Where to go in Ireland?

Nala · 09-09-2007 07:55PM #1

Hi,
Me and the boyfriend are going on our first weekend away soon, just wondering where is nice to go in Ireland? We are both broke!!!

Thanks

Nala

P. Breathnach · 09-09-2007 09:28PM

It would help greatly if you gave a little more information -- what sort of things you like to do, whether you will have a car, what you can afford to spend ("broke" is only an indicator), and where you are escaping from.

I like Galway because it has a good buzz, and am lucky enough not to be broke. There are hostels there, if that is in line with what you can afford.

Jack Sheehan · 09-09-2007 09:30PM

I'm a big fan of the Aran islands, Inis Mór or Inish Oirr.

watna · 09-09-2007 09:56PM

Are you looking for a romantic lovey dovey weekend or an action weekend? I just had a weekend away with my bf because I'm severely stressed with work and needed a quiet break. We stayed in the anathaeum house hotel in Waterford for one night. For €170 for the two of us we had a romance package. When we arrived we had a bottle of champagne and truffles. Then when we got back to our room after dinner there was rose petals all over our bed. We had dinner there too, for three courses each and wine it was €90. Not too bad, considering the quality of what we ate. The hotel was fab and it was so good for us and me to get away. If you're looking for a more sightseeing weekend I'd reccommend kilkenny or Galway. There's a good few reasonable b and bs and lots to see. Where are you living?

Nala · 09-09-2007 11:40PM

Yeah we will have a Jeep, we are escaping from Kildare!!! My budget would be 100 euro. We are both outdoorsy types and we're both into wildlife.

P. Breathnach · 10-09-2007 10:33AM

Your budget is, to put it mildly, modest. Yes, I agree with your word "broke". Let's hope that the Jeep comes with a full tank.

Back to my Galway idea. With the additional information, I would think of going further west, into Connemara. Mountains, lakes, sea, rocks, bogs, sheep, ponies, boats, rivers, all with fantastic subtle colours. Walking, climbing, swimming, sitting on rocks, sitting in a pub stretching the pint. It's one of my favourite places. I don't know the hostel scene, but Google turns up http://oughterardhostel.com/ and a few Hostels in and near Clifden. Personally, I like Oughterard as a base for Connemara.

Nearer to home, you might consider the Cooley Peninsula, just north-east of Dundalk (better if you don't have a full tank of fuel along with your €100). Mountains and sea (lots of sea -- it's a peninsula), the very attractive and interesting medieval town of Carlingford has a couple of hostels, and there is another nearby in Omeath. See http://www.carlingford.ie/Carlingford.htm .

Happy planning!

joxerdaly · 10-09-2007 03:42PM

Athlone is the place to go. Stay in the riverside B&B or higgins B&B for €35. Your right next the shannon and beside lots of walks sightseeing on a boat around lough ree for €10 per person which includes a trip down the Shannon to clonmacnoise. Good weekend for someone on your budget but if you have extra cash definatly go to Galway. No offence to Athlone but the nightlife in Galway is A1 !!!!

Sony · 10-09-2007 09:28PM

Dingle in Kerry - There is a really cool campsite beside dingle town thats euro10 a night and theres no end of places to visit around it in terms of nature...from dingle you could also go on the blasket island boat trip which I highly recommend...Where are you from? its a bit of a drive from Dublin but well worth it

I also recommend Doolin in Clare-also a good campsite in a great little town surrounded by great spots to visit(Aillwee caves, Cliffs of Moher, the Burren etc...)