Has anyone traveled Ireland in the last couple of years?

[baddog]

I have a few questions if you have.

[Bryan G]

not a couple years ago but I was there about 7 years ago.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by Bryan G

not a couple years ago but I was there about 7 years ago.

How realistic is it that I get a car at the airport and just start driving? Will I be able to find a place to sleep each night and is Internet access available everywhere or will it be around towns only?

[Bryan G]

Originally Posted by baddog

How realistic is it that I get a car at the airport and just start driving? Will I be able to find a place to sleep each night and is Internet access available everywhere or will it be around towns only?

You will be able to get a car np. As for driving, they drive on the other side and drive like Lunatics. The roads are very narrow, so if you are comfortable driving you will be fine. There are a ton of small bed and breakfast places as well as hotels all through Ireland. So you should have no trouble with that, plus people are extremely friendly and always willing to help you if you are lost or looking for a place to crash. As for internet I'm not really sure, when I went it was not a priority for me. My priority was booze and bedding drunk Irish chicks

Either way Ireland is a lot of fun and extremly beautiful. Make sure you do to Giants Causeway, however that is in Northern Ireland.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant's_Causeway

[TheStout]

Nice tips Bryan. I need to check Ireland off my list of places to go soon.

[Sarah_Jayne]

Originally Posted by baddog

How realistic is it that I get a car at the airport and just start driving? Will I be able to find a place to sleep each night and is Internet access available everywhere or will it be around towns only?

There isn't a motel culture over here. I would always book a hotel or be prepared to pay very high walk up rates if somebody has an available room.

[Peaches]

Went 3 years ago. Rented a car but I didn't drive. It was crazy. There's really not enough room on the roads! Then you crest a hill and suddenly there's a sheep in front of you. Get whatever insurance your CC doesn't offer ;)

I hosed up my hotel reservations but was able to get a room when I got there. Of course, I don't know when their "busy" season is. It also depends on WHERE you're going. We did the Ring of Kerry. There were small towns but TBH, while there could have been some B&Bs, lodging didn't scream out as far as availability. Obviously if you're staying next to larger towns (like Dublin) your chances of finding a room are higher.

You've traveled around Europe so you know the price of gas there is high - but we got such incredible mileage that it was probably cheaper than driving in the states. We had a small 4DR with automatic. Nothing fancy but not tiny. 3 people traveled quite comfortably.

IMHO, and I'm one that likes to just get on the road and drive, this is probably a destination where you want to plan specific stops both so you can see everything you want to see and lodging availability.

Food was totally underwhelming but the scenery more than made up for it.

Edit - we never used the internet while we were there. Can't help on that one. Based on cell signal, I'd say towns only. At least in the south. You're talking where you drive miles and miles and there is literally nothing but falling apart (and so beautiful) homes and awesome views.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by Sarah_MaxCash

There isn't a motel culture over here. I would always book a hotel or be prepared to pay very high walk up rates if somebody has an available room.

I just got a phone call 5 minutes ago from my good friend, Warren, and he said Ireland has motels being built all over, and that reservations would not be an issue.

Originally Posted by Peaches

Food was totally underwhelming but the scenery more than made up for it.

Yeah, I suspect the Guinness will be a primary staple for the food group. That was one thing about being Irish, the food is lacking, but the beer is great.

[CunningStunt]

I have a mate in the Dublin area if you need a point of contact.

Definitely play it by ear though, Ireland isn't that big, it's only about 200 miles wide.

[John.]

There was a massive building blitz over the past 10 years, there are hotels everywhere and all are stuck for businesss. Plenty of b & bs too.

Check out failteireland.com

[GotGauge]

I heard you can Hire a Guide that will drive you around and such, not to bad of Prices.
I will see if I can contact the person that told me this, they go every 2 years, but they are also from there!

[damnage]

Originally Posted by baddog

How realistic is it that I get a car at the airport and just start driving? Will I be able to find a place to sleep each night and is Internet access available everywhere or will it be around towns only?

Hi there, I know Ireland pretty well.


To be honest it depends what part of Ireland you are visiting, or are you going all over?


Basically you have Dublin, then the rest of Ireland in terms of development . Dublin is pretty well setup in terms of modern infrastructure (should be as well considering how much the bastards have been given from the EU ). Rental isn't that much of an issue, simply pick the car up and away you go. The roads round Dublin are pretty damn nice actually, and I wouldn't bother going for anything over the basic unless you want luxury.

Down the south (Cork, Kerry etc) I find to be nicest, the most "Irish Irish" place, without all that fake crap. Plenty to do and see, and the scenery is fantastic.


Motel wise you are going to get raped. There is bugger all really, unless you plan it in advance as most people charge through the nose (sometimes you wouldn't reckon we're in a fucking recession). I would either get used to sleeping in your car , pay through the nose, or do a bit of research before hand. Even giving the people a ring before hand will give you a better price.

