I was planning this large driving trip, then got realistic as we only have 6 full days there and was thinking we have time for 2 places, perhaps 3. I would love any advice. We like to stay in less tourist areas. We all have travel backpacks and plan on packing pretty light.

- Where to stay in Dublin

- DUB airport to our Dublin Airbnb best transport

- Dublin to Belfast transport

- Where to stay in Belfast

- Do we need to prebook Titantic museum?

- Any holiday closures we should be aware of or specific very fun things to do around the Thanksgiving holiday?

- Rent a car or public transit?

- Do we have room for a 3rd place other than Belfast and Dublin?

- Any indoor things to do other than the titantic museum and possibly the guiness tour in Dublin?

Adventerous eaters and mature for their age. We land in Dublin Nov 24th and plan on spending at least the 25th there, possibly longer, but we fly back out of the DUB airport, so we will likely return at the end of the trip. The only must do for my kids is the Titantic museum which I believe is in Belfast. I was planning on renting a car, but the kids want to take trains and do mostly public transportation. I understand that the weather will be cold, rainy with very short days, so doing outside hikes and sightseeing is not high on the priority list. My main goal is to just take a fun trip with my 2 kids, have some good Irish food, see some music or theater and just have a relaxing trip.

We will be staying at mostly Airbnb's I think as my wife works there and we like supporting the product and have had very good experiences.

11/24 Land at DUB airport

11/25 Dublin

11/26 Transport to Belfast (rent a car or take a train)

11/27 Titantic museum

11/28 ?

11/29 ?

11/30 ?

12/1 Flight out of DUB 12:30, so likely makes sense to stay nearby on 11/30

Thank you for any help!

Cheers,

Dale & Serafina (10) & Rusch (12)

Me and my girlfriend are visiting Dublin for my 30th birthday at the end of the month. She really wants to go to a pub where they’ll be playing fiddle live, where could you recommend please?

Hii!

Between 27 and 30 november I will go for a citytrip to Dublin. Its the first time that I will fly alone and do a citytrip (im from the Netherlands).

I already booked a hotel and also booked a bustour to a nature park. For the other days I have no plan yet. I really want to meet local people but I'm a bit shy and not sure if Irish people are open to meet tourists.

3 questions.

• What are the nicest bars to drink cocktails and meet nice people? Just to be clear. Im looking for nice people to have a chat. Not anything more.
• What are the nicest restaurants to eat Irish food like breakfast and stew?
• is it safe as female to wander the streets in the evening/nights? For example to walk to my hotel after a drink?

I heard of temple bar but I really want to explore the more not tourist places because I think there are always little gems around.

Thanks in advance!

I will be doing the gap of Dunloe with my mom in mid November. Will there still be jaunting cars available to hire then? There aren’t any bookings online because I think it’s off season, but can I expect to see some at Kate keanreys? Othwerise will walk

My grandmother wants to visit Ireland one more time. I, her grandson, am a fairly experienced traveler and currently am not employed so she asked me to go with her. I am super excited to go, but I am having some trouble figuring out logistics. I am 24 years old, and she is 86 (but very very fit and energetic for 86). So, I am too young to rent a car without an extra charge. Are there any rental companies where she could be the primary driver, and I could be the secondary at no extra charge? Or a minimal extra charge? Or is public transport good enough there to get to most places? Thanks in advance!!

After spending a week in England and Scotland, we'll be flying from Edinburgh to Dublin and driving around Ireland for about 8 days. Planning to rent a car in Dublin and head north to spend a day or two in Belfast and Derry.

In Belfast, I'm thinking about the Titanic Museum and a Black Cab Tour to learn about The Troubles. I don't really know much about Derry, but I've read that it's a really cool place. Any recommendations for sights or tours.

After Derry, we'll head southwest through Sligo on our way to Galway. I know there are a ton of naturally beautiful spots along Ireland's west coast, and we want to see as much as possible. Any recommendations for off the beaten path sights or experiences between Derry and Galway?

From what I've read, there are a lot of great sights around Galway - Aran Islands, Cliffs of Mohar. Are those all must sees?

From Galway, we'll head south and east through Limerick, possibly head southwest to the Ring of Kerry, on our way to Cork for a couple days with likely day trip to Kilkenny. Any other can't miss sights around Cork?

Then, we'll probably stop at Waterford on the way back to Dublin and spend a couple days there before flying back to London.

