if you've been to Ireland, information wanted

Parent Cafe
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<p>This mid March, H and I will be traveling to Ireland. He has a business trip and we will be in Dublin for four days. I’m not too worried about creating an itinerary for Dublin. But afterwards, we’d like to add on a few days somewhere else in Ireland. Our anniversary is St. Patrick’s Day, and I’d really like to experience a more authentic St. Patrick’s Day in a more traditional, smallish, rural Irish village. Cliche as it may be, I want to experience the untarnished culture of Ireland. Since we’ll be staying in a major chain hotel in Dublin, I’ll be looking for either a B&B, an inn, or castle for this leg of the trip.</p>

<p>I got a couple of books for Christmas (Fodors), but before I delve in, I thought I’d ask here for recommendations and suggestions. It seems to me, with the little research I’ve done, there are three areas up for grabs for that extra 3-4 days that might fit my qualifications… the western area of Galway, along the Atlantic coast (maybe Inveran?); Adare in County Limerick (which isn’t on the sea); or southwest Ireland (Cork or Killarney). I’d prefer a little seaside village of sorts, where there might be hiking trails close by.</p>

<p>One issue - we’ve never rented cars when in Europe, and I don’t think either my husband or myself will feel comfortable driving on the left side, so that may limit our accessibility to some of the more remote villages. </p>

<p>Any suggestions?</p>

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<p>No suggestions, but I love Ireland. I think you’ll have a great time. I wish I could give advice. I’ve been a couple of times throughout my life (not including my first visit, which was while in my mother’s stomach :)), but I haven’t been for several years, and I’m horrible at remembering names of specific places.</p>

<p>It’s a great place to visit though, especially if you’re Irish. If you are Irish, you may want to investigate your family’s heritage before going (and maybe visit your ancestor’s area?) or while there.</p>

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<p>[Rick</a> Steves’ Europe: Best Destinations: Ireland](<a href=“http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/ireland/ire_menu.htm]Rick”>http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/ireland/ire_menu.htm)</p>

<p>Rick is the man!</p>

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<p>Western Ireland is your best bet. It is filled with many places to fit your criteria. At that time of year (we’ve been many times in Feb. and March to stay with family and for my dd’s Irish dance competitions), you can find many open B&Bs, or rent a house. I’ll PM you later with info.</p>

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<p>Spent 10 days in the South last June. I drive on the left so that was no problem and rented a car at the Cork airport and took off. Some suggestions: Portmagee with trip to the Skelligs though I don’t know about March, Kenmare (Whispering Pines B&B <a href="mailto:wpines@eircom.net">wpines@eircom.net</a>), Dingle for music. Just get to Dingle and hang out. The ring roads are fantastic. I loved the village of Youghal (pronounced Y’all) and also the fishing/boating town just south of the Cork airport. You could hang out there for awhile. I could have stayed for a long time. I can’t think of the name and will post later. I loved it and will be back.</p>

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<p>Killarney is very touristy–lots of B&B’s and stores. Cob (pronounced cove) is a cute little seaside village in Cork. Dingle is great, but not an easy trip out there. West Ireland (Clare) is beautiful–Ennis, Spanish Point (Cliffs of Moher). Limerick city is a pass-too commercial and industrial. Driving is not bad, though recent construction boom makes it more difficult. Public transport system pretty good in Ireland as long as you understand “Irish time”! Good luck, great country…</p>

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<p>Kinsale is the town south of Cork airport that would be fun to visit and hang out there.</p>

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<p>Another vote for Kinsale! We stayed at the Blue Haven hotel.</p>

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<p>If you are going to rent a car check out Dan Dooley. it is a super car rental company with good rates. And if you want to save more money sign up for the BofA World Points card which gives you collision coverage in Ireland. We got in a wee fender bender and they covered everything.</p>