The Irish are the best people in the world hands down, so you shouldn't be taken for a ride anywhere really.

In regards internet, Ireland is SUBSTANTIALLY better than it used to be. Mobile networks have good coverage and there are enough internet cafe's I suppose relatively.

I say relatively because when you are in a town of 3000 people, its not likely to be a whole street of internet cafe's

Still you shouldn't struggle.



Either way I would highly recommend Ireland, its a great place filled with character. Give me a shout and i'll take you down the local pub where you can have a nice overpriced guiness and we'll make advances on the pretty girls.

[Rochard]

Eight years ago when I met the family historian I discovered I was Irish. (My father died when I was a baby and I was never too close to that side of the family.) My wife and I went last year.

I'd tell you about it, but I'd have to charge you $500 / hour for Ireland consulting.

[damnage]

Originally Posted by GotGauge

I heard you can Hire a Guide that will drive you around and such, not to bad of Prices.
I will see if I can contact the person that told me this, they go every 2 years, but they are also from there!

Fuck that shit, you won't see Ireland properly looking like a yank with a baseball bat or whatever the stereotype.


Just get a car (assuming you are old enough to rent one), have a few places to visit preplanned and just take it easy.

Obviously this is just my viewpoint, but I find Ireland the place to just relax in rather than "OMG I must see this".

[damnage]

Originally Posted by Rochard

Eight years ago when I met the family historian I discovered I was Irish. (My father died when I was a baby and I was never too close to that side of the family.) My wife and I went last year.

I'd tell you about it, but I'd have to charge you $500 / hour for Ireland consulting.

It would appear everyone's Irish nowadays

[damnage]

Originally Posted by John.

There was a massive building blitz over the past 10 years, there are hotels everywhere and all are stuck for businesss. Plenty of b & bs too.

Check out failteireland.com

Don't even get me started on the housing boom.


Celtic fucking tiger.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by damnage

Hi there, I know Ireland pretty well.


To be honest it depends what part of Ireland you are visiting, or are you going all over?


Basically you have Dublin, then the rest of Ireland in terms of development . Dublin is pretty well setup in terms of modern infrastructure (should be as well considering how much the bastards have been given from the EU ). Rental isn't that much of an issue, simply pick the car up and away you go. The roads round Dublin are pretty damn nice actually, and I wouldn't bother going for anything over the basic unless you want luxury.

Down the south (Cork, Kerry etc) I find to be nicest, the most "Irish Irish" place, without all that fake crap. Plenty to do and see, and the scenery is fantastic.


Motel wise you are going to get raped. There is bugger all really, unless you plan it in advance as most people charge through the nose (sometimes you wouldn't reckon we're in a fucking recession). I would either get used to sleeping in your car , pay through the nose, or do a bit of research before hand. Even giving the people a ring before hand will give you a better price.

The Irish are the best people in the world hands down, so you shouldn't be taken for a ride anywhere really.

In regards internet, Ireland is SUBSTANTIALLY better than it used to be. Mobile networks have good coverage and there are enough internet cafe's I suppose relatively.

I say relatively because when you are in a town of 3000 people, its not likely to be a whole street of internet cafe's

Still you shouldn't struggle.



Either way I would highly recommend Ireland, its a great place filled with character. Give me a shout and i'll take you down the local pub where you can have a nice overpriced guiness and we'll make advances on the pretty girls.

goodgirl and I will be there for a week or so in mid-Sept. Starting off in Dublin. We would love to meet up if you are going to be around. Warren pretty much told me what you did. We will get wireless cards so the Internet cafe issue should not be an issue.

Just wondering, when you say we will get raped with the cost of lodging, what kind of prices are we talking about?

[baddog]

Originally Posted by Rochard

I'd tell you about it, but I'd have to charge you $500 / hour for Ireland consulting.

You have to know what you are talking about to justify those rates.

[GTS Mark]

Two words

Temple bar

[baddog]

Originally Posted by GTS Mark

Two words

Temple bar

Neither of us are Jewish.

[Amputate Your Head]

Has anyone traveled Ireland in the last couple of years?

No.

[uno]

I haven't been around Ireland since 2001 and I've seen a number of shows, read a number of articles and talked to a number of people who have told me how far its advanced since i've been there. Sad, imo. It had a certain charm that i'm sure remains in certain pubs and outside Dublin in particular.

[Sarah_Jayne]

Originally Posted by baddog

I just got a phone call 5 minutes ago from my good friend, Warren, and he said Ireland has motels being built all over, and that reservations would not be an issue.
.

Cool news on them being built. They are Euros too remember (unlike the UK and N. Ireland) so if you are coming over for Spain and Netherlands you can use whatever currency you pull out in all places.

