Anniversary trip.

Elba Matthies · Member

Anniversary trip.

youngka · Guru

Hi Elba, good you found this site, it is excellent for helping...how long are you going to be in Ireland, did you look at a map to see what you might want to see, big cities/castles/Northern areas/South West etc. Where will you fly in to, Shannon or Dublin. I know you will get some good responses and be able to look at actual places and see if they look like something you may like to reserve. One thing Michele does say is to plan to stay 2 nights or more in each place. I agree, this way you won't miss seeing something when you thought you had time. I prefer using a self catering (there are choices from cottages, apartments, and the units we have rented had washer and dryers in each unit)etc. to choose from) place for a "home base" and explore the areas around it. It is also cheaper plus you have a place to cook your meals and the same bed for a week! (Sat. to Sat. usually) than B&B' and you don't have to pack and unpack as often. Oh, do you plan to rent a car? Good luck smile

youngka

Elba Matthies · Member

Hi Youngka,
My husband and I were thinking about 2 weeks. Wow, but after your post I'm going out to buy a map and book. I can't wait!!! We want to fly into Dublin. Also, Rick and are not castle types. We want to see the natural landscapes and hike through towns. Sit have a beer, and then move on. We are very much interested more in the legends and the culture in Ireland as opposed to the castles. However, I'd like to see at least one. I just don't want spend to much time on that. I want to mingle with the locals and hang out. Does that seem strange? I'm glad you mentioned 2 days in each town because that's what we were thinking. I like the idea about self catering. It would be a lot cheaper for us to cook our own meals. Anyway, thank you so much for the input. I was so excited! Anyway, keep em coming. Thank you so much.
Elba

Michele Erdvig · Host

Elba,

Welcome to my forum! Go to my Getting Started page where I have the info about Tourism Ireland. They will send you a free map and lots of other free stuff. In fact take a spin around my website for lots of good info and tips. Since your trip is not till next year you have the time to do your research.

You will also find my book very helpful for first-time visitors to Ireland. It is very user-friendly: http://www.irelandyes.com/book.html

I like a minimum of two days in each place. Some places are actually good for spending 3 or four days. Or a week if you are self-catering. Although there are weekend and mid-week rates available at most self-catering rentals in the off-season.

As you continue your research, let us know how we can help. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Michele

Elba Matthies · Member

I am on it!! I got so excited when I read the post that I called the 1-800 number right away. However, they were not available till Monday. I will call then, and I am ordering the book. I renewed my passport a couple of weeks ago so I am just waiting for it to come in the mail. This is going to be the trip of a lifetime for us. Everything has to be "A.J Squared away". It's a military term. Anyway, keep the info coming. I don't want the time to pass and were doing everything last minute. I hate when that happens!!!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Elba,

Your are on your way to a great trip. By the time it happens you will have everything in place and can just enjoy Ireland. Do you know how much time you will have for vacation?

Michele

youngka · Guru

Elba, in one of your postings, above, you said: " I want to mingle with the locals and hang out. Does that seem strange?" The answer is no, that is where all the fun is. If you are a member of AAA you can just order a map of Ireland and they mail it out right away. Did you get one yet? Interested where you plan to go. I will keep checking this site to see what you'd planned on. You have enough time to change directions and see whatever you want. Two weeks is good. We went for two weeks and when we made another trip, we knew what we liked and returned to a few of the places, but tried other areas also that I had researched. Our trip this year was for 6 weeks, but we had to return home early. We had planned on doing the coast from Wesport to Dublin. We just plan to go back next year.....keep researching! youngka

Elba Matthies · Member

Hi Youngka,
My husband and I are minglers. We just love to take in the culture of the people and towns. We love meeting people. We go to a local pub here in Tampa and the bartender is Irish. He says things like "they would love you in Ireland". I keep thinking yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaah!! Anyway, I called the 1800 number for the travel info and it has not arrived yet. I've looked for maps at the local bookstore but no luck. I will try again tomorrow. I would like to try and map out the routes we will be taking. We are going to rent a car and just go. Would it be cheaper to set it up before we get there? What do you think?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Elba,

It usually takes a week or more to get your package of info from Tourism Ireland. Be patient and it will be like a holiday when it arrives.

It is always best to reserve a car ahead of time. This way you can check on all the different rates and choose the best one.

Michele

Elba Matthies · Member

Hi Michelle,

My husband were not thinking a buying a flight and hotel package. I realize that we will probably save money, we can afford to buy both first. I thought we could just buy our flights and find a place on our own. What do you think?

Elba Matthies · Member

Typo's, sorry. My husband and I are thinking of buying just the flight and not the hotel. We can't afford both at the same. time. We were just going to get lodging when we got there. What do you think?

youngka · Guru

Elba, I have mostly made reservations for self catering places or B&B's. This year was to be the year we did not reserve any places to stay - just drive till we got tired and stop for the night. However, there are places we do like to stop and visit with friends we have made on previous trips. When researching places, I find one I can't resist and make a reservation. It is a good thing, but you are restricted because you will have to make it to the next reservation and may want to stay in the area you are in a few days longer. We found that when we were to leave Westport and were going to drive straight to Rathmullen -- very far North -- we wouild be too tired and would miss seeing other sites along the way, so I found a place in Donnegal for one night to make it an easier trip. Since you don't have a map -- it may be hard for you to visualize. Check it out when you get a map. You may not even get any further than Connemara, since you are flying into Dublin. GOOD LUCK & have fun planning, youngka

Michele Erdvig · Host

Elba,

It is perfectly fine to purchase your airfares and accommodations separately. In fact most people who have been to Ireland before do it that way. They put the three big pieces of the puzzle together themselves: airfare, accommodations and car rental.

Once you have your airfares and dates you can make an itinerary and then choose your accommodations.

Michele