What is the best place to spend 3 days in Ireland; not interested in tourist stuff but more land and people?

Question

I'll be in Scotland for a month or so and am interested in starting to explore Ireland. Don't like tours, just want 3 days in a 'local' type atmosphere. Thanks!

Answer 1

Look for a converted castle!  Some of the smaller ones have been made into Bed & Breakfasts in the American tradition.  I don't have any specifics right off the bat, but your travel agent should be able to line you up!  Have fun!

Answer 2

Just do what locals do.  hang out in bar, see a play, browse a book shop.  Walk around the streets in the mornings, particularly after a shower (rain).  walk along the canal banks.

Answer 3

If you base yourself in Shannon, you can visit many wonderful places, such as the Ring of Kerry, the Lakes of Killarney, the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Dingle Peninsula, Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle, Limerick, to name a few.  

Of course, you couldn't see all of them in 3 days, but rent a car and you would be able to choose from a good many interesting sites.

Answer 4

Hi Bee,

really depends what you are after and what sort of transportation you have. Personally I would recommend staying a night in a few places so you can see that little bit more. The west of Ireland would be my choice-Galway is an excellent vibrant city with lots of live music etc. Connemara is not far away if you want rugged countryside. Another option is Sligo which is 2 hours from Galway so you could see both. Sligo has the best scenery in Ireland and has some beautiful tranquil locations. Check out a stroll at Lough Gill-its amazing or climb Knockerea mountain where Queen Maeve is supposed to be buried. Its magic.

As regards accommodation and car rental check out http://www.irishaccommodationguide.com which offers every type of accommodation in every part of Ireland. Enjoy your trip.

Dara

P.s let us know how you get on by posting a comment on our new blog at http://www.irishaccommodationguide.com/t...

Answer 5

west clare of course i live here

Answer 6

Check out Dingle and Kilkenny.  Dingle is beautiful - on the coast and charming.  Kilkenny is great as well.  They're both on the southwestern tip of the island.

Answer 7

I lived in Northern Ireland for five years, Belfast is a busy spot for northern part, Bangor if you want to be close to the beach.  I lived in Bangor and only took five minutes to get the beach.  Londonderry is also nice for crowds.  Down south Dublin is the center of the south.  It really depends if you want to go to Ulster or stay in the south.

Answer 8

just sit in a pub for three days, an isolated country one would be best. let the people come to you... as a stranger you will be very interesting to the locals who will undoubtably tell you all their stories.

Answer 9

Try Athlone, it's in the center of the country, nice town, wonderful people, not touristy at all.  Have fun.

Answer 10

Why not try West Cork? The beaches are amazing, and it's off the dreaded coach tour routes. There's lots of traditional festivals at this time of year. You can get a flight into Cork airport, then a bus into Clonakilty or Skibberreen.

Answer 11

Donegal not touristy but still alot to do malin head is class over around killybegs and kilcar and portsalon !!!