[Ross]

Ireland and the UK aren't at the stage of North America yet, in terms of Internet. However places like Starbucks and Costa Coffee will have free wifi. Most hotels have wifi too at a cost. You could probably pick up a pre paid Dongle (usb modem) if it is only for checking email/icq. That will take away a lot of the hassle for you.

In the big towns you have tons of hotels, start going outside them and you will find a lot of B&B's. I highly recommend getting a GPS with your car rental as well, it'll come in very handy. Depending on the price to rent it with your car, and since I know your plans to go to Scotland too, it might serve you better to just buy one. It could work out just as cheap.

Have a great time, too bad I'm not gonna be in Scotland to catch you and Goodgirl. Drop me a message if you want any information on Scotland, I'll tell you the good and bad, which might serve you very well

[DamianJ]

I drove across the country this year, and it was fun. However, I am afraid there are no such things as Motels over there. Or in any of the UK.

There are some small hotels and lots and lots of bed and breakfast guest houses, but nothing like motels in the states.

I would work out where you want to go and book in advance.

You can easily get a car at the airport, but if you want a choice of car, I would prebook.

Cliffs of Moher you have to see.

[newB]

Dublin has loads of hotels, and Shannon has one that is very close to the airport. If you're going to be traveling around I would check with a travel agent about getting B&B vouchers - many of the B&B's are affiliated with a service, so the vouchers are redeemable at any of those and come with a booklet so you can decide where you're going and call ahead to book a stay.

Driving was an adventure as the roads were not like what we expect here in the US - there are only a few that are 4 lane, and many were not graded before being paved so the driver will need to be vigilant. Considering that many of those roads were immediately bordered by a stone wall, a hedge, or a hedge growing over a stone wall, I usually needed a drink or two every time we stopped to steady my nerves and prepare myself for getting back in the car and beginning anew.

I found it refreshing that many of the drivers are courteous and pull to the shoulder to allow over-passing by faster traffic.

Hope this helps.

[Chosen]

Originally Posted by Amputate Your Head

No.

Same here

[damnage]

Originally Posted by baddog

Neither of us are Jewish.

Haha, its the cultural area of Dublin.

Probably a bit of humour fail from me there though.

Originally Posted by baddog

goodgirl and I will be there for a week or so in mid-Sept. Starting off in Dublin. We would love to meet up if you are going to be around. Warren pretty much told me what you did. We will get wireless cards so the Internet cafe issue should not be an issue.

Just wondering, when you say we will get raped with the cost of lodging, what kind of prices are we talking about?

Lodgings aren't really cheap places to stay. Its more of a hotel culture (Dublin anyway) with a smattering of B&B's around the place.

Prebooking is essential to ensure that your budget is kept to. Suppose you could always get a caravan (my idea of hell haha).

Wouldn't mind meeting at some point, not that i'm anybut a normal 20 year old who is probably quite boring to chat to

Originally Posted by uno

I haven't been around Ireland since 2001 and I've seen a number of shows, read a number of articles and talked to a number of people who have told me how far its advanced since i've been there. Sad, imo. It had a certain charm that i'm sure remains in certain pubs and outside Dublin in particular.

Ireland has been completely fucked over. Period.

I remember when I was a young'un (20 now, talking when I was like 7-13) , it had such character, the pubs were great, the gardai (cops) were pleasant and the country was really relaxed. Then stupid laws such as the smoking ban and what not came in, and suddenly along with the money from the EU, there was a whole influx of laws regulations and what not. Whilst still a fantastic country with great people, it has lost alot.

Originally Posted by Sarah_MaxCash

Cool news on them being built. They are Euros too remember (unlike the UK and N. Ireland) so if you are coming over for Spain and Netherlands you can use whatever currency you pull out in all places.

Damn Euro's, I used to LOVE the punts. Dear oh dear I need to move along with the times

Originally Posted by newB

Driving was an adventure as the roads were not like what we expect here in the US - there are only a few that are 4 lane, and many were not graded before being paved so the driver will need to be vigilant. Considering that many of those roads were immediately bordered by a stone wall, a hedge, or a hedge growing over a stone wall, I usually needed a drink or two every time we stopped to steady my nerves and prepare myself for getting back in the car and beginning anew.

I found it refreshing that many of the drivers are courteous and pull to the shoulder to allow over-passing by faster traffic.

Hope this helps.

Drink driving? You must have fit in well here


You definitely need to prebook a car, its SERIOUSLY expensive per day otherwise. Booking around now will get you some bargains. Look around for coupons and cashback, there are some deals to be had.

Also check out hertz (Car rental firm) return. Its a service that allows you to pick up a car for only $1 (for real) if you return it to another country. (saves them the hassle of having someone driving it to the country they want it in.




P.s I did write out a long ass thing for you, then my laptop crashed. ****ing thing.

