Trip to Ireland

[Cackalacky]

OK guys I need some help. I am graduating from engineering school in 4 weeks and my wife is planning a trip to Ireland for next year. It will be us two and a 6 year old.

Anyone with suggestions and where to go suitable for the family would be awesome. The little one is a great traveler and we are not tourists.

We like history, roughing it, out of the way places and such. Also trying to make it to Cork (my family) and Donegal (wife's family).

Any suggestions, best times to go etc. would be appreciated.

 

[dublinirish]

hey dude,
Hit me up and let me know what kind of stuff you are interested in and what you want to see.
First off i would saw renting a car is vital.
To see a good bit of Cork and Donegal in one trip would be a good distance, what kind of length of visit are you planning?

 

[Cackalacky]

hey dude,
Hit me up and let me know what kind of stuff you are interested in and what you want to see.
First off i would saw renting a car is vital.
To see a good bit of Cork and Donegal in one trip would be a good distance, what kind of length of visit are you planning?

I see that both are about 3 hours away from Dublin by car so that may not be too bad, but considering Donegal is NW and Cork is south that could be a lot of driving. We are planning about probably a week. May want to hop over to Liverpool too and catch my Reds play a game (wishful thinking). I will PM you.

Everyone else, suggestions are welcome of things that I may want to see or do or that are vital to understanding Irish culture and history.

 

[Zwidmanio]

A few years ago my wife and I spent a little over a month studying in Dublin and rented a car over a long weekend to take in some sights. We also went to Donegal, since my family name has its roots there, but perhaps the highlight of the trip was our stay in Doolin, on the west coast.

My wife wanted to see the Cliffs of Moher, which is a bit touristy, but spectacular nonetheless. What I found just as enjoyable was our random wanderings in our rental car. From Doolin we drove off without a map in a NE direction using the backroads. My wife is a sucker for old churches, castles, any kind of old looking structure, and there was plenty to see. It seemed that every 15-20 minutes we would stop off somewhere interesting.

My highlight was our drive down the coast on the R477 though. We were lucky to have warm and absolutely clear weather, and the drive down the coast from Ballyvaghan back to Doolin was amazing. There were beaches, rock cliffs, and the burren on the other side. One of the more beautiful coasts I've experienced in my lifetime. Once again, we made frequent stops just to get out of the car, take in the view, and to enjoy the coast.

I'd defer to others that have more knowledge than me, but I would not hesitate to recommend looking into the area that I described above.

 

[dublinirish]

A few years ago my wife and I spent a little over a month studying in Dublin and rented a car over a long weekend to take in some sights. We also went to Donegal, since my family name has its roots there, but perhaps the highlight of the trip was our stay in Doolin, on the west coast.

My wife wanted to see the Cliffs of Moher, which is a bit touristy, but spectacular nonetheless. What I found just as enjoyable was our random wanderings in our rental car. From Doolin we drove off without a map in a NE direction using the backroads. My wife is a sucker for old churches, castles, any kind of old looking structure, and there was plenty to see. It seemed that every 15-20 minutes we would stop off somewhere interesting.

My highlight was our drive down the coast on the R477 though. We were lucky to have warm and absolutely clear weather, and the drive down the coast from Ballyvaghan back to Doolin was amazing. There were beaches, rock cliffs, and the burren on the other side. One of the more beautiful coasts I've experienced in my lifetime. Once again, we made frequent stops just to get out of the car, take in the view, and to enjoy the coast.

I'd defer to others that have more knowledge than me, but I would not hesitate to recommend looking into the area that I described above.

would highly reccomend a trip to the Burren/County Clare, the coast road from Ballyvaughan to the Cliffs of Moher is a great journey on a a clear day with views of Inis Oirr. Anywhere in Connemara is great driving too.

I have a cousin who runs a hiking company out of Galway and its really good, he picks you up from the city in a mini van and he will bring you out into the Mountains for hiking all day. Something different than being in the car or on the bus.

Here's his company's website:
Homepage

 

[Mr. McGibblets]

I went over to Ireland for the ND/Navy game back in September. If you plan on going to Dublin, dont stay any more than 2 days/1 night there. I felt that it was too commercialized and felt like I was in Philly, minus cars coming in the opposite direction. I thought Temple Bar was over rated---althought I went the day of the game and it was mobbed. If you do go to Dublin, definitely go to the Guiness Factory--the building that is shaped like a tall pint glass, not the actual factory along the river. Saw alot of families there with young kids. Make sure you make it to the top floor as it overlooks Dublin. Jameson Distellery was solid, although probably not as much fun for a 6 year old, unless he/she wants to learn the difference between Irish, American, and Scotch whiskey.

