Gigi,

Most of those things don't take a lot of time. I suggest you do the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour, which will show you many of them. Then get on and off the bus at the other stops like Trinity College, Dublin Castle, etc. If you have a full day you may just squeeze them all in.

Don't worry about not planning enough. The local tourist offices are great resources. Don't hesitate to stop in and get free advice from them.

Michele

Gigi,

Since the Book of Kells and Kilmainham Gaol are both very popular it might be best to see them first, then take the bus and see the rest.

Michele

Gigi,

Always happy to add my "two cents worth".

I usually recommend that people see the most important things first, working their way down their list. If the few at the bottom of the list don't happen you will not be that concerned.

Michele

Frank,

Many people are disappointed with the Guinness Storehouse tour. They are thinking it is an actual brewery tour when it is really a big advertsiment for Guinness. Kind of like the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta!

Michele

The Guinness Storehouse was the least impressive thing we saw in Ireland.  As you note, it was not a tour at all.  And it was also not inexpensive.

It is really a terrible tourist ripoff -- only consilation is the Gravity Bar on a clear day gives a good view, but know that you are paying a big price for that one beer you get at the top.

Avoid this place if possible.  We should have.

Monty

The problem with the Storehouse is that many people go there expecting to wander round the Brewery. Basically it is more a exhibit or museum type of feature. If you book on line and take away the 5euro for the "free" pint then it's not that expensive for what it is but that doesn't soften the blow for those expecting something completely different.

So don't tell anyone (this is all private here, right?) but I accidentally went up to the Gravity Bar without a ticket. I got on what i thought was a down elevator that went up and I ended up in the bar. I didn't get the Guinness, but I got the view. Then we walked down and saw the whole exhibit. Now I don't suggest that people take advantage of such things at a tourist site, but Guinness has gotten a fair amount of my money in the past so I didn't feel too horrible.

Bill

Thank you guys so much for all your help! We will be leaving in less than 24hrs and I am sooooo excited! I really appreciate all the advice I've been given here and I hope to share my trip report...complete with pics...in a few weeks!!