tiaks
Unregistered User
(1/16/04 1:31 pm)

Need help badly on planning first Ireland trip in March.

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Hi! I'm looking for some advice. We're taking our first trip to Ireland in March so time is short. We have two couples and one single in our group. We're flying into Dublin and out of Shannon. We'd like to spend maybe two nights in Dublin and four elsewhere ending in Shannon. I'd like any info anyone could provide on what to see and do as I need some direction. I do have two guide books I'm reading, but feel overwhelmed. My second question is can anyone recommend a bed and breakfast or hotel (not too fancy-needs to meet our budget of around $100 or so US/night for a couple) in the St. Stephens Green or Merrion Square neighborhoods as the bus from the airport drops off in these areas. We are not planning on renting a car until we're headed out of Dublin. Really, any advice anyone could provide at all to give me some direction to go in planning would be so greatly appreciated. I'm used to having several months to plan our trips, but not this time!! So I need your help! Thanks

Tia

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 77
(1/16/04 5:19 pm)

trip help

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my biggest help was going to the section that people told about their trips and copied a lot of itineraries then checked out those places - i also took the map and looked at Michelle's favorite places and marked out a route--then asked a lot of questions if it was do-able. It is overwhelming when you start - the people on this site are fantastic and Michelle will do so much to help.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2047
(1/16/04 11:50 pm)

Re: Need help badly on planning first Ireland trip in March

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Hi Tia,

Please don't feel overwhelmed. This forum is designed to help you out. First, stannseniors had some good tips for starting the planning process. Since you are traveling with others, you also need to take their needs into consideration. When I do my custom itineraries I find that can be a delicate balancing act as everyone has their particular "must sees". Why not have everyone make their own list in order of importance? Then you can trim and meld them together. But don't try to do too much or you will drive everyone crazy. With four days after Dublin (one of which I suppose will be near Shannon) that really only gives you three days elsewhere.

It will be tough finding something in the area of Dublin you want for under $100 per couple unless you find a special on. I suggest going to my "Links" page and clicking on "Be Our Guest" under Accommodations. It will give you all the various hotels and guesthouses to choose from. Look at their web sites to see if they are offering any specials such as mid-week specials, weekend specials or multiple night specials. Jurys Christchurch usually has low rates (for Dublin). You are wise to be picking up your rental car after Dublin.

Once you have an idea of what you might want to see and do, feel free to post again and we will help.

Michele