Hi all - I spend 3 weeks travelling around with my 18 year old daughter, without a car and thought I would share some info.
Dublin
- saw a hurling match at Croke Park, so much fun
- did the historical walking tour
- museum of archaelogy and the National Gallery - well worth it
- Kilmainham Gaol was so interesting. We stayed in that neighbourhood and it was lovely, easy bus ride into downtown
Kinsale
- the Ghost walking tour was the most fun ever ! Brian and David were fun and so kind. Everyone at the tap tavern were so friendly.
- Walked around the town, St Multose church, there's a nice bookstore in town. Did the Scilly walk
- ate at Dinos and Kitty O'Shea's
- I don't think the the harbour cruise was worth the time
- we stayed out of town a bit at an airbnb which was very good but it is difficult to get taxis in and out of town
Dingle
- stayed at O'Neils B & B, Stephen is so nice, yummy breakfast
- the town is so cute just to walk around
- Ancient Dingle tour with Michael was a great day, so interesting
- Sea dingle boat tour was awesome on a zodiac style boat, to Blasket island, pods of dolphins and some basking sharks
- ate/drank at John Benny's, Chart house for early bird special and Sullivan's courthouse. Great music at Sullivan's and John Benny's
- didn't get to see the stained glass as the hours were different than posted
Doolin
- stayed at Emohrou BB, very nice, out in country
- recommend Ivy cottage for dinner, nice patio and inside ambience is nice, food was delicious
- Irish crafts has a nice selection and the cafe serves some light food and yummy cookies and tea
- the hop on/off bus is no longer in business, if you don't have a car you need to use the Bus Eireann bus to get from cliffs to town that gets very busy and there really aren't any taxis for short distances. I called 6 of them and they only want to do to airport etc.
- although the cliffs are spectacular, if you don't have a car I would give it a pass
Aran
- stayed a night on Inishmore. I would really recommend spending the night
- stayed at Dormer house, nice breakfast and our room was quite large. Alice let us leave our bags before and after we checked out
- rented bikes and went to worm hole and walked around. Scenery is spectacular
- dinner and music at Joe Watty's was fun
Galway
- stayed at Coolin House in Salthill. Lovely room and people. Easy bus ride into town.
- the Galway cathedral is worth a visit
- the city museum is interesting and free
- had afternoon tea at Cup an tea , such a cute place
- just enjoyed walking around the city and the canals
- awesome music at Monroe's tavern
Derry
- stayed at Saddler house, Joan and Peter and their dog Bruno were fun
- just up the street we checked out St. Eugene cathedral and walked through Brooke park
- took the Bogside mural tour that was so insightful
- walked the walls and checked out the amazing stained glass at the Guildhhall
- I wasn't sure about going to an Italian restaurant here but it was recommended. Spaghetti Junction was surprisingly good and filled with locals
Portrush
- Harbour heights BB is in a great location with simple rooms
- it was such a hot day so we spent the afternoon at the beach, ohh is that water ever cold !
- used the Causeway Rambler bus to go to Carrick a Rede rope bridge and the Giant's causeway. Unfortunately if you don't pay to park at the causeway you can't go into the visitor centre
- there is a little marine centre on Bath terrace at the east strand that is worth a visit, especially if you have kids
Belfast
- inside city hall is interesting and has a good exhibit
- city centre with shops and alleys is nice to wander
- checked out the crown saloon for a drink
- dinner at Morningstar pub
- dinner at Pug Ugly's with live modern music
- Titanic - we really enjoyed that for an afternoon
- the Coiste tour and republican museum was a highlight, so interesting
I hope this is helpful for some of you