Suggestions?

Zach · Newbie

Suggestions?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Zach,

Welcome to the forum! I'm happy to hear that reading all the other posts has already helped with your planning.

Tell me a bit more about your trip. Are you renting a car or getting around by public transportation? Are the four days going to be in Cork City or County Cork somewhere?

You can probably see Belfast in a day. You do know that you can easily get the train there from Dublin for the day? It looks like the majority of your time will be in Dublin. I'm sure you are aware that it is Ireland's most expensive city?

Michele

Zach · Newbie

Michele,

Thanks for the response. I'm planning on taking bus eireann to get around on my trip. I've also looked into the D.A.R.T. for when I'm traveling up the east coast.

My plan for Cork is to stay a night near Bantry Bay, then spend the other three nights in Cork City while making day trips to places like Cobh.

As it stands I have right around 7 days in Dublin. Is that too much? what is another distination to add for a couple days?

Thanks,

Zach

fennellkevin · Senior Member

Hi Zach,

If you ask me, there is no such thing as too many days in Dublin! I very much recommend the 1916 Rising walking tour and the Musical Pub Crawl.

Then again, there is no such thing as too many days in the Irish counrtyside!

Whattayagonnado?

Enjoy it all!

Kevin

dot · Member

I would like to know more about Bus Eireann - is this a good way to get to see the sights and not drive? And also more information on DART. thanks

Michele Erdvig · Host

Zach,

Getting around Ireland by public transport has its own set of challenges. You are restricted to schedules of the buses and trains. You need to do your planning in advance to be sure you can get from point A to point B on the day you want to. Go to my "Transport" page for links to Irish rail and bus systems and their timetables. Click on IrelandYes Index for the link.

I actually think that Killarney is a good base. There are lots of different tours you can take from there. Check out Dero's Tours: www.derostours.com Other good bases are Dublin, Cork City, Limerick, Galway. They all have day tours.

Are you planning on staying at hostels? If so, once you know your schedule you should book in advance. They are extremely popular in the summer.

For some excellent tips from a community member who traveled around Ireland on her own by public transport look under "Trip Reports" and "The Archive" here on the forum for the name Anita. You will pick up invaluable tips from her posts.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dot,

As I just mentioned to Zach go to my "Transport" page for links to all public transportation in Ireland. You need to click on the link to go to the appropriate website and get all the info you need. DART is in the Dublin area only.

Actually, the very best way to see Ireland (in my opinion) is by car. You save time by not being held to public transport schedules, you can go where you want, when you want. Especially if you have limited time a car makes more sense. But if you want to plan carefully it is possible to use public transport n Ireland. It just takes a lot more advance planning. You will also need to schlep your luggage around with you on buses and trains. Packin light is important.

Michele

Zach · Newbie

Michele and Kevin,

Thank you for the comments and advice.

I have hostels booked for most of my trip but I do have a few questions on that topic. Do you think I will have a hard time finding a hostel in the Dublin area without a reservation? Also, I was wondering if anyone has ever stayed in or near the village of Roundwood and had a recommendation on where to stay?

Thanks,

Zach

Michele Erdvig · Host

Zach,

Dublin is very popular and if at all possible you should have reservations at hostels there. During the summer Trinity College rents out dorm rooms. Check into those also.

I have stayed near Roundwood in Glendalough. I have recommendations for B&Bs there on my "Lodgings" page.

Michele