Suggestions

Cobra7 · Newbie

Suggestions

Melissa5 · Guru

Cobra7, it's your adventure to Ireland, and you can certainly proceed any way that you like. Enjoy yourself!

As for me, I enjoy as much research as possible prior to my trips. I feel like when I travel to a new country and meet the people, and talk with them spontaneously, they appreciate the fact that I have already learned a bit about their history, culture, etc... They often mention appreciating it when people take the time to learn something ahead of time, as they feel it shows interest in them.

You might consider reading all about Ireland, and then still proceeding in a rather spontaneous fashion... Perhaps you could book your first night's accomodation, so you have somewhere to rest when you arrive all jet-lagged...but maybe you'd like to leave some of the other nights to book as you go... However, if you are travelling in high season...ask some others here whether you will run into any problems with accomodations being already fully booked.

However you travel to Ireland, enjoy the friendly, beautiful, musical country!

Cobra7 · Newbie

I fear I have miss-represented myself a little bit. ashamed

I do not mean to say I know nothing of the history of Ireland, in fact I think my knowledge of Irelands history is slightly above that of the average American. It started when I heard Patriot Games by the Brobdingnagian Bards when I was younger and learned the history of the song and then the background of how it came about (the IRA vs Free State in the Irish Civil War, and other problems from the 1600s to today). Of course I know of The famine and its roll to the US. I also know bits of pieces of the rest. Its a dark time I know, but it is what brought about the current political system currently in place.

What I meant was I do not plan to go visiting sites and touristy places. If I come across an interesting one along the way, I might pop in, or perhaps if its highly recommended. My destinations how ever I dont expect to be determined by the sites. Essentially drive around lost and see who and what I come across.

As far as sleeping accommodations that is a good point I didnt put much thought into. I suppose I should make sure to buy a tent the first day. Plan to stay in Dublin two nights, leave a night open, then Cork a couple more nights. After that maybe do a 2 nights off (camping/sleeping in car at worst) and have a reservation somewhere the 3^rd. Perhaps I can find a web site that helps people organize for couch surfing.

It may not sound like much, but Im young and used to sleeping in Army barracks/tents, so I can pretty much live anywhere for short periods of time.

Should I consider moving my trip up to avoid peak season and have the odds of B&Bs and hotels have open last minute rooms perhaps?

One last thing, anyone can be critical of my plans, I wont take offense. biggrin

CowboyCraic · Guru

Cobra,

Some of the best places in Ireland are those that I found from recommendations by the locals. That was because I took the time to talk to the locals and spent enough time in each town or village, 2 days minimum.

That being said, you might consider Hostels for you lodging. I would suggest that, since you plan on going off the cuff, that you plan your trip in May or early June, as that way you will not run into much issue with finding lodgings. You should definitely book ahead if you are planning to stay in Dublin.

Some of the most friendly of people I have found have been in the West of Ireland. One of the things about sleeping out in Ireland is that the weather fluxs often and wildly. Also, I believe I read somewhere recently that the Gardai are planning on cracking down on campers. It was something to do with the economic down turn and safety issues. I will see if I can find the article.

Lesser traveled places that I find delightful:

Roscommon Town
Lough Key Park
Athenry
New Ross
Cavan
Boyle

If I can help you find your way in any of these towns, just ask! biggrin

Also, you had mentioned couch surfing. This is the site to which I belong. There are quite a few members in Ireland.

Slan Beo (Take Care), Bit

-- Edited by CowboyCraic at 01:01, 2009-01-19

Anchoress · Guru

Camping out these days is not a good idea - period. And yes, the Gardai are getting wary. Rightly so.
( we have lived here many years and so see the way things are going)

Ireland is little different crimewise now from other countries; maybe keep watch a while on the news sites.... Try iol...

http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/ireland/

This will give you some idea; we have now of course a major drug issue here.

So please stay safe.

There are many independent hostels that are not costly. I can think of 4 around the Donegal area alone.

Visiting is of course different from living here; everyone will be friendly to you as a visitor.

As they should be... :)

Any small side road along a coast will lead to places of beauty; roads are narrow and surfaces often poor; we drove the Blue Stack Drive last week.. wildest area but terrible road.

You cannot avoid what you would call "sites" here; many are not touristy and many are neglected.

Country graveyards are fascinating for history; we found the old Church of Ireland one near here; used to be RC as many are. Also the same for St Catherine's in Killybegs and the old Abbey in Donegal Town.

Please; stay safe above all else.

Blessings from Donegal

Michele Erdvig · Host

Cobra,

It is always possible to find a place to stay in Ireland even in high season when winging it. People do hang out at pubs but also at dances, bingo, festivals, theater, musical events, etc. You can also interact a lot if you just ask them questions anywhere; at the grocery store, the post office, on the street, wherever.

One reason I enjoy staying at B&Bs is because of the many wonderful hosts I have met over the years. In fact there are a few of them that have gone on to become great close friends of ours.

I think that because of the recession this year you won't have the problems of not finding a place to stay. But do book ahead for Dublin. Also be aware of Public Holidays which can fill up a popular town quickly. See my website for a list of them.

There are campgrounds around Ireland. But it can become very windy and rainy in Ireland. You might want to consider hostels and B&Bs too. Perhaps farm B&Bs would be of interest to you for seeing how the locals live.

As for bringing your laptop, I wouldn't if you are going to stay at campgrounds and hostels. How would you protect it? There are Internet cafes all over Ireland even in the smallest towns. You can pop in and make use of their computers for a small fee. Some B&Bs even provide free computer access.

Michele