Help request! Planning a trip to Ireland for my mother's 60th birthday?

Question

Where to go (castles, cities, landmarks, natural geography), what to see (Waterford, Blarney Stone, etc), best dates (to avoid the tourism rush but still get good weather and events), where to stay (BnB's, interesting hotels, etc), what to avoid (traffic areas, pickpockets' favorite locales, etc), best transportation options (special airfare deals, best way to get around while there, etc), anything most people miss or forget....

Thanks for all of your help!

This is her birthday present from her three children. She's never been out of the US (getting her passport now), admires her Irish roots and heritage, and has always wanted to "return to the motherland". I hope we can make this a special experience!

I think we'll stick to a 7-12 day time-frame, depending on what we can schedule, and what "can't-miss" options we find.

Thanks again!!!

Answer 1

Hi to get the most out of your time there I would fly into Shannon Ireland and see County Clare and Connemarra.  Then maybe end your trip in Dublin and fly out of Dublin Airport.  If possible

Best time to go is May near the first of June.  More tourist rush in the end of June until October.  Book flights now since it can be more expensive nearer your trip.  I have found AA has 650 yo 700 round trip.  With only one stop in the US.  If you are near a Aer Lingus hub like Chicago then take Aer Lingus really cheaper and good airlines.

Use Kayak.com for flights because they include the fuel taxes too and I have found good deals on my flights to Ireland. (I go every year)  

If there is enough of you I would look into a holiday rental for housing some can be cheaper than getting hotel.  If not B&Bs are nice clean and you will get a Full Irish Breakfast with hotels or B&Bs it is complimentary.

County Clare has the Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch Beach and Golf, Ailwee Caves, The Burren, Bunratty Castle, Craggenouwen, Galway and Kylemore Abbey is nearby to see with a ride through the country side of Conemarra which is beautiful.  Ennis and Quin Abbey and Spanish Point.

Then going South you have Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, and you can go around into Dublin see Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Book of Kells, and either choose to catch a flight from Dublin back home or go back through Shannon.

You will not have to worry about traffic areas except for Dublin can get hairy.  No pickpockets that I have seen.  Even with walking through Galway.

Forget travelers Checks you can use your atm card and it automatically exchanges for EURO.  Be prepared for the change in US TO EURO

American Express Travel can do the exchange before you go.

http://www.ireland.ie/,

http://www.travelinireland.com/tours_ire...

or contact for small tour with a local irish tour driver

http://www.telstravel.com/index.htm

Very reliable.

l

Answer 2

Hi! Theres lots to do nd c in Ireland especially in Dublin bt out of Dublin there r lots of places 2 c like the blarney stone, the rings of Kerry, Knock ( Holy Place were a miracle happened) which is in mayo, the giants causeway , the japaneses gardens, glendalough! There probs the bst places in Ireland!

Dublin has oodles to do! U can go shopping in any of the shopping centres like Dundrum S.C., St.Stephens Green S.C., Liffey Valley S.C, Blancherdstown S.C. You can also go shopping on one of Dublins Most Famous Street called Grafton Street this street include places like the most expensive shop in Ireland Brown Thomas it also includes places to eat like Captain Americas an American Diner were lots of stars nd celebs av eaten like Bono (U2). You can also c some famous sites like Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, The GPO which stands 4 General Post Office the building itself is a few hundred years old nd is still a post office that u can enter nd c all the old pics!You can also get a tour bus. There r different types of Tour Buses the bst ones r the ones that stay in Dublin which show u mst of the key sites in Dublin! Bt the mst fun one 2 me is the Viking Splash Tour Which is a land vehicle that changes in2 a water vehicle; this tour brings u 2 all the key sites in Dublin City nd then @ the end it goes in2 the water nd changes 2 water vehicle! Very enjoyable tour! One of the places it shows u is the house of Bram Stoker the writter nd inventor of Dracula!

By the way i wudn't b vry concerned bout picpockets as long as u dnt go wandering dwn alllyways nd small streets!

There r alot of hotels in Dublin but if u want 2 stay in a luxury hotel u cd stay in the Westbury jst off Grafton Street! (Britney Spears stayed there wen she came 2 Dublin)! u can also stay @ The Gresham Hotel which is on O'Connell Street( Dublins Main Street)! This Street include places like the GPO ,The Spire (Big Huge Metal Landmark(Pole))! Oh... Nd i 4got 2 mention dnt 4get bout the mueseums like The Natural History Mueseum nd the old army mueseum nd if ur in2 it the Dublin Art Gallery!!!!

Hope This Helps

Have A Good Time in Ireland!!!!

Slan agus Go Raibh Maith Agat!

Answer 3

Try this website. They seem to have a good selection of discounted vacation offers.