Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ler budget airlines may provide bargain service from several European capitals to many
cities in Ireland. Consider saving time and money in Europe by flying into one city and out
of another; for instance, into Dublin and out of Paris.
Surface Transportation:
For a three-week whirlwind trip of my recommended des-
tinations, allow $300 per person for public transportation (trains and buses). For a three-
week car rental, allow about $450 per person (based on two people sharing), not including
tolls, parking, gas, and insurance. Car rentals are cheapest if arranged from the US. Be-
cause Ireland's train system has gaps, you'll likely save money by simply buying train and
bus tickets as you go, rather than buying a railpass. Don't hesitate to consider flying, as
budget airlines can be cheaper than taking the train (check
www.skyscanner.com
for intra-
European flights). For more on public transportation and car rental, see “Transportation”
in the appendix.
These attractions are listed (as in this topic) roughly clockwise around the island of
Ireland.
Republic of Ireland
▲▲▲
▲▲▲
Dublin
BustlingIrishcapital,withfascinatingtours(historical,musical,and
literary), passionate rebel history (Kilmainham Gaol), treasured Dark Age gospels
(Book of Kells), intricate Celtic artifacts (National Museum: Archaeology and His-
tory, and a rambunctious pub district (Temple Bar).
▲▲▲
Near Dublin
Great day-trip options: North to the Boyne Valley's ancient pre-
Celtic burial mounds of Brú na Bóinne and majestic Norman castle of Trim, west to
the green horse-racing pastures of the Irish National Stud, and south to the graceful
Gardens of Powerscourt and evocative monastic ruins of Glendalough.
▲▲▲
Kilkenny and the Rock of Cashel
Best two destinations in Ireland's interior:
the town of Kilkenny, with its narrow medieval lanes, cathedrals, and castle; and
the Rock of Cashel, with its dramatic hilltop hodgepodge of church ruins overlook-
ing the Plain of Tipperary.
▲
Waterford and County Wexford
Gritty historic port town with famous Water-
ford Crystal Visitor Centre, and the hinterland of early Norman invasions, with a
huge lighthouse and the JFK ancestral farm.
▲▲▲
Kinsale and Cobh
County Cork's two quaint harbor towns: Gourmet capital
Kinsale, guarded by squat Charles Fort, and emigration hub Cobh—the
Titanic
's
last stop.
