My first post ever so please be kind!

I’m arriving in Dublin on 19 Oct. (about 11:30 a.m.) and scheduled to leave from Dublin to London on 30 Oct. (at about 3:45 p.m.). That means I have a Bank Holiday weekend to deal with. My initial plan was to start in Dublin and stay for a few days while I get acclimated. Then hire a car and drive down to Kilkenny, through Cashel, maybe down to Kinsale, then Kenmare and/or Dingle (spending about 6-7 nights total on this portion of the trip). Then I’d return to Dublin on 29 or 30 Oct. for my flight to London. (Yes, I’m aware that it’s quite a drive from Kenmare or Dingle back to Dublin.)

I did a search of the Ireland forum and would like to confirm some of the info I found:

1. I’ll need to make reservations as soon as possible as far as accommodations are concerned,
2. Most places will require a 3-night commitment over that weekend,
3. Prices will probably increase that weekend.

Still true?

I hadn’t planned on spending 3 nights in any one place during this part of my trip so that’s why I’m concerned about needing a 3-night reservation on that weekend. My other problem is that I’m going by myself and working on a very strict budget. I usually like to get a single room and hope to pay no more than 70 euro per night (though I’m expecting to pay more in Dublin). Single rooms may be tough to come by, especially at that rate, right?

Perhaps it would be best for me to hire a car straight away and tour the southwest before returning to Dublin for a couple days? (BTW, I’ve been to Dublin and really love it so this is still a must-see.)

The big reason why I don’t want to do it this way: I’m just not too comfortable about getting off a 10 hr transatlantic flight and then getting into a car and driving some distance (though probably just to Kilkenny), especially on the left side of the road. This will be my first time driving in Ireland so you can understand why this might be scary!

As for maybe finishing in Dublin, I also read a very old post on this forum which suggested making reservations early as it may be difficult to get a room in Dublin that weekend as well. Will it really get that crowded? I didn’t think Dublin would be as affected by the bank holiday but maybe I’m wrong?

Any thoughts? Advice?

Many thanks for any help you can give!

(This was too long, wasnt' it? Sorry!)

The Oct bank/public holiday weekend 28-30th Oct is Halloween and all the schools are off for the week, so I would recommend you book accommodation in advance. The main place to be that w/e is Cork city, as the Jazz festival is on. You should be able to get a room in a B&B for about E50 a night including Dublin. You are unlikely to get a hotel room anywhere for E70.

If you are in Dublin book in advance to aa place like Jury's or a B&B. I do not think all places have a three night minimum just some deals aree for three nights. I often go away these weekends for 2 nights as 3 does not always suit.

We were just there over the May 1st Bank Holiday. We got the last room in our first choice B&B (Blackrock--outside of Dublin). We booked the room about a month in advance. On Sunday night in Dublin, the restaurants/pubs were packed-- as if it were a Saturday night-- in fact our first choice ran out of food at 8pm. The biggest problem we had was Monday evening, many places were closed, that wasn't the case earlier in the day (thank goodness), but I guess they close down at the end of the Monday holiday. So all in all, the holiday only interfered slightly with our plans.

We HIGHLY recommend the B&B in Blackrock, Brookville House (it's on the web but I don't have the exact address with me right now). Liam was wonderful, we checked in early, slept for two hours and were ready to go with our Ireland friends. Liam made the best breakfast we had during our 12 days there, and we met some of the nicest people. I think we paid 90e/ night, I'll ask the dear husband about that. The guest house sits right on a bus line, so transportation into Dublin isn't an issue. Check it out

Many thanks to all. I have decided to finish my trip in Dublin so that's where I'll be for the holiday weekend. I did find a hotel with availability which I will reserve today.

I especially appreciate the comment about the restaurants being busy on Sunday night. Being on a budget, I'm much more inclined to eat early to catch any dinner specials so hopefully I won't be too affected.

Since I leave for London on Monday, it's good to know I should check to make sure any places I planned to visit that morning will be open. (I know most of the museums will be closed.) Will the stores be open? Perhaps I should do all my gift shopping that morning instead?

Thanks again!