DesertJets From United States of America, joined Feb 2000, 7673 posts, RR: 18 Posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 2406 times:
The GF and I are headed to Dublin in late May as an end of semester/dropping out of grad school trip. Given an airfare that borders on ridiculously cheap I couldn't say no to the idea.
We've already gotten some input from another friend who spent the summer studying law a year back, but I am hoping for some more input from my fellow a.netters and locals.
Couple of things I am looking for. Given that we only have three full days I'd like to know if there is one place outside of Dublin that I must go to and is easily doable as a daytrip via train or coach. Second I am looking for advice on where to stay in Dublin, ideally some place centrally located, especially for nightlife stuff. As long as the weather is good I'd want to be able walk around as much as possible. Thus far the only place I found that seemed well located (a Days Inn near Temple Bar) was a touch on the pricey side. So suggestions as to specific hotels would be much appreciated.
Thanks a bunch
Stop drop and roll will not save you in hell. --- seen on a church marque in rural Virginia
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 1114 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 2393 times:
I will be there from April 3-12, I'll shoot you a PM when I get back, let you know what I find. Although I'm sure the Irish members here will provide you with more info before I get back.
What airline are you flying?
DesertJets From United States of America, joined Feb 2000, 7673 posts, RR: 18 Reply 2, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 2389 times:
Quoting Max550 (Reply 1): What airline are you flying?
Flying out on CO126 and back on CO127.
Stop drop and roll will not save you in hell. --- seen on a church marque in rural Virginia
F1eddie From Ireland, joined May 2007, 461 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 2374 times:
Yeah we will give you some info, but what dates are you here and what is expensive for you. The Morgan hotel is right in the middle of temple bar, has a good name for itself, but im not sure about the cost. Im sure you could get a good deal though. I would reccomend renting a car for the day and going either along the South East coast to see powerscourt Gardens and the wicklow mts or North east to see the Giants Causeway. Or maybe going west to meath to see Newgrange. Thats quite fasicinating if you are into old buriel graves and the likes. Just google any of those or ask for more info. No point really going to the west coast for a day as its a bit to far and two much to see for one day!!!
Flown on EI, FR, BMI, TG, PG, FD, JQ, DJ, LA, NZ, SQ, DL, LX, LH
N328KF From United States of America, joined exactly 9 years ago today! , 6222 posts, RR: 3 Reply 4, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 2369 times:
The Southwest of Ireland is beautiful in the Spring. Not that other parts aren't, but it seems that the terrain is a bit more varied in that area.
When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not guilty.' T.Roosevelt
DesertJets From United States of America, joined Feb 2000, 7673 posts, RR: 18 Reply 6, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 2358 times:
Quoting F1eddie (Reply 3): Yeah we will give you some info, but what dates are you here and what is expensive for you.
May 20-24th.... so only 3 full days and the partial day when we arrive. So that kinda puts the dampers on doing a day trip. Well more that she isn't too keen on it.
As for expensive... I think keeping the lodging at or below 100 Euro a day would be ok. Though the cheaper the better. But I wouldn't sacrifice location for price.
I saw some of the advance purchase fares on Ryanair for flights to Cork and Kerry. How they make money on 22 Euro airfares is beyond me... which is I guess why they want to charge you to take a piss onboard. But for what I paid for my ticket on CO I have got to wonder how they make money off of a loss-leader like that too.
Stop drop and roll will not save you in hell. --- seen on a church marque in rural Virginia
GrahamHill From France, joined Mar 2007, 2516 posts, RR: 2 Reply 7, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 2343 times:
Three days? I would rent a car and drive to the West. Connemara, Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Moher cliffs, Donegal, there's plenty of nice sceneries to see.
If you want to stick around Dublin, I'd suggest you drive to the Wicklow mountains, just South of the city. Glendalough, Powerscourt gardens, Sally gap, nice and wild landscapes there. Of course, you should make a stop at Johnny Fox's to have a nice pint of Guinness. A bit touristic, but a really charming pub.
If you want to see something older than the Great pyramids of Giza, you should go to Newgrange in county Meath. Not really impressive per se, but still a nice experience.
"A learned fool is more foolish than an ignorant one" - Moliere
F1eddie From Ireland, joined May 2007, 461 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 2332 times:
Quoting DesertJets (Thread starter): Dublin that I must go to and is easily doable as a daytrip via train or coach
Quoting DesertJets (Reply 6): So that kinda puts the dampers on doing a day trip. Well more that she isn't too keen on it.
Are those two statements not contradicting themselves
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 5): You should take a day trip down to the Killarney area its very scenic (you could fly DUB-KIR with FR ).
