Anyone been to Ireland?

[Fountain79]

I am going there in about a month and I am trying to plan my trip. I will be flying into Dublin. Any suggestions about what I absolutely need to see?

[dolo amber]

1. No. No one has ever been to Ireland. Not even the Irish.

Just slap me and tell me to shut up. :D

[Fountain79]

2. WTF?

:wtf:

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

10. Here's two good websites to look at:

Irish Tourist Board www.ireland.ie and Bus Eireann www.buseireann.ie

I'm not the best person to ask about "touring" Ireland. My husband was born and raised in Co. Down so everytime we go we spend the majority of the time visiting friends, family and checking out how the tenant in our house is taking care of it...

However, one place I can highly recommend is the West. Galway, Clare, etc. Beautiful scenery, great music and the craic is ninety.. Mr. Wonderful has never taken me to Kerry, he thinks it's a tourist trap, but from what I've heard it's got some spectacular scenery. I love Co. Wicklow as well. It's just a short ride from Dublin and there are some really scenic and historic spots there as well.

If you have the time do yourself a favor and get up to the North. There are some really scenic spots especially in the Mourne Mountains and the Glens of Antrim. Check out Giant's Causeway in County Antrim. It's right outside of Ballycastle and it's really a unique place.

Enjoy yourself.. We're going "home" for Christmas and I'm counting the days already.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

3. First of all, how long are you staying in Ireland...

Are you renting a car, etc.. There's so much to see and do in Ireland you need some sort of plan..

[Fountain79]

5. About two weeks...

I plan on riding the buses. I leave on May 31 and get there June 1. I will come back on June 14.

[KatyMan]

14. Riding the buses????

We lived in Ireland for a bit over a year, in Slane, about 30mi north of Dublin. This was in 2000/01, so the buses may have improved, but I kind of doubt it :). Just be ready for long rides!

I would disagree with some people here and say just stay out of Dublin. I never thought there was anything there that you couldn't see or buy in other parts of the country; I just may be prejudiced as I worked and also had to drive in Dublin, and that is enough to put anyone off the city!

Galway/Aran Islands is awesome. So is Kerry, even if parts of it are 'touristy', but hey, guess what, you're a tourist! I would highly recommend Ross Castle and then taking the boat to Inisfallen island (it's in the middle of a lake). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innisfallen_Island). It's a ruined monastery, but the island is overgrown and there are no tours, you can just explore. Wear jeans and good boots/shoes (assuming it's still the same as it used to be)

Kinsale is quite nice, in the south near Cork. And, of course, Slane is nice. If you or someone you know is into crystal, you'll find a wealth of it there. The best (in my wife's opinion) is Kinsale Crystal, but they're all very nice.

The Irish are some of the nicest people in the world, and you'll enjoy yourself no matter what you end up doing. Keep in mind the pace of things there is sloooooooooooow. Get into the same groove and you'll have no problems, and don't by shy in the pub.

[Gormy Cuss]

4. There are Irish DUers

Okay, at least one.
Kick for the Irish to weigh in.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

6. Yes. I spent 10 days solo backpacking.

I ended up in Dublin most of the time though. One really cool thing to do in Dublin is the Literary Pub Crawl. The actors are drinking with you so the skits get funnier as the night goes on.

If you're into hiking or cool monastery ruins, check out Glendalough. It's a couple hours south of Dublin. You can take St. Kevin's bus there. There's an inn and hostel right at the park too.

Honestly, I spent most of my time in Dublin drinking with the locals.

Don't worry. You'll find the craic.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

8. Oh yeah and for a quick cheap lunch in the Temple Bar district

Check out the Freedom Cafe. They sell sandwiches & soups and they have a gift shop. All proceeds go to Amnesty International.

[Fountain79]

24. Does the literary pub crawl

Include any drinks with them?

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

27. No, it's just the crawl.

You pay for the drinks and food. Personally, I thought it was worth it because it's not like you're just paying to go from pub to pub, you're getting a show and learning some Irish lit history. It was recommended to me by one of my HS English teachers. However, the two of us are literary geeks. We're poet groupies and we both like pubs, so for us, it combined the best of both.

[Fleshdancer]

7. no, but my best friend's brother lives there!

I bet I could get some really good suggestions but it might take a few days. :bounce:

[bettyellen]

9. belfast is a fun town and both the north and south have

really gorgeous fun little little towns along the coastal roads.
the dingle peninsula and portrush - the towm near the giants causeway are fun.

[begin_within]

11. My sister said the "Book of Kells" was her favorite sight. Also see the

Giants Causeway if you are going to Northern Ireland. The Book of Kells is located in the library at Trinity College in Dublin. The Giants Causeway is a natural feature of 40,000 basalt columns at the seashore near the town of Bushmills in County Antrim. Also you may want to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and visit the Waterford crystal factory in Waterford if you are into that stuff.

[Fountain79]

23. About the blarney stone...

I keep hearing not to kiss it because the locals pee on it when the tourists aren't around. Anyone know if there is any truth to this?