<p>Your time is limited but a few of our highlights along the southern coast were Powerscourt Gardens, Mizen Head, Skellig Michael and The Blasket Center. The Irish Stud in Cty Kildare was surprisingly interesting too. While in Dublin get the inexpensive Metro pass which gives you unlimited access to all buses with stops to all attractions in centre city. Kilmainham jail was interesting even though on the outskirts of the city. If your have the chance take a day trip to the neolithic tombs at Newgrange. These are a must see imho.</p>

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<p>Oh, my. Where to start?</p>

<p>Don’t be afraid to rent a car. It’s an absolute must if you want to experience the “authentic” Ireland. Yes, you’ll be on the left side of the road; but most roads, outside of the highways, in Ireland are not heavily traveled although very narrow, which will take some getting used to. Many times, you’ll be the only vehicle on the road as far as you can see.</p>

<p>You didn’t say where you’ll be on St. Patrick’s Day, but I would strongly recommend Galway, which is the heart and soul of Irish in Ireland. There’s a wonderful St. Patty’s Day parade straight through the center of town at Eyre Square. Everyone participates. If you stay for 3-4 days in the Galway area, try to attend a mass in Irish at the cathedral. Enjoy the best fish and chips in Ireland at McDonough’s down by the Claddagh Bridge. Stop by Galway Crystal’s Heritage Centre. Just walk the city and bask in the atmosphere. Buy some daffodils!</p>

<p>B&Bs are plentiful in the area. I can recommend the charming little town of Oughterard, a short and easy drive from Galway. [Oughterard</a> Tourism.com- Oughterard, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland offering breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, fishing and golfing and the famous Irish nightlife.](<a href=“http://www.oughterardtourism.com/]Oughterard”>http://www.oughterardtourism.com/) </p>

<p>We stayed there at a B&B which is an 18th century farmhouse on Lough Corrib within walking distance of the Aughnanure castle ruins (part of which currently houses a restaurant, which will not be open in March). [Aughnanure</a> Castle , Ireland Castles](<a href=“Ireland Travel Guide; Map of Ireland; Vacations; Pictures ; Castles”>Ireland Travel Guide; Map of Ireland; Vacations; Pictures ; Castles)</p>

<p>As a bonus, the Connemara marble works has a shop on the main road from Galway to Oughterard.</p>

<p>If you base in Galway, I would recommend at least a day to drive up to Connemara with its rugged, rocky scenery and surprising Norwegian-like fjords or visit the beautiful Kylemore Abbey. [Kylemore</a> Abbey](<a href=“http://www.kylemoreabbey.com/]Kylemore”>http://www.kylemoreabbey.com/)</p>

<p>Or you could drive south through the Burren to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher for a day. We especially liked the caves at Aillwee.</p>

<p>Two (unsolicited) suggestions for Dublin. Okay, make that three. First, the Abbey Theater. Second, a “family style” dinner at any of the wonderful restaurants in Temple Bar. Later, find any ol’ pub with wonderful music by local musicians (that won’t be difficult!). Third, an evensong service at Christ Church. [This is assuming, of course, that you already have Trinity’s library and the Book of Kells (old library) on your itinerary.]</p>

<p>We liked quaint Adare but I’d save that for another trip as there’s not much to see there. We prefer the Dingle peninsula, Tralee and Killarney, and possibly the Ring of Kerry. We love the southern coast from Cork to Wexford, too, but for what you want I believe Galway and the western coast is the best bet.</p>

<p>Enjoy!</p>

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<p>I second a visit to Kylemore Abbey in Connemara- breathtakingly beautiful site.
My favorite town, by far, was Dingle. You might want to check out the place we stayed for beauty and modern convenience:
[Dingle</a> Hotels, Hotels Dingle Ireland, Hotel Accommodation Kerry - Emlagh House Hotel](<a href=“http://www.emlaghhouse.com/]Dingle”>http://www.emlaghhouse.com/)</p>

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<p>I always had heard that St Patricks day in Ireland was a very somber and serious day.</p>

