Need help deciding what is a "MUST SEE"

pikelk · Newbie

Need help deciding what is a "MUST SEE"

CowboyCraic · Guru

First Off, welcome to the forum,

If you haven't yet purchased your B&B vouchers, I would suggest that you don't. You are travelingin high season which will make it more difficult to find a B&B which will take the voucher versus a client with cash in hand. The B&Bs make less money when a client uses a voucher so they hold only a few rooms. With the economic downturn, you hsould find some great deals without the vouchers.

As to your "Must See List", They are certainly scattered to the far corners. If you fly into Shannon and out of Dublin, you might be able to do a trip thusly:

July 23 - Arrive Shannon & pick up rental car - head to Killarney (3 Nights)
- if the weather is good on the 24th, get an early start and head to Valentia Island to grab a boat out to the Skelligs. That will fulfill your Puffin wish
- on the 25th either explore Killarney National Park or sign on for the Gap of Dunloe Tour

July 26 - Head for Kilkenny (Overnight ) - stop at Cahir Castle & Rock of Cashel enroute

July 27 - get an early start as you will want to allow time to check in to your lodgings (3 Nights Lodging) before the concert. You will also want to allow plenty of time to get to Croke Park, park, and get settled in your seats.

     July 28th - grab the hop-on/off open top bus tour, which will allow you to see the sites you listed in Dublin
     July 29 - Take an Over-the-top Tour to Wild Wicklow - this is a small bus tour which will take you to Powerscourt & Glendalough

July 30 - Head to Belfast (3 Nights Lodging) with a stop-over in Armagh to visit St Patrick's Cathedral and grab a bite to eat

July 31 - using Belfast as your base, take a daytrip to the Giant's Causeway
  August 1 - Take a Black Taxi tour of Belfast - the best way to get an insight into its history and the Troubles

August 2 - head back towards Dublin - turn in your rental car at the airport & stay near the airport. Choose a hotel which offers airport shuttle service

August 3 - head for home.

That would give you a less hectic schedule and allow you to see almost everything on your list.

A few things to note -

Book your lodgings now or as soon as you have locked in your flights. Especially in for Dublin, as things fill up quickly there on a normal day. With a U2 concert coming in, lodging may well be even more scarce. On your three days in Dublin, you might look to see of Charleville Lodge has availability. You will pay a higher rate on the 27th but a great rate for the other two nights you would be staying there. I believe it is only about fifteen minutes walking distance to Croke Park.

Once you have a solid itinerary, we will be glad to help you get your loding straightened out.

Slan Beo (Take Care), Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Liz,

Heed Bit's advice and don't get the vouchers for high season in Ireland. They greatly restrict where you can stay. Instead get your airfare and car. Pay as you go with cash or credit card at your lodgings. It will make things much easier for you.

There is a Bank Holiday on August 3. That means that July 31, August 1 & 2 will definitely require reservations for accommodations. Try to fly into Shannon and out of Dublin (or vice versa). That will cut out long cross-country drives.

You will not need a car while in Dublin. Check my Car Rental page for many tips you need to know before booking.

What sort of a pace do you want while in Ireland? Do you prefer fast, moderate or slow? That will determine what you can and should see.

For festivals you are probably better off looking at each section of Ireland for info online. But do check the following:

http://www.discoverireland.ie/what-to-do/events.aspx

Calendar of Festivals

Tourism Ireland

You can also phone Tourism Ireland for a festival booklet.

If you plan on attending a festival, it is best to make your lodging reservations ASAP.

Michele

Roy · Guru

I'm not sure how we missed August 3 being a Bank Holiday, but it's good to know in advance. Fortunately we're already booked and will be in transit from Ballyvaughan to Westport. Oddly, the Westport Music Festival isn't listed on the festival link Michele provided (but a great link never less). August 3 is also my birthday, so my wife knows I am looking forward to a nice salmon dinner in Westport. I was fortunate enough to celebrate a birthday in Roundstone three years ago, by eating at O'Dowds.

I also recently booked online at half price the Cliffs of Moher cruise for our first day, August 2. I've wanted to take the cruise before, but it didn't work out. It should be a good way to take the first day at ease.

Nine weeks, one day (but who's counting?)

Michele Erdvig · Host

Roy,

You have lots to celebrate while in Ireland. Salmon is a favorite of mine in Ireland. You just can't go wrong with it. There are so many festivals in Ireland I suppose it is impossible to list them all. Glad you have your reservations and are all set.

Michele