I was thinking this two, but its a bit two much of a rush. What happens if he gets stuck on the small roads and the likes. I think it would be two much for a day trip including flights
Quoting DesertJets (Reply 6): I have got to wonder how they make money off of a loss-leader like that too
Its MOL and FR. Enough said
Quoting GrahamHill (Reply 7): If you want to stick around Dublin, I'd suggest you drive to the Wicklow mountains, just South of the city. Glendalough, Powerscourt gardens, Sally gap, nice and wild landscapes there. Of course, you should make a stop at Johnny Fox's to have a nice pint of Guinness. A bit touristic, but a really charming pub.
If you want to see something older than the Great pyramids of Giza, you should go to Newgrange in county Meath. Not really impressive per se, but still a nice experience.
See two people saying the same thing. Good advice there.
Flown on EI, FR, BMI, TG, PG, FD, JQ, DJ, LA, NZ, SQ, DL, LX, LH
Delta used to put there flight attendants up in one of these hotels. These are a landmark 4 or 5 star hotels which has been bought out to develop into apartements and the likes. But as we are having a massive drop in the property prices they decided to open up the hotels again at a greatly reduced price. They are amazing value and the one i looked at was E75 a night. Great price compared to what it would have been once. Its a bit out though. Maybe a 10minute walk to grafton street, which is in turn 5-10mins from temple bar!!
Braybuddy From Ireland, joined Aug 2004, 5288 posts, RR: 35 Reply 10, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 2314 times:
You'll be lucky to get somewhere central under 100 euro a night, but you can, if you try! Try the Kildare Street Hotel (on GTAhotels) which have rooms on the nights you are looking for at 75 euro each for Wed and Thur, and 93 for Fri and Sat. It's close to Trinity College and five minutes' walk from Temple Bar.
Or the Bridge House on Parliament Street (same site) which has rooms available for 63+63+132+132 euro the same nights. You're actually in Temple Bar here.
Or try Isaac's Hotel (on Booking.com) where you'll get a four night package for 313 euro. This hotel is very convenient for airport transfers (the bus terminus is just around the corner) and less than ten minutes' walk to Temple Bar.
Sorry I haven't got any more info at the mo, will post some more for you tomorrow as it's late now. You can do a day trip easily, and I'd recommend Powerscourt, as someone else already has, or the coastal town of Dalkey, just half an hour by train from the city centre. I'll give you more details tomorrow.
767Lover From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 11, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 2301 times:
About an hour or so southwest of Dublin is the Irish National Stud Farm and Japanese Gardens. This is where they breed Irish racehorses. It's worth a visit if you want a chance to see something interesting and take in some of the countryside.
Babybus From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2003, 3514 posts, RR: 6 Reply 12, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 2264 times:
With only three days and probably a lot of jetlag why not stay in Dublin and have a Guiness in a variety of different pubs. You could also concentrate on researching your family roots.
There is a lot to be said for sitting back, taking it easy and watching the world go by.
and with that..cabin crew, seats for landing please.
EI320 From Ireland, joined Dec 2007, 1415 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 2240 times:
It'll be difficult to see much of the west coast in one day. Many of the main attractions like Dingle, the ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Lough Derg, and Connemara are spread very far apart and it will be impossible to see them all in a day. If you do decide to head west, you'll need to rent a car. Don't be relying on buses, trains etc to take you to these places
Since your only in Ireland for 3 days, it's probably best to stay closer to Dublin and the east coast to be honest. Visiting the attractions along the west coast is more time consuming since the the road connections aren't as good, and will not be a very enjoyable experience if your rushing around, or worse still if you get lost "in the middle of nowhere"!
DesertJets From United States of America, joined Feb 2000, 7673 posts, RR: 18 Reply 16, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 2233 times:
Quoting F1eddie (Reply 8): Quoting DesertJets (Thread starter):
Dublin that I must go to and is easily doable as a daytrip via train or coach
Quoting DesertJets (Reply 6):
So that kinda puts the dampers on doing a day trip. Well more that she isn't too keen on it.
Are those two statements not contradicting themselves
Well I started the thread and then replied to it after I talked with the GF. I was probably the one more keen on doing a day trip.
Quoting EI320 (Reply 14): Since your only in Ireland for 3 days, it's probably best to stay closer to Dublin and the east coast to be honest.
Yeah, came to that conclusion as well. 3.5 days is probably just scratching the surface of Dublin. Just gotta deal with finding a place to stay but it seems like something close to Temple Bar is ideal for us. Just finding the right place for the right place seems like the tricky part. I'll look into the place F1Eddie and Braybuddy pointed out.
Quoting Chase (Reply 15): Mind if I ask what fare you got? The cheapest I'm finding for my dates (9/22-28) is $640/person r/t Sad
I booked directly on Continental's website. I normally search on Kayak.com and go from there. Base fare on CO out of Newark was $220 before taxes. Which was cheaper than the fare we had originally found out of JFK via AMS. TBH September may still be too far out to find an elcheapo fare. I just got REALLY lucky.
