I'm planning a trip to Ireland and I need help

IEatChildren

Senior member
Jul 4, 2003
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I'm starting my planning early. I'm going in January or February. I promised my boss I wouldn't leave until after christmas because that's the busy season at cmdstore.com (shameless advertizing :D In case you're interested).
Anyway, I should be staying there anywhere between 2 weeks to a month.
I'm looking for people who'd like to show me around a little, a day or two. I should be travelling a lot over this period of time. I haven't been able to meet too many irish people on the net for some reason. Most likely the time difference is responsible for that. Anyway, if anyone knows of any sites where I can meet some people or some boards that would help, that would be appreciated.

Right now, my brother works for Vacances Air Transat, which is a pretty big travel company. He books cruises, but he's got travel agent training, and is slowly rising in the company. He can help me find good rates for almost any flight, so that's not really a concern. My concern is really where to visit, which areas are more/less interesting, where can I take good pictures, have a pint with some good people, and all-in-all have a jolly time.

Now I know winter isn't the best time to go there, but then again, I live in Quebec, so I KNOW winter isn't as bad over there as it is here. If I enjoy my stay, I'll probably be returning some time in the summer, after I've quit my job.

Also, if there are any irish folk who would like to help me out, show me around a little, perhaps give me a roof for a day or two, it would be much appreciated. Not that I won't be carrying money around. I can pay for my stay, it's not a problem. But I'd much rather stay with someone friendly than stay at a hotel.

This will be my first self-planned-and-self-paid trip, considering I'm 21 and I only started making my own money 2 1/2 years ago. And BTW I know this probably isn't the best place to look for help, but I gotta start somewhere.

If someone wants to reach me, PM should do, otherwise email @ crimson@ikillclowns.com
 

integratrix

Member
Sep 18, 2002
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I definitely recommend renting a car and doing a self-drive tour (that is, if you can't find any locals to show your around). Ireland is huge and if you are driving, don't underestimate travel times - roads aren't that great, so it'll take a long time to get from point a to point b, even though they look close on the map. I know www.sceptreireand.com offers some pretty good deals on self-drive tours where you can stay at farmhouse bed and breakfasts which are run by the locals - great way to get to know people and get a taste of Irish hospitality. When I visited Ireland last winter (it wasn't *too* cold, but definitely bring a warm jacket), we did a lot of the West coast - the Dingle Peninsula which is a gorgeous coastal drive, and did a lot of the Western counties. I definitely recommend staying one night in a castle (we stayed at Dromoland Castle) if you have extra funds, and probably going to a Medieval Banquet - they have them at various sites, and we went to Bunratty Castle for a medieval banquet - kinda hokey, but definitely worth it. Also, the pub experience at night is great - right next to Bunratty Castle in County Clare - is this great pub that's quite popular called Dirty Nelly's - they usually have live music, and just a nice jolly atmosphere. This is all relevant if you're going for more of the traditional and calm Irish lifestyle. If you're looking for more city life, go to Dublin. I don't know what else to tell you - there's honestly so much to do in Ireland... but I definitely recommend checking out the packages and information that Sceptre Ireland has to offer. Good luck, and drink lots of Guinness! (It's so much better in Ireland and England than in the States).
 

TheCorm

Diamond Member
Nov 5, 2000
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I would suggest that when you get there....go to the local tavern, make sure it's a village one, look around for old fashioned looking farmer types with their mugs of guiness etc....walk into the centre of the room, cough and start sprouting off things like "bejeesus...heloooooo....i tell ya.....to be sure" etc in your best irish accent loudly.

Seriously though....visit the forests south west of Cork...very tropical and Dublin is great for partying on the east coast....also visit Craggy Island.
 

Mingon

Diamond Member
Apr 2, 2000
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Dont spend to long in dublin, overrated imoh. And the religous anti abortion protests are not nice.
 

IEatChildren

Senior member
Jul 4, 2003
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Well I should be going pretty much all over the place, so I won't have time to stay anywhere more than a couple days. My agenda isn't all planned out yet. I' gonna have to figure out a route that'll let me see the most in the time I spend there. The problem for now is that I'm not sure yet whether I'll be staying 2 weeks or a month.
One thing I know, this trip will definitely be a good excuse to get a new camera.
 

TMPadmin

Golden Member
Jul 23, 2001
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Originally posted by: integratrix
Good luck, and drink lots of Guinness! (It's so much better in Ireland and England than in the States).

I'm all for drinking Guinness but I went to the Guinness brewery and didn't find much of a difference in the Guinness there to a Properly poured Guinness here in the States. However, I frequent Irish pubs here who take pride in their Guinness, how it's poured, keep the lines clean, proper temp. So I'm a Guinness Snob! ah heck off!

If you are going to drive yourself take the Ring Of Kerry. I should post some pics but I'm too lazy, that web site has plenty. Pretty much anywhere you go in Ireland you will find something fun or beautiful.
 

integratrix

Member
Sep 18, 2002
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I've heard that the difference lies in the water used - the Guinness in England/Ireland is much sweeter for some reason. But yes, properly pouring Guinness definitely does make a difference.
 

Mookow

Lifer
Apr 24, 2001
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Unless you bring me back some Paddy's and a case of Smithwick's (practically everything else I drank in Ireland I can buy here, but those two aren't sold in the USA as far as I know), I'm not helping!
 

pyonir

Lifer
Dec 18, 2001
40,855
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Smithwick's is EXCELLENT beer. Wish i could get it here...:(

Make sure you visit the Cliffs of Moher. Get down to Waterford and Cork, and I had a great time in Galaway. I didn't care for Limerick much...but that was just me. Stay away from Adare...as it is just an overpriced tourist trap. Someone mentioned the Dingle Peninsula...i second that. Ring of Kerry is wonderful as well, as has been mentioned.

Just stay in a lot of smaller towns and you'll get the real experience of Ireland. I like Dublin a lot, but it is a big city, with big city atmosphere. I would also recommend one of the tourist type bus trips. I took a three day trip with a company called Paddy Wagon tours...and it was the best part of my trip. The driver had an intercom and told us a lot about the history of Ireland and we went all over the country. I know there is a 5 day tour as well which i wish i would have been able to go on. Check those companies out...they are a lot of fun (you meet a ton of people on them too).

Good luck and have a lot of Guinness, Smithwick's and fun! :D
 

IEatChildren

Senior member
Jul 4, 2003
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I figured Dublin would be interesting. I generally like the big city impression. Also I hear that Dublin is a very young city, population wise, which is a plus for the young tourist that I am.
I was looking to do the solo thing on the trip, being that I don't like to follow limits that tours usually impose. I might end up going with a friend, which could be cool, but my friends want to go elsewhere. I figured if I got enough information on sights to see and places to go, I'd be pretty well off on my own.
Also, if anyone happens to know where I can find youth hostels or nice inns, that would be cool too.
 

IEatChildren

Senior member
Jul 4, 2003
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Where can I go to get good pictures of the sea and the cliffs overlooking it? Are there any mid to large cities that are more integrated with nature?
Dammit, I wanna see everything, but I'll never have time.