Going to Ireland...

[coll214]

After many years of hemming and hawwing; me and my sister have decided to go to Ireland at the end of May :). We're thinking of doing a 9-day tour that hits a lot of the major places, and then staying an extra night in Dublin... anything anyone can suggest to see?

After that, we're also going to fly to London for 3 nights too and fly home from there, but am also looking for ideas on what to see....

[Winter Storm]

Jealous!!!!!



Is everybody going to Europe this year but me! :mad:

[mishl982]

Is everybody going to Europe this year but me! :mad:
I'm not :p

Have fun Coll!! And yay for finally getting around to planning the trip.

[SmilesSoSweet]

I want to go back to Europe!! I've been to Italy and France and that was Fall of 2000.

I'd love to go to England (Great Britain), Spain, and Germany. I think after this year (when I'm not in anymore weddings) I'm using all my vacation time towards travelling somewhere that requires a passport (and no, not to Mexico or Canada either!)

[coll214]

I've never been and have wanted to go for years... I've only been to Mexico as far as getting the passport stamped!! LOL.

[meatwad]

Kick ass! I'm 99% sure Jess has been. You should talk to her.

[embrassezla]

Definitely do the tour for Tower of London while you're there! And buy tickets ahead of time.

[coll214]

Definitely do the tour for Tower of London while you're there! And buy tickets ahead of time.
ohh, cool beans i'll have to keep that in mind..

Kick ass! I'm 99% sure Jess has been. You should talk to her.
I think you're right meat... i will :)

[meatwad]

VB studied for a semester in London. She said there's at least one pub on every block! :D

[embrassezla]

some practical advice for London: drink the tea you get for free at the hotel, as opposed to going out for tea (unless you are getting dressed up & doing the whole 9 yards), because it is e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e. Also, coke/pepsi is like $5 over there, so be careful how often you order it. Best bet is to stick with water. You could get ill from drinking the tap water, though, so buy several big bottles to keep in your room & fill up smaller bottles & take with you.

[Empressallie]

Dublin is a lot like Boston. Cute cobblestone streets, pubs everywhere, and totally overpriced (seriously! bring a lot of cash!). I was only there for 4 days but it did not disappoint. It was exactly as I pictured it. The countryside was my favorite. Old craggy castles and green pastures. Its so idyllic.

As for activities in Dublin, I enjoyed the writer's museum and Trinity college (see the book of Kells there I think). Go out in Temple bar and watch the drunk Irish guys in their glory ;)

I know they speak English for the most part over there, but I couldn't understand much of what they were saying!

[meatwad]

Dublin is a lot like Boston. Cute cobblestone streets, pubs everywhere, and totally overpriced (seriously! bring a lot of cash!). I was only there for 4 days but it did not disappoint. It was exactly as I pictured it. The countryside was my favorite. Old craggy castles and green pastures. Its so idyllic.

As for activities in Dublin, I enjoyed the writer's museum and Trinity college (see the book of Kells there I think). Go out in Temple bar and watch the drunk Irish guys in their glory ;)

I know they speak English for the most part over there, but I couldn't understand much of what they were saying!

Mickey: Ah, sav yr brea fer cooln yer podge. Na, lak...righ. She's terrily parshl ta da perwink bluboss. Have I made muself clear, lads?
Turkish: Yeah, that's perfectly clear, Mickey. Just give me one minute to confer with my colleague.
[to Tommy]
Turkish: Did you understand a single word of what he just said?

[coll214]

Dublin is a lot like Boston. Cute cobblestone streets, pubs everywhere, and totally overpriced (seriously! bring a lot of cash!). I was only there for 4 days but it did not disappoint. It was exactly as I pictured it. The countryside was my favorite. Old craggy castles and green pastures. Its so idyllic.

