Hello all. We'll be arriving Dublin mid day on a Monday in a few weeks (we'll be driving there from the west coast, as part of our vacation). We're flying out of Dublin very late Wednesday. I was going to keep our rental car until Wednesday, but the more I think of it, we were really only keeping the car in Dublin in case we decided to drive to Newgrange. Any opinions on this? Can we get to Newgrange and back some other way (if so, I suppose I could just return the rental on the way to Dublin on Monday). Thanks!

Dump the car. Dublin with a car = hassle.

http://www.newgrangetours.com/

http://www.irishcitytours.com/NewgrangeTour.html

http://www.daytoursunplugged.ie/public-two.htm

http://www.city-discovery.com/dublin/tour.php?id=126

http://www.ireland-withpatpreston.co...ountryside.htm

I pretty much agree with Pontoon in spirit, though am disagreeing in actuality.

Yes, Dublin is a hassle with a car. Parking at your hotel is likely non-existant or very expensive. Driving is hazardous and crowded. There are many ways to get to Newgrange without it.

I, on the other hand, will be keeping our car while in Dublin this summer. First, because we are taking a couple daytrips (including Newgrange, Tara, Trim, etc.). Second, because our B&B has free parking. Third, because I've driven in Dublin several times and it doesn't scare me anymore

So while I would recommend against it, I'm doing it myself. Go figure.

HI kevmag,

I took a day tour from Dublin to Newgrange last summer with Mary Gibbons (the first link on pontoon's list.) It was excellent! We were picked up in Dublin, and driven directly to Newgrange first, toured it, then were brought to the visitor's center. Stopped at the Hill of Tara as well. I would highly recommend it!

Have fun!

Patti

Thanks everyone for the great input! I didn't get a chance to look at the links from pontoon in detail, my only concern with a tour is that we are arriving in Dublin midday (or so) on Monday, and probably heading to the aiport late afternoon on Wednesday. That would really leave us only Tuesday for Newgrange, and I was hoping that could be more of 1/2 day excursion (I'm afraid the tours could be an all day thing??) I'll check out the links after work today, but I'm always open for suggestions! You guys rock!!
PS I emailed my hotel because their web site says 7 1/2 euros per night parking. I'm from NYC, parking at a hotel would probably be about $25 a night here, so I'm skeptical!
Another PS..Patti, do you remember how long your tour was from pick up to drop off back in Dublin??

The parking charge is probably fine -- I actually found a B&B who said (several years ago, this was) that there was free parking in a lot next door. Not common, but not impossible, either.

HI kevmag,

I think I got picked up around 10-10:30 and we got back to Dublin around 4:30-5. It was pretty much a whole day thing. You might be able to see something before 10 or after 5 in Dublin.

How ever you get there I hope you'll be able to get to Newgrange. It was one of the most memorable sights of my trip!

Patti