And dont get trapped on more than 1 Charter bus tour. You will want to blow your brains out. I skipped the Ring of Kerry bus tour, which everyone said I'd regret, and I still feel zero regret.

I do recommend a car, as stated above. If you can, Killarney in County Kerry is a cool little town. That town is how I pictured Ireland with pubs, restaurants and shops as well little old irish men chatting you up. Checked out a few Castles in that region as well, which were amazing. Also, I golfed in Killarney Golf and Fishing Club where they had 2 of recent Irish Opens---Real Solid.

I've heard there is a ton of good stuff toward the north of Dublin and Killarney but cant make any recommnedations.

Just avoid charter bus tours. Drive yourself.

 

[Cackalacky]

Yeah, no tours, no buses, no gift shops. I want National Culture, local culture and history, and beauty. You are talking about a couple who traveled to Honduras for two weeks and hitch-hiked and walked and took buses where available from the Island of Utila to the Nicaraguan border. We stayed in anyone's house who would take us. I paid a family in meat to stay two days so we could explore the jungle. Got two traditional home-cooked Honduran meals and a thatched roof to sleep under. They even gave us the bed with a mosquito net.

One of the pictures is in the "Post your Picture" thread. Crazy. Of course we cant do that with a kid but that is the type of travelers we are.

 

[deise mike]

I'm in Waterford, so if you need any help give me a calll.

 

[dshans]

I spent three weeks there back in '89. I hope to go back with my red headed son some day.

Some suggestions:
Rent a car with an automatic transmission. Shifting lefty while driving on the "wrong" side of the road can be tricky. Be alert, shrug and beg for mercy in roundabouts.
When in Dublin hit Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Simply amazing!
Should you stop in Waterford to check out the crystal, bring sunglasses.
If you or yours are claustrophobic, think twice about Blarney Castle (my wife just about lost it). The stairway is very narrow.
Dingle Peninsula in the west is spectacular! Drive the sheep paths till you can't drive any further.
Should you get up north, The Giant's Causeway is impressive and probably unlike anything you've ever seen.

Take your time. Stray from the beaten path. Spend time in local pubs (generally kid friendly) and soak in the people and history. Keep your itinerary and schedule as loose as possible.

Stock up on Guinness, Harp and Smithwick's at the duty free shop before you head home. Ship some to me.

 

[Cackalacky]

I spent three weeks there back in '89. I hope to go back with my red headed son some day.

Some suggestions:
Rent a car with an automatic transmission. Shifting lefty while driving on the "wrong" side of the road can be tricky. Be alert, shrug and beg for mercy in roundabouts.
When in Dublin hit Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Simply amazing!
Should you stop in Waterford to check out the crystal, bring sunglasses.
If you or yours are claustrophobic, think twice about Blarney Castle (my wife just about lost it). The stairway is very narrow.
Dingle Peninsula in the west is spectacular! Drive the sheep paths till you can't drive any further.
Should you get up north, The Giant's Causeway is impressive and probably unlike anything you've ever seen.

Take your time. Stray from the beaten path. Spend time in local pubs (generally kid friendly) and soak in the people and history. Keep your itinerary and schedule as loose as possible.

Stock up on Guinness, Harp and Smithwick's at the duty free shop before you head home. Ship some to me.

Sounds grand! I am creating my Rick Steve's "to do list" from all this so keep it coming.

 

[Me2SouthBend]

Flew into Shannon and stayed in Kinsale. Golfed at Old Head, Ballybunnion and Waterville. Driving the Ring of Kerry may be the most beautiful drive on earth. Stop, take in the views and breath deep, drawing in beautiful Irish air. The southwest corner of the country has such natural beauty in it's farmlands, beaches, castles, fishing villages, restaurants and most of all the hospitality of it's people. I walked into a bar one night, pulled up a stool at the bar a bar patron asked me where I was from and from there, my money was no good. Drinks were on him. Ah, the beauty of Ireland. Enjoy and stay thirsty my friend.

One other thing, make sure you get a GPS for your rental.