Dublin area for an autumn break

[5foot5]

A week in Dublin, or the Dublin area in either late September or early October - what could we do?

We would probably hire a car so we would not just be restricted to the city or what could be reached on public transport. Similarly we wouldn't necessarily have to have accommodation in the city itself, so long as we could get there easily.

Things we like:

-History and culture, interesting old buildings e.g. in UK we like visiting NT properties and stately homes

-Museums and art galleries (to a certain extent, wouldn't want to spend every day in museums)

-Countryside and walking

-Eating out

Not too worried about shopping.

Two middle aged adults so we don't need anything to entertain children and we are certainly not fussed about night life and clubbing!

Any suggestions? Should we base ourselves in Dublin or nearby, given we anticipate hiring a car?

South of Dublin, County Wicklow is beautiful. It's easily accessible to Dublin, both by public transport or by car, but you'd need to allow 45 minutes travelling - would that be too far out? I think if you're staying a week you'd probably want a car. Are you planning to stay in a hotel or private accommodation? There are some lovely hotels but it all depends on your budget. Greystones is a beautiful area with plenty of really lovely cafes and restaurants and a train link to Dublin. There are lovely coastal walks as well as countryside to explore, Kilruddery House for example would be a really nice way to spend an afternoon. Powerscourt is also well worth a visit, and the seaside town of Bray which isn't as upmarket as Greystones but still very nice, has lots to offer.

Perhaps if you could give an idea of budget and if you're definitely going to hire a car you'd get more detailed suggestions?

Thank you very much for your suggestions so far macnab.

Yes I think it is safe to say we would be hiring a car.

We probably would look for a cottage or flat or something to rent but a hotel is not out of the question. Probably sort of mid-range, i.e. can't afford lap of luxury, 5 start for the week but it doesn't have to be bargain basement either.

What is parking like in Dublin? Would it be better to take the train than drive?

No suggestions re. accommodation etc. but I would highly recommend the Chester Beatty Museum. I was blown away by it - the quality of the exhibits and especially the accompanying texts explaining them. It's amazing.

Yes definitely better to use public transport when going to Dublin city, the parking charges are outrageous and a lot of the city is pedestrian or public transport only anyway so you'd struggle to drive to exactly where you want to go. But a car for exploring the areas around Dublin, including Wicklow, would be ideal.

www.russborough.ie/ - beautiful house and gardens that you could visit
powerscourt.com/ - again a beautiful estate.
Both of the above are in Wicklow (a neighbouring county to Dublin).

Are you thinking of taking a ferry over (and bringing your own car, if you have one) or are you definitely going to hire a car? Hire cars can work out quite expensive.
When you get here, I'd recommend finding a news agent that has a sign for "Leap Cards" as these will allow you to get on buses/Luas/Dart around Dublin and are cheaper than paying for your journey in cash. Also the majority of public transport don't take Euro notes to pay for journeys, only coins, so the Leap Card is very handy in this respect too. www.leapcard.ie/Home/index.html

Anything else, just ask :)

If you're staying in Dublin, I'd recommend perhaps staying in the suburbs and if you wanted to go into the city centre then you could use public transport. Also, you will be able to park your hire car in the car park of the hotel. A lot of city centre hotels don't have an on-site car park.

The Skylon Hotel is in Drumcondra (between the airport and city centre) or Crowne Plaza in Santry. Both of these areas are on the north side of the city.
For the southside, which would allow quicker links to Wicklow, you might want to stay in the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan.

Hope this helps!

If you like quieter out of town we often stay in Howth then either get the dart or drive in easy access to Phoenix Park end.

Kilruddery House in Wicklow is lovely.

Ardgillen Castle and Demense near Skerries just below Dublin has lovely grounds.

Boyne Valley near Drogheda has lovely scenery, grounds and if you are interested in history a good visitors centre then go on up to Monasterboice to Donegan's The Monasterboice Inn for really good food (and drink)

Wow thanks. Good tips WatchaMaCallIt we probably would fly then hire a car I think. Will have to weigh up the time saving of plane over ferry.

Loyaultemelie thank you I will put these on the lust.

List.

Trinity Library in the city Centre is fantastic.

You could take the open topped bus tour. You can get on and off and it's a good way to see the city. You can do Dublin city centre thoroughly in 2 days.
The coast is lovely. I just spent today at Brittas Bay which is a lovely beach in Co Wickow and there are lots of beautiful beaches and scenery along the coast.
Glendalough is a must. It's so beautiful.
North of Dublin is also very nice. Newgrange is worth a visit.

are you sure you can't come now. We're having amazing weather and you could go and see Riverdance!!