My husband and I will be spending 24 days in Ireland/Northern Ireland in April 2017. I am completely swamped trying to figure out an itinerary. We prefer to stay places 2+ nights minimum and do day trips from that hub. I would greatly appreciate any help with this, as well as ideas of what NOT to bother with.
Thanks.
Posted by
1172 posts
Are you renting a car? What do you like to do? Not do?
Posted by
OP
20 posts
We will have a car. We are seniors, so nothing too strenuous. Not into hiking, etc. Love historic homes - architecture, history in general. Love quirky, off the beaten path, non touristy. Not city people.
Thanks for any help. Joanna
Posted by
Michigan, United States
703 posts
Your first step should be to buy a guidebook for Ireland. Then watch some YouTube videos of some of the places in said guidebook. We ended up going with an organized tour since we'd never been (and our trip is only a little over a week long) but you could use their website to help with your itinerary. We are using CIE Tours but there are many others. Rick also has suggested itineraries for Ireland under Explore Europe. Hope this helps a little.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Thank you. I have the Rick Steves 21 day itinerary - just checking for other, or different, ideas. The You Tube suggestion sounds like a great one - never thought of that. Thanks again. Joanna
Posted by
317 posts
Greetings from Ireland.
The advice from other commentators is great, you need to define a little more what you want to do as 24 day is a good long stretch in my beloved motherland.
I'd recommend about 1 week in the north and 2 weeks in the Republic. maybe try and fit in 5-7 days in one spot though and get a feel for the community. Theres a ton of places to do this but Dingle would be my recommendation. I moved there from beautiful Derry because its so enjoyable and wonderful.
April is a bit low-season so you should be lucky getting a place to rent, or a cheaper long term room in a B&B, airbnb or hotel.
Let me know if you have any more specific questions.
Kindest regards
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland Tour Guide
Dingle and Derry
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Thank you, Stephen. We will certainly include both Dingle and Derry. I think we'll follow your suggestion and headquarter in Dingle for at least 5 days. I have been considering Castlewood House or Pax House. What do you think? Have a favorite we should be considering?
Also it looks like we'll be there over Easter weekend. Will most things be closed? I think we'll be too casual to go to church or out for Easter dinner.
Another question - Can you think of any quirky, non-touristy things we should include anywhere? We love to come home with some pictures and experiences that are unusual!!
Again, thank you for your help. (Are you sorry now that you replied to my plea for help?)