Help needed. We want to go to Ireland this summer.

[OrmIrian]

Last time I went was on a field trip in about 1986. I know nothing much about it TBH. Was in a stupor from cold/hunger/alcohol/illegal substances most of the time. But do remember it being very lovely and having some stunning archaeology.

We would like good beaches (preferaby for surfing?), reasonably close to some shops/pubs/restaurants, not too far to drive - (am expecting to get the ferry to Dun Laoghire (sp).

Please tell me where to start looking. I know nothing!

[TeaSleepFood]

HI there,
we spend a lot of time in the Dingle peninsular. GReat for both surfing and windsurfing but it's on the west coast of Ireland, may be a bit far for you. Specifically the Marharees peninsular is the best with the nearest small town being Castlegregory.
HTH

[cornsilk]

We go to Connemara. About 4 hour drive from Dun Laoghire but the roads aren't bad. We usually use Tesco vouchers to pay for the ferry.

[soremummy]

Kerry is lovely also to help with spelling its Dun Laoghaire spent half my life spelling that

[OrmIrian]

Right. Thanks.

I have found a website with some lovely cottages - shockingly reasonable too! But I didn't know where to start to look.

I Looked at Dingle tea, it was abouit 6hrs from the ferry sadly. Wouldn't go down that well with DC.

[TeaSleepFood]

HI Orm, I thought it would be too far. WE usually get the Swansea - Cork ferry overnight.

[cornsilk]

Hi Wats! Can you surf?

[cornsilk]

We always take wet suits - even I've got one! Not brave enough to go in further than my waist though!

[nat22]

We went to the Dingle peninsular 2 years ago. Absolutley stunning scenery but weather not great - cold as well as wet. Didn't ruin the holiday though - just be prepared. Accomodation very reasonable but be warned - eating out in good restauarants cost more than London. Food exceptional but a very pricey holiday.

[OrmIrian]

Yes nat that's one of the things I remember from my field trip - hence the hunger! But the hire of the cottage plus ferry fare is so reasonable compared with Cornwall recently, it might work out OK.

It's actually Rosslare not Dun Laoghaire.

[OrmIrian]

Also am used to holidays in Scotland, Isle of Mull, so weather doesn't scare me.

[cornsilk]

Which site are you on? (nosey)

[OrmIrian]

www.imagineireland.com/default.asp.

Unless I've misunderstood there are some very good deal incl ferry tickets.

[cornsilk]

Thanks - haven't sorted my holiday out yet.

[dizzydixies]

I started a thread looking for places in Wicklow - which is beautiful by the way, some really good links on there, will find it for you

[dizzydixies]

here you are

[dizzydixies]

some cottages here

[renaldo]

lovely cottage here - if you get the ferry to rosslare then its not too bad a drivewww.holidaylets.net/properties/17778

[renaldo]

and great beach for surfing at innchydonney nearby

[Deemented]

May be coming to this a bit late, but we went to Ireland the year before last and stayed in Avoca in Co. Wicklow - where Ballykissangel was filmed. We went with Shamrock cottages and it was fantastic - it was an hours drive from Dublin/Dun Laghoire, and was close to some cracking beaches and scenery too. Would highly reccomend it.

[roisin]

How old are your children?

We went to Ireland in August last year. We spent 4 days touring, then a week in Kerry, then 4 days touring. It was fab.

We don't surf, but swam in the sea loads: tons of fab beaches everywhere.

We found Ireland generally quite pricey (partly cos of the Euro.) Accommodation was very reasonable though, but most else was pricey. Dingle was extortionate, especially Dingle Town.

[roisin]

You have to go to Newgrange We'd been before, but it was the first time we've taken the boys (9 and 11). They loved it.