Dublin for older folks?

Sean · Member

Dublin for older folks?

Irisheyes · Senior Member

What about a night at the Abbey / Peacock Theater?

yesiree · Guru

If it's not included in their tour package, the Hop On/Off bus would be ideal. It will give them a taste of the town and help them decide where they might want to stop and spend some more time.

A casual stroll from near Trinity College along Grafton Street (and streets nearby) will include shopping and plenty of great street performers. There are places to eat and rest along the way, and at the end of Grafton Street is St Stephen's Green which is a great park that is great to walk or sit and relax.

Visits to many of Dublin's churches and cathedrals are self-guided, so there's no worry about keeping up...and those that are guided, should be able to accommodate them.

There are plenty of restaurants, pubs and various entertainment that they can enjoy in the evening. Their tour operator and the tourist office should be able to make some suggestions as well.

kathy · Veteran Member

My father is 78 and walks with 2 canes (he won't use a walker) - during our time in dublin, he was happiest sitting at the porterhouse brewery in temple bar. they have big scenic windows and music all day on weekends, plenty of tv's to watch sports and good service (the servers checked on him frequently).

if they are interested, we found a fabulous turkish restaurant with belly dancers and the whole schebang but it would require reservations and honestly, they might not want to commit if that is their only free time. there are so many great restaurants - we haven't had a bad meal yet in dublin.

the hop on/hoff off is also a GREAT idea. the narrated tour of all the little details is well worth the investment of both time and money. we rode it all the way around once before deciding what was most important for us to do.

everyone was really helpful too - no one hesitated to give our group extra time, extra space or extra attention (including the taxi drivers)

Maggie L · Senior Member

Since you've never been there either, Sean, let me point out that you don't really have to hop on and off the bus! So no need to worry that your folks will have any trouble getting on or off the bus.

The Hop-on-hop-off buses are buses that drive to all of the major sights around the city. You buy a ticket, they give you a list of sights you'll be stopping at and you get off to see the ones you want. When you're finished visiting a place, you just go back to the bus stop and soon a hop on/off bus will pick you up and go on to the next stop, where you may or may not get off, depending on your interests.

Kathy's idea of riding it around the circuit once to see where you want to visit sounds great, especially if your parents are not certain which sites they're interested in.

Dude · Guru

With the hop-on-hop-off tour you will also get a brochure with the stops listed and shown on a map, and some tear-off coupons for some of the attractions, so you can study that before you commit yourselves. This is a great way to see Dublin.

-- Edited by Dude at 18:43, 2006-04-04

-- Edited by Dude at 18:44, 2006-04-04

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sean,

Everyone has done an admirable job answering your question while I was busy doing my taxes. Your parents might also enjoy some of the museums or art galleries in Dublin. It just depends on their interests.

Michele

kathy · Veteran Member

Speaking of galleries, this past weekend - we just happened across the Chester Beatty Library (by the Dublin Castle). They had to throw us out, it was very interesting to us and just a lovely location with a nice garden cafe.

I don't know what days of the week will be their wandering time, but the National Gallery is doing a Sunday concert series and it is really a treat to wander thru the lovely rooms listening to great music. You can hear it thru the entire building or go sit and listen like a proper audience.

Sean · Member

Thank you all so much for the wonderful responses! I think the bus tour is going to be "right up their alley!" Once again, Michelle - your members/readers are fantastic - and this website is such a great service! Thanks all!

Sean

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sean,

Glad you are enjoying the website and forum. My thanks to everyone who added their comments. Let us know how how your parents get on in Ireland.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

One thing to avoid for those who move slowly are most organized walking tours. I've been on a number of them in both London and Dublin and they usually move very quickly. I've seen times whne some people just dropped out because they couldn't keep up. Some are quicker than others, but generally they are fast paced.

Bill