Ireland!

DH and I want to go to Ireland this summer. Our ideal trip would be to have no itinerary, just catch a flight and rent a car and go from there. Like a free-style trip.

Has anyone ever done this before? What are the must-sees? Which month would be better, July or August?


Thanks!




Oh - and are there any other airlines that go to Ireland aside from Aer Lingus?

Message edited 2/24/2008 7:40:45 PM.

Re: Ireland!

NO advice...but can I come too

Re: Ireland!

Posted by beautyq115

NO advice...but can I come too

Re: Ireland!

Besides Aer Lingus,

Continental Flies to Ireland (only via Newark though)
and
Delta.

Also, sometimes you can find some flights on British Airways stopping in Belfast or Dublin... or to London and then back to Ireland... i did it that way once because although a little out of the way, it was cheaper.

July and August are prime months to go and everything will be most expensive, including flights. but Irish summers are divine---- dusk is not until 11 PM so the days are SOOO long.

i have lots of family there and go there frequently, so feel free to let me know if you have any questions. I am not a fan of most of the touristy things but these are the "touristy" things I would recommend:
Cliffs of Moher (Clare)
Giant's Causeway (Antrim)
Galway, go to the Gaeltacht area and the Aran Islands)
Dublin City (Dublin county... lots there)
Cobh and Kinsale (Cork)
Ring of Kerry

there's so much to see... but do yourselves a favor and explore the northwest of Ireland and even parts of Northern Ireland (technically part of UK) ... most Americans don't go there, and in my opinion, you're missing the best and most stunning part of Ireland.

Re: Ireland!

I'm SOOOO jealous! Danny and I promised each other this would be the trip we'd take for our 10 year anniversary...in 7 more years.

Re: Ireland!

Giants Causeway and try and do the Bunratty Feast at Bunratty Castle

Re: Ireland!

we are going for 10 days in April, so I will post all about what we did then. I can't wait to go!! We are going with 2 of my sisters and their families, so there will be 12 of us all together

Re: Ireland!

I agree with Donegal.............. my bil is from Donegal and it is GORGEOUS there!

If you do the west definitely go to Clare (cliffs of moher, alliwee caves) I think Bunratty is really touristy and way overated. The ring of Kerry is supposed to be nice as well. Also I think Cork is a really cool city.

I've been to Ireland loads of times (DH is Irish, my family is there and we were married there).

Re: Ireland!

DH has been there while he was studying abroad and living in Europe (he lived in The Netherlands and traveled all over in his spare time when not in classes). He went to Dublin - He went to Trinity College, toured the Guiness factory, went to the scrolls of Kels (sp?), etc. He said it was a really nice city to walk through - very pretty street lamps and buildings - a lot of character and some of the friendliest people you'll ever find!!

Then, he went to the main Waterford Crystal plant/factory/showroom which is just outside Dublin and he said it was fantastic! He bought some stuff and brought it home.

Then he went to Killarney - not much "sightseeing" - just more of a relaxed and pretty town - you get to experience more of Ireland's culture and atmosphere-- again, he said the people were fantastic. He said this is on the "ring of Kerry".

And lastly he went to Blarney castle where he kissed the Blarney stone!! That is a must-see in Ireland.

My husband, who is 100% Italian lol, said his all-time favorite country (and he has been to over 16 countries in Europe) was Ireland - he LOVED it so I'm sure you will also!

Good luck!!!!

Message edited 3/6/2008 10:37:13 PM.

Re: Ireland!

Ireland is a wonderful place to visit. Me & DH love it there we have been several times. I would recommend going in July.

But its the "Ring of Kerry" not Kelly, we were told that the locals pee on the Blarney Stone so we skipped kissing that!

Galway is so much fun, Connemara is beautiful as well, so is Lahinch in County Clare. See the Cliffs of Moher also in County Clare they are something to see. Also if you go to Doolin you can get a ferry to the Burren and Aran Islands, the Aran Island the people only speak Irish aka Gaelic.

We cant wait to go back! Hope you have a great time!

Message edited 3/5/2008 8:39:55 PM.

Re: Ireland!

Giants Causeway is awesome!

Re: Ireland!

Posted by dono426

But its the "Ring of Kerry" not Kelly, we were told that the locals pee on the Blarney Stone so we skipped kissing that!
!