I am on business in southern England (from USA), and have a weekend available. I would LOVE to see Ireland, but I'm not sure where I would get the most for my time. I have 2 whole days (Sat morning to Mon morning). I'm not looking for a jam-packed weekend, but I feel like I could see a bit. I'm looking to spend time in Dublin, but I don't know where or what to see. I could also be convinced to go to another city. Does anyone have any advice?
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1819 posts
If you can fly into Galway and pick up a rental car, you could drive around Connemara over to Clifden or even Westport or take the ferry (don't bother taking your car on the ferry) to the Aran Islands. Both areas are beautiful and not as crowded as the Dingle Peninsula or Ring of Kerry areas. You could also fly into Shannon, enjoy a very touristy but also lots of fun banquet at Bunratty Castle, see the Burren area, possibly drive up towards Galway. Friends tell us Adare Manor is very nice, but we haven't tried it yet. I wouldn't do Dublin-- IMHO, it would be very anticlimatic if you have been visiting London.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
It's easy enough to fly into Shannon. Very nearby are the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, Doolin, Bunratty, etc. You will encounter more of the "real" Ireland in the west rather than in Dublin. Dublin has some interesting things to see, but all in all it's just a big city
Posted by
Westport, Ireland
80 posts
As previous posters mentioned..concentrating in the west - Galway would be my first suggestion. Another one, would be flying into Belfast and staying there. From Belfast, you could head north to the Giant Causeway (an easy day trip) or just stay around the city.
Posted by
Westford, Vermont, USA
33 posts
You could happily spend two days (or two weeks!) in Dublin alone, I'm sure! So, depending on what you like to do and see, you can pick and choose whatever you'd like. I highly recommend this website:
visitdublin.com
This is a fantastic website - very user friendly - that will help you find all sorts of things to do that fit your interests, and will also tell you about places to eat and shop, and about any festivals that are going on, etc.
BTW, I personally recommend the Dublin Zoo. Have a fun time!
Posted by
OP
Seattle, USA
3 posts
Wow, thanks everyone for the advice. Now, if only air traffic could resume over the UK. Otherwise, all this planning could be in vain.