I've read on here that the small towns are the best part of Ireland, but are there certain ones that we shouldn't miss?

I submitted my visa on 11th Oct and my flight to Ireland is on 22nd Nov. It coincides with the 30 business days claimed by the embassy website. How can I make sure I get the visa just on time? They said there is weekly decision report but it’s not updating. They don’t reply to emails or calls… very frustrating now. Also booking everything on the last minute will cost huge… any help would be much appreciated!!!

We are flying into Dublin, staying the 1st night there. We plan to wake up early to head west and explore (staying in Ballina the 2nd night). We are only staying in the area for one night. Having some trouble deciding between going to Downpatrick Head or going to Sligo and visiting Gleniff Horseshoe & Devil's Chimney. We don't have the time to do both within the trip. We do plan to go to Cliffs of Moher & do the Slea Head Drive in Dingle if that makes a difference in opinions. Would love any suggestions/thoughts/opinions. Thanks!

Myself (M33) and my partner (F32) are heading to Ireland in February to visit ae friends in Derry. We're spending 1 night in Dublin, 1 night in Galway and then 2 days travelling up the weather coast from towards Derry. On our way from Derry, we will spend another day and night in Dublin.

We're looking for recommendations for good pubs in Dublin that won't be full of English twats on stag does or generally tourist traps.

Similar for Galway, though I'd imagine there will be less stag do's there anyway.

Also any nice places to eat. It's February so looking for cozy grub, anything traditional or just different to burgers or pizzas.

We're both from Bristol. We like live music, food, history and culture.

Hello, I apologize because I know a similar question has been asked, but I didn’t want to hijack somebody else’s thread.

I recently spent 10 days in ROI and NI, including a couple of days in and near Dublin.

I loved it so much that I plan to go back, taking my son and his wife with me this time, so it has to be during my son‘s spring break, which happens to be the week of St. Patrick’s Day. We’ll have approximately 8 days. Likely flying in/out of Dublin, as my son couldn’t find good flights from his area to Shannon.

I’ve always wanted to see Dingle, and have read wonderful things about Connemara and Donegal too. So I’d love help choosing! Any recommendations for somewhere in the west with cute villages, cozy pubs, scenic moderate hikes or at least good walks? I’d like to spend at least a few days in one spot, probably in a B&B.

But my daughter in law’s bucket list includes Belfast, and I wonder if it’s too much of a push to visit both areas. Whatever we do we will end in or near Belfast, as it is near both my next destination (Monaghan town) and theirs (Dublin for flight home to the US).

Thanks for any advice!

Where in Galway or Dublin is the least expensive place to exchange some US currency to Euros? I have cash that I was going to bring with me and I guess use towards bus fares but I don’t want to pay a large fee at the airport to exchange it. Trying to see if it’s more cost effective to deposit the cash at home and just use the atm when I get there or bring some cash and exchange it.

Has anyone from usa recently brought back more than 5 liters of alcohol from ireland without issue ?

I’m really confused with this and we leave tomorrow so I have to figure it out. Currently we are taking planning to take the 761 (I think or the 760) citylink from the airport to Galway and then from Galway to Dublin. Can we use the leap visitors card for those rides?? If so I’m going to cancel my citylink and get the leap card for 7 days…

If fully booked, is there any chance they come available again? Are there resellers? Any help would be great. Trying to make a late trip with my sister and brother in law special.

I need advice about how to bring my medium size dog (16 lbs) into Ireland from us. I brought my smaller dog a few years ago but she was able to travel in cabin which was very easy. I don’t think my medium size dog will be able to travel in cabin. What airline should I fly with? Should I fly to the UK and take a ferry so we can take a direct flight? The only direct flights from where I live are via aer Lingus but I heard they aren’t great for pets in the hold. It’s a 9 hour direct flight from where I live.

Next week I will be in Dublin for a short vacation: do you have any specific tips on how and where to watch Ireland vs New Zealand on Friday night, since the tickets are sold out?

Hi all! I’m 26 and it’s my first solo trip. I am worried about eating alone in restaurants or feeling lonely, what is the atmosphere like at this time of year? What experiences do you have or what places do you recommend? Are there many more friendly people traveling alone?😊

So, my boyfriend is celebrating a round number birthday in January 2025 and he wants to celebrate it in a country he's never been to before. We settled on coming to Dublin - for an extended weekend!