As for activities in Dublin, I enjoyed the writer's museum and Trinity college (see the book of Kells there I think). Go out in Temple bar and watch the drunk Irish guys in their glory ;)

I know they speak English for the most part over there, but I couldn't understand much of what they were saying!
LOL, good to know... I went to college w/ a couple of guys from Ireland, and we all could have sat their all day listening to them :p

[Rusalka]

some practical advice for London: drink the tea you get for free at the hotel, as opposed to going out for tea (unless you are getting dressed up & doing the whole 9 yards), because it is e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e. Also, coke/pepsi is like $5 over there, so be careful how often you order it. Best bet is to stick with water. You could get ill from drinking the tap water, though, so buy several big bottles to keep in your room & fill up smaller bottles & take with you.


I agree about the expense of everything. it is hard to eat cheaply here unless you know where to go. Don't bother eating or drinking in or around Leicester Square - unless you want to throw money away! Soho is ok though: good choice and reasonable prices.

I have NEVER heard of anyone getting ill from tap water in the UK. Never never never. It's clean!!! However, it might taste different from the water you're used to, and the air can seem a bit polluted if you're not used to it, but that probably wouldn't make you ill as such.

Take advantage of the FREE galleries, if you like art. The National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery next door to it, and the Tate Modern are my favourites. And freeeeeeeeee!

PM me if you have any questions about anything!

[coll214]

Awesome ideas Rus, and thanks i just might!

[embrassezla]

I have NEVER heard of anyone getting ill from tap water in the UK. Never never never. It's clean!!! However, it might taste different from the water you're used to, and the air can seem a bit polluted if you're not used to it, but that probably wouldn't make you ill as such.

I'm not saying it's not 'clean', but all water contains bacteria, and the bacteria contained in tap water in England is different than that in the US, which can make us sick. Traveller's diarrhea can be caused by exposure to bacteria your body isn't used to.

[Rusalka]

yes, i have heard of that happening ... and i've travelled in various countries and felt unwell - new bacteria and pollution and jetlag and all the foreign food. Also, on a plane you're in the airconditioned cabin with recycled bacteria for X number of hours, which has made me sick in the past. I guess when you are travelling, any number of factors can make you a bit ill ...

Coll, I haven't been to Ireland but I'd be more than happy to give you London tips :)

[Starsailor]

I'd also recommend seeing Trinity College in Dublin if you're into architecture and whatnot. It's quite nice. I wanted to see the Book of Kells because I'm interested in Celtic history, but it's way overpriced, so I didn't bother. I'm not usually into overly touristy things and prefer to see places on foot whenever possible, but did a bus tour there which was quite helpful because the sites were pretty spaced out. Like most bus tours, it was a hop on, hop off type thing. It's not the cheapest, but if you want to save time and just get a quick glimpse of most of the stuff (say, the Guinness factory...which is also pricey to enter, if you're interested), it's a good option, I think.

As for London, wow, so many options! Hard to see it in so few days, but, some possibilities: If you're into history and literature, could do the British Library (has the magna carta and original copies of classic novels which were neat to see). Take the tube to King's Cross or Euston (or even Russell Sq.) and it's a short walk. I remember the Aquarium being pretty cool. Take the tube to Embankment and walk across the Westminster Bridge (and get a cool up-close view of St. Stephen's Tower). If you're looking to shop for clothes (of course be prepared to pay more), there's of course Oxford Street and Covent Garden (both of which are almost always massively crowded). Covent Garden does have some little speciality shops that are kind of neat though (an old, famous toy store for one - just depends on what you're looking for). Be careful with Garden though, if you go on a Saturday, the tube hours are weird. If you're into Theatre, the museum is there too. If you're into vegetarian/vegan food, there's nearby Neals Yard, which is actually just kind of cool to walk through/to because the paths are so small and there are also some interesting little shops back there. There's Harrod's but I personally much prefer Liberty which is off of Oxford Street (down New Bond, if I remember correctly, but can't be positive). There are some more neat little speciality shops back there too (like a bead shop). If you're into stationary, like I am for some reason, there's a massive Paperchase shop on Tottenham Court Rd. There are the many, many street markets, which you could do if you're going to be in the city at the weekend. If you want to get out of the city, Hampton Court Palace is very cool. Henry VIII lived there. I know you won't be there for long, but, if you're upto it and don't want to go quite as far as Hampton, I also recommend going outside the centre (basically Zone 1 on the tube) to explore. Obviously, I could go on forever!!

