Ireland or Normandy for 5 days?

Laila,

What a delightful choice you have to make! Both places sound wonderful. I've been to Ireland twice and LOVE it, so I'd recommend Ireland. Beautiful countryside, fascinating history, and the friendliest people you'll ever meet! We've always rented a car, though, so not sure what to recommend without that. Once you get used to driving on the opposite side of the road, it's really not that big a deal. You can take bus tours out of Dublin, though, but still, I'd recommend a car. The Wicklow Mountains, south of Dublin, are beautiful. The Rock of Cashel is also a must-see, but not easy to get to without a car. The Dingle Peninsula is on the west coast (3-1/2 - 4 hours from Dublin), but is so, so cool. Anything on the west coast of Ireland is just gorgeous.

If you decide on staying in France, I enjoyed day trips from Paris while I was there, like Chartres, Versailles, etc., and that countryside is beautiful, too. I've not explored Normandy, but I'll bet it's wonderful.

Enjoy!

Wendy

Thanks for your tips, Wendy!

Provence is another option, but again - I am not comfortable driving a car on my own with no help from a 'navigator' in a new place. :-(

Going to Dublin is more expensive than train to Provence, and I only have around 5 days. So that is another consideration too...

We were in Normandy this past September. Although we had a car, you can get around by train. You might consider going to Bayeaux and taking a tour from there to MSM. You could also go to the D-Day beaches on a tour. Plus there's the cathedral and the tapestry to see. There's a good 3 days. You could spend the other two in Rouen. If you haven't been to Giverny, that's another option. Go review the France forum for lots of transportation guidance. I haven't been to Dublin, but you'll kill the better part of two days messing around with transportation.

Normandy! Mont St Michel! My teenaged son and I took a took a day trip from Paris (Fat Tire Bike Tours-though it was a train and a van) to visit Bayeux and the Normandy Beaches. Very moving-a highlight of our week in Paris. Very comfortable small group of 8. The second I had planned alone. There are tours that go from a Paris (I recommend a train-can meetup one.) There was an unfortunate glitch with the tickets so I did not make it to Mont St Michel-but everything I read and have heard about it makes me determined to try again. I have some working French, but never did I feel I needed it to survive these ventures. So, in sum, I'd highly recommend if you're based in France-see the highlights. Ireland is another day. ( though admittedly-what awesome options!) Enjoy your trip either way!

I would stay in France, learning a few words of French, and giving it a chance. Those destinations are quite tourist- and English-friendly. A train ticket to Provence (and most long-distance trains) can be cheap to buy now but expensive closer to your travel dates. You already have good choices on your list without covering so many miles. A train to the Loire Valley is also relatively short and the area has local bus and tour companies operating in summer.