Need serious help!!
 

I am currently planning a trip to Ireland for next fall (mid-Sept., early Oct.) and am a HUGE fan of the castles and historics. Have never been to Ireland, do not drive, will be traveling alone, and am only slightly interested in escorted tours. I am looking for recommendations on where to center my trip (8 days) to see and experience the most for my time and money.

I am a total beggar here on this board, so there are no terrible or unwelcome ideas. All and any help is appreciated, even just a good starting point in my planning!!

The first question is where are flying into and out of. The good news is Ireland has an excellent bus and rail system. You have alot of time to plan your trip. I think your right to avoid an escorted tour. Google up Bus Eireann"s web site and after you have your dates and proposed schedule, plan out your trip. They sell passes that are good for so many days or so many stops and with proper planning you should have a great trip. I don't think you have to center your trip at any one place but perhaps change locations every two days. For history I quess you have to start or end in Dublin and a visit to New Grange. Have fun

One great thing about Ireland is that there are castles and historic sites in every region, so you'll be in good shape anywhere you end up.

County Clare has a lot of amazing castles and has Shannon airport very close by. Another favorite is Cahir Castle (which should include a visit to the Swiss Cottage and the Rock of Cashel is very nearby as well).

With 8 days, you're right in trying to center your trip around a specific area...you shouldn't plan to cover a lot of ground...especially without driving on your own.

I'd suggest getting a couple of guide books -- go to your local bookstore and find a copy of at least two books that will help you with your planning. Rick Steves has good tips for those traveling on a budget, but not college-student poor -- and I recommend him especially to first-timers.

Fodors I like as well, and I just fine Frommers to be cumbersome (that's just me, look at the books and make sure the writing style and information you seek is in there). Lonely Planet and Let's Go are both popular with younger travelers especially.

Also, you should go to your local library and check out travel videos for where you're going. It'll help you decide what you want to see, and I found it really neat to finally go see things in person that before I had only seen on TV. It also helped me make decisions on what I didn't really need to see, and that can be equally important!

I've never been to Ireland myself so I can't make specific recommendations. Having been raised in rain-soaked Northwest Washington for most of my life, I haven't had the same hankering for that kind of climate again just yet since I escaped to the high & dry Mile High City. ;) But I do want to see it someday!

Happy travels,

Jules

Tangogirl64?? You might be interested in Abbey Tourist Hostal that's managed by a couple from Argentina. I assume you are also from Argentina. 8-days is pretty short, especially for mid-Sep when nothing particular is going on. Consider Paddywagon Tours dot com who run tours from Dublin. http://www.PaddywagonTours.com They offer several tours, all of which depart from Dublin, one of which hits the high spots in the West on a 6-day tour. I have no personal experience with them, but they may be worth a look-see.

My last visit was for about a week and we based ourselves in Ennis, Co. Clare. Except for a Saturday day trip to Galway, we stayed in Ennis. It was convenient to Shannon airport and there was a lot to see and do in Clare.

Usually the weather is great in the time frame you have elected.

Please see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34876059

...and please <i><b>do</b></i> repost, mentioning <b>Ireland</b> in the message header.

Best wishes,

Rex

Glad to hear you are thinking about an auto rental, it's the only way to see Ireland, imho. You'll want to wander, stop, stay, linger at so many places, having a car is the best way to experience this lovely, romantic country.
I'd had the best luck with autoeurope in car rentals. We traveled in January to Ireland and loved it. We made our reservations at the I information places, usually for the day and perhaps the next.
Enjoy! Ireland is wonderful!