I've lived in and been to London many times, so if you have specific questions you'd like to ask, please feel free to PM me. Love the city, so love to talk about it :D

[ebruening]

I'd suggest visiting Connemara and the Burren. The Burren is in Co. Clare, and is absolutely the coolest place I've ever seen. It's gorgeous! I'd stop by Ennis, a town in Co. Clare, as well. I spent several months in Ennis, and loved it. I have some very good friends who live there, and we spent lots of time in Ciaran's pub near the old monastery in Ennis. I loved Dublin, but I'm very, very partial to Co. Galway and Co. Clare. I think they're the most beautiful spots in Ireland :) If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I'm so jealous! I'd love to visit my Irish friends again.

[Rusalka]

co-sign on what Starsailor says. The bead shop (nr Covent Garden) is one of my favourites! I love Neals Yard also. I could go on and on about the shopping alone! If you're into shopping and looking for some London fashions, try Topshop at Oxford Circus tube. That shop has everything that's trendy right now, if you're into fashion and stuff. Great jewellery and candy too. Further to what I said earlier, you might not find inexpensive stuff here - you do tend to pay a little more in London for most things - but you might catch the sales, where you can get excellent reductions.

[coll214]

Awesome everyone, you're all making me want to go right now!!

[Starsailor]

Lol, and making me want to go back! But that's a constant really :)

[blueyes]

Oh, Connemara - I missed it this summer and was a bit bummed (except, now I have an excuse to go back). My sister and I went from Dublin to Cork and the entire trip was AMAZING.

We went through Kilkenny which, while small, was absolutely amazing. If I ever got to live in Ireland, I think I'd live there for a little while at least. Kilkenny Castle is beautiful and they have some amazing portrait art in the upper galleries. The B&Bs there are also NOT overpriced, as opposed to things closer to the larger cities.

I also did London this summer - pricey, but decidedly worth it. I've still got the guide books - which are not the vile touristy ones, but the ones from that guy on PBS - if you want to borrow them. PM me, wif' yo details...yo. :p

[sunshine79]

I agree with ebruening! I spent a semester at UC Galway and I loved that whole Galway/Connemara area. It is so beautiful and peaceful. Downtown Galway is fun and flavorful with neat shops and festivals. We took a ferry to the Aran Islands, that was very cool. If you can, go to Northern Island, it is interesting and eye-opening. We did a day trip to Derry (or Londonderry as some call it) - it was a little scary (I will never forget seeing the huge fences between the Catholic and Protestant sides of town or seeing the guards in trees pointing guns at everyone and speaking to us through the bugs/speakers placed in the trees) but an amazing experience.

[TinyDancer]

Ooh Coll, that's awesome!

I might be heading to London at the end of May. I'm invited to a wedding there, BUT I'm debating going because I have so many trips and weddings next year already. $$$$$

I'll have to keep you posted if I end up going!

:)

[sondra_finchley]

Stay away from Northern Irish men!! They are only bad, bad trouble (where the hell is a wink smiley when you need it! :)).

That being said- avoid the British Museum- its not worth the hassle and its an antiquated design. Better would be the Museum of London in the City. Also, for cheap breakfasts, try getting a bun or something at Benjys, like all the office workers. Or go to Caffe Nero (better than Starbucks). PM me if you want the name of a clean, safe, yet inexpensive BnB in North London (Belsize Park, by Camden Town- suburban in a good part of town, yet near a Night Bus stop and Swiss Cottage Tube - or Hampstead Tube if you choose to hike up that damn hill- they do have a triple, its quite nice, I stayed in it). BRING MONEY- London has a way of mysteriously sucking 20 UKP notes out of your pocket without you even realizing it. Also, try Satsuma (Japanese) or the fantastic Italian place right to the left of it on Wardour St, Soho. Classy dining that honestly wont cost you that much, by London prices. Try Beach Blanket Babylon in Notting Hill (but dont eat there) for a fun drink, or Nordic (by Goodge St. Tube- 25 Newman St.) for Scandinavian beverages and another fun atmosphere. Belgo Centraale in Covent Garden is good for lunch (right by Urban Outfitters in there). Carluccios take away in CG is also good- get sandwich and find a place to sit down somewhere.

