Hi my friend and I are both 19 year old males and traveling to Europe for the first time. Our plan is to spend 7 days in Ireland, 3 or 4 of those days in Dublin. We want to enjoy the nightlife, but also want to experience the countryside. Where else would be good to travel so that we can see and enjoy the countryside?
Posted by
San Francisco, CA
180 posts
Hey Ryan: If you can get yourself to the west coast--which, without renting a car, I'm not sure is easy.. I would think you guys would enjoy Galway-- it's a smaller city than Dublin, but a college town so it has lots of fun bars.
It's very close to the Cliffs of Moher, which is a must see, in my mind.
You can take the train north and south of Dublin to take a few side trips to see something over than the city.
If you don't rent a car, there are also bus tours out of Dublin to Wicklow/Glendalough/Powerscourt.
I suggest heading to the TI when you get to Dublin and picking up a few brochures for different day trips, that will help you get a sense of what you want to see and how much you want to spend.
Posted by
Fort Worth, Texas, USA
34 posts
Galway.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Definitely Galway. Just take the train from Dublin - it's about 3 hours or so. Then you could take the bus or day tours to the Cliffs and Burren.
Posted by
Nomad in the, USA
25 posts
Check out VisitDublin.com for lots of helpful info, including free walking tour podcasts. The Temple Bar area is awesome for nightlife in Dublin. While in Dublin, a day trip to the 5000 yr old passage tombs at Newgrange is highly recommended.
You might consider more time in Galway than Dublin; there's lots to see & do (Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, Croagh Patrick, Athenry walled town & castle, Aillwee & Doolin caves just for starters) Bike rentals are everywhere and are a great way to take in the rugged beauty of the west coast.
There are some popular festivals around Galway, which are fun, but you may need to book accommodations far in advance.
Ireland has excellent public transportation that serves nearly every town; trains are much cheaper if you make reservations mid-week, on-line.
If you post more info about when you are traveling and the types of things you enjoy or are interested in you might get more detailed responses.
Enjoy your journey!
Posted by
Madison, WI, USA
43 posts
If you do rent a car in the Galway area, I would highly recommend the Connemara area as well as the Burren areas.
Posted by
Knoxville TN
115 posts
We just got back from Ireland March 25th. Definitely Galway and not Dublin. There is more to do in the west. Cliffs of Moher and the Dingle Peninsula.It is a much slower paced though, so consider that as well.
Posted by
naches, wa, usa
182 posts
i agree with all of you. outside of the temple bar district, i would get out of dublin and head west young man. galway is a good gateway to the cliffs, it is young feeling and somewhat small, but not too small. i love kilkenny, if you get there you may not want to leave
Posted by
Pearland, Texas, USA
441 posts
I'm going to Ireland in May and spending two weeks in the southwest. Galway has the Trad on the Prom all summer. (it has a website). The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren are worth a look. If you'll only be there 3 or 4 days, you'll be moving fast! Enjoy!