[baddog]

Yeah, the GPS is a given. I need to remember to try and download Ireland/Scotland to my Magellan.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by damnage

Haha, its the cultural area of Dublin.

Probably a bit of humour fail from me there though.



Lodgings aren't really cheap places to stay. Its more of a hotel culture (Dublin anyway) with a smattering of B&B's around the place.

Prebooking is essential to ensure that your budget is kept to. Suppose you could always get a caravan (my idea of hell haha).

Wouldn't mind meeting at some point, not that i'm anybut a normal 20 year old who is probably quite boring to chat to



Ireland has been completely fucked over. Period.

I remember when I was a young'un (20 now, talking when I was like 7-13) , it had such character, the pubs were great, the gardai (cops) were pleasant and the country was really relaxed. Then stupid laws such as the smoking ban and what not came in, and suddenly along with the money from the EU, there was a whole influx of laws regulations and what not. Whilst still a fantastic country with great people, it has lost alot.




Damn Euro's, I used to LOVE the punts. Dear oh dear I need to move along with the times




Drink driving? You must have fit in well here


You definitely need to prebook a car, its SERIOUSLY expensive per day otherwise. Booking around now will get you some bargains. Look around for coupons and cashback, there are some deals to be had.

Also check out hertz (Car rental firm) return. Its a service that allows you to pick up a car for only $1 (for real) if you return it to another country. (saves them the hassle of having someone driving it to the country they want it in.




P.s I did write out a long ass thing for you, then my laptop crashed. ****ing thing.

It is appreciated. Thank you.

[kbauerctu]

Originally Posted by baddog

How realistic is it that I get a car at the airport and just start driving? Will I be able to find a place to sleep each night and is Internet access available everywhere or will it be around towns only?

I was there about 3 years ago to visit with some family. I got in a car and drove right out of shannon airport. The roads are scary, the natives drive very fast. My best advice is get a small car. The roads are not like they are out here, especially when driving through the country. If you wind up in the big city's like Dublin or Cork, I'd advise ditching the car. It was very stressful trying to navigate crowded city's driving on the wrong side of the road.

[Billy Mays]

maybe your dog can chime in

[slayer69]

Head to mayo.

[RadicalSights]

who would want to go to Ireland?

[The Heron]

Spent a week there in december, stayed in Dublin since there is a good deal of sites to see in the area. Though did take a couple day tours into the countryside too.
Not sure about driving but it didn't seem as crazy as people say, especially outside Dublin.
Hotel wasn't excessive expensive and hell now I get weekly emails offering flight/hotel/car for less than 1k so I'd think you could swing a cheap deal if you did research.
I only used internet at the hotel and it was ok, it's a developed country you should be able to connect anywhere I think.
I wasn't impressed with the 'temple bar' area but maybe because it was christmas time the drunken debauchery was less?
Dress for the wet cold

[The Heron]

oh yea if you come back through dublin and I think the other major airport (in cork?) you go through passport control there instead of in the US so plan for that and arrive earlier since the lines can be a pain right before your flight out.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by RadicalSights

who would want to go to Ireland?

Well, as we are both of Irish heritage and I want to introduce her to a properly poured Guinness, we do.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by The Heron

oh yea if you come back through dublin and I think the other major airport (in cork?) you go through passport control there instead of in the US so plan for that and arrive earlier since the lines can be a pain right before your flight out.

Nah, we arrive in Dublin at beginning of tour, but will head home from AMS.

[Why]

Originally Posted by Sarah_MaxCash

There isn't a motel culture over here. I would always book a hotel or be prepared to pay very high walk up rates if somebody has an available room.

this statement is quite contradictory to my experience in ireland.

affordable rooms were very easy to find everywhere we went, no booking required. except Cork, which is a bigger city and there was a big rugby match going on in town that night.

[damnage]

Originally Posted by baddog

Nah, we arrive in Dublin at beginning of tour, but will head home from AMS.

Well if you are in Ireland for but a week, I would say it would probably be best to stay around the Dublin area, rather than traipsing around the country, as its quite a demanding country to drive on (believe me why I say its infinitely better than it was ).

Plenty of things to see in Dublin/Wicklow and all that jazz. I'll get a you a list of things to do if you are interested

[baddog]

Originally Posted by damnage

Well if you are in Ireland for but a week, I would say it would probably be best to stay around the Dublin area, rather than traipsing around the country, as its quite a demanding country to drive on (believe me why I say its infinitely better than it was ).

Plenty of things to see in Dublin/Wicklow and all that jazz. I'll get a you a list of things to do if you are interested

Yeah, I would be interested, but there is no way we will not be out exploring the countryside. It is what we do.

Besides, Ireland isn't as big as California, so I am pretty sure we can get a lot of the sights in. My primary decision is do I spend half the time in Ireland and half in Scotland, or not.