Hi All, Had originally planned to fly to Shannon or Galway . but ended up in/out of Dublin. Any suggestions for 1 night in Dublin for 50y.o. couples, happy with hotel or hostel. We really want to experience the local Irish lifestyle, singalongs, music and pubs. Is it too far to go to the sthwest coast or should we explore around Dublin countryside? Best car hire also? thanks Steve
Posted by
Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
606 posts
With just 4 days, I don't think you should spend roughly half your time there just traveling to the southwest and back.
You should stick to the east.
We always had good luck having the hotel arrange for car rental. They will know a good locally-owned place (probably a cousin) who will get you set up.
Or, if you want to set it up in advance, check Auto Europe. They will shop several agencies and get you the best deal they can get.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
There's plenty to explore right around the Dublin area for four days. I did a short trip once similar to yours. My flight arrived around 9:00, and I spent my arrival day at Newgrange and Monasterboice, staying in Navan. The next day I drove to the Wicklow Mountains, where I saw Glendalough, Avoca, the Meeting of the Waters, and stayed in Arklow. The next day I drove back along the coast road to Dublin, getting back on the motorway at Wicklow town. The last full day and part of another before my outgoing flight, I spent in Dublin. You might not want to move around that much, and there are plenty of things to see as day trips from Dublin.
Posted by
Safety Harbor, FL, US
23 posts
Hi there-We enjoyed 2 nights at Four Courts Hostel in Dublin and found good pub in nearby Temple Bar area. (I'm in my 40's-my husband's in his 50's-we were some of the oldest folks at hostel but nobody cares and the price and location was great.) Driving out of Dublin was challenging, but once we got on the highway toward Newgrange it was great. We stayed at the Newgrange Hotel-beautiful and very relaxing after Dublin, which is a young and bustling city. Highly recommend a visit to that area-Hill of Tara-lovely and full of history!
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
Id also suggest the Newgrange area.It was one of our Ireland Highlights.Id get a car at the airport upon arriving and spend 2 days then drop car and spend last two days in Dublin.
Posted by
athlone
6 posts
with four days you could easily spend 2 in dublin and then on the evening of the second drive down the coast and go to either rosslare ( a popular beach town) or more in land to killkenny, both would be only a few hours drive and the roads are good.
i know there is a hotel called kellys in rosslare thats supposed to be very nice, in dublin you could even rent and apt in the centre for a good price.
in dublin try to get to johhny foxes thats where you will find great food and irish dancing, in temple bar there is also a few other bars that would be good, you could even do a literary pub crawl which is a great way to see a bit of dublin!