dcronin5000

...particularly St Patty's day? What is it like? Oh I can imagine it's fun, but not as crazy as it is in the US.<BR><BR>Is the weather terrible in March? This is really going to be our only chance to go for a while.<BR><BR>If we had 7 days and know we want to see Dublin for at least a couple and want to fly in and out of Dublin - what shall we see?<BR><BR>thx

fergie12

Consulting a good guide book is your first priority. Look through and see what interests you most, then ask the forum for opinions. I would say that you will need to stay in the south/southwest area since you're in and out of Dublin. Remember driving times are about 3 or 4 times what you think they will be. The weather? Cold and rainy. Bring good all weather gear and you'll be fine.

Bellarose

I was in SW Ireland and Dublin in March two years ago. The weather was nippy, sometimes rainy. When on the coastline, such as at the Cliffs of Moher, it was cold and windy. I took a trench coat and wore a sweater under when it was colder. We also had some sunny days and saw beautiful spring trees blooming at Blarney Castle, which is further South. Despite the weather, my mother and I had a wonderful time. The people were wonderfully friendly and helpful. Sandy

cd

We were in Ireland last St Patrick's Day and there were no parties, decorations, or green beer. It is a religious holiday. However, I understand that Dublin does a lot more in the way of celebrations, we were in the west. I suggest that you fly into Dublin for St Patricks and then drive to the west for the beautiful scenery in the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive , Cliffs of Moher, and maybe the Doolin area and fly back out of Shannon. The weather was rainy but we dressed in layers (usually turtleneck with sweater and leather coat) and had an umbella and were fine. Have a great time!

Cherie

I was in Dublin last St. Patrick's Day. The weather was awful -- cold and rainy. In fact, that day was the worst weather of our 2-week trip. BUT, the celebrations went on and they were wonderful. A huge parade (with a large Irish-American contingent), live music around St. Stephen's Square (I believe there were 3 or 4 bands playing through the afternoon), and gorgeous fireworks at night along the Liffey. Little children had shamrocks painted on their faces and everyone wore green. Don't miss it.

wojazz3

The weather won't be warm, but other than that, unpredictable. March is a pretty wet month in Ireland.<BR><BR>Be careful that you don't refer to it as St Patty's Day there. Patty is a woman's name. Paddy is the men's version.<BR><BR>With 7 days and at least two in Dublin, I would stick to the east coast. There are lots of things to see in the area. You could take a few days and take in Kilkenny, Glendalough, Powerscourt and the Wicklow mountains. You could also head north and see Newgrange and the rest of the Boyne valley, maybe even drop by to see Trim Castle which I believe I heard is going through some refurbishment. I could be wrong there.<BR><BR>Dublin caters to the tourist crowd on St Patrick's Day, so there is plenty to do, but not plenty of rooms. If you haven't made reservations yet, you will have a difficult time getting anything in the city center. The rooms that you do find at this late date would probably be pretty pricey. CD is quite right about keeping in mind that it is a religious holiday there. <BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>Bill

jor

Dublin's Temple Bar area is as crazy and crowded as you can stand. Plan to spend only the first day and last night in Dublin. Spend the rest of the time traveling in south west Ireland. Plenty of pubs and scenery outside of Dublin.<BR>check out the web site for Tir na nog. A young oriented travel bus tour.

DavidD

dcronin,<BR><BR>You're no doubt excited about your upcoming trip, and with good reason. You'll have a swell time in Erin.<BR><BR>Given your relatively short stay, however, I'd recommend that you spend three days in Dublin (especially if you're interested in Irish culture and history), two days in County Kilkenny, and two in County Wicklow. Yes, such a plan misses out on Ireland's wonderful west, but it minimizes drive time (a common mistake) while also emphasizing some lovely scenery and terrific sites.<BR><BR>As suggested, Dublin is a must for several reasons. Sure, it'll be hectic and congested, but there's a good many superb attractions that are unique to Dublin. Beyond the St. Patrick's Day Parade, consider viewing the Book of Kells at Trinity College. In addition, experience a compelling look at the birth of the Irish Republic by visiting Kilmainham Gaol. Nearby is a fun site, the Guinness Brewery. More significantly, view some of the treasures of Celtic art at the National Museum.<BR><BR>From there, consider spending the balance of your trip in two very lovely regions, both south of Dublin, counties Wicklow and Kilkenny. Rather than list a variety of key attractions here, obtain a copy of a good travel guide. Fodor's does a fine job; the Rough Guide is better, offering nicely detailed sections on Wicklow and Kilkenny. Both counties are chock-full of scenic drives, fine accommodations, and must-see sights.<BR><BR>Best of luck.<BR>

bigtyke

Was in Ireland in March 2000. Weather was actually better than we left in Phoenix! Had very little rain, but was overcast and about 50 degrees F.<BR><BR>Coldest day was the day it was sunny but very windy

waffle18

Was in Ireland for the festivities in March 2000. It was cold but then Ireland is always cold to me (coming from So. CA). It was the wind I remember the most. Make sure you get yourself a good wind breaker type of top, either a long sleeved shirt, jacket or coat. A good sporting supply store like REI will have a range of items you can get from shirts to coats. 'Layers' is always the key word in Ireland. Also something for the ears! Mine froze. (That darn wind...) <BR><BR>I was not in Dublin for the parade but watched it on tv and was most impressed. I spent the day downtown in a small town outside of Dublin where the locals had their own parade. Not nearly as fancy but very hometown with tons of kids involved. <BR><BR>I agree with the other posters who said to stick near Dublin. (Bill, you should have your own web site!) You won't have the daylight to do a lot of driving and many of the smaller out-of-the-way tourist places are closed anyway. If you take in Newgrange get there early as the tours always sell out fast. I'm 100% for Trim and Tara as well as Kilkenny and Wicklow. And especially the National Museum in Dublin. Perfect for a rainy day.<BR><BR>You will have a great time!