Ireland. Where's nice?

[HecateHarshPants]

Done England, Scotland and Wales. Now we want to do Ireland. I wonder which is nicer, Northern Ireland or Eire (hope I have the two names right, I know many Irish people feel strongly)

What would you recommend?

Am really looking for self catering cottage, preferably with a pool, but I'm flexible on that. But must be a really lovely area with fun for the children.

North Antrim Coast - stunning views, loads to do and lovely beaches

I live in NI and I would recommend donegal, Sligo or Kilarney in Co.Kerry. Just be warned that the weather over here isn't great so the pool might not get used :o

Galway, Kerry or West Cork. And its only Eire if you're speaking Irish, otherwise its just Ireland.

We honeymooned in Kerry (SW), the town of Kenmare is lovely, very picturesque with great pubs and great food. Dingle is also lovely.

Thank you.

And thanks P. I have obviously been on mumsnet too long I worry about such things.

Ah yes, Weather. Indoor pool or nothing then, eh?

Second vote for Dingle. Coastline is just breathtaking, plus they have a friendly local dolphin!

I am in Galway, lovely holiday destination, and lots to do with children, there are some lovely beaches around as well, only problem it has not stopped raining all week,also County Cork is great,have you seen the DISCOVERIRELANDI

Sorry meant to say DISCOVERIRELAND.IE

We are going to Ireland for 2 weeks in July. First week near Limerick, 2nd week near Waterford.

So what are the must see places near these locations?

Thankyou

Galway Bay is lovely area.
Cork and the area of little fishing villages nearby with excellent restaurants is nice.
Limerick is not so lovely.

Thought the ring of Kerry hugely over-rated. Admits saw most of it through windsreen wipers.

I loved County Mayo. Clew Bay is stunning and much less crowded than County Kerry.

I love Ireland, and have been all over. Just a word of warning, nobody goes to Ireland for the weather! We were there for 18 days in August once, and it rained every single day!!! You will still have a fabulous time, as long as you're prepared X

Bring a boat... It's lashing down again

I grew up in cork and there's loads to do down there and the weather tends to be marginally better ( although they're flooded atm so this year might not be the best to visit. I live in the west now and theres tonnes to do here too and it's dripping in culture.

Avoid Dublin, too crowded and smelly.

NI is lovely too, been years since I was up there but it's bloody gorgeous.

Cork or Antrim.

Achill Island, off the coast of Co Mayo. Beautiful place.

Another vote for north Antrim coast.

Stunning part of the world. giants causeway, downhill, benone beach, barry's amusements in portrush and the fabulous ramore wine bar - the desserts are to
Die for . Just some of the many things to do.

Am biased like whojam though. Grew up not far away and spent many happy holidays in castle rock, portrush and portstewart.

If going down south as us northerners call it, recommend kerry mayo or Galway.

Dublin good for a day but it is so busy! Were down last weekend and it was madness (Dublin pride parade was on though so may have had something to do with it)

But come north - so much to do here. Check out the discover Ireland website for events happening. The whole thing is northern Ireland 2012 our time our place.

Plus no exchange rates to worry about.

P.s just read your op - you will be very lucky to get a pool with a self catering cottage in Ireland. We have no call for such things in our climate. Hunter Wellies and a berghaus coat may be more Appropriate at the mo. In between the
Rain it can be quite pleasant though (at times)

But dependent on your budget check out sheen falls in Kenmare co Kerry. Only €10,000 a week. If
I won the lottery.......

Yes, Achill Island is so beautiful. We steyed in Westport for a couple of days and drove all around Achill Island and loved it.

Wexford and Waterford are absolutely beautiful. Lovely beaches, races at Tramore, JFK memorial park, Hook lighthouse with whale watching, Waterford crystal tour lovely

Sligo bay, Galway, Achill Island.

Think 1950s activities, loads of fresh air, board games , beaches and sandcastles, wonderful.

And the food is amazing. Stunningly fresh, brilliant bread.

Both are lovely. I will leave the southerns to recommend their area. (Though I liked the ring of Kerry).

In N. Ireland I would recommend The glens of Antrim. Glenariff has the most amazing views. Then travel on up the coast towards giants causeway (tourist area) onto benone for one of the nicest beaches.

Enniskillen is also lovely - with all the lakes. Enniskillen is near the border so you could do both north and south.