[UncleSepp]

12. Depends what you like, Connemara's pretty

I had a bizarre trip to Ireland. I went with my mom, who had a week-long anxiety attack that caused her to not want to stay in one place for any length of time. We started the trip in Belfast, then drove to Dublin... then across the south... then up the West... then across the north... we drove around the entire coastline of the country except the extreme end of the Dingle Peninsula. We saw some cool stuff, but I'll be damned if I remember where any of it was.

[wickerwoman]

13. I lived in Dublin for a few years but it was a while back...

You must have cod and chips in the two places whose names begin with "W" but I can't remember right now. The one that isn't a chain (near St. Patrick's cathedral) *is* absolutely the best chip shop in the world.

Take a walk on Howth Head(?) the end of the north bound Dublin tram line and smell the heather and you can look out over the bay and see the whole city.

In a two week trip, I would say Galway is a must see. Cork and Waterford were a bit overrated but if you go to Cork you have to go to Blarney Castle. I know it sounds corny as hell but it is actually remarkably untouristy and the gardens are really cool.

The Aran Islands are worth a trip if you go to Galway. Just don't do the tourist buses- they scalp you and you'd be depriving yourself of a wonderful easy twenty minute bike ride out to the cliffs.

I really enjoyed Derry and the surrounding countryside. There are a number of nice walks/day trips that you can reach from the Derry buses. Belfast is great too. And Giant's Causeway is really stunning.

If you're into tacky Catholic-mania, Knock is a lot of fun. I really like Yeats so I enjoyed Sligo a lot.

If I were going back, I'd concentrate on the north- Galway, Derry, Belfast and then back to Dublin.

[corksean]

15. If you're interested in things hostorical check out Newgrange

Ancient passage-tomb dating from around 3200BC, making it older than the Pyramids or Stonehenge. It's not far from Dublin and easy to get to.

http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/newgrange/

Delighted to hear you're coming to visit us, and I hope you really enjoy your time here. If you need any help from this end please feel free to PM me.

[smirkymonkey]

33. That would be one of my recommendations as well - it was

amazing. I was able to go into the passage tomb when I was there a few years ago, which is really worth it unless you are very claustrophobic.

Just south of Dublin a few hours is St. Kevin's Monastary at Glendalough (sp?) which I think is worth a day trip and a picnic lunch or stop in one of the many pubs on the way for a bite. I really loved Powerscourt Gardens which is south as well (not sure how far from Dublin) but it was absolutely beautiful (I was there in June.)

To me, just touring the countryside was the most amazing thing - The Rock of Cashel was incredible and worth seeing, as are many of the ruins along the roadside on the way to the west coast. The Dingle Peninsula was probably my favorite area - great seafood and music and the natural beauty of the place was astounding. The ring of Kerry and Connemara were two areas of interest for nature lovers.

As far as the cities go, Galway was interesting, a college town, but I wouldn't spend a lot of time there. Dublin was more interesting as I went on a few historic & literary tours and a musical pub crawl. Checked out the National Museum and the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Also went to Kilmainham Gaol, rich with history of Irelands struggles for freedom. I also loved just walking through St. Stephens Green - you might want to grab a picnic lunch if it's a nice day and just sit in the park and watch people go by.

I found Northern Ireland to be less interesting with the exception of Portrush and The Giant's Causeway as another poster had mentioned. However there was some amazing hiking along the coast and a castle along the Antrim coast - forgot the name - that we saw on a rainy, foggy day - very atmospheric. Derry was a lot more interesting than Belfast (I actually found Belfast kind of dull, but I was only there for a day.

It's a beautiful country, rich in history and culture - I hope you have a great time and take advantage of all there is to offer! Slante!

[RebelOne]

16. It's been many years since I've been to Ireland,

and I was only there for a few days, so I don't remember too much. But what I do remember vividly is when I was in the train station in Dublin, a policeman walked up to me and told me to keep my bags close to me because there were a lot of thieves in the stations. So take heed, if you plan on taking the trains.

[HereSince1628]

17. Book of Kells is purdee.

http://www.snake.net/people/paul/kells/image/kell1bmp

[donheld]

18. You could drive to "Ireland"

Drivin' in my Saab
On my way to Ireland
It's been a long time
It's been a long time
Drivin' with my friends
On my way to Ireland
It's been a long time
It's been a long time

So when I was out
In the desert
And a cowboy
Tried to lasso me
He said your red
And made of clay
A virgin portrait
I let him wake me
But decided not to stay

Next in New York
I fell out with a dragon
Of the white collar kind
But just as ferocious
I remembered Macha
Running faster than the horses
Then an encounter with
A voice that caressed me

Wasn't it you who
Held off a surrender
To one spoiled nun
Who taught you the names
Of the mountains
On the moon
And then a Jesuit
Proceded to arrange your soul
While I prayed
On my knees

[dr.strangelove]

