Talk About Ireland Forum
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| Posted: 17 Mar 2008 13:25 | ||
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Posts: 3 Join Date: Mar 2008 |
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Hello,
I am looking to plan my first trip to Ireland and would like some advice about where to stay, where to visit, etc. I am looking to travel to authentic parts rather than tourist attractions. I am learning to play the mandolin and would like to find some pubs with live music to go to. I am looking for cheap bed and breakfasts to stay in or some other low cost place to sleep. I'm sure I am repeating a lot of other questions but I have so many that I'd rather get them all in one place. Also, what time of year is best to visit Ireland? I was planning to go in late summer or early fall. Would you say that people in Ireland are friendly or accepting to Americans visiting or moving there? Thanks and I appreciate all the help I can get. -Erin 
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| Posted: 18 Mar 2008 02:51 | ||
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Posts: 288 Join Date: Dec 2005 |
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Is Ireland friendly?
Well, plenty of folks sure think so! Lonely Planet 2008 2007 AOL |
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| Posted: 19 Mar 2008 12:34 | ||
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| any specific advice? | ||
| Posted: 19 Mar 2008 15:15 | ||
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Posts: 288 Join Date: Dec 2005 |
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You will find "authentic" Ireland around every bend in the road with the most real place in the country being Dublin - this is where most people in Ireland live and work and, IMO, that makes as real and authentic a place any any.
I completely understand you not wanting to visit the touristy places (though in the right season even they have their charms) but it's not all plastic shamrocks and leprechauns and there's plenty of other places to see and many, many folks to chat with along the way. My specific advice for you is to visit Ireland in the shoulder season - April any time after Easter is ideal. As you are intersted in playing/learning about the music there (I'm guessing you want Trad in particular) then you should stick mainly to the west of Ireland - Counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, Kerry and West Cork. Go for at least 2 weeks. Fly into Dublin and out of Shannon. Rent a car and do a self drive. Stay in B&Bs and hostels. Many hostels have private rooms and some even come with private bathroom facilities. Katherine lists some of the better ones here on her hostels page. Also you can find the lesser priced B&B at Irish Farmhouse Holidays web site. These B&Bs are usually not right in town and can be fairly basic but the people are as authentic as they can be and I know you will have interesting chats with all of them. Once you arrive these folks will be your best source in finding when and where sessions are being played in the area. (The ones that are scheduled are usually the more touristy ones and not as likely to allow others to join in.) Hope this helps! Safe travels, Wendy |
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| Posted: 24 Mar 2008 13:34 | ||
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Posts: 9 Join Date: Sep 2007 |
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| We did it Valentine's day and stayed 5 days....great weather no rain.... we landed in Shannon and drove up to Galway.... you won't find any friendlier people on this planet....plenty of pubs and music here... we liked it so much, we stayed in Galway for 5 days......When we return, we will stay at least 10 days.... | ||
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