Mike_in_NY

05/05/01 11:43 AM

Ireland in a week---Crazy??

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Hello everyone
I will be in Ireland from sunday to sunday-- June 9 to the 16 and would like to self drive a loop of the Country. Is this possible in that time period. I have done many U.S. road trips and in november did the 6 contries in the ALPs in 7 days-- but arent the roads of Ireland 2 land roads.. Will I be able to traverse the country in this time period. I would like to see as much as I can fit in to on this trip-------
Also is is safe to travel in Norther Ireland? I Irish man I work with says its not worth the risk.... Is there really a risk???/
Thanks again for the time !!!!!! Michael in New York


IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
05/06/01 1:23 AM

RE: Ireland in a week---Crazy??

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Hi Mike,

I've been to Northern Ireland countless times over the past three decades and nary a scratch! Ever notice how the only news you hear on TV and in the papers is the bad news? Well the good news is that N.I. is a lovely place to visit and probably a lot safer than N.Y.

Now, are you talking about a loop of the whole country? If so then maybe you might be crazy--but only because you don't know what Ireland is like. Yes, most of the roads are two lane and many are small and winding. If you can average 35-40 mph you will be doing good. Just looking at a map of the country can be deceiving. For instance one person told me that they were going to travel from Shannon to Dingle and it would take them 15 minutes. The reality is 3-5 hours (depending on route, traffic, road works, and cows and sheep on the roads).

Do you really want to remember Ireland as a "green blur"? You might want to rethink your trip and--depending on where you start and end from--do a much smaller loop taking in only part of the country. That will be much saner!

Happy travels,

Michele