We are thinking about this tour for 2017. We are a working couple so we need to be efficient. Would two extra days in Dublin before the tour and one extra day in Belfast at the end of the tour be satisfactory? Thanks for your input.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Only you can determine if it is satisfactory. Will two extra days plus any time spent in Dublin on the tour allow you to see what you want to see (same for Belfast at the end)? You need to look at what you might like to do in Dublin/Belfast, then see how much of it will be included in the tour. Then you can determine what other things you need time for, then we can advise on what kind of time those require. Without knowing what is on the tour, you run the risk of leaving not enough time, or too much. What does the tour cover for Dublin?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Tim,
How much extra time to spend will depend to some extent on what you want to do in Dublin and Belfast. Are there sights that you want to see there that won't be covered on the tour? One extra day in Belfast won't provide much time to actually see anything, once transportation time is deducted.
Definitely arrive in Dublin at least two days prior to the tour, as you'll need time to get over jet lag. That also provides an opportunity to see sights that won't be covered on the tour.
That's a wonderful tour, and I'm sure you'll have a great time. Hope you like Guinness!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14039 posts
I agree with at least 2 days up front and yes, do some looking at what else is available that you might want to see in Dublin.
I did a full-day's tour out to Newgrange and Hill of Tara which was terrific. This was not covered on the tour and I enjoyed it immensely!
My tour was before they changed the itinerary so we wound up back in Dublin and left the day the tour ended.
Have a terrific time!
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2199 posts
We just finished the 8 day Ireland tour that ended in Dublin. I know we wished we had spent more time in Dublin. The current itinerary for the 14 day tour lists Kilmainham Gaol as a "maybe,. It was something we had to do on our own, but really worth it. We also did the traditional Irish music pub crawl that RS recommends on our own and thought it was good, but better if you start your tour in Dublin than end there ( as we did). It explains the music culture of the pubs and adds to the appreciation of the music you'll see on the tour. Check your itinerary to see if you are going to do Glasnevin Cemetary because that was really fascinating and we would have loved more time there. Also, if there are any hurling or Gaelic football games being played at Croke Park, that would be a real adventure. So, yes, 2 additional days in Dublin would be a great idea.
Posted by
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
740 posts
I did the 14 day tour in 2011 with tour guide extraordinance, Stephen McP. I came in one day early and spent the free day at a hurling match at Croke Park. GAA Museum well worth a visit.
This year I went back to Dublin to see some things I didn't see before and to spend more time at a couple of others.
- Glasnevin Cemetery. Once you know some of the basics of Irish history, the visit to Glasnevin is amazing. Easy to get to onethe public bus.
- Kilmainham Gaol. Though the tour went to Kilmainham on the way out of Dublin, I wanted to spend more time in the museum parts. It was completely redone done since 2011 and really warrants an extended visit. Make sure to make your reservations in advance.
- Musical Pub Crawl. I missed this the first time around. Very enjoyable experience this year.
I went back to the Book of Kells again this year. I could have skipped it. Its an essential place to visit once, but not worth a return visit, IMO.
Lots of 1916 Rebellion events and exhibits if you are going this year.
I stayed at Trinity College this time around. Trying to relive my youth, I guess. Very economical if somewhat spartan.