Where to visit?

Christy C · Newbie

Where to visit?

tony2phones · Guru

Trouble is that Irish Tourism has for years pushed selective places these tend to be in the area west of an imaginary line starting in Galway and ending in Cork.. that leaves about 75 % of the island unpromoted especially areas north from a Dublin to Wetport line and the North is yet to recover from the idea that you might get blown up the second you cross the border,, simply not true..(never has been)

So forgetting where the guide books and everyone who has the same photo's of the same places in their albums, Where would YOU like to go during your 13/14 days??

Bus makes more sense to get around than Train which is limited and uses Dublin as a hub (not ideal)

Do not discount spending time in the North, OK they use £ Sterling not Euro but they are generally a friendly bunch of folk.. Derry is a great city to visit for a couple of days, Likewise Belfast for a similar time and would be a good run up getting the Bus to Belfast from Dublin on arrival. That gives 9 or 10 days for the south which can include Dublin, Galway and probably Killarney rather than Cork..

Michele Erdvig · Host

Welcome to the forum. You have almost two weeks to travel around Ireland. However, since you will be using public transportation it will take time to get from place to place. Have a look at my Transport Page for links to buses and trains in Ireland and No. Ireland. You might want to consider purchasing passes that are good in both countries instead of piecing it all together in separate segments. It might save you some money.

As for what to see, that is very subjective and depends on your interests. I have some ideas on my Sightseeing Page. Also lots of articles on my Blog. But what you really need to do it make a list of where you absolutely must go (Derry, etc.). Read up (library or bookstore and internet) about those areas to see what interests you.

Ireland is jam packed with things to do and sights to see that it is impossible to list them all here. That is why there are guidebooks to help you decide.

yesiree · Guru

Michele and Tony are pointing you in the right direction. I'd suggest researching sites along a Dublin-Belfast-Derry-Galway-Dublin route. I think you and your roommate will be amazed at how many amazing things are around there. Northern Ireland and Counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, and Galway can go head-to-head with the southwest any day.

As mentioned, train-only travel can be a bit tricky (and it's pricey if you don't book tickets 1-2 weeks in advance). I love traveling by train in Ireland, but it makes sense to open your itinerary up to where the bus will take you... you'll have better access to smaller cities and towns and a more expansive schedule.

Michele Erdvig · Host

And don't forget to look at Corey's site: http://irishfireside.com/ Plus Ireland Travel Kit but those are more off the beaten path places.