Ireland

bostonbride214

Hi Ladies...I'm not planning a honeymoon, we actually just got back from Hawaii two weeks ago

But I am hoping that you can help....we are in the middle of planning a last minute trip to Ireland for my father's birthday...anyone have recommendations on where to stay? must see sights? I've never been so any help is appreciated...TIA!

buzzy316

when are you going?  We are in the process of booking our honeymoon to Ireland right now!

bostonbride214

We are planning to leave the last week in May for a 10 day trip - nothing like last minute! 1/2 of my family is leaving out of Philly...did you use a TA? or book on your own?

LaFemmeRousse

Ireland is beautiful.  Is there anything specific that you're hoping to do while you're there?  For example, my FI has golfed all over Ireland and I would be happy to give you recs for that if you're interested.

 

I don't think you would need to book a tour or even use a travel agent necessarily- Ireland is very easy to get around.  There are lots of buses that go around the country if you don't want to drive, but driving is fine too, with two caveats- you have to be comfortable driving on the "wrong" side of the road on narrow roads, and if you cannot drive a manual transmission be sure to book your automatic transmission rental car well ahead of time.

 

I would recommend you do a combo of city and country while you're there.  Dublin is beautiful and makes an ideal entry/exit point, although there are lots of international flights in and out of Shannon as well. Galway is great.  If you want to splurge, Ashford Castle is amazing.  It's in Cong, 20 minutes north of Galway on the west coast of the country.

 

Other places to visit: Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher.  Mt. Croagh Patrick in County Mayo is a popular pilgrimage site, and many people climb it every day (non-technical climbing, more like hiking).  Northern Ireland is an interesting trip as well, and if you make it to Belfast you should also visit Giant's Causeway on the coast.

 

For ten days, maybe fly into Dublin, spend four days there, then drive west into the countryside for the rest of the trip.

 

ETA: If you don't get much response here, definitiely try posting on the Nest's Travel board.  I think this board is more useful for Caribeean-type AI vacations, but the Travel board is better for everywhere else

SummerPastelBride

I have only been to Northern Ireland myself (Belfast and the Antrim Coast are worth checking out if you have time in your schedule).  If you are looking for a company to book with, check out Tenon Tours http://www.tenontours.com
They are a smaller tour company that focuses on Ireland.  You have the option of customized small group tours (way smaller than the huge bus tours) or self drives.  It might be what your family is looking for.  H and I are using them as our TA for a trip somewhere else and they are fantastic to work with!

lottie21

Hi there, I'm from Ireland but use this site often to get some inspiration for my wedding, anyhow I second all of the above, not sure what part of Ireland you are planning to focus on however I would definitely go to Galway, such a great buzz in the city all year round, Kilkenny & Dublin also good. If you're planning on going to South Ireland, Kinsale near Cork City is lovely, really quaint as is Dingle in Kerry. The ring of Kerry is a must, the weather should be ok in May. Donegal is also gorgeous, you could go there from Galway and travel through Sligo. PM me if you need any info, no problem at all.