Skip Dublin?
 

Hi.

My fiance and I have decided to honeymoon in Ireland for about 10 days during the first two weeks of June. I'm considering flying into Dublin, spending a couple of days there, then driving into the country and return to the states out of Shannon. Would I be better off skipping Dublin? Is it better to just take in the countryside and smaller towns/cities, or will I kick myself for missing out on Dublin? My alternative is to do a roundtrip out of Shannon, spending the 10 ten days on the road in south and west Ireland, with no Dublin. What do you think?

Thanks for your advice.

I skip Dublin and have never been tempted to kick myself, but I'm really addicted to Ireland's west coast. I guess it all depends on what you're looking for. Dublin is a large city with lots of historic interest. The west is filled with smaller towns and the country's most dramatic scenery. For a romantic and relaxing honeymoon, I would explore the west.

If it were me, I would fly into Shannon as it is less crowded and you need to get used to driving on the other side of the road. I would then take off immediately for the west coast, Galway, Doolin, Dingle Peninsula by way of Conners Pass, Slea Head Drive and then off to Kinsale and maybe Cobh, then up to Cahir and Rock of Cashel and then to Dublin for a day or so to walk the town and visit some pubs. I would also suggest a stay at a castle somewhere along the way. We loved Drumoland right outside of Shannon.

I would probably skip Dublin too although I do like the city. You could spend the first two nights in Dublin and move on to the country. The charm of Ireland though lies in the country and
spending time in the southwest and west would be my choice for a honeymoon. Ashford castle would be especially lovely.

We skipped Dublin in the past but last month started our trip in Dublin for two nights. We regretted that decision....there is sooooo much more on the west coast to consume ten days!

Going in May for my 4th time. Dublin's never been in my itinerary. Some nice sights, but I consider it just another big city. Southwest and Northwest are my favorite spots. ((b))

With just 10 days, I would skip Dublin, but there is lots to do there. To enjoy the city, you need to spend a good amount of time there.

Bill

Congratulations on your wedding. Our 20th anniversary trip ended with a tour of the Northern Coast and a stay in Dublin for our last few nights. It was grand! We enjoy museums, the National and Trinity College are pretty amazing. We also sat in on a traditional music session a few blocks from the Stephens on the Green hotel. Dublin was very accessible and fun, whether you are on your first or second honeymoon. Have a grand time!

nj9000,

I won't try to convince you one way or the other except to say that if you decide to explore Dublin, devote at least a couple of days.

As to whether you should or not, try this: Close your eyes and try to envision what Ireland looks like... why you decided it was the place for your big event. To you, do you first think of the bustle and uniqueness of a European city or the beauty of the countryside or the charm of a little town?

How you see it in your mind's eye right now will probably tell you why Ireland attracted you, and you'll have your answer. (read: it's all about what you enjoy). Don't feel you "should" do any particular thing. Congrats on the wedding and good luck on the trip and on the future.

I think Clifton has it right. I did my university senior seminar on the works of James Joyce so, for me, visiting Dublin was a big deal. We had five days in Ireland, and spent the entire time in Dublin and its environs (i.e. Howth) last summer. We took it easy, enjoying every bit of all the wonderful things the city had to offer. And a lot of times in pubs. It can be very romantic if you're with someone you love!

I spent my honeymoon in 1989 in the west of Ireland and only briefly visited Dublin. I always wanted to do so, however, and finally returned there in September 2003.

The west of Ireland is grand. You can pick up the threads on Fodor's for Dingle, Kerry, Sligo, Connemara. I would suggest, however, that two days and nights in Dublin would be also interesting. It is a compact city rich in culture and tradition. Pubs are great all over Ireland but there is only one Dublin.

For a romantic spot to dine try Browne's on St. Stephen's Green.

Whoever wrote to end the trip in Dublin, is who I agree with. It certainly is worth seeing and I would think that honeymooners would enjoy the nightlife and such. I have usually planned my trips this way. But word of warning. Dublin is under heavy construction and by no means should you attempt to drive into the city, unless you arrive in the middle of the night:) Book a place on St. Stephens Green and stroll around this marvelous town. After this trip, you can decide if you ever want to return to Dublin. I did three times, but now spend the majority of my time on the west coast. Have a great honeymoon. KJS

We visited Ireland for the first time in September. We flew into Dublin where we spent our first 2 nights. It was wonderful. It is a small city, but beautiful with great pubs and restaurants. We loved seeing a show at the Abbey Theater. I would not miss Dublin. We stayed at the Fitzwilliam Hotel which is on St. Stephens Green and at the corner of Grafton Street. It is a great hotel.
After Dublin we drove to Kilkenny where we rented a castle for 3 nights. Then on to Dingle for 2 nights. We spent our last 3 nights outside of Galway and explored parts of the west coast from there. We flew home from Shannon.
June

Another vote for skipping Dublin. God I wish I had seen a post like this last year when I was planning my trip. This summer I flew into Dublin and out of Shannon, splitting the time evenly in the whole south half of Ireland. I really, really wish I had stuck to the west. Not to insult anyone who likes Dublin or the east coast, it's nice enough, but I was quite disappointed compared to the west and definitly regret not having spent my whole 9 days there. (I would include Cashel and Cahir which are kind of central, and maybe Kilkenny, but they could all be done from the west without going to Dubin).

Our daughter got married in Dublin, this past September. I read the negative posts re: Dublin, on this board and was concerned since we were to spend 11 days there. As with the previous poster, we, too, stayed at the Fitzwilliam Hotel, which was centrally located... we could walk most everywhere, and the hotel and staff were wonderful. We had a glorious time in Dublin... Trinity College, Grafton Street, O'Connel Street, Guiness Storehouse, St. Stephen's Green, Temple Bar. We also visited Wicklow, with its' monestery ruins, which are a must see and an hour drive from the city by car or public bus. And, Dubliners are so very friendly. And, I might add, the resaurants were wonderful.

Going to Ireland and not visiting Dublin would be like going to England and not visiting London, going to France and not visiting Paris, going to Italy and not visiting Rome, etc. etc. etc. My opinion anyway.

nj9000,

I can see both sides of this story so what it really comes down to is what sort of holiday you want. Are you stressed out from the wedding? Are you two the type of people who like to go and do stuff? Is exploring Ireland a dream you've always had? Or is staying put more of what you imagine your Honeymoon to be?

10 days is just enough time to fly into Dublin and spend a day or two there, grab a rental car and hit the open road. Of course, it's also enough time to rent a cottage for a week and thoroughly explore all of, say, the Galway-Mayo-Clare area.

If you want to See Ireland then fly into Dublin and out of Shannon. Pick a couple of areas you'd really like to see and then start making your reservations. If you want to have some time with just the two of you then a week off in some remote corner of the country is the way you should go, either self catering or elegant guesthouse and maybe even a castle or two.

Congratulations on your marriage!

Safe journey,
Wendy
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Dublin is a fine city, but difficult to enjoy in a short time. Clifton's technique of decision making is probably the best. Good idea.

Bill