We both live in Finland and have never been to Ireland, so I was wondering if anyone has any pub suggestions - ideally somewhere that could take a bigger group because we don't know yet how many of his friends are joining us there - to celebrate his birthday! He's very much a sit down, have a beer, and talk kinda guy so not planning on hitting any clubs.

Also accepting recommendations for general areas to look for accommodation! thanks a lot peeps

Does anyone know if the Dublin Halloween parade is happening tonight ?

Hello,

I will be in Dublin for a business trip this weekend Fortunately on Monday and Tuesday I have free time to explore the city. I am very interested in seeing Gaelic football live. Is there a chance? I don't care if it's the lowest amateur tier or the best league, I just want to see it live and for a reasonable price. Obviously the weekend would be better for amateur sport, but is there the possibility for me to see it anyways on the two dates listed? Thanks!

Hello! 😀

My wife and I will be traveling to Ireland for 3 weeks in March of 2025 for our honeymoon. We went back and forth between a beach destination and more of a relaxed/hiking adventure and we decided that Ireland is perfect for what we're looking for.

In terms of timelines, we fly out from the US to Dublin the first week or March and head back to the US and the end of the third week of March.

We have some stops we'd ideally like to make including Cork and spending Saint Patrick's in Galway. Other than that, we've been exploring smaller locations that are more off the beaten path.

We are renting a vehicle after we spend a few days exploring Dublin and would love to focus on the southern coast and back up to Galway. We're both the kind of people who want to spend a few days at each stop versus powering through in the car everyday. (We can always go back and see more!)

So if anyone has solid recommendations that are more off the beaten path that you'd say is a can't miss?

Ideally, we'd love to embrace local areas as neither of us go for the touristy types of attractions. Thanks for the help and really looking forward to experience Ireland for the first time 😁

Hi 😊, I am a Canadian from Montreal, I am going to visit Ireland in several cities including Dublin. I am coming in March 2025 and I would like to know if it is safe for a single woman in her thirties to walk in the evening around 9 p.m. - 10 h 30 p.m. I will be in the center of Dublin in the O’Connell Quarter. I would like to go to an Irish pub at least once. I don't drink alcohol so I'm going to stay very lucid.

I am so excited to get to know your magnificent country, I have a 6th generation Irish ancestor who immigrated to Canada and ever since I have had a fascination with your country. I can’t wait to discover this culture so rich in history!🇮🇪☘️

Thank you, and sorry if my English is not perfect, my mother language is French.

Hello! My mom, sister in law and I are taking my Grandma on her last trip. We will be traveling at the end of May to Killarney, Kilkenny and one night at the Cliff at Lyons. None of us have been to Ireland before. We do have a rental car.

I have planned out a route and outlined what we might do. Mostly scenic routes. We have three nights in Killarney, two nights in Kilkenny (but can easily be switched to Waterford) and then overnight in Kildare.

Any recommendations on things we should do? Looking for ideas outside the popular places like Blarney, Muckross, Ring of Kerry, etc. I thought maybe a private falconry tour. My grandma enjoys pubs, music and dancing.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

We are staying in Dublin for the week to celebrate Halloween in Ireland.

We have tickets to the Samhein circus show in Athboy tomorrow night at 2100. We did not realize that the Bus Éireann - Route 111 stops at 2145 and the festival coach bus tickets are sold out!

Does anyone have any tips on how we can get back to Dublin after the festival, around 2330?

Hey everyone, my spouse and I are headed to Ireland next week (pinch me I’m dreaming) and want to make the most of it! We are on a bus tour style trip but with a good amount of free time. We’ll be staying in Dublin, Galway, Killarney, Cork and back to Dublin again.

I have some places saved already but I’m looking for extra recommendations for pubs, restaurants, castles, must-see views, activities, etc.

I’m also wondering where the best place would be to purchase wood carved items (similar to what is sold in DR, Jamaica, etc.) I tried looking online but didn’t find much.

Thanks in advance!

Hi! I’m hoping to take my family (two adults, three kids) from the US to vacation in Ireland.

I’m starting from scratch with no itinerary, “must see’s”, or locations in mind. So I’m coming to this sub for recommendations and advice. Here’s a bit more about us and how we prefer to vacation:

-My boys are ages 14, 11, and 8. Our best vacations are mostly spent outdoors hiking, going to beaches, swimming in waterfalls, kayaking, etc. mixed with a few days of sightseeing museums, aquariums, etc.

