Hey guys,

was wondering if any of ya'll have been to Ireland? My first trip and I hope to see and do so much! Spending 3 days in Dublin(one day I hope to take a train to Belfast) and then driving around the country ending in Shannon 4 days later. Any "cant miss" places or things?
Thanks if anyone can help!

Kenny

kenny, you are in for a treat. I have been there two times, the last time 3 years ago when I spent a month there, driving all around. I much prefer Western Ireland to the more urban (relatively) east and north. My favorite parts were Kinsale on the south coast (quiet, beautiful, sailboats everywhere, old graveyards and good restaraunts), the strand at Inch on the Dingle Peninsula (stark, open and lovely beaches), the Burren with all of its tragic history, Galway City (great bookstores everywhere). Leave lots of space in your luggage to bring back hand knitted sweaters! They last forever and look great.

You will find alot of old ruins in out of the way places, but dont press yourself too hard trying to get too much done. Hope your trip is as memorable as mine were!

I hope you have a blast Kenny.

I've never been but flying over to meet some friends Labor Day weekend for The Electric Picnic!

You'll have to report back and tell us all the fun spots.

I have mostly been to the cities of Dublin & Belfast: Stay in the Temple Bar district in Dublin if you like nightlife. Dublin is very walkable, take in the Guiness factory for sure. Below Dublin is County Wicklow with some famous beautiful garden's.
Belfast has a good downtown shopping district, (they still shop downtown in Ireland, suburban sprawl has not blighted them yet.) There is an area off of downtown that is a big building with some movie theaters, restaurants, & I think some game areas- its callled "the Odyssey" There is a good historical museum outside Belfast with old bldgs moved to one location - called Ulster Folk Park.
Haven't done the west of Ireland yet but I want to. Ireland is modernizing SO fast I advise people to get there as soon as possible to see it before it changes TOO much.

[ May 19, 2006, 10:38 AM: Message edited by: copman ]

Thanks alot guys! You have already given many more ideas that I have found on my own. Ofcourse talking to people that have been there I thought would be a great deal better. It's been a life long dream of mine and I want to make the most of it.

I have wondered whether Belfast was worth the trip, and seems overwhelmingly it's at least worth the day trip I was thinking by train from Dublin.

I have this mental picture of driving the wrong way on a street at some point! ha ha!

I don't leave until June 9, so will keep checking back for any more advice!

Thanks again!

10 more days! Woo hoo! Anybody else have any good advice? I tell you one thing I cannot wait for... The weather! It was friggin 96 here in Tampa yesterday! The highs in Dublin are averaging about 62 right now, ahhhh! wink

I am back! Trip was awesome, got in last night and sick, some sort of international hack I cannot get rid of! lol Too short, didnt get to see all I wanted to though.

Will post pictures this week!

Awesome Kenny. Welcome back! I can't wait to see the pictures.

Hey if you really really liked it and want to go back with me over Labor Day just say the word. My buddy is scoring us free festival passes for the Electric Picnic. It should be a blast.

Well, if I didnt have plans to be in Maine THAT would have to be a serious consideration!

Now how the heck do I upload 71 pics? Or anyone who wants to see can PM me their email address and I will share my album off my AOL account.