Ireland Trip Planning

Whistle
21

There’s certainly the danger of trying to do too much. And you will probably underestimate the time that it takes to get from A to B, especially when you head towards the western seaboard of Ireland - you’re in danger of spending too much time on the road and missing the whole point. Pick a few places and stay in a B&B in each of them for at least two or three days, absorb the atmosphere and chat to the locals. Modesty forbids me to say “yes, just try to do Ireland this time, and don’t even imagine you’ll see everything”.

Dublin isn’t what it used to be, but you’ll get good bona fide non-commercial sessions in Hughes’s in Chancery street. I can also strongly endorse the recommendation of heading out to Howth, it’s a lovely spot.

As deep background preparation, I can also strongly recommend a book which I’ve just finished reading - “Zulu Time” by Mark Little - it’s not about tourism at all: he talks a lot about mutual misunderstandings and stereotypes between Ireland and the US. Also “The truth about the Irish” by Terry Eagleton.

22

I thoroughly agree with those who advise against doing too much. (Although a month is a really nice chunk of time!)
Having grown up in Europe and the States, the most common ‘mistake’ I see Americans make is superimposing the huge American scale on Europe (which looks quite diminutive by comparison). Ireland looks tiny, but distances can be deceiving, especially when traveling on smaller roadways.
I think the way to travel European countries is to take a regional approach. Really get to know a few regions of the country, rather than attempting to superficially getting to know the whole country. Ireland is very dense, so I find depth to be more rewarding than breadth.

23

So are its people :laughing: .