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disneon


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Best time to visit
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Hi, I'm new to the forum so please bear with me if I ask stupid questions!  My husband and I are planning to visit Ireland for the first time in 2009.  I've been doing a lot of research and understand that the busiest tourist months are July and August - we've been told that there are tour buses everywhere!  We'd like to avoid the crowds.  We plan to rent a car and travel on our own - we'll probably be there for 10 days.  My first question (unfortunately, I will probably have lots more as we plan) is when we should visit.  I've read that April is one of the drier months.  We don't mind chilly weather, but would like to have full advantage of lots of daylight hours.  I'd appreciate input on April, May or June.   I've purchased Michele's book and getting lots of great information there also.  Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks.

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Dude


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On this forum we are all in agreement--there are no stupid questions. Now I won't guarantee some of my answers....

And please ask all the questions you have; otherwise we can all just shut off our computers and go back to work! That's why we are here, to have our own questions answered and to travel to our favorite land vicariously through others' planning, and then trip reports. So ask away!!

I've been there in April, May and September, and plan to go in June 2009. Michele has a daylight hours chart on this website. From the main page, scroll down to the bottom and click on "Weather." That said, you will likely encounter "four seasons in a day" no matter when you go. Probably no snow or hurricanes, though.

Next question....

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Slán go fóill, Judy
Michele Erdvig


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disneon,

Welcome to my forum! As Dude has pointed out, there are no stupid questions here. If you need to know something, this is the place to find an answer.

If you look at the FAQs section of my website I talk about the best times to visit Ireland. If you are looking into shoulder season, then I recommend April/May and Sept/Oct. My favorite is May with all the blooming flowers and little lambs frisking around in the fields.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Michele Erdvig


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Dude,

FYI, I have experienced a blizzard in Ireland in April as well as a hail storm that left ice an inch thick on the roads Do you know where hurricanes go to die? You got it -- Ireland. When they head off north into the Atlantic many hit Ireland. Even though they still have hurricane-force winds they don't call them hurricanes there. Just storms. Several years ago we got a nice one in Donegal in September.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Dude


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Oh, my!

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Slán go fóill, Judy
Keany


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In 2006, we climbed to the top of Crough Patrick during the remnants of a hurricane. That was an experience!

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Michele Erdvig


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Keany,

Welcome to my forum! You are a braver person than me to climb Croagh Patrick during the remnants of a hurricane. Did you make it all the way to the top?

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Keany


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Michele,

Yes, we made it to the top.  Chapel was closed. Took some very quick pictures outside of it and hurried back down for some hot tea in the gift shop.  Unfortunately every picture has rain spots, but that adds to the charm and memory.

I think we were there around the same time you were there, September 2006. In fact, during our two week trip, we had two hurricanes.

I am hoping for a return trip in 2009 and most likely will be back with questions.

Keany

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youngka


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smileWe will all have to meet up next year some where! We are going in May 2009because most people we asked said there would be more flowers than we experienced in March and October . This year, March, the winds were awful and we had a lot of hail too. Our whole week in Dingle was that way, but we just went on, had too much to see to stop! Also, had a problem in Baltimore. Couldn't even get out of the car to walk up the hill to see the beacon! We love that type of weather, however, but in '09 we are looking forward to flowers too.  Youngka

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Michele Erdvig


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Keany,

I can only imagine what the view would be like from the top of Croagh Patrick on a clear day. But what an accomplishment! Maybe you will do Skellig Michael next.

youngka,

The flowers in May are lovely. I especially enjoy Muckross Gardens with their huge house-size rhododendrons. Maybe you will have to plan a Gardens of Ireland visit.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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youngka


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Michele, Thanks for the idea. We will have 5 weeks next year, so hope to take a lot of pics of how pretty it will be.....Youngka

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Dude


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Five weeks! Oh, if I weren't a Church Lady I would be so envious....

If at all possible try to go to Strokestown and the walled garden.  Absolutely lovely flowers in September; I can't imagine May.

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Slán go fóill, Judy
youngka


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Dude, thanks, will put that one on my list. Wish you could join us -- church lady? You can go to church over there and they will just have to replace you, here, till you return.....
We are going from Dublin North, around the Coast to Clifden, follow the coast to Kinsale, up to Mitchelstown and back to Shannon to leave. Getting bits and pieces together, so start thinking of ideas youngka

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Dude


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I'm a secretary for one church and treasurer at the church where we worship, so much pre-planning is required for me to be off one weekend, much less 5. Some day I will retire, and then...

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Slán go fóill, Judy
Michele Erdvig


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Dude,

You are certainly in demand! I wish at times that I could get away for longer periods of time too. But I have to juggle Custom Itineraries in between my trips. Can't leave my clients in the lurch.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
Dude


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And write books, and monitor the forum, and update the website, and, and, and.....

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Slán go fóill, Judy
youngka


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I'm sorry :( I understand now. I forget I'm retired and wish you were too so you can go for longer. Youngka

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Living in Oregon, like to travel, love going to Europe, Alaska and maybe one day China.
Keany


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Michele,

My husband already has his sights set for climbing Ben Bulben and Mt. Erigal.

Keany

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Dude


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Youngka, I have reached Statutory Senility since I got my first Social Security check last month. But I keep the part time job to support my travel habit.

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Slán go fóill, Judy
youngka


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Congratulations on getting your first check!!! I hear you about supporting your travel habit. SOMEONE/SOMETHING has to pay for our pleasure! Youngka smile

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Living in Oregon, like to travel, love going to Europe, Alaska and maybe one day China.
Michele Erdvig


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Dude, I guess I am on auto pilot!

Keany, That sounds very adventurous. I managed Knocknarea but that's about it. And as I get older I'm afraid climbing mountains is not on the top of my "to do" list.

Michele



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
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