Begin 2 begin...

Corky,

My preference would be a direct flight from the west coast to Shannon, rather than flying to the east coast and then leaving on the following day. In terms of minimizing jet lag, I prefer to get the travel out of the way as quickly as possible so that I can start touring.

You might want to speak with a Travel Agent regarding flights from your area to Shannon. Travel insurance (especially medical insurance) is a good idea. You'll have to decide if baggage or trip cancellation insurance is worth the cost.

I wouldn't bother with a "Planner", as you should be able to manage quite well by using Europe Through The Back Door, the Ireland Guidebook and the net (including the helpful group here).

Travel in late Sept. / early Oct. should be fine, although no guarantees of course. I've been in Ireland at that time of year, and for the most part the weather was quite nice.

Good luck with your planning!

Whenever possible we like to fly non-stop. It is easier and often less expensive. Use the travel websites to help you locate a desirable flight and then book it directly with the airline. Check long and often about the price, they change all the time. Flying mid-week will usually be less expensive.
Opinions vary about health insurance but most agree that if you want it you should buy it independently-not from the airline. See: insuremytrip.com. Remember that Ireland has public health service.

Shannon is a small airport which will make your arrival a little less hectic than some.

If you can fly non-stop, great! My primary concern about that coming from the west coast like you are is that you MUST get up many times during the flight and move around. Deep vein thrombosis is a real threat--not an internet folktale. I flew from Texas to Germany last year with a cardiac care nurse who was very adamant about getting up and moving around a lot on the flight. If you DO decide to break up your flight, there are direct flights from JFK to Shannon. For mid-September the Aer Lingus flight from JFK to Shannon is $619 on Expedia.

Corky,
Unless you have a reason to leave from the East coast, like visiting someone or business, you'd be better off leaving from the "left" coast. I don't think PDX has any non-stop flights to Ireland. Best chance would be out of SeaTac, British Airways, United or similar. It's been 4 years since our last trip to Ireland so not up to speed on details. We try to limit our flights to one-stop max. Prefer non-stop. Took too many flights with multi-stops just to save a few bucks. No more.

If price is a factor, then 1st/Business are probably out. Yes, it's nice to fly that way but it's never been in our budget. If someone else pays for it then go that way.

By the way, we all have been first timers at some point. You won't get answers if you don't ask.

Trip time: All three of our trips to Ireland were in the Sept/Oct frame. We always had a mix of some sunny days and some showers. There is a reason they have so many colors of green. It probably won't be hot unless they have a real freak day.

The good side of that time of year is that lodging availability will be easier to find.

Keep those questions coming.

I shop for the shortest total hours of travel.

From San Diego, I caught a British Airways that did a short stop in Phoenix (we didn't get off the plane) before continuing to London.

From Spokane, I caught a flight to Minneapolis and transferred to a non-stop to Amsterdam.

If non-stop isn't an option from Portland, I would avoid an intermediate stop that has a ton of traffic/potential for problems such as Chicago or JFK. I've stopped in these and survived but it doesn't make the trip more enjoyable.

Each stop adds time especially when you need to change planes. Stops make the trip more grueling and increase the chance of missing a flight or losing luggage (if you don't carry on).

I prefer sleeping on the plane and arriving in the morning then coming home as late as possible so I don't have to rush to the airport.

Hi, Corky. The flights from the West Coast take a semi polar route, so are only 9+/- hours. Go for the non-stop, unless you specifically want to spend a couple days in London/Paris, etc etc.

As for first class our business, to give you an idea: Seattle to London on British air $800-1200 in coach (sometimes cheaper) $4k for business class (yes that's one ticket), and $13k ish for first class. (yes that's for one ticket also).... if price is a factor...