We are doing our first ever RS tour beginning May 10. We are wondering if anyone, especially anyone who has done the RS 14 day tour, has suggestions for things to do in Dublin prior to the beginning of the tour. We will have the late afternoon/evening of May 9, and until 5 PM May 10. There are some specific things mentioned in the itinerary, just don't want to miss anything awesome that might be covered. Not that just hanging out and doing nothing is a terrible plan, but in case we feel like more having some ideas would be great.
Thank you!
Marcia & Dave
Posted by
NM, USA
911 posts
I haven't taken the RS Best of Ireland but did take another company's 2 week tour plus a couple of extra days in Dublin last summer.
I highly recommend the Chester Beatty Library which is actually a museum housing a great collection of religious artifacts, manuscripts, etc. It's located next to Dublin castle and is free. I got more out of this sight than the overcrowded and rushed experience at the Book of Kells.
We also went to the National Museum of Natural History. Again free. Fairly good display. It's over near Merrion Square where Oscar Wolfe's statue is.
Lots of other museums depending on your interests and just having time to stroll Grafton st and St Stephens Green.
You probably won't have time but we also booked a tour of some sites in the Boyne Valley thru Viator.
If you want a reasonable dining option we had a great meal at Gallaghers Boxty house. They have a website with menu, prices etc.
Have fun.
Posted by
Gator country
176 posts
Verify with the RS tour office that you will tour Kilmainham Gaol - even though it is listed on the tour itinerary. My tour listed the jail also but surprise - at out initial meeting the guide informed us we would not be touring the jail due to cruise ships fully booking the tours for the day on our schedule. I've observed similar postings on this forum so it must not have been a one-time thing. I was able to do a tour on my own in the afternoon of the second tour day, but had to wait about 2 hours for a time slot. It’s a great tour so make sure you don’t miss it If your tour isn't going there you can reserve online.
The hop on/hop off bus tour is a good way to see a lot of the city, the ticket was good for 48 hours when I was there. I don't know if that is still the case.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2000 posts
Last year in Dublin I visited Christ Church and walked extensively in Temple Bar. I also went to the National Museum especially for the archeology exhibits and gold jewelry pieces which were exquisite. If you are not visiting Kilmainham Gaol I definitely recommend. I enjoyed just walking through St. Stephen's Park and also Grafton Street. And I loved the statue of Oscar Wilde near Marrion Square.
Posted by
Placerville, ca, us
158 posts
If you get a chance https://www.newgrangetours.com/ is a super tour of a VERY old site.
loved it, was a highlight, kinda wonder why Rick doesn't include it.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14723 posts
I've done the Newgrange tour and it was really neat BUT I don't think you could do that and be back in time for your Meet up at 5PM. You don't want to be late for that.
I enjoyed the National Museum which is not a covered site on the tour. The exhibit on the Bog bodies was fascinating!
You'll also want to spend some time outside in the sunshine in the AM to help with adjusting to jet lag.
Posted by
OP
150 posts
Thanks for all the great ideas-I will do as Ray suggests and contact the RS office to verify exactly what is on the tour so we don't miss the Kilmainham Gaol option. And really, the weather will have a lot to do with how much time we spend outside vs inside at a museum. No matter what, it's going to be an amazing vacation I'm sure.
Posted by
Southport, NC
378 posts
We did the 14 day tour last summer and loved it! We went out to Newgrange through Mary Gibbons tour company. It was fantastic! The bus picked us up near the hotel in the morning and dropped us in plenty of time to change and walk to The Guinness Storehouse for our 6 pm tour.