What is the best/cheapest way to plan and implement a 2-week trip to Ireland?

Question

It would be for myself and my 2 children. I really need to see Ireland before I am dead to too old & arthritic to enjoy it, but money is an issue.

Answer 1

As you probably know already, Ireland is one of the most expensive countries to visit right now, e.g. petrol/gas is running at €1.20 per Litre(aprox US$1.45). Northern Ireland, where you want to visit, is a lot cheaper but relatively small. You could contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board for more info!

Answer 2

Forgive me if my advice seems patronizing but here we go.

Antrim is a beautiful area of North East Ireland but it is in the United Kingdom so you would need sterling and not Euros. Also the summer is the traditional Protestant marching season and many people go to the North for that occasion. Oh yes, many leave it for the same reason. My advice would be to either get a bed and breakfast or a self catering cottage as soon as possible as I found it very difficult to find somewhere at the weekend but easy through the week. Check out web with keywords Antrim, Belfast, Northern Ireland or Causeway Coast and you won't go far wrong. Mines a Guinness

Answer 3

Have a look at the Ireland tourist board site, listed below, it should help you with ideas about routes, accommodation etc.

I don't know what country you're in, but if you are Internet-savvy, and you probably are, then you can just book a flight directly yourself. It's not complicated to get to Ireland, you can fly direct from most countries and even get a ferry from Europe if you are in Europe.

For a two-week trip, I would recommend either using hotels or B&Bs. B&Bs are much cheaper and you can make sure you book into really good ones by checking if they have official accredation.

Answer 4

Would you can travel by car (our own) you save loads of money.

If the children are small, B&Bs are great if not, renting a cottage is probably cheaper but shop around and don't be afraid to negotiate, I always do!!

Two weeks gives plenty of time of visit great places in the North. Donegal is probably my favourite spot, my children love it especially the beaches. Hope you have a great time.

This site might give some good ideas. Good luck!

http://www.visitireland.com/

Answer 5

national express coach all the way cheapest.

Answer 6

If you own a car and live on the west coast of Britain take it. Use the overnight ferry from Liverpool to Belfast both ways. You get an overnight cabin as part of the ticket and it is cheaper than even a cheap hotel. When you land just turn right [north] out of Belfast and you are IN Antrim. Driving in Ireland, north or south is very pleasant and lazy. Ireland is a friendly place and people will go out of their way to help you especially if travelling with children. If you want more contact me direct. I lived there for over fifty years and now live near London.

David Roberts advice is very good and worth hearing. I think B+B will be cheaper than a cottage and leaves you free to go where ever you want. But a cottage in the Glens of Antrim is to die for