Manchester & Ireland

Manchester is nice, but a visit to Liverpool is a must! Less than an hour away. Birthplace of the Beatles. Great soccer. Amazing and free art galleries. Ferry across the Mersey. Two fabulous cathedrals.

Fly to Ireland via Ryanair or easyjet. Book ahead and you'll get a good price.

Be sure to check the cost of luggage especially on Easy jet, you can pay a lot of money for heavy bags.

Consider chester. Nice walled town, some Roman ruins and an interesting area of double tier shops "the rows", very mediaeval looking. per an earlier inquiry I believe it is doable by train from manchester

Check for concerts at the Bridgewater Hall. The Imperial War Museum (north) is worth a visit if you are into that sort of thing. The Lowry (theatre/galleries) has a web site where you can find out what is on there. I particularly like Manchester Art Gallery. The tourist office at the back of the town hall is very helpful - and the town hall itself, a huge gothic creation, is interesting if you are into architecture. The BBC in Manchester often has live TV shows that you can get tickets for. The science museum is very impressive.
In other words, I'm sure you won't get bored! I second the suggestion for Liverpool on the way to Dublin. I like the Atlantic Tower hotel, near the Liver building - it's not far to the main attractions from there. Also, the flight from there to Dublin is more interesting, as they don't go up so high(!) and the view is better. Roger

Thanks everyone

Being a huge fan of Coronation Street, I'd first vist Salford the inspiration for the street. Then I'd go to Blackpool.