3 days in Ireland - where would you go?

Usually I would say to rent a car, but since you are staying in Dublin, take day tours instead. Newgrange is a must - absolutely fascinating. In Dublin there is the University with the Book of Kells and some other amazing old books in the same exhibit. There are other day tours, many others, so I hope you find time to do a little researching to enable you to choose the right one. Have fun!

I have two suggestions. Newgrange and the Boyne River valley are just to the west of Dublin. There are numerous day tours you can get that go there. To the south are the Wicklow Mountains, with Powerscourt, Glendalough, and Avoca. Again, there are plenty of day tours to that area by bus. I always drive, but a short rental could be pricey at that time of year. Check www.discoverireland.com for information about tours, housing, etc.

Since you are going to be in Italy for 16 days before your return thru Dubs - you may be a little tired, so be flexible.

You may want to bag the rental car idea and base yourselves out of or near Dublin. Do a day trip or so, but think about spending the rest of the time really enjoying Dubs... it has alot to offer - musuems, the goal, irish writers mues... etc.. One of the best ways to see Dublin is using their public transport double-deckers that are used by the locals. You may want to see about getting theatre tickets and see an original irish play one evening.

If you have a Boarders book store they carry the Irish Times; which always have advanced information about irish theatre.

:)

Sally, If you enjoy live theater check on the Abbey and Gate theaters. They have very good plays, many of which are by Irish authors. Include the Gaiety in this list.

Let's not forget the 'Olympia'

Rent a car, do Glendalough via Sally Gap (Heather will be in full bloom) Powers Court, stay a night in Kilkenny, and whatever you find in between

I also suggest Newgrange.It was one of our Ireland highlights.

I've taken the Newgrange tour. I went with BusEire. I purchased the ticket the evening before at the bus station. It was a good and affordable daytrip, we saw a lot but weren't rushed.

Glendalough. It is very peaceful there and very scenic.

Ive been south of Dublin and also North. I also suggest Newgrange.

You must see Newgrange! You could do daytrips to Newgrange,Powerscourt or Glendalough, and a day in Dublin. If you're staying in Dublin you can do theater and sightseeing in a day and in the evenings after the daytrips. Kilkenny is great, but I think it's a little far for a day trip.