Irish trip advice

Drillbit

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2005
5,943
1
Glasgow Ky
Just found killer plane ticket deal from Nashville to Dublin in april. I have always wanted to go there but I realized it's in the middle of lent. Is that going to make everything more subdued? Who all has been (maybe lived?) there and is that a good time to go?
 

az_max

1
Apr 22, 2005
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By april you won't need a jacket. And I don't think a little thing like Lent would keep the Irish from drinking :cheers:
 

ChrismonDA

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May 2, 2004
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51
NC Johnston Co
Drillbit said:
Just found killer plane ticket deal from Nashville to Dublin in april. I have always wanted to go there but I realized it's in the middle of lent. Is that going to make everything more subdued? Who all has been (maybe lived?) there and is that a good time to go?


Can I go? I went in 98 during St. Patricks Day in the Republic had an awesome time. Nope when you get there everything will be fine!! Have a great trip!!
 
I was there for a month about 30 years ago.

Whatever you do, do not find yourself in Dublin during the Bank Holiday, they roll up the sidewalks.

You have got to go to Slattery's in Dublin. It's been a rockin' place for centuries.

Take your raincoat and several pairs of shoes/boots. April is pretty but wet.

We flew into Shannon, spent the night at a pub in Ennis and drove to Dublin. Back then, it wasn't that uncommon to be stopped waiting for flocks of sheep to cross the road (Garrett might like it).
 

sven

Well-known member
We did our honeymoon in Ireland back in 2002. We rented a car and drove around the entire country for 2 weeks. Took about 2 days for me to get used to the whole wrong side of the road shit...oh and a 5sp car didnt help much either. Fun place, Id go back there in a heartbeat.
 

garrett

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Jun 18, 2004
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Middleburg, VA
www.blackdogmobility.com
Are you planning on staying in Dublin the entire time? I'd highly recommend getting a car and tooling around the country.
I am far more familiar with the southern coast from Cork, Kinsale, Ring of Kerry, Bantry, Kenmare, etc.

I just rented a car at the airport, drove around and stayed in inns above pubs with no reservations anywhere.
 
garrett said:
I just rented a car at the airport, drove around and stayed in inns above pubs with no reservations anywhere.

The only way to travel in the UK!

The past several trips we've only had reservations for the first night and stayed above pubs the rest of the time.

The trip from Shannon to Dublin is beautiful and if you spend a week or three doing it, it's even better.
 

Mike_Rupp

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Mar 26, 2004
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Mercer Island, WA
It's doubtful that anything will subdue Ireland to the point where you wouldn't have a good time there. My wife and I went there in August 1998, one day after the bombing in Omagh. Timing has never been my strong suit.

We flew into Dublin and spent a few days there. The first night, after coming home from the pubs in Temple Bar, men were singing IRA songs while walking down the street. We then drove from Dublin to Limerick, stopping at Wexford, Waterford, Kinsale, Killarney, and Tralee. Kinsale is a really neat little town. They are known for their mussels. They were some of the best I've ever had. All in all, the food completely blew away my expectations.
 

brianhoberg

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Apr 16, 2007
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San Antonio, TX
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garrett said:
I just rented a car at the airport, drove around and stayed in inns above pubs with no reservations anywhere.
garrett, that's exactly what two friends of mine and I did when we arrived in London. Spent a month driving around England, Scotland, Northern/Outer Isles, Wales, and Ireland. Did the Inns when we could but found some off the beaten path B&B's available as well for about $20/USD a person when we were there. Ate pub food mostly or stopped at the markets. Definitely the way to do it. Grab a car, a map, and make no reservations.
 

Drillbit

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2005
5,943
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Glasgow Ky
Getting a car was always the plan. I have always wanted to see Belfast so we will probably go straight up there then work our way south. Jessica has some scenic stuff she wants to see and I don't think I will have a problem finding bars.
 

Durt D1ver

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Jan 14, 2008
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Jersey Shore
Me and the wife spent 2 weeks there 3 years ago. Flew into Dublin, stayed in the city for 4 days, then went back to the airport, rented a car, and drove around the rest of the country. We went the first week of June, and it was unseasonably warm, in the 90's every day. We stayed one night in the Days inn on talbot street, checked out the next morning, and went up the street to Jury's Parnell Square. We spent a night at Waterford Castle, 2 Nights at the Bianconi in Killorglin, a Night at the Blarney park hotel (which has since burned down), and flew out of Shannon, not in that order. Most other nights we just found a b&b to crash at, after stumbling out of a pub.
 

garrett

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Jun 18, 2004
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Middleburg, VA
www.blackdogmobility.com
X2 Mike's kudos to Kinsale. Likely my favorite town on my journey around southern Ireland. If you're in the area you should really make a point to stay a least a day in Kinsale.

Kinsale is where I had deep fried hamburgers with mayo at 2am. After spending the night at a local "club" with a bunch of friendly locals, I headed down the road and downed several before passing out in my room. It was glorious.

I am pretty sure this is where I stayed.

http://www.tierneys-kinsale.com/
 

adriatic04

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Mar 22, 2007
2,506
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cleveland, oh
x(whatever it is now) on renting a car, stay at B&B's along the way. Walk in to dark Pub's and just enjoy yourself. Driving around is part of the enjoyment. Think of Ireland as a poor man's Scotland. Not saying it is bad, it is more "has been" when compared to Scotland IMO.
 

Roverlady

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Apr 20, 2004
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Shenandoah valley
Over Christmas break, we were all discussing taking a family trip to Ireland this year or next!

I haven't been to England/Scotland since I was 14 and would like to go back, with my husband, but it seems prices are MUCH higher than they were and perhaps Ireland would be a better choice right now. None of us have been there and would love to just travel around and explore like others have mentioned.

What is the BEST month to consider? Not just based on weather but also tourist travel, etc.