Stop drop and roll will not save you in hell. --- seen on a church marque in rural Virginia
DeepBlue From Ireland, joined Jul 2008, 8 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 2224 times:
I reckon if you only have a couple of days you should stick around the Dublin area (as others have said)... Plenty to do - Trinity College (including Book of Kells and the Library), Kilmainham Prison, various museums and galleries and of course plenty of pubs are all popular...
Having said that, for a day out and a chance to see some of the countryside, I would suggest getting the bus to Belfast. Tickets are cheap(ish) and it takes about 2-3 hours.
Spend a few hours in Belfast and take an open top bus tour from the City centre which is a great way of seeing all the 'sights' in a few hours. This will show you the city centre, shipyard where the Titanic was built, Northern Ireland Parliament buildings and a few other places...
Alternatively you can take a Black Taxi tour (basically a London style cab) and go and look at the political murals in West Belfast (which tourists seem to love to do)
An early morning bus from Dublin would give you all day in Belfast and allow travel time back to Dublin that evening... You could also take the train but it is a lot more expensive...
Talking of expensive - brace yourself because you don't get much bang for your buck in Ireland, north or south.
N328KF From United States of America, joined exactly 9 years ago today! , 6222 posts, RR: 3 Reply 18, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 2224 times:
Quoting DesertJets (Reply 16): I'll look into the place F1Eddie and Braybuddy pointed out.
Braybuddy gave me some advice for my trip over there, and he didn't steer me wrong.
When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not guilty.' T.Roosevelt
Toulouse From Ireland, joined Apr 2005, 2718 posts, RR: 58 Reply 19, posted (4 years 1 month 4 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 2219 times:
Quoting Braybuddy (Reply 10): You can do a day trip easily, and I'd recommend Powerscourt, as someone else already has, or the coastal town of Dalkey
I'd totally agree with Braybuddy. And to remain slightly more relaxed and go with his second suggestion of Dalkey.
So my suggestion for you would be stay in Dublin city. For a trip outside the city, but nothing tiring, I suggest the following itinerary:
Take the DART (local train "Dublin Area Rapid Transit") which is a green train along the coast. take it to Dun Laoghaire. This is a relatively large seaside town about 20 minutes on the train south of Dublin. The town, is nice enough, but I would suggest getting of the train and taking a small/quick look at the main road (shopping area) just oppostite the railway station, by the townhall heading up Marine Road. Then walk along the coast (exiting Dun Laoghiare DART station, turn left), and maybe if the weather's nice, take a stroll down the pier (Dun Laoghaire has a large harbour/marina) then continue in the same direction towards Sandycove. Half-way there, just over the road over the DART line is "People's Park", a small yet nice park, and not sure if it's Saturday or Sundays, but has a brilliant morning market. Along the coast at Sandycove is the James Joyce museum. Unless you're big into literature, head up into Glasthule village before reaching the small James Joyce museum and take the DART to Killiney... Just 3 stops further south on the line. The journey offers splendid views of the Killiney coastal area and south towards Co. Wicklow. Very pictureque. The station is at Killiney beach, on leaveing the station, turn right and walk along the narrow road by Killiney beach, which then will head slightly upwards (some stunning houses, and you'll pass Bono's (U2) house (bound to see a few tourists snapping photos of the gates, you can't see much more of it!)... then join Vico Road, and continue to the end enjoying the wonderful coastal views and lovely houses. This area is often referred to the Sorrento of Ireland given the coastal views and lovely,a nd usually brightly painted and vary large houses. Head then towards Dalkey village, a great little village full of great restaurants, cafés and restaurants. Perhaps have a drink, then dinner in Dalkey in the evening and head back to Dublin on the DART.
Please feel free to PM me if this sounds appealing to you, I know the area well.
Enjoy Dublin!
Quoting Babybus (Reply 12): There is a lot to be said for sitting back, taking it easy and watching the world go by.
Must say, I couldn't agree more. That's the sort of tourism I live. And the only way that allows you to truly soak up the local atmosphere.
Could we know which airline that is? I have family in USA who I'd like to get over for a family meet-up in Ireland. With a cheap fare they can't say no.
Like others here I'd say getting to the west of Ireland in those 3 days would be a waste of time. It's a long drive and you won't have time to absorb the atmosphere. It might also be raining and you will be limited to what you can do.
and with that..cabin crew, seats for landing please.
Braybuddy From Ireland, joined Aug 2004, 5288 posts, RR: 35 Reply 22, posted (4 years 1 month 3 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 2138 times:
Quoting Babybus (Reply 12): There is a lot to be said for sitting back, taking it easy and watching the world go by.
