What useful information/advice can you give me that I'm unlikely to have found in books about Ireland?

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siucra

Before you leave check if your mobile (cell phone) will work in Ireland. Here the majority of people have one so the public phones aren't very well maintained and may only accept prepaid cards.

Outside Dublin public transport is miserable, if you want to see the country you will need to hire a car.

Over the last few years efforts have been made to improve signposting however I would recomend buying a good map, I use the OS map books, which can be bought in a good book shop (try finding an Easons) and filling stations.

I'm not sure how long you are staying but the north and nort west may be worth visiting. The border crossing is no problem, all you'll notice is the signs with the speed limits changing from KM to Miles. The Giants Causeway is beautiful, and Donegal has some amazing views. In Omagh there is the Ulster American Folk Park (http://www.folkpark.com/) and the Ulster History Park.Throughout Northern Ireland former Stately homes are open to the public and ran by the national trust, eg castle coole and florencecourt house.

Most local tourist offices operate a service where you can contact them giving details of waht accomodation you require (eg B&B, ensuite room, <1KM town centre) and they will give you a list of options and will book one on your behalf for a small fee.

ATM's are available in all cities and large towns, creditcards (mastercard and visa) are accepted widely (American Express is not accepted as frequently)

Don't be afraid to pop into a shop or pub to look for directions they'll help you if they can.

Enjoy your trip!

sandand_surf

Stay in B&Bs. The owners are more that helpful regarding travel plans or calling ahead to get you a room in a B&B that they know of. I've had them give me older guide books and maps. Also, if you see a sign for an interesting castle/abbey/museum//whatever, go see it. I've only traveled Ireland by rental car, and have seen some of the best things on unplanned detours.

also, chat with the locals when you're out at a pub or for a meal. They're usually keen to talk about themselves or their town to strangers, and you learn a lot.

An American in Ireland

You want to fly into Shannon Ireland then. County Clare has a lot to see and not expensive such as Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, Craggenouwen, The Burren, Spanish Pointl, Lahinch, Ennis, Galway, Kylemore Abbey, and of course Galway. All of these are just high points there is so much to see along the way in out of the way places. B&Bs are good but if you want to relax one day and lounge around you need to get a hotel. Usually B&B want you out after breakfast and not back until 500P.

Breakfast usually is part of your room - Its a full Irish Breakfast. Some hotels have buffets or they will cook it for you and that includes B&Bs too.

Car hire is good if you do that get a international permit from AAA then your insurance will be cheaper in Ireland. The permit is about 10.00 weather is not too bad its goes from low to up to 40 in the January month.

You can get a cheaper flight if you are in the Northwest I recommned. AA which goes straight into Shannon or Aer Lingus.

You can also take a train trip there are some tickets like 30.00EURO for 7 days.

Also you dont need to carry a lot of cash. You can use your debit card in Ireland and the bank will automatically change it to EURO or get your money exhchanged at a local bank before you leave. If you get lost in Ireland the people are so good to help you out.

Make sure you have your passports.

johnnycoffey

I came across a coupon for discounts to heritage sites and events - i posted a link to it on my site (see my signature below).

In Killarney there is a great hostel called the Killarney International Youth Hostel.

Make a date with a storyteller, again there's info on this on my site.

A lot depends on whether you will be using public transport or a car and how much time you have. See Dingle, Cliffs of Moher or my favorite go to a sporting event such as a hurling match or gaelic football match. See gaa.ie for info about that.

Also, visit a benedictine abbey 30 minutes from Limerick: glenstal.ie. On sundays they celebrate mass with gregorian chant. The monastery is a castle on a vast estate. Unmissable.

Have a great trip.

laceharrington

The dark sausage is blood sausage...tasty if you don't think about it. Shagging means kissing there. If the locals tell you someplace is dodgy, back away, it means shady, scary, shifty. Bring things like cigarettes, shampoo, and tampons with you because they are very expensive there. Bus drivers are crazy and will make you want to vomit. Take the train.

peter k

Visit Spain Instead..

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