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Ireland and Italy, France or Spain?

Posted by on

I will be traveling in late May with my husband and two sons, 18 and 21. My 21 year old will be getting done studying abroad in Ireland so he will have seen most of the country. We can fly into Shannon or Dublin and will then spend a few days in Ireland, but are trying to figure out where to go from there for about 4-5 additional days.

I am thinking Italy, France or Spain but open to other suggestions. The boys would not be interested in too much sightseeing at museums and churches and can not just lay on a beach - they need to be active. SO a combination of things would be great. Maybe the Lakes Region of Italy/Switzerland if there are water activities.

Open to suggestions!

Posted by
28073 posts

You don't have a lot of time, so for me logistics would be a big factor. At the very least, you want to go somewhere on a non-stop flight and not have to spend much time traveling from the airport to reach your actual destination. I'd be trying to convince myself to spend the entire time in Ireland.

One issue with heading to Switzerland is that it is very expensive--not just hotels and food, but also the trains. Sometimes one of the passes (there's a half-fare card, among other possibilities) proves financially beneficial, but on such a short trip, even something as inexpensive as the half-fare card (which I think costs CHF 120) might not pay off.

I believe May is very early for water activities in Europe. Perhaps hiking? There are opportunities for good hikes and walks all over the place.

Posted by
38 posts

Thanks for getting back to me. Unfortunately, we do not have more time to spend, but we have previously been to Ireland for 2.5 weeks so we feel comfortable spending just a few days and then going somewhere new. Leaning towards Italy or Spain (Barcelona), but will have to see. Yes, the Lakes might still be cold but we can always do some hiking as well. Happy travels!

Posted by
375 posts

With only 4/5 days, it seems you'd want to minimize travel time. The month of May can still be cool and spring-like in those locales.

Barcelona might be good as it could be warmer. Fat Bikes Tour (also in many other cities) takes you around and it quite active. There's some hiking near Barcelona. If they want a few hours of beach time, you've got that. But there's lot to see and do.

If they are into soccer, maybe a tour of Real Madrid stadium.

You could have a day trip, like to Girona. We haven't been but they've got medieval walls that you can walk on. Girona tips

Posted by
38 posts

Hi and thanks for the great ideas!!!!! As much as I really want to go back to Italy, I am thinking Barcelona would be a great stop. And yes, big futbol fans!!!!! Going to take a serious look at your suggestions. Seems like Barcelona could be the best of everything!

Posted by
38 posts

Again, thanks! Looks like great apt and location. This will certainly go in my file!

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