Reservation needed for the "sites" in Ireland?
 

Hi,
I'll be visiting Ireland in early September (flying into Dublin and staying for 3 days then doing a 1 week south coast drive to Shannon). I was wondering if there's any tourist sites (castles, gardens, museums etc...) that you need to make reservations ahead of time for? I was in Italy last summer and it was really necessary if you wanted to see the big "tourist spots" and not wait in line for 2+ hours...I'd prefer to keep our itinerary open (except I will book hotels ahead of time!) so I know I haven't been really specific...but probable stops are Waterford crystal factory, kilkenny castle, rock of cashel, blarney castle, ring kerry amoung others...

Whilst in Dublin, I would suggest that you look into Mary Gibbons tour of NewGrange, www.newgrangetours.com, as that is the best way to assure that you make it inside the tombs. As for the rest, no reservations are necessary. Early September is still a bit crowded but not as much as July or August would be. Blarney Castle is always packed as it is a major tourist attraction, though I am still not sure what the draw is there. Waterford only has a skeleton crew on weekends so planning your waterford day during the week would be best.

When you have lined out a sketch itinerary, post it here and I can better tell you where you will run into crowds.

Slan Beo,

Bit Devine
Cowboy Craic

To my knowlege over here I have never heard of a booking in advance for castles and musoums. You can book a bus tour tthough I think on the web. Its not crazy here like the Uffuzi don't worry

A-gallag

I'm not aware of any Sites you need to pre-book for over here, dont fret, you would never have to wait in line for anything like 2hrs even when its busy.

The Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth complex allow only a limited number of visitors per day and don't do pre-booking unless you're part of a group of 15 or more.

During the summer it's prudent to arrive as early as possible because there's a very real possiblity of being turned away if the quota for the day has been reached.

More info here - http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/His...angeandKnowth/