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Shannon


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Ireland in November pros and cons
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I am not sure if I'm doing this post thing correctly so if I am not just let me know what I should be doing.

I am planning on going to Ireland in November.  My friend informed me that November is not a good time to go b/c it is always raining.  I am not sure if he is saying that b/c he is from there and just doesn't like rain or if it really is rainy ALL the time.  I am planning to fly from San Francisco November 15th and arrive November 16th (Friday).  I would like to stay the night in Dublin at one of the hostels.  If I feel like staying a second night then I will.  My friends family lives in Sligo somewhere so I was thinking of going up there to stay with his family for a night or two after Dublin.  My friends family also has a vacation house in Donegal so I was going to stay up there for part of my trip.  I am not big on seeing historical sites.  The only thing that I HAVE to see is the Cliffs of Moher.  I am not getting much help from my friends since they are from there and don't know what it is like to come in as a first time visitor.  This is my first trip out of the country and as of right now I am going by myself.  My dad and sister were going to come with me but since my friend said that it does nothing but rain I don't think they want to go now.  My dad was only going b/c Donegal has some of the best surfing.  Until I hear back from the Ireland Surfing Society, I don't think he is going.  I also can't drive a manual car.  I could learn before then but I think being a first time manual driver in a foreign country could be a bit difficult.  I could rent an automatic for more money but am not sure I will need it the whole time and if I do have it, is parking difficult?  I live in the San Francisco bay area and parking isn't so easy.  
I guess my question is, should I scrap the trip in November and wait until next May (the beginning of May so I don't have to deal with too many visiting families)?  If so then maybe I will go someplace warm this November.  I just don't want to go and waste my time not knowing anything.  Any help would be great.

Thank you!

Shannon

P.S.  Sorry if I mispelled some of the places in Ireland. 

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CowboyCraic


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Shannon,

First off, welcome to the forum! 

Secondly, in regards to Irish weather, it is unpredictable no matter the time of year. No matter the time of year I have gone, it has rained, either "soft " or deluge. That being said, the weather changes quickly on most days. It is nothing to have rain in the morning, blue skies at noon and then another rainy bit in the afternoon. in that regard, it isn't much different from San Francisco, as your weather varies throughout a day, as well.

As for November and traveling over, it is well out of the tourist season and therefore, a lot of things will be shut down. It sounds like your lodgings are pretty much squared away, which is fortunate.

For a first trip over, I would probably have to recommend that you think about going in early May, weather will be better, more things will be open and you will definitely have a better shot at surfing. I don't recall seeing any surfers in Donegal in the autumn time frame. It sounds like you are an outdoor type of person and interested more in hiking and the like. May would definitely be a good fit for hiking and all outdoor activities, as well.

Slan Beo (Take Care),

Bit Devine

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YaYa


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Shannon,

My experience in Nov., there was enough rain to keep me from seeing as much as I would have liked. Also, it gets dark early. I'd still go again because I love Ireland so much. Early April, May and early June, I found days of some rain but would blow over and the days were longer. Sept. and Oct. were about the same but the days started getting shorter. If you went to Dublin and one of the larger cities, you should find enough to do in Nov.

Hope this help, Joan

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Michele Erdvig


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Shannon,

You are posting just fine. As everyone has suggested spring in Ireland is wonderful. November does tend to be a bit rainy. The daylight hours are short and many things will have closed for the season. If you have a choice go in May.

Michele

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yesiree


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Your experience in November will be much different from something in spring. Rain can be hit or miss, but with short days and cooler temps, it can make being outdoors much less appealing.

Spring would be my first choice, but my thought is that any time in Ireland is a good time in Ireland.

As for parking...I've never found it to be too much of a problem except in Dublin.

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Corey
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Michele Erdvig


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Corey,

You brave man! What were you doing driving in Dublin?

Michele

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