-We typically spend a day or two in a larger city on our way in and/or out, but for the bulk of our vacations we prefer to rent a home (VRBO/AirBnB) outside of the busy areas but not too far from activities. We do day trips and unwind at “home”.

-My husband brews beer so we always go to local breweries. But I think that’s more of an American thing?

Where would be some good locations for our “home base”? I’m thinking quaint countryside and maybe with a local pub and a restaurant or two within walking distance. It would a huge plus if we could visit a castle at some point too.

Thank you for reading this far!

Hi guys! I'm going to Dublin in March over St. Paddy's day, and was just wondering if there were some specific pubs to hit on actual St. Paddy's day or what other fun things there are to do? I've been to Dublin once before but would love to see if there are any places recommended that I haven't been to yet! Appreciate any recommendations anyone has! Thanks! :)

Hi Everyone,
We’re visiting Ireland in December from Toronto and would love your thoughts on our itinerary:

22nd December:

• Arrival: Land in Dublin at 8 AM.
• Kilkenny: Drive to Kilkenny for lunch and a quick brewery visit (~1-hour stop).
• Killarney: Continue to Killarney to check in, explore the town, and unwind.

23rd December:

• Ring of Kerry (Part 1): Start exploring the Ring of Kerry. We plan to do about half—any spot suggestions are welcome!
• Evening: Return to Killarney to rest and explore the town.

24th December:

• Ring of Kerry (Part 2): Check out from the hotel and complete the rest of the Ring of Kerry. Suggestions for good lunch stops along the way would be appreciated!
• Galway: Head to Galway, explore the town, and check into our hotel for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (with dinner included both nights).

25th December:

• Cliffs of Moher: After breakfast, visit the Cliffs of Moher and explore any other nearby attractions.
• Evening: Return to the hotel by 4 PM for a festive Christmas dinner at 4:30. Relax and enjoy the celebrations.

26th – 28th December:

• Dublin: Check out and drive to Dublin. Explore the city, including:
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Kilmainham Gaol
  • Dublin Castle

29th December:

• Departure: Morning flight from Dublin.

Thank you so much in advance!

i left my airpods casing on the bus from dublin to galway and had filed a lost property form on their website. Honestly, just wondering what are the chances of lost items being recovered, low chance or high?

Wife and I just got back to the US from an amazing 11 full days in Ireland. From Dublin to the Causeway to Sligo and Galway. What an incredible trip. Tourist spots, local spots. It was all a dream.

Sligo was an incredible treat.

Here’s my itinerary if you would like to read through it.

Day 1-3 Dublin and surrounding areas. Gresham Hotel

• Guinness factory tour 10/19 (Saturday)
• Wicklow Ireland Day Trip (Friday Early)
• Glenmacnass waterfall (sally gap drive)
• Wicklow heather restaurant. (Sunday)
• Laugh toy viewing point (sunday)
• Howth (Saturday AM)
• Newgrange (Monday on the way to north)
• (Hannah’s Breakfast)
• Glendalough roundtower and ruins (Sun)
• Lower draw tower (sun)

Pubs/Dinner Dublin

J Grogens Bar 1661 The Church Bar Bovinity Mister S

Days 4-7 (Northern Ireland) - Letteran Lodges (Cookstown)

• Giants Causeway Route 10/22
• Fidela Roasters✅
• The Dark Hedges✅
• Carrick-a-rede rope bridge✅
• Dunseverick castle. ✅
• Giants Causeway Car park✅
• Dunluce Castle ✅
• Magheracross view point✅
• Shanty (Dinner) ✅

Belfast 1/2 Day Tourist Bus Tour Titanic Museum Neighbourhood Coffee

Day 7 head to Sligo On the way to Sligo and in Sligo

• Fairy Bridges
• Foam (Coffee)
• Harbour Cafe (Lunch)
• Glenif Horseshoe
• Glencar waterfall
• Coach Lane (Dinner)
• Mad Circus Tattoo

Galway Days 9-10

• Aillwee Caves
• Keoghs (lunch)
• Classiebawn castle
• [x]Morans Cottage (Dinner)

Galway to Dublin Day 11 Tullamore Dew Tour The warehouse (lunch)

Day 12 - Travel Back to USA