[Starsailor]

My boyfriend is Northern Irish and he's wonderful :p

I second what sunshine79 said about visiting the North (or Ulster, if you like), but kind of for a different reason. The political stuff is very interesting, but I am not really comfortable with the idea of viewing those kinds of things (or the murals throughout the region, loads in Belfast) like a spectator. Not to say that's what you were doing, sunshine79! :) If you have the time Coll, a visit up North is worth it, even if you just do the obvious which is visit Belfast. It's kind of the perfectly sized city, especially if you just want to stay in the centre of things - though I would suggest a visit to Stormont (strikingly white building (their somewhat defunct parliament building) surrounded by lush green that you reach by a long and uphill climb through what is for all intents and purposes a park. If it's a clear blue day, the constrasts are amazing) and Cyprus Avenue if you're a Van Morrison fan (besides, you just get to see some of the more residential areas outside the centre) - and it's surrounded by mountains. Some might call them big hills, but either way, it's quite nice. But maybe I'm bias :D Oh, and remember, you'll have to change currency if you go. They won't accept Euros, and vice versa.

Back to London...if you're a foodie, and particularly like Asian (say, Indian) food, take advantage while you're in the city! Kebabs can be found anywhere and I became hooked. There's a place off of Gray's Inn Rd on Clerkenwell Rd I'd go for lunch sometimes, as well as a great sandwich place just a block or so up on Gray's Inn. It's called Food Bazarre (think that's how they spelt it). If you like pressed sandwiches, or just a lot of fresh options, go here!

I don't know if average citizens (for lack of a better term) are allowed in to Temple and the Inns of Court but I thought walking around there was pretty cool. A friend had connections as a soon-to-be-barrister, that's how I got in, but hopefully regular visitors are too. We walked around at night when not many other people were around outside. The feel of the place is nice.

I love the Natural History Museum. In architecture, especially of the main hall or lobby, at least, it surpasses the MET in NYC.

Again if you're a theatre fan, and you have the time, you might even want to look into seeing a show. It's more accessible (in price) in London than in NY and you could see some British legends. I don't know what's on stage at the moment though.

Just a little suggestion - avoid the Leicester Sq, Picadilly Circus area especially at night if you can. It's always PACKED and usually with tourists.

Walk and take the bus whenever possible so you can actually SEE the city. Tube isn't necessarily faster, especially at peak times. Be careful to plan your route on a bus though (or even walking) if you're not naturally good with navigation and easily get turned around. London is so big, even if you get on a bus because it's going in the right direction, it might not be taking you where you actually want to go and you could end up lost. So make sure they stop where you're looking to get off at, or at least along that route and you can walk, tube, or cab the rest of the way. If you're out at night, remember all N buses' routes go through Trafalgar Sq so could head there (if reasonable) to have at least some of your route back taken care of. Last I was aware, N buses don't always come, so something else to remember. Also, while on transport, be careful about cabs. Always make sure it's a legitimate service car.

[sondra_finchley]

But that NI accent! Sweet jesus!

*fans self*

It didnt help either that he was a bad boy academic in a leather coat yet with a soft, sensitive side who had been hurt not a year earlier by some evil woman....

Ok, back to the thread- I second the Natural History Museum- in fact, if you just want to hit up a bunch of museums, then go to that area- the V and A is right across the street, and THATS fantastic too- I saw tonight they are putting up Kylies stage outfits, and they have other historical dresses and interior decor and stuff. Very fun. Nice part of town too, you can see the Albert Memorial and the park and Kensington Palace all down there.

For nightclub- try The Cross in the Kings Cross area ( be safe at night around here). Six disused railway arches all strung together form the club. Fantastic time- and if you are all girls, they will let you in for sure. I had to be hauled out of there once at 3 in the morning on the back of a Lithuanian because my feet hurt so bad from dancing. The End is supposed to be good as well (Holborn area), though there are many quirky little clubs here and there. Get a Time Out or the Evening Standard on Thursdays for the weekend listings.

