There's tons to see in the area--Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt, Kilkenny castle, Jerpoint Abbey, Waterford crystal factory, Wexford (some great Norman ruins); more than enough to keep you busy. Or you could head north to Newgrange, Hill of Tara, melifont Abbey, & Monasterboice, then further west towards Athlone and Clonmacnoise--absolutely beautiful! <BR> <BR>Or is you really want to see the west, go to Galway, about a three hour drive from Dublin. You can day trip to Connemara or the Burren! But the most sites with the least driving will be the southeast...(better weather too)

My husband and I were there last Oct for him to run the Marathon -- what a great trip! We were there several days early to spend time in Kilkenny & Kinsale, then went to Dublin for 5 days. I think that you could easily base yourself in Dublin, have fun and see the sights there, and do day trips by bus to all the sights the others who've responded to this have suggested -- go North one day, to Newgrange, or Powerscourt, or Wicklow, or Waterford/Wexford; many options, even if you don't have a car. <BR> <BR>A word of advice on the marathon: try to find out details of packet pickup on Sunday; some people stood in line for hours, in the very cold rain, last year. Also (and please forgive me if you've done an overseas marathon before!) pack your carry-on with whatever you'll need for the running; we spoke with one woman while we were standing on line whose luggage had been lost. She was in Dublin the day before the race, going out to buy (and run in!) new shoes, new shorts, etc. But you'll have a great time; it's a fabulous experience! <BR> <BR>PS -- be sure to enjoy Halloween in Dublin - gives a whole new meaning to the concept!

Thank you all for the suggestions! Looks like basing in Dublin and taking day trips is the answer. Harriet, thanks for the marathon tips. I've never run one before so the carry-on advice helps! <BR> <BR>