19. I go several times a year - Here are some good places to see

for business, I own some houses there with a cousin. As for tourist stuff, you need to leave Dublin a little bit.
I would stay in dublin for a few days. Go to Trinity College, see the Book of Kells and walk across the street to buy a tweed hat (ala John Wayne in The Quiet Man). Go to the Irish writers museum, it is amazing. Get drunk every night in the Temple Bar area, some great music can be had. Have breakfast there too.
If you like guinness, the factory tour sucks but the Gravity Bar at the top of the factory offers the best views of the city (go on a clear day, if you can get one). The Jameson factory tour is good, but the tour at Jameson's Old Midleton Distillery is far better than the one in Dublintown. When you do the tour, at the end they will ask for a volunteer. Jump up and raise your hand right away. They take 2-3 people from every group and give you a whiskey tasting, some of the finest whiskeys they make for free, plus you get a nice certificate for framing they makes for good stories. I would get on one of the tour busses and visit the Irish National Gallery and the Irish History Museum. there is a campy little thing called Dublinia, which if you have kids or like campy stories if worth the $7 euros.

You also should leave Dublin. Rent a car and drive south down to Waterford (which is nice for the factory but the waterfront district is not doing well) and then drive over to Cork. You can stop and do the Midleton Distillery on the way. I would go to Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. IF you can get over to Killarney, it is my favorite town in Ireland. Stay at B&Bs for 39 euro a night.

The Blarney Stone is kind of gross, but walking around Blarney Castle and the grounds is great. Take a very powerful flashlight, because some of the caves and barracks around are dark but beautiful. After hitting the castle, the Blarney Woolen Mills is the best place in Ireland to get handmade Irish crafts and clothes. Go to the top floor in the back to the clearance section and you get great deals on sweaters and such.

Good luck, the first trip to Ireland can be magical. For another trip fly to Shannon and go north, but you won't have the time on this trip.

[wickerwoman]

28. You reminded me

one of my favorite sites in Dublin was Kilmainham Jail. I know it sounds a little morbid, but the tour is fascinating and very moving (and you can see where they filmed "In the Name of the Father". You can take the bus out and walk back in 30-45 minutes passing the Guiness brewery and St. Patrick's cathedral. That would be a must-do day for me.

[Phillycat]

20. I'm going there today.

[xchrom]

21. try to go to the theatre.

since writing and as an important by product -- is the practically the national irish art -- go to the abbey and the gate theatres.

really unbelievable stuff -- and the acting is every bit as good as london and new york.

the joyce museum and the irish writers museum are in very close proximity to the gate theatre -- upper o'connel.
have lunch at the writers myseum.

both of these places will leave you changed.

i while i love the landscape there -- i'm way more a cultural tourist.

the music scene in dublin is pretty hot -- and you'll be directed to the hip area for that very quickly -- and there's usually a lot to choose from.

ireland is really very, very grand.

[sg_]

22. I am from Northern Ireland.

Make sure to visit the Giants Causeway :P

[wildhorses]

25. well. I've never been to Ireland...

Well I never been to Spain
But I kinda like the music
Say the ladies are insane there
And they sure know how to use it
They don't abuse it, never gonna lose it
I can't refuse it

Well I never been to England
But I kinda like the Beatles
Well, I headed for Las Vegas
Only made it out to Needles
Can you feel it, must be real it
Feels so good, oh, feels so good

Well I never been to Heaven
But I been to Oklahoma
Well they tell me I was born there
But I really don't remember
In Oklahoma, not Arizona
What does it matter, what does it matter

Well I never been to Spain...

Well I never been to Heaven...

[Jazz2006]

26. Shannon airport has a remarkably vast array of duty free items...

Limerick is definitely worth seeing; in Dublin, you have to check out Grafton Street.

(I have an artist aunt with a studio in Kilkenney, and an uncle with a textile mill in county Cork, but it has been several years since I've last visited.)

My daughter is going to Ireland for a couple of weeks this summer with her best friend, who used to live there, before they head off for four more weeks of European touring. We are working out the itinerary now. Man, I wish I could have done that at their age :)

[KatyMan]

29. Kilkenny is very nice

if you like artsy-craftsy kind of stuff. A great place for that.

[Jazz2006]

30. Yes, it is. That's why the artsy aunt's art studio is there ;)

Hee hee.

Actually, she really IS very talented. I should look up the address and post it just in case the thread starter makes his/her way to Kilkenney.

:)

[TheBaldyMan]

31. I've only been to Ulster, are you planning on staying in Dublin or

travelling around? I've heard the Wicklow hills are quite near and really beautiful.

If you do manage to get up north to visit Belfast you can visit the Crown Bar, it serves one of the best pints of Murphy's I've ever tasted. You also have to see the 'Black Man' - it's a clock in the middle of square where everybody meets up.

[KatyMan]

35. the best pint of Guinness to be had

is in a place called Wilkinstown, at a pub called Tiernans, about 30 miles NW of Dublin up the N3. I don't know what they do different there, but it's truly the best pint to be had.

[Rabrrrrrr]

32. Oh, yes, millions have! And there are millions who live there, too!

[cobalt1999]

34. Never understood the Irish drinking stereotype until..

I spend a week in Dublin. Everyone I worked with was super friendly, so much so I was going to the pubs with this group almost each night. These guys would literally drink me under the table and be bright eyed the next day, then do it again. Amazing.