Can some suggest a good 7-9 itinerary for a first trip to Ireland?

Question

I'm 24 and it's my first visit. I obviously want to hit Dublin and Belfast but I'm really interested in mythological and ancient Ireland (I'm neopagan), and history. I know there's gorgous scenery and crashing sea-cliffs all over the place, so perhaps which to focus on? Thanks!

Answer 1

south of dublin 45 minutes by bus (private company not state run) is glendalough with its amazing round tower is a national

park quiet enough even in peak tourist season 1 hotel and 1 hostel book in advance.

north of dublin is newgrange where once a year on the solstice the morning sun shines through to the center of this

cliff fort.

i could go on all day but for ancient ireland the west is always

best counties clare/galway/mayo/kerry/donegal are full of ancient ireland enjoy

Answer 2

I'd head west to co. Clare, Galway and Donegal where there are still gael-taecht (Irish-speaking areas) and lots of ruins.  

Southern Ireland (co. Waterford and Kilkenny) also has a lot of pagan/druid elements.  

Closer to Dublin is co. Meath which is great if you are interested in pagan past -- Hill of Tara, Hill of Slane and other important spirtual sites..  (other sites near Ardee and Dundalk).  

Ireland is a small country so easy to get around and see places but you should probably pick one region to explore more fully rather than trying to go all over.  You can fly to Dublin or Shannon (Shannon is better for western Ireland).

Here's a few websites for you to read further.

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AL...

http://homepage.eircom.net/~ancientirela...

http://www.meath.ie/Tourism/Heritage/Her...

http://www.triskelle.eu/tourism/todomeat...

there's lots of other websites and guidebooks aimed at people interested in Irish history so you'll find lots