How long will you be there?
2 weeks would be a dream.
10 days at least, 12-14 would be great.
TRAVEL THERE AND BACK
Flight over leaves in the evening, travels overnight, your time, and arrives early Ireland AM. Your body will think it's 1am-2am.
Take a bus or cab to the hotel/B&B, check in (if available), and take a nap. TRUST ME.
Flight home will leave mid morning, returning mid afternoon.
There are two major airports, Dublin (DUB) just north of the city, and Shannon (SNN), about 90 mins. south of Galway, the 2nd largest city.
You can fly into one and out the other if it makes your trip easier.
DRIVING
They drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right.
It's worse than driving in midtown Manhattan, much worse.
The roads are much narrower, more crowded.
DRIVING
They drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right.
DO NOT drive in Dublin.
The hardest part is in the parking lot when you pick up the car.
It's worse than driving in midtown Manhattan, much worse.
The roads are much narrower, more crowded.
The signage is not great other than the major highways (N7, N81, M4, M50, etc., etc.)
And you'll learn how to traverse roundabouts in the opposite direction.
I didn't like them when I started driving in Ireland, but by mid-trip, I was a convert.
Also, it takes CONSIDERABLY longer to get from Point A to Point B in Ireland. It's not like driving to and from in the States. Unless you're on a major highway (M#), assume 30-40 mph on average.
On off roads exclusively, budget for 25-30 mph or less. TRUST ME.
Most insurance companies and credit cards do not cover your rental insurance in Ireland. Even if you use your work credit card, double and triple check that it does indeed cover the insurance. Most do not.
HOTELS or B&Bs?
Or a mix?
There aren't many B&Bs in Dublin. If you go there, I would suggest a hotel in the city center (will send in a separate email)
B&Bs in the smaller towns are what I recommend, but Denise doesn't like B&Bs. She doesn't like spending the night or two in "someone else's house". SIGH!
Advantages: The hosts are a WEALTH of info and you get to know many of the real people of Irreland. You'll meet other travelers at breakfast, which is usually homemade, and generally, pretty authentic, and they are also a wealth of info.
Disadvantages: Privacy is a little less than a hotel. You may be like Denise ;-)
Pat Preston, The Ireland Expert
Home page: http://www.irelandexpert.com/
See the links on the left (Ireland Guide, Hot News, Links, etc.
She is in her late 60s or early 70s, and has travelled there hundreds of times.
She has written books (sells one online), has authored for other publications, led MANY group trips, and has had this website online and for free ... for years.
The BEST place for info.
Recommended hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, attractions, shopping, etc. (See Ireland Guide - sorted by region).
Discussion Forum: http://www.irelandexpertpatpreston.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=104667
Become a member, ask questions. She answers them freely and so do many other people who have been there or live there.
See her FAQ. It answers a lot of questions. http://www.irelandexpert.com/faqs.htm
I'll followup with info about the cities and regions (check Pat's site out for this also). You pick what you would like.
HOTELS or B&Bs?
Or a mix?
There aren't many B&Bs in Dublin. If you go there, I would suggest a hotel in the city center (will send in a separate email)
B&Bs in the smaller towns are what I recommend, but Denise doesn't like B&Bs. She doesn't like spending the night or two in "someone else's house". SIGH!
Advantages: The hosts are a WEALTH of info and you get to know many of the real people of Irreland. You'll meet other travelers at breakfast, which is usually homemade, and generally, pretty authentic, and they are also a wealth of info.
Disadvantages: Privacy is a little less than a hotel. You may be like Denise ;-)
Pat Preston, The Ireland Expert
Home page: http://www.irelandexpert.com/
See the links on the left (Ireland Guide, Hot News, Links, etc.
She is in her late 60s or early 70s, and has travelled there hundreds of times.
She has written books (sells one online), has authored for other publications, led MANY group trips, and has had this website online and for free ... for years.
The BEST place for info.
Recommended hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, attractions, shopping, etc. (See Ireland Guide - sorted by region).
Discussion Forum: http://www.irelandexpertpatpreston.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=104667
Become a member, ask questions. She answers them freely and so do many other people who have been there or live there.
See her FAQ. It answers a lot of questions. http://www.irelandexpert.com/faqs.htm
I'll followup with info about the cities and regions (check Pat's site out for this also). You pick what you would like.
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