Comment by Bit Devine on August 16, 2014 at 12:50am

In Kilkenny, you would be well served to utilise the self-guided walking tour provided by Corey Taratuta, a WG member, and one half of IrishFireside. 

How many days are you giving to each place you are visiting? 

Comment by Ann V Quinlan on August 18, 2014 at 6:22am

James - If you are landing in Dublin I would strongly suggest you get to The National Museum of Ireland.  I always promote this as the best visual and historic introduction to Irish culture and mores going back to pre-hostory/The Celtic influences and the way in which Ireland became a land of attraction for many invaders - wht the exception of The Romans.  Dublin is  a Viking city and continues to yield many mysterious aspects of life in the 12th century. Also - the National Museum of Art and the great library at Trinity College where you will also be able to see The Book(s) of Kells.  I am currently reading Lost Laws of Ireland - The Brehon Laws by Catherine Duggan.  I leave September 16 and meet my group at Shannon on September 19.  We are based at Ashley Park House in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.  I will be leading 2 journeys next year (May and September) October will be a quieter time for you.  Good choice. Have a joyous time in my homeland!  http://www.spiraljourneys.com

Comment by Ryan O'Rourke on August 18, 2014 at 6:40am

Hi, James.  First of all, welcome to The Wild Geese community!  Glad to have you aboard.

Ann has good suggestions above.  One way to get around and see what needs to be seen in Dublin is the "hop-on-hop-off" bus tour.  You can get off wherever you want, and hope back on wherever you want.

I live in Galway, so I could list many, many things to see.  Definitely plan a day to drive around the Connemara loop and just soak in the rugged and majestic beauty.  Definitely plan another day for the Aran Islands ... probably Inis Mór if you have to choose one of the three islands.  And then a day in Galway City where you'll find plenty to do and see.

Comment by Debra Mullen on August 19, 2014 at 12:09pm

 My husband and I have been over 7 times now, spending 10 to 20 days each trip. We've stayed in Dublin twice, all the museums are worth a visit, but remember most are closed on Mondays. The hop on/ off bus tour is a great value, good to get a sense of the city, and best to buy online before you go, and to buy a package deal with a bus ticket from the airport, we saved 20 euro doing it that way back in 2009.

I agree about the areas to see near Galway, all lovely, if you can, spend the night on the Aran Islands, so much to see, too much for just a day trip.Kelkinney is another lovely ancient town worth at least 1 overnight stay. Don't try to pack too much in a short time, you'll get home with your head spinning wishing you had seen more of each area, we've learned. Good luck with your trip!

Comment by Daniel Williams on August 21, 2014 at 9:34am

For the time you will spend in Dublin, don't rent a car. Getting around our Capitol city is very easy and convenient and very safe. Driving in the city is frustrating if you don't know your way around. Dublin is a very old city, per dating the automobile by 1000 years and the roadways were laid out for another less hectic time. Best to put Dublin at the beginning or end of your holidays and enjoy this fabulous land from your auto, but outside the Capitol. I heartily recommend you see Glendalough, not far from Dublin and Busaras runs there very conveniently. I also recommend Kinsale and Dingle for the driving part of your holiday. Relax, Ireland is easy. If you're lost, there's someone nearby who is eager to help a Yank.

Comment by Debra Mullen on August 21, 2014 at 12:07pm

I agree with seeing Dublin without a car, many B&

Bs and hotels do not have parking, and as said by Daniel, its crazy to drive there, so use public transport and rent the car when not in Dublin. Are you on a set tour or go as you please to anywhere you want? We love the west, get there as soon as possible,  have a cottage we rent in west Clare, owned by some friends who rent it out for a very reasonable rate, 3 beds, 2 baths, if your interested I can give you more info.

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