Maiden Voyage

rhodesie · Newbie

Maiden Voyage

Michele Erdvig · Host

Heath,

Welcome to my forum! I am glad to hear that you don't want to do an see it all. With your short time that won't be possible anyway and it is good that you know the realities and are planning a more relaxed trip.

You mention you will spend 2 days in Dublin at the beginning and also the end of your trip. Have you every thought of getting a head start, driving somewhere close to Dublin on your first day, and saving the city for last? If you can do that you might get away with 3 days in Dublin instead of 4. That will give you an extra day elsewhere.

Some places to consider staying outside Dublin would be Co. Wicklow and Kilkenny, which is a small city. There is plenty to do and see in each area. Wicklow is great for hiking with its mountains and gardens. Kilkenny has a beautiful castle and is surrounded by lovely countryside and interesting day trips.

http://www.visitwicklow.ie/
http://www.glendalough.connect.ie/
http://www.powerscourt.ie/gardens/

http://www.kilkennytourism.ie/eng/
http://www.kilkennycityonline.com/

If you like horses you will probably like the Irish National Stud. It has a museum and you can see the horses. There are two gardens you can visit too.

As you do your research be sure to look at my website. Click on IrelandYes Index near the top of the page and then on the link that interests you. I have lodgings listed and many other things that will help with your trip.

Pubs differ as to food serving times but I would suspect that most would finish up around 9 or so. The drinks flow till closing time (and sometimes beyond) if you get locked in . wink

That depends on the pub too.

Feel free to post a proposed itinerary and we will all be happy to comment on it.

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Heath,

The Irish National Stud is a good way to spend a day, or the better part of one, to be sure. The Japanese Garden of Life is a delightful way to relax. Saint Fiachra's Garden is more of wild form Garden with a small lake and wildflowers, beehive huts, etc. It too has a strong draw. If you do the Stud, make sure to join the Tour, as you will be given a lot of information as you walk through the paddocks and through the Stud paddocks, themselves. The tour lasts about a half hour. Then you can wander along the lanes with pastures on either side, depending on the time of year, you will see mares & foals, yearling, the Studs, along with the most adorable Fala Bella horses. The Horse Museum takes you through an exhibition of man & horse in the competitive arena, most predominately Horse racing. I am not sure if there will be a Race Day whilst you are there, but you might look to the Curragh for a decidely Irish experience. I have never had more fun at a horse race than when I went to the Curragh. You might look to staying a night in Kildare town or perhaps Maynooth, which is the College town in Co. Kildare. Maynooth is always lively.

Kilkenny would be an excellent choice. Corey from Irishfireside.com has an excellent walking tour of Kilkenny which you can print out and follow. Cahir Castle & Rock of Cashel are an easy day trip.

I would have to say that I would rather take away time from Dublin on the front end and have an extra day ssomewhere else. IMHO, two days in Dublin is plenty but I am not a big city girl at all.

I look forward to helping Michele make this trip a wonderful experience, now that I am not so muzzy headed.

Slan Beo (Take Care),

Bit

Sidz · Guru

Heath:

I agree with Bit -- if you can take a day off the Dublin experience and place yourself somewhere else, you'll be better off. Spending too much time in Dublin is like flying across the ocean to go to Boston or something -- get out in the rural areas and discover the real Ireland. I think you'll enjoy it more.

And Kilkenny is a great possibility for you. For a small city, it is a wonderful experience and much to see and do there.

Sid

rhodesie · Newbie

Thank you Michele and Bit for your insights and quick responses. Free lodging has been arranged for us in Dublin with a family, but we don't want to be a burden for someone we don't know. Eight nights in someone's home is a lot to ask even for the most patient and lovable of people. We don't want them to feel obligated to show us around for the entire time we are in Ireland. Our thought was to get out of their hair during the week while they are working and have some adventures on our own. May haps even take advantage of some mid week pricing that way too.

Will I have any problems using my adapter for my IPOD/MP3 player in the cars there? It plugs into the cigarette lighter.

Greetings,
Heath

rhodesie · Newbie

Thanks Sid,

I agree with you Sid about the Boston observation. The more I think about it the better it is starting to sound. I believe we will take everyone's advice and do one less night in Dublin. I'm going to do some research now about the information we have been given. I'm sure I will be back with more questions at a later date.

Thank you so much!

Heath

Sidz · Guru

County Wicklow if nice and a close journey from Dublin. To get a good feel for the scenary there, go see "P.S. I Love You" that is playing around the country now. It was filmed there.

YaYa · Guru

rhodesie,

I like County Wicklow as it has mountain scenery, rolling hills, forest, villages, the sea and beaches. I too like Kilkenny but it is a small town and you have to get out in the countryside to get scenery( at least that was what I did when I was there for five days.

Have a great trip, Joan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Heath,

As Joan has advised be sure to see the countryside surrounding Kilkenny. It is very lovely. Some things worth seeing are Kells Priory, Jerpoint Abbey and Inistioge and Woodstock Gardens.

Michele