patricia
Unregistered User
(10/9/03 9:28 am)
 
February in Ireland

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Hi Michele!!

I’m planning my first visit to the UK with a friend, and would love to cross to Ireland for a week or so. Since I’ll be going next February, I would like to know what are the best places to visit during that time. I’ve been seeing lots of brochures, but they all show pictures that seem to be taken during Spring/Fall, so I don’t really know what to expect.

Also, I was thinking of taking the ferry from Holyhead, Wales to Dublin. Is it a good idea? Do you know how long does it take? I think it could be a way of entering the island that would make me wish I never leave.

Since we’ll be on a VERY tight budget (I live in SAmerica), walking will be our main means of transportation. That’s why we are looking for the cheapest things to do in Dublin and around (maybe taking a bus to some place specially attractive in the surrounding area). Anyway, since I’ve never been there I will appreciate your input.

Sorry this is so long, it's just that I'm really looking forward to this trip. THANKS A LOT!!

Patricia

Anita
Unregistered User
(10/9/03 11:17 am)
 
not cheap

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All I can say is Dublin is not cheap! I was shocked at how much it cost me for a small bowl of soup and a coke (over 4 euros). Since you are on a budget are you planning to stay in a hostel? There are a number of them in Dublin, some of them quite central so you wouldn't have to worry about transportation. I could recommend one or two if you are interested. Also, you might check out airfare prices on Ryan air instead of relying on the ferry. I met someone in Dublin who had come over from Glasgow for the weekend because the fare was dirt cheap.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1892
(10/9/03 10:38 pm)

Re: February in Ireland

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Hi Patricia,

I must agree completely with Anita that Dublin is Ireland's most expensive city to visit. Lodging, food, etc. is more expensive there than the rest of the country. Hostels will be your cheapest choice and you can cut costs by eating at pubs (pub grub), buying sandwiches, salads, etc. at supermarkets, and/or cooking at the hostel.

Ryan Air is a really low-cost carrier between the UK and Ireland and many times is more cost-effective than taking the ferry. For ferry info go to my "Transport" page. There are different ferries that make the crossing and some are "fast ferries" while others are slower. Check on the web sites on my Transport page for fares, schedules and times.

Do your homework now so that you are prepared for February. And you will need reservations for Dublin whether you decide on a hostel or a hotel. Dublin is a very busy city at all times of the year.

Michele

mckenna
Unregistered User
(10/13/03 5:37 pm)

Dublin on a budget

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Yes, Patricia, I thoroughly agree with Anita and Michelle: Dublin is NOT CHEAP! Having just returned from 8 days in Ireland, I found Dublin the most expensive place. We stayed at the Best Western Ashling Hotel which is reasonably priced (for Dublin) and was quite nice. It was within walking distance to everything but yet out of the noisy, busy area around Temple Bar and O'Connell St. I was lucky when I was in Dublin as I found $25 Euros! This prevented me from blowing all my cash!

Have a great time on your journey.