Ireland Vacation

[girlinorlando]

I'm planning a trip to Ireland next year for about a week. Any suggestions on the time of year to go, where to stay, what to see, what to avoid, etc? I'm also trying to do this on a budget and it will be my first real trip outside the country besides going on a cruise.

[iH8cra]

No advice to offer but I'd love to hear how the "doing it on a budget" thing works for you. Looked into an Ireland trip last year and it wasn't going to work on my budget. Anyone have tips?

[sirrowan]

I've heard that they don't like Americans. That they feel we stick our noses in everyone's business etc. I was told that if you are of Irish ancestry, don't expect to be welcomed like you are Irish. I was told that that is very annoying to the people. Granted, I don't know if this is fact or not, but its something to consider. From what I was told, they aren't real keen on those who chose to migrate?

 

With that said, have a blast!! My family on both sides have Irish ancestry, and I'd love love love to go there some day. PLEASE tell us everything!!

 

I cannot wait to hear about your adventures.

[angeleyeskkhr]

My cousin and get her husband went for their honeymoon (it was well over ten years ago thou--closer to 15 or so). AFAIK they didn't experience any negativity. And I think my other cousin and his wife went at some point. I don't know the specifics of either vacation other than they LOVED it.

[Doodah]

Here are a couple of sites for your review. Low season or off-peak (Winter) is the most economical time to go travel to Europe. I typically find the cheapest flights out of MCO (Orlando) to Europe are during the month of January - March. I typically purchase flights in November for Jan - Mar flights... seems that's when the fares drop. You'll be looking at mid $500's for the flight during off-peak season.

 

http://www.timeout.com/dublin/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g186591-Ireland-Hotels.html

http://www.airbnb.com/s/Ireland?modified=true

http://matrix.itasoftware.com/

 

If you want more bank for your buck, go to Spain. Just a suggestion.

[girlinorlando]

I was pleasantly surprised to find direct flights from Orlando Airport (15 mins from my house) to Dublin for around $850 roundtrip on Aer Lingus during the fall/winter months. I'm trying to decide whether to stick to recognizable chain hotels $100ish per night or find a budget friendlier local hotel.

 

Anyone have experience with hostels? I don't care about luxury as much as a clean, safe place to sleep at night.

 

Thoughts on a guided tour versus just wandering around on your own?

[Doodah]

I was pleasantly surprised to find direct flights from Orlando Airport (15 mins from my house) to Dublin for around $850 roundtrip on Aer Lingus during the fall/winter months. I'm trying to decide whether to stick to recognizable chain hotels $100ish per night or find a budget friendlier local hotel.

 

Anyone have experience with hostels? I don't care about luxury as much as a clean, safe place to sleep at night.

 

Thoughts on a guided tour versus just wandering around on your own?

 

$850 to DUB is too much. prices will fall. There is nothing wrong with hostels other than they can get noisy but they are reasonably priced. Get a good guide book and ask the locals or hotel/hostel staff for tourist info... and get a metro pass. I've never taken an organized tour of any city in any country.

[Echo_X]

*sigh* Irish I could afford a vacation..

[Islandgal]

I've heard that they don't like Americans. That they feel we stick our noses in everyone's business etc. I was told that if you are of Irish ancestry, don't expect to be welcomed like you are Irish. I was told that that is very annoying to the people. Granted, I don't know if this is fact or not, but its something to consider. From what I was told, they aren't real keen on those who chose to migrate?

 

With that said, have a blast!! My family on both sides have Irish ancestry, and I'd love love love to go there some day. PLEASE tell us everything!!

 

I cannot wait to hear about your adventures.

 

Irish and English people don't like anyone..especially each other..I wouldn't take it personally..and people that come back to the homeland, are looked at with disdain

Edited June 25, 2012 by Islandgal

[Cosmos Human]

What's a vacation?

 

Have fun!!!!!!

[Doodah]

I've heard that they don't like Americans. That they feel we stick our noses in everyone's business etc. I was told that if you are of Irish ancestry, don't expect to be welcomed like you are Irish. I was told that that is very annoying to the people. Granted, I don't know if this is fact or not, but its something to consider. From what I was told, they aren't real keen on those who chose to migrate?

 

With that said, have a blast!! My family on both sides have Irish ancestry, and I'd love love love to go there some day. PLEASE tell us everything!!

 

I cannot wait to hear about your adventures.

 

Irish and English people don't like anyone..especially each other..I wouldn't take it personally..and people that come back to the homeland, are looked at with disdain

Ha! Don't trust the Scots!

[Echo_X]

Indeed! Gods only know what they have on under their kilts! <had to..>