I am traveling to Ireland from the U.S. in July besides Dublin what other places should I see?

Question

I live in Orlando, Florida, Which means that I see the huge tourists traps that exist, so I am wanting to see what the Irish locals do with their lives i.e. how you live, what you do for fun, and the local foods and drinks. I plan on spending 10 days. So, how shall I spend my time?

All information would be helpful, from what the weather will be like, to how to dress, and how much money to bring

Answer 1

Were I going, I would visit Tara and Newgrange but I would also just hang in the towns and enjoy life for a while. I'm sure the locals would be glad to point you to the best places. Just enjoy yourself :o)

Answer 2

Wouldn't spend much time in Dublin, no more than, say, 2 days. It's full of tourists in July.

In order to do what you want, you need to brave the Great Unbeaten Track and get off the tourist trail. Are you hiring a car? Great. Now make sure it's not a huge car. This is because the main roads are quite narrow compared to what you're used to, and very slow. The secondary roads are terrifying for most Americans, I see the rental cars driving in the middle of the road, because the edge just seems to flipping close .... Take it slow. You are not going to make it from Shannon to Donegal in one day, so why kill yourself? And why cause hypertension for other drivers by trying to do this?

Weather .... hahahahahha, you're joking, aren't you. Ireland has the most changeable weather in Europe, yesterday it was very nice and sunny and you could go outside without a jacket, later in the day it got quite cold and started to rain, and overnight we had snow, and this morning it was very stormy, and now it's quiet and still again. Before you start thinking 'ah but it's March', it's like this here ALL YEAR ROUND. Last summer was the wettest in living record, the summer before was the driest. Go figure.

So you'll need to be practical in terms of what clothing you bring. By all means bring something snazzy to tart yourself up in, but don't forget the easily washed and dried trackies and jeans and t-shirts and sweatshirts. Of course good shoes and a rain jacket are de rigeur. People wear jeans and shirts and jackets ... baseball caps seem to be part of the social uniform for the under 30s, and they are useful in the brief moments of sun in order to prevent sudden blindness.

Money? Lots. A good restaurant will set you back between €15 and €25 for lunch, if you go for broke and order wine and a dessert. Pubs also do lunches, and these can work out at better value than the restaurants. I suggest going ethnic and trying some of the delicious options available now: Italian, Mediterranean, Eastern European, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Thai, etc. Of course if all this is too daunting for you, there's always MacDonalds, but why .....? It's the same level of disgusting no matter where you buy it.

Don't forget to do your research into the Must-Sees: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is expensive but well worth seeing, and there are many other interesting places around. Some of the towns on the Great Unbeaten Track have castles, and parklands called demesnes which were part of the castle grounds long ago. Plus you'll notice tower houses every few miles, but please resist the temptation to go walking into people's land - animals are let out in the summertime and there's nothing that puts a damper on one's summer holiday quite like being chased and trampled by a bull ... I'm serious. It's happened. And even when you do get to the structure you want to see, it is often fenced off, and with good reason. These are watchtowers from long ago, and were built in the Norman era.

10 days isn't enough, you'll be back for more ....

Answer 3

Rent a car, and explore.  Get out of Dublin, and see the rest of the country.  Here are some great places to visit.

Blarney Castle.  Yes, it is a tourist trap; but it still is fun and very memorable.  Besides, you have the Blarney Woolen Mills very close to it.

Waterford Crystal Factory.  Don't buy crystal there, however.  Save your money until you find a Blarney Woolen Mills, or an outlet in Dublin.

Cliffs of Moher.  Breathtaking.

I would suggest spending your evenings in local bed-and-breakfasts instead of hotels.  Your hosts will tell and show you much more of Ireland than you will ever find on your own.  I would also suggest taking a visit to Galway.  You will be amazed by the people you meet.

Of course, if you get a chance to play golf, even a short pitch-and-putt course, do so.  

Have fun.

Answer 4

Miss Hannigans House in Cork

Answer 5

To see what we do for fun go to Lahinch and Bundoran, maybe Portrush. Though these are dull and dirty small resort towns on the coast.

Visit Galway, don't go to Donegal! Go to Athlone, Antrim Coast Road, Derry (and walk along the city walls), Roe Valley Country Park, Mountains of Mourne, the Burren, Kerry...loads of places to see.

Weather wise it can be warm - in the 70's BUT always expect rain. It is Ireland after all.