Ireland for the first time

falmouth3 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 12:40 PM

We're considering going to Ireland for a week. I presume that staying in a TS probably isn't the best thing to do for a first visit. Can anyone recommend an itinerary,, including places to stay, or a great travel tour?

Thanks,
Sue

dougp26364 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 06:42 PM

We spent a week in Ireland a couple of years ago using Marriott Rewards points. If I wasn't using a timeshare or some sort of points program, I believe the best way to see Ireland is to rent a car and stay in different bed and breakfast locations around the country. Ireland use to have a voucher program where you purchased a specific number of nights for B&B's. You then drive to any town with a B&B that participates in the program, give them your voucher and your set. It allows you to go from town to town to see what you want of Ireland and, there's a lot to see. You can spend as few or as many nights in each town you stop in. IMO, this would be a lot easier than picking one spot and then making day trips each day.

EAM · #3 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 07:41 PM

We were in Ireland for St. Patrick's Day last year. Great trip. We did not tour with Ambassadair for that trip, but we've toured with them in the past and were happy with them. It may be too late to book the March trip this year, though, and I don't know if there's a "land only" price for that trip. The standard departure city is Indianapolis, which wouldn't be too convenient for you.

https://www.ambassadair.com/view_tri...il.cfm?id=6314
https://www.ambassadair.com/view_tri...il.cfm?id=6332

wandering gnome · #4 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 07:51 PM

Sue,

If you are going to use a timeshare, you might want to check out travel zoo's europe section. They have some package programs. I have used any of them, so I can't comment on any of the tour operators.

Ireland's Call · #5 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 08:28 PM

You will be most welcome ! When after reading other posts you have a better idea what where you would like to do , PM me and I would be delighted to assist.
The biggest mistake people make is to assume that because the country is small it can be covered in 5/7 days . You can ...but best to stay/tour one area ..say Cork /Kerry , Clare/Galway/Mayo or Donegal and the North or the east coast ...keep in touch
G

GrayFal · #6 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland's Call

You will be most welcome ! When after reading other posts you have a better idea what where you would like to do , PM me and I would be delighted to assist.
The biggest mistake people make is to assume that because the country is small it can be covered in 5/7 days . You can ...but best to stay/tour one area ..say Cork /Kerry , Clare/Galway/Mayo or Donegal and the North or the east coast ...keep in touch
G

I have to agree with Garry, it is a LOT of ground to cover.
This year - we are spending the week in the Dublin area....not going far a field at all and to really focus on doing Dublin things and our second week in Marbella.

In 2007, we were a week based in Dublin with 2 overnights to the Killarney Area....and then planned the second week in Galway area - this did not work out (A LONG story) but we ended up back in Killarney for the second week.
When I return in 2011 - I will do a week in the Dublin area and the second week in Killarney because there is still so much to see and both these areas are lovely.

I would not attempt a whole Ireland trip in a week unless I booked a tour where I did not do the driving....this way you could get an overview and decide which areas you would like to return to.

Keitht · #7 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 11:52 AM

I've not been to Ireland yet, but get the impression that some of the roads in the Scottish Highlands can seem like motorways compared to the rural roads in Ireland.

If that is true then simply calculate your driving time on the basis of about 30mph. Then if you get there quicker than you expect you have more time to relax. If the guestimated figure is accurate you don't arrive stressed. Result either way.

lawren2 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 12:03 PM

Be aware that Ireland is one of 2 countries in the world where my credit card will not offer auto insurance. Check before you start driving.

falmouth3 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 12:19 PM

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and comments. I'll do some more investigation and come back with questions if we decide on Ireland.

Sue

dougp26364 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland's Call

You will be most welcome ! When after reading other posts you have a better idea what where you would like to do , PM me and I would be delighted to assist.
The biggest mistake people make is to assume that because the country is small it can be covered in 5/7 days . You can ...but best to stay/tour one area ..say Cork /Kerry , Clare/Galway/Mayo or Donegal and the North or the east coast ...keep in touch
G

Having been to Ireland for 7 nights I have to agree, it's not advisable to even attempt to see all of Ireland in 7 days. We managed to spend time in Dublin, see some of the monastic ruins, visit the Cliff's of Moher and get down to Waterford to tour the Waterford Crystal factory. By the time we went home, we needed another vaction to recover from our trip to Ireland.