Travel to Paris & County Cork, Ireland

We've heard not to choose the larger hotel/hotel chains in Paris as they can be quite expensive. Or not. Our favourite hotel in the Gare de Lyon area is an old style Holiday Inn with many rooms high enough that you can catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. We plan ahead and it is often not a lot over €100 a night. I think we did a night on points, too. You can't get much more chain than Holiday Inn.

Given the distances and the locations, air would be your best choice. You could do it by train and ferry but it could take a couple of days. All that open water you have to deal with and getting over or through that little island in the middle. Never been aware of any real difference in transportation cost depending on which country you start in. I would look at an open jaw ticket - into Paris, home from Dublin or the reverse. That would be cheaper than any round trip ticket.

Thank you! Do you have any suggestions as to the best time of year to travel to these areas? I was thinking either June or late September/October.

I agree with Frank that an open jaw (multi-city) ticket would be a good choice. You could fly into Shannon as well as Dublin. Shannon is a lot closer to County Cork. Then fly home from Paris. Or do the reverse. Aer Lingus (Ireland's national airline) has one direct flight between Cork and CDG. If you book well in advance, you can get a cheap fare.

Great info, thanks!
What about accomodations? B&B's (for Ireland), boutique hotels for Paris? What would be best? We are trying to budget but don't want to be too cheap :) We've heard not to choose the larger hotel/hotel chains in Paris as they can be quite expensive. In Ireland, we want to get the "feel" of the country so we're not sure of the options there.

B&Bs abound in Ireland. My wife and I loved the one we stayed in in Kenmare. Gracious hosts, great accommodations, and a wonderful breakfast! My wife and I are budget travelers so the rest of our time in Ireland we stayed in hostels. I think you'll love nearly any B&B in Ireland. In Paris we also stayed in a hostel. When they are released this fall, buy the 2012 editions of Rick Steves Ireland and Paris guidebooks. You'll find plenty of recommendations for lodging, everything from budget on up. You'll want them anyway for suggestions on what to see and do.

Our preferred month of travel is October. The weather is better, cooler and generally dryer. And the tourist crowds are reduced. So I would vote for your Sept/Oct schedule.

Thanks everyone for all the great advice! I think we will plan this trip for Sept./Oct. 2012 (right around my birthday)!