[spiritedaway]

The one thing I will say about Picadilly Circus is that there are artists who will draw you (a portrait or caricature) from as low as from 5-20 British pounds. They seemed to do a good job for the price and needless to say, a lot of tourists are interested. I think this only happens at night, though. In the states, the only ones I've seen are in the mall and they costs in the upwards of $150 which is way expensive, so if that's something you're interested, that may be worth checking out.

Leicester Sq is usually packed; the vibe in Leicester Square kind of reminds me a little of NYC.

[QUOTE=Starsailor]
Just a little suggestion - avoid the Leicester Sq, Picadilly Circus area especially at night if you can. It's always PACKED and usually with tourists.
QUOTE]

[JamieMarie]

Here are a few places that I enjoyed....and may have already been mentioned by others on the site.

Bunratty (Not sure of spelling) Castle-just right outside of Shannon. At night you get to eat a dinner from a long time ago. You eat with your fingers/get to drink Mead. There are entertainers, kind of like a minstrel/midevil show..the food is good/entertainment is good....Loved it!

Ring of Kerry-wonderful scenery of Ireland Country side.

Dingle Penninsula-I have to say Ireland has some of the most beautiful coast line that I have ever seen.

Cliffs of Moher (again spelling sorry)-wonderful cliffs overlooking the ocean.

Inch Beach-right outside a little town called Dingle (my favorite city)

Lodon Derry- Very interesting city....divided into British/Irish rule and you can see where the divide is based on the different flags/colors on the streets. There are beautiful/paintings/murals on many of the buildings. If you are a fan of U2 this is where the song "Bloody Sunday" came from....a student uprising/protests where many of them were killed. There is a little memorial for them as well.

Croagh Patrick-mountain where many think St. Patrick climbed. I climbed it and hurt for days after. It takes a while and it is a very steep at the top, but well worth it. I can now say I climbed a mountain. Just be prepared...bring a good supply of water/wear a warm jacket/wind breaker...it can get windy at the top. There is a chapel up at the top, but was not open when we got up there...go figure.

Giants Causeway-LOVED IT! Again beautiful ocean/shore. There are rocks shaped like octagons ...just like little steps all over...

My favorite part of Ireland was the west because it had what I thought was more scenery/rural. The north was more developed and had less.


I justed loved Ireland!!!!!!!! I'm ready to go back and am jealous of you!!

[Starsailor]

Causeway, that reminds me....in the north there's also the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. It costs to cross, but it's right on the b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l coast of Co. Antrim. It's in Ballintoy which is where my boyfriend is from - the entire region is breathtaking. There are certain times when it's open and I can't remember from your original post when you're going, but check out the National Trust site if needed: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-carrickarede/

Also, about Co. Antrim, this site offers good photos: http://www.northantrim.com/northantrimindex.htm

[coll214]

Whew w/ all the places everyone's mentioned, i'm gonna need a month! LOL.

[hazeyd]

i went to Ireland in September and it was fabulous.

My favorite town was Kinsale, lots of history and a really fun town to walk around. If you go I really recommend Don Hirlihy's walking tour.

Also if you want a good tour book, pick up a rick steve's ireland book.

[GreenFolder]

I'm am really interested in seeing where my family is from down in the very tip of dingle. I've been to europe a couple times but ireland is def next on my list, and i'd love to rent a car and just drive all over staying at bed and breakfasts and such. Plus i've seen some crazy sales recently on flights over there, like from DC where i am to dublin is down to like $500 roundtrip on lufthansa's current sale which sounds like a really really good deal. If i'm mainly interested in southern ireland is that where I should be looking at flying in and out of?

[coll214]

Yep from what I've seen Green... either Shannon or Dublin airport seem to be the largest...

[wordsmith]

Depends on if you wanna start your trip out in the country or the city. Flying into Shannon puts you in the West, which is more rural and rugged.

[GreenFolder]

i'm less worried about where i start than spending too much money. if its cheaper to fly into dublin and rent a car i'm all for taking a couple more days off to do it - driving the country sounds fun anyway. ultimately i'm most interested in the southwest - kerry specifically, but if a $500 roundtrip to dublin on lufthansa is the best out there, and it sounds like it is, then dublin it is.