Staring to plan...Ireland in February...please help!
 

OK, so we are planning a trip to Ireland in February - I know it won't be the greatest weather, but it's what we have to work with for a variety of reason.
So, I have a stack of tourbooks I have been reading, and I am beginning to be concerned about how much will be closed until April.
We will likely have about 10 days +/-, and we will be flying into Cork from Gatwick.
Definitely want to spend a couple of days in Dublin, Newgrange, and Giants Causeway (I know it's up there, but this one is a must for me.) We would like to see the Aran Islands-- is this possible/advisible in February (it looks like the ferries run, but that almost all the accommodations are closed...)
And then there is the usual littany of "tourist" sites-- Rock of Cashel, Glendalough, Cliffs of Moher, etc.
We tend to like anything archeological, not much for art museums and the like, and off the beaten path sites, little towns, etc.
I know we won't get to see everything, but what would you recommend???

(If this serves as a point of reference for anyone, we spent two weeks in Scotland and our favorite things were (1) Isle of Skye - 3 days was not enough; (2) just the sheer beauty of the highlands, the heather, and the waterfalls; (3) Orkney and the iron age sites; (4) sheep dog demo-- the one we saw there was only one other couple any it really was not a production or a glamour farm, it was just a working farmer who I think did it for some extra cash. We did a big loop of the country, but that's what we would go back to-- along with the people, the pubs, and another whisky!)

Thanks!

Where are you flying out of? It will make a big difference with your must see list?

Hi Jonesie,

You are really trying to pack a lot into 10 days.

In February the days are starting to get a bit longer (dark about 6pm) but it is winter! Last February was incredably mild but no one knows what neck Feb will be like and it is possible to get snow and ice - who knows!!

That said it is IMO one of the best times to visit the Giants Causeway. Few people and when you walk along the high path wrapped up warmly with scarf and gloves, the wind hurling around you and the waves beating the cliffs it is wonderful. Your only other companions will be a few walkers and the sheep. I would also go to Glenariff when there and stay in either Portbalintrae or Bushmills.

I realy would advise you to stick to the East coast travelling up from Cork, visiting Glendalough and The Vale of Avoca (again lovely in winter) on the way to Dublin. Then on to Newgrange and up the coast road to North Antrim.

If you can arrange it I would fly back from Belfast.

With only 10 days in February I think that is about as much as you will be able to do comfortably.

Have a good trip

Helen

Hi,

Have a look at my website for some information on places to eat, stay and see in Ireland. For a magical experience try the Carrowkeel Passage Tombs.

www.mcdougalladventures.com/category/ireland

Don't underestimate those tourist sites...Newgrange/Knowth, Cashel, Moher, Glendalough all fascinating. We enjoyed Dublin alot (and this includes Book of Kells in Trinity College) as well as Killarney and more in the West. Don't know about Aran Isles which would take a day in itself but some do go there. Get your guidebooks and check those hours and also the many websites as you plan.

ozarksbill
[email protected]

Thanks for all the info!
We are used to the cold (we're from Michigan) so that should not be a bother. We are flying to London Gatwick, and then planning on taking EasyJet to Cork and renting a car. Hope that helps.

Oh, and luckykat-- great photos and info, thanks for sharing!

Hi Jonesie,

We spent a week near Cliffs of Moher/Doolin in March two years ago and enjoyed it immensely. We're from Wisconsin, so the weather seemed fine to us. Our interest was the natural beauty of the Burren and the archeological sites, the dolmens, old churches with celtic crosses and castles. I don't think you can visit the Aran Islands easily at that time of year.

We loved the traditional music in the pubs and found a wonderful story teller, Eddie Lenihen. We hired a guide for a walking tour of the Burren and saw some of the most beautiful rainbows over Galway Bay I've ever had the pleasure to see. ('Course in order to see rainbows, it has to be raining, but we enjoyed coming home to a peat fire in our rental house every evening.)

I agree with the earlier poster that in 10 days, it will be hard to cover too much territory, but glad to write more if you are considering this area.

Susan Eva