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<p>Not in Dublin</p>

<p>[Official</a> St. Patrick’s Festival 2008, 13th - 17th March Dublin, Ireland](<a href=“http://www.stpatricksday.ie/cms/home.html]Official”>http://www.stpatricksday.ie/cms/home.html)</p>

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<p>I spent a lovely St. Patrick’s Day in Killarney once. They had a nice parade, more of a typical small town type parade you might see on the 4th of July in America. That’s not a small traditional village but if you end up in the area they do have a nice parade and good pubs. It’s less touristy feeling in March than later in the summer. It can also make a nice base for those afraid to drive because it’s easy to hire a driver from there. I’ve driven a lot on Ireland without any issues but I understand it’s intimidating to some people. </p>

<p>For the most poetic Ireland, I’d go with Galway. That southern coast area is just beautiful, you’ll have beaches all to yourself, and a sense of being back in time. It’s also a very easy area to drive in.</p>

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<p>Wow… some great suggestions. You guys seem to have picked up on exactly what I’m looking for. After visiting Rick Steves website, it seems as if Dingle is a place we want to spend some time. Perhaps then heading up the coast from there if we have time.</p>

<p>Re: driving on the left side. Last year we went to Bermuda over Thanksgiving (they also drive on the left side). Roads in Bermuda are also very narrow and winding. We rented Mo-Peds one afternoon to kind of tour the island, and it just freaked me out. The speed limit on Bermuda is never above 25 mph and is generally lower than that, so it’s not like we were going very fast. However, H and I were on separate Mo-Peds (with one daughter on the back of his who kept turning around to make sure I was still behind them!). Perhaps, if we could get gutsy enough, with a driver and a passenger in the same vehicle, we could navigate without too much embarassment. Roundabouts are what really scare me, but again, maybe if we’re in more remote areas, we’ll be the only one in the roundabout. </p>

<p>Galwaymom, does your screen name have significance to County Galway in Ireland?</p>

<p>I also appreciate the suggestions for places to stay away from due to their touristy lifestyles. Since I’m sure we’ll experience plenty of that in Dublin (and that’s OK), I really want a different atmosphere for the rest of the trip. The parade in Galway sounds interesting, too. Now I just need to sit down with a map and see what’s manageable, but I’m still open to people’ inputs.</p>

<p>Cliffs of Moher is definitely high on my list, too. I wanted to go see the Cliffs of Dover when in London last spring, but my daughter poo-pooed the idea.</p>

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<p>We took the train from Dublin to a stop close to the airport in Kerry and rented a car for our trip to Dingle and up the western coast to Galway. If I recall, the train stop is about a mile from the airport. We weren’t ready to tackle the Dublin city driving, but the small back roads to Dingle gave us time to adjust. There was a small pub right near the train station- we hailed a cab to take us to the airport as were were loaded down with luggage. There may also be a flight from Dublin to Kerry on Ryan Air- you may want to check.</p>

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<p>thanks for the links and advice! i’m spending spring break (march 14-24) in dublin because my mom will be working there for the next six months, so this is really helpful. :)</p>

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<p>another question came to my mind… how do travelers in Ireland dress? Other parts of Europe I’ve been to, it’s easy to stand out as an American - people are much more formal in their dress (London, Paris, Rome).</p>

<p>I’m wondering if in Dublin proper, maybe residents take on the more formal dress of the rest of Europe, while out in the rural countryside, it’s more about comfort than appearance.</p>

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<p>DD stayed in a charming town called Kinvara (I think that is how its spelled). Everything was within walking distance and the town was quite nice. All I can tell you was that they flew into Shannon, so it’s on “that” side of Ireland.</p>

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<p>A friend an I did a riding vacation in Irelend several years ago so much of what we did was horse related, but we loved Connemara. Of course, we visited the Irish Stud. We stayed at Kinnity Castle in County Birr - right in the belly button of Ireland so we did day trips in all directions. We also loved the villages in the Slieve Bloom mountains - full of history and wonderful folklore.</p>