I am planning a trip to Ireland & UK leaving March 18,2008. We are traveling with our girls ages 12 & 14. Leaving US on Northwest, flying to London changing to AerLinus on to Dublin. We are planning to stay with friends in Dublin then driving south toward Killarney area to another friends place near Limerick. I want to explore on the way different sites so I have not planned accomodation over the Easter weekend as not sure where we will be. Any suggestions? Also I am having some problems packing as the airlines have such restrictive weight limits. I want to follow Rick Steves suggestion to only take carry on luggage & pack light. Seems like a hard task considering restrictions for 4 people. We leave from Shannon on Ryanair to London on 3/27/08. HELP!!
Posted by
westminster, md, usa
196 posts
Darlene: Sounds like a fun trip. You may want to check out: discoverireland.com. The site should be helpful for accommodations or you can spend time in the local Irish Tourist Board location booking an accommodations, however, this will take time out of your trip. I suggest that you decide what 'area' you will be in and book before you go. This will keep you on track.
In regards to luggage, Rick's ideas are good especially in the summer, however, you will be in Ireland in early spring weather with 4 people including 2 teenagers you will need to be realistic and check luggage. Be sure to take a good moisture proof/windproof jacket. Its the wind that will cut thru you.
Posted by
OP
Pray, MT, USA
5 posts
Thank you for your comments. Confirms my first instincts about luggage & time of year.
Posted by
Baltimore, MD, USA
67 posts
Darlene,
One thing that helped with my packing was something I purchased on Rick's store but you can also get locally at a department store. They are plastic bags that you can put clothes in and then squeeze the air out of and seal. That was really helpful for my 2 sweaters and 2 pairs jeans. I agree with Claregirl, with several people you will need to check luggage. I checked a bag and carried on a small knapsack/day bag and a tote bag with a few necessities in case my luggage went astray and also my journal and camera.
If you are going from Dublin to the Killarney area you might think about the Rock of Cashel in Kilkenny County. It is spectacular and well worth the time.
Also, if you are in Killarney it is not too big a trip to go to Dingle - the peninsula is great and the music in Dingle city is also wonderful.
Have a GREAT time! I will be there in September for 2 weeks and I can't wait.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA
5 posts
We will also be travel in Ireland in mid to late March and with the weather, we will definitely have to check bags this time. We still limit our luggage to one medium check-in and one carry-on. Mostly because we will be renting a car and they tend to be small on the luggage capacity. We take enough clothes for 1 week and have our laundry done at a "fluff and fold" while we are out sight seeing during the day. I've been checking the weather and it seems to vary from the very low 50's during day to the 30's at night.