First Time in Ireland

[Jamie Harrop]

Hey all,

I haven't been on the forums in a while, but I'm hoping you can help me out like you have done in the past.

I'm thinking of heading to the Republic of Ireland for the first time this summer. It would be me, my partner, and dog.

I guess I'm just looking for suggestions of what to do and where to go. There seems to be so much, and I don't really know much about what Ireland has to offer and what the best places are.

I guess we would be looking to do the typical Irish thing (walking, beaches, traditional pubs, history and culture etc).

Accomodation is up in the air. Camping. Static Caravan. Or cottage. As long as pets are allowed, I'll look at all options.

I'm just looking for general ideas really. What locations would you recommend I start looking at, and what are the real must-do's and must-see's of Ireland?

Hope you can point me in some sort of direction.

Thanks!

Jamie

[pjdscott]

Hello James,

There are plenty of things to do in the summer. The 'Sunny South East' has lots, ie, Co. Wexford (perhaps excepting dramatic hilly scenery), and many Irish people go to the traditional resorts and beautiful beaches at Courtown, Rosslaire strand &c. Enniscorthy and Wexford are historic towns, and there are various tourist attractions as well. There is plenty of camping, caravanning and B&Bs also. Your dog would particularly appreciate the unspoilt and unpopulated beaches particularly, as I suspect this year, since most Irish people will want to leave the country this summer (if they've any money left!) to hear for guaranteed sunshine!

Avondale House is also a must - lovely country house and historically important as the former home of Charles Parnell.

Enjoy your planning!
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[Besalu2008]

I have also never been to Ireland and would love to spend a week or two there at some point, so would also be interested in people's opinions.
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[zydeco joe]

The Ring of Kerry should be on your list of must do places.
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[holscheap]

i suppose what to do would mainly depend on which part of the emerald isle you are visiting.
if you want some reading materials before you go i would suggest 'mccarthy's bar' and 'round ireland with a fridge.'
both are excellent, funny reads and might give you a few pointers as to what to see and do
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[Claire2010]

Hi Jamie, how long are you planning to stay in Ireland for? It must be a while if the dog's coming too! Like Besalu I've never been to Ireland but would love to go as I've got a lot of Irish friends who are always telling me how great it is.

If you need more information on Ireland and places to stay have a look here. I hope this helps and have a great trip. Claire
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[GuX]

Ireland is one of the most prominent countries in the world. There are lots of places but the most attractive places where tourists visit in a huge number and I also recommend you to visit when you travel over there. Bunratty Castle, Rock of Cashel, Cliffs of Moher, Holy Cross Abbey and Blarney Castle are the best places of Ireland.
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[jhunter]

Bring a raincoat.

I rather liked Birr. The Birr Castle Desmene was a nice park.

I wouldn't drive the limited access roads (motorways?), so it seems I couldn't drive ten feet without a lovely new sight and fearing for my life.

I wish I had visited more pubs.

[rebecca hirst]

I think that Cork is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. If you make a stop there part of your holiday, mark it with a visit to Blarney Castle. Whether or not you choose to kiss the Blarney Stone, you could spend a lovely hour or so strolling around the stunning landscaped gardens and historically noteworthy Blarney House.

Rebecca
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[suzanner1973]

Wicklow is a very pretty county and is just south of Dublin on Irelands east coast. It's mountainous and very beautiful. Try the gorgeous restored old farmhouse at Aughavannagh Cottage. It sleeps up to seven and has enjoyed great reveiws in The Irish Times and Sunday Business Post. It has magnificent views and great peace and quiet.

[AliciaTerrysson88]

So I dream about Ireland and every February we mark St.Patrick's day with a cup of beer and Irish dances and I feel I need to go there. So thank you for the information.
This February I was in Minsk and I've noticed that in Belarus people also love and mark this holiday so this fact was very surprising for me =)