Any advice from those that have been? I want to plan a tentative trip to Ireland in mid July. It would be my first trip to Europe. Any advice? I have heard that many enjoyed staying in Bed and Breakfast facilities (more than a hotel situation). Also, would July be a good month? Just looking for any pointers!!! We are normally island hoppers!!! TIA for any help!!
ellengrisal
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Re: Wanting to plan a trip to Ireland.......
i went to dublin for the first time a few months ago, it was fantastic! i have relatives over there, so i don't have much info on B&B's. i did one of those bus tours throughout the city which was GREAT b/c they pointed out points of interest. i kept forgetting about the conversion rate and my atm account took a beating! everything is mad expensive. have a great trip!
Sweetie2004
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Re: Wanting to plan a trip to Ireland.......
oops - I double posted!
Sweetie2004
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Re: Wanting to plan a trip to Ireland.......
I've been everywhere in Ireland, and of course, you need to see dublin, but you MUST see galway. It is so much fun and it is beautiful! July is a great time to go!
ETA: July is a great time weatherwise, but its also peak season.
KathleenG
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Re: Wanting to plan a trip to Ireland.......
Ladies thanks for all the helpful hints!! I am trying to gather as much helpful info as I can.
takeoutcook
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Re: Wanting to plan a trip to Ireland.......
I'm headed over to Dublin on Wednesday for work. I lived there for a year (2000-2001) so I'm very partial to the city.
I'd mix it up while you are there and stay in a mixture of places, but that being said - dont feel that you have to see the entire country in one visit. Just go to a few places and really get to know them. It's such a fantastic place - have a great time!
And if you need any info on Dublin, FM me!
molly25
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Re: Wanting to plan a trip to Ireland.......
Definitely go visit Galway. Galway city is great. Loads of fun nightlife, great shopping. etc. Traveled throughout Ireland and Galway was my favorite county.
soon2bMrs
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Re: Wanting to plan a trip to Ireland.......
DH and I have been living in Ireland for the past 16 months and have travelled around the island a lot. Dublin is a nice city, it is small so 2 full days is enough to see the major sites. A nice day trip from Dublin is Glendalough which is an old monastery. I would definitely recommend going to the west coast as well. The Cliffs of Moher are a must. They are amazing and so beautiful. One of my favorite places I have seen in Ireland. There are also tons of castles to visit. We didn't visit the Blarney stone or Blarney castle as I have heard they are tourist traps, but there are plenty of others to visit. I would definitely go to the Rock of Cashel and The Dingle Pennisula. DH and I also did a drive in the Fodors Ireland book called the Vee Gap (Southeast) in county Tipperary. It was beautiful, then stayed in a great little town called Dungarven. One of my favorite little towns in Ireland, we stayed in a great B&B and went to a wonderful restaurant. In Ireland every other house is a B&B and I would definitely recommend staying in a B&B atmosphere and having a full Irish breakfast in the morning.
If you want any additional info, send me a FM and I would be happy to help. Especially, with any restaurants, pubs or things to do in Dublin.
cluelessbride
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Re: Wanting to plan a trip to Ireland.......
I visit family in Limerick every few years so I am partial to the west coast. The Dingle Peninsula is just so pretty, and Galway is a lot of fun. July is cool b/c it will be light out later. Try to go off the beaten path to a real old pub where you can't understand a word anyone says - I love that!
TracyInQueens
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Re: Wanting to plan a trip to Ireland.......
I have never been but DH and I have been hoping to go this summer. I spent a lot of time looking on Trip Advisor because it has reviews of hotels, and in my experience of traveling to other places, I have found them to be mostly accurate. I would look there for suggestions on hotels.
There are also many tour companies- I was thinking about a guided coach tour. They can be a good deal. I did one throughout Europe a few years ago by myself. It was good because I made one big payment and I did not have to worry about air or hotel reservations, most dinners, all breakfasts and getting from Point A to Point B. There are lots of companies like Tragfalgar, Go Ahead, Insight and a few others. Good luck! I did my tour through Contiki, which might be a little young for you and DH, but they are all the same, concept-wise. FM me if you want to know more about coach tours.
