IRELAND!

[NewTraveller]

Hello everyone! You guys helped me sort out ideas for France and now I need help with Ireland. Again, it will be me with 2-3 other girls going for a week at the end of August. We'e flying into Shannon and out of Dublin, so we know we'll be visitng Limierick, Dublin and probabaly one other city. Hopefully we'll get to see Northern Ireland.

Any recommendation for places to see or an extra city to visit...I here Cork is a good place to visit.

Also, any info on where to sleep? My friends have read that there are few hostels and even less under international recognition? Bed & Breakfast's apearently book for about 2 people at a time and may be cheaper to get a hotel and split the cost? Info anybody?

P.S. we're thinking of renting a car and driving around Ireland.

[madamtrashheap]

NewTraveller, have a search through the boards (back as far as last year) as Ireland comes up a lot as a destination.

For places to visit, here's a list: Galway and the Connemara park, Dingle and the western peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Ring of Kerry, Kilkenny, Kilarny...that's just a start. If you start in Shannon, you can choose the places around there and make your way up the west then back over to Dublin. A week goes fast, and make sure you allow at least 2 days in Dublin.

Cork would be lower on my list than say Dingle or Galway, but I understand if you want to visit Blarney Castle, Cobh, etc.

Here's a Post about accommodation: pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&n=1&thread=2949 .

Driving around will give you the chance to explore places that don't have train access and without the restictions of a bus timetable.

Happy travels!

[Jules80]

i've only been to dublin but there are loads of hostels there!

[NewTraveller]

Thanks for some of these suggestions! Is driving difficult in Ireland...in terms of getting adjusted to driving on the other side of the road, understanding roadsigns, ect.? Is a driver license from home sufficient to drive in Europe?

[Eagle]

NewTraveller,

Is driving difficult in Ireland

Driving can be somewhat challenging at times in both Ireland and the U.K., as in many of the "rural" locations the roads are quite narrow compared to North American standards. Roads along the coast sometimes run along steep cliffs, and are quite winding. Being on a narrow country bridge trying to squeeze by a very large Lorry can be a bit intimidating, to say the least!

In addition to the roads, there's the "adjustment" of driving on the other side of the road, using roundabouts, and making turns in the different direction to what one is used to (ie: turning left doesn't involve crossing traffic, the same as turning right in N.A.). I happened to be watching a Rick Steves travel show on Ireland the other day, and even he admitted that driving in Ireland can be a challenge!

I believe some road signs in Ireland have Gaelic in addition to English, but they shouldn't be hard to understand. Before driving in the U.K., it's also a good idea to become familiar with the "protocol" for using roundabouts.

Your "home" driver's license should be adequate for driving in Ireland, however for trips on the continent it's a good idea to have an International Driving Permit, due to language issues and somewhat different road signs (except for "Stop"signs, which seem to be universal). Note that an IDP must be used in conjuntion with your home license; it's not a "license" by itself.

If you do decide to rent a car, be especially careful with parking as overtime parking can be very costly. If you return to your car and find that it's been "booted" or towed, get out your wallet! It's a bit of a nuisance to have a car in the cities due to parking costs, vandalism, etc. Most large cities have excellent public transit, so there's no need for a car. Finally, be sure to reserve a vehicle with automatic transmission, as most rental fleets will probably only have a few of that type (most vehicles in Europe are manual transmission, but keep in mind that you'll be shifting with your left hand).

I'm also planning a visit to Ireland this fall, but will be taking a tour so that I can "leave the driving to them". That also makes it easier to have a wee pint of Guinness during the trip, without worries about "DUI".

Cheers!!!

[nicolet]

Hey - I live in Galway for 6 months and I would recommend going there. There are a few hostels off the main street- Market Street I believe. But there are alot of day trip from the city and a lot of pubs, bars, and clubs for night. Have fun I love Ireland!