Couldn't agree more! Some people feel they have to cram everything they can into a short break, but I love just hanging about and soaking up the atmosphere of a new city: a coffee here, a pint there, just watching people and the world go by. However, if the weather's fine and you do feel like getting away from the city, the number 44c bus from the city centre (Trinity College, I think) will take you in an hour or so to the picturesque village of Enniskerry in County Wicklow.
which is a great place to go for a bite to eat, either in the village or the nearby Powercourt Gardens (a short walk up the hill at the back of the pic).
You have to pay to get into the gardens (around 8 euro, I think) but you can stroll in the grounds for free, just tell them on the gate that you're going to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel or the garden center, where there's a restaurant you can eat outdoors.
And as I keep telling people who come to Dublin, don't be afraid to look for advice or strike up conversation with anyone you're dealing with, either in shops, bars or restaurants, or whoever's sitting at the next table. People are only too happy to help a visitor.
And, of course, on the downside, take the usual safety precautions. Dublin is probably one of the safest capitals to visit, but tourist crime is not unknown. Don't be paranoid of course, but just take the precautions you would take in any large city and you'll be fine.
DesertJets From United States of America, joined Feb 2000, 7673 posts, RR: 18 Reply 24, posted (4 years 1 month 3 weeks 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 2107 times:
Quoting ScrubbsYWG (Reply 23): i assume you are not looking at staying in a hostel..
You would be correct. I am well beyond the staying in hostel days.
Quoting Braybuddy (Reply 22): And, of course, on the downside, take the usual safety precautions. Dublin is probably one of the safest capitals to visit, but tourist crime is not unknown. Don't be paranoid of course, but just take the precautions you would take in any large city and you'll be fine.
Dublin seems like a very approachable city and nowhere near as intimidating as London or Paris. It certainly helps that it is considerably smaller but still has most of the big city amenities and good transit.
Stop drop and roll will not save you in hell. --- seen on a church marque in rural Virginia
25 Braybuddy: While transport is adequate with an an extensive bus network and also train and tram lines, traffic is appalling at times, the result of poor plannin
26 AznMadSci: Hey! Do y'all have any recommendations, especially a place to people watch during Good Friday in Dublin?
27 Braybuddy: Oh Jesus . . . Good Friday and Christmas Day are the two deadest days in the country. EVERYWHERE closes! Leave it with me and I'll see if I can find
28 Signol: I just came back from a weekend in Dublin. We stayed in the Ibis hotel, which is a 20 minute tram ride from the centre. For central hotels, there are
29 OA260: IIRC the pubs are closed on Good Friday ?? Go North lol...
30 Braybuddy: EVERYWHERE closes on Good Friday! (at least at night). Some shops will be open during the day, but may have restricted opening hours. Once the evenin
31 Babybus: Or you could try going to church Any time I'm in Ireland I always make of point of going. Dunno, just seems the right thing to do. It is Easter after
32 DesertJets: Very useful... not too much of a drinker, but when in Rome.... Are the tours at Jameson and Guinness worth it? To be honest never really have gotten
33 Braybuddy: To be honest I don't know as I've never done them. I'll have to leave this one to the tourists here! I've never heard any complaints about the Guinne
34 Braybuddy: You'll need to eat, of course, but you'll find resaurants generally dearer than back home. That said, you can get good value by going for the early bi
35 AznMadSci: Thanks y'all for the info! Yup, that's what I get for choosing Dublin during Good Friday and Paris during Easter Sunday, which were dirt cheap to fly!
36 Braybuddy: Different pubs have different closing times, but none of them will be allowed serve alcohol after 12 midnight. I would suggest doing some mingling: c
37 Braybuddy: It's a bummer, as you say in the States. Apart form some shops, cafés and restaurants, everywhere else will be closed, including cinemas, theatres a
38 EISHN: Glendalough is definitely your best choice for a day outside of Dublin. A nice long, relaxing walk in such an interesting place. That would be my numb
40 EISHN: I think Dawson Street is a great place to eat out, and not too pricey either. At least I think it's Dawson Street. Where's the Mansion House, cause I
41 TSS: Sounds just my type of place. Now you've got me wanting to visit Dublin as well.
42 Braybuddy: Sure! It's great, with the excecption of one establishment which shall remain nameless. But it does begin with a G and end with an E . . There are a
43 Oa260: Totally agree. It should be flattened. Full of freaks and loosers.
44 Braybuddy: Preferably with the clientele still inside . . . SUCCESS AT LAST! Obviously operating under a special licence, there is one place open and serving al
46 DesertJets: One last question for the time being. Looking at places to stay and its a bit of a toss up between the Temple Bar/Trinity College area. Plus is that i
47 F1eddie: Right in the heart of things. Temple bar is very touristy, so yes it will consistently be busy, which may be noisy for hotel dwellers in that area Gr
48 Braybuddy: This place is just five minutes' walk from Temple Bar so would be quieter, and it's good value for the city centre, at around 89 euro per night: http
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