So, I'm traveling to Dublin, Ireland...?

Question

I'm traveling to Dublin, Ireland in March and I want to know what I should see. I don't want to go there and miss something awesome because I didn't know about it.

I'm down to see touristy stuff.

I'm down to do "adventurous" activities - kayaking, biking, hiking, etc.

I'm down for pretty much anything.

Answer 1

Well, if you're around for the 17th itself, then stay in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day and the parade/celebrations. Other than that, for what you seem to be in to, I'd advise getting the heck out of Dublin for the rest of your trip. Don't get me wrong, Dublin's a decent place but at the end of the day it is still a city and is a very cosmopolitain one at that. To best experience the "real" Ireland, get out and head towards the country. Personally I'm a big fan of the west of ireland; County Galway and Connemara in particular. There are loads of hills and mountains for hiking; dirt paths, small roads and coastal routes to cycle; and plenty of lakes and rivers for kayaking. The little villages are great to visit and you've a much better chance of really getting to know the people and personality of Ireland by experiencing the rural areas. Galway City on the west coast is one of the coolest cities; its quite small and compact with loads of bars, clubs and shops to suits all tastes. Very bohemian culture too. The Quay St., and Cross St, Eyre Square and Shop St. areas are all well worth a visit. From there you can head to Connemara where lakes, rivers and mountians abound and you'll see some of the more beautiful, rugged scenery you're likely to come across. Killary Adventure Centre in Leenane, Connemara would be able to look after most of your activity requirements and after that, you could hop on your bike and explore the coast of Connemara through Leenane, Renvyle, Cleggan, Clifden, Ballyconneely, Roundstone, Cashel, Carna, Cill Ciaran and on then to Rossaveal. At Rossaveal, there is a ferry to the Aran Islands, the main town of which is called Kilronan. Stuuning place; native gaelic speakers and old sea-forts dating back thousands of years. You can head back to Rossaveal and hop on your back afterwards again, and follow the coast road back in to Galway. From there, you can take a tour into County Clare and see the Aillewee Caves, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Bunratty Medieval Castle and Folk Park. Oh, and if it is possible, you should fly in to Shannon Airport as it is located on the west coast and is way more accesible than Dublin Airport.

For accomodation, try B&Bs in the small towns and villages, and hostels in the larger towns and cities. Very cost efficient and much better way of meeting people.

Hope this is of some help!

(PS I know you didn't want websites but here are a few excellent ones relative to what you're looking for: www.irelandwest.ie; www.connemara.net; www.killaryadventure.ie; www.roundstone.ie)

Answer 2

You can get any of the things you mention anywhere in ireland. It is not a big Island so hire a car. and the country is at your disposal. Don't be put off by the propaganda posters as you come north as Ulster has the best ireland has to offer. Start searching

Fermanagh lakes

Giants Causway

Ards Peninsula

Downpatrick

Dublin is a must on St Paddys Day-- Very bust though