Where should i go for a weekend break in Ireland?

Question

I'd like to go on a nice super cheap break in Ireland, check out some beautiful countryside and generally get away from the hustle and tussle of London. Possibly stay in a cottage, and it'd be a bonus if I can get there via non flying means such as a ferry. I'd love to know you're recommendations. Oh and it's for two people and we're traveling from London. Thanks!

Answer 1

take a tent, visit st patricks monument just outside of downpatrick county down. its a big massive statue on top of a hill overlooking everything, its some view. be careful its a hard old trek up the hill be sure to bring plenty of water

Answer 2

If you are taking a car you have a chance. If a Ferry foot passenger, you travel from Euston to Holyhead, then either high speed ferry (more expensive) or ordinary to Dublin or Dun Laoghaire. Everything within forty miles of Dublin is quite expensive but if you are mobile you can move out into the countryside where you will get good quality Bed and Breakfast reasonably. Be careful as the Ryder Cup is coming up and the whole middle section of Ireland will be packed solid. South of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire is Bray and Greystones. Bray is a good base for long lovely walks, small mountains surrounding for casual climbing and the sea nearby. There is a bus trip to Glendalough which is worth seeing and a visit to Guinness Brewery and Dublin sightseeing bus is a favourite. You can use the same ticket all day, getting on and off the bus as much as you like. Have a lovely time..........

Answer 3

If you want to get away from the city, you should try the South-West of Ireland. Dingle is very nice, lots of good accommodation available there, also the Beara Peninsula. But you should be aware that the roads are not the best ... and that public transport is very different to that of London. In fact, in many rural places it's nonexistent. Hire a car and drive very carefully.

And if you do go to the Beara Peninsula, I hope you have clear weather, then you really should go up the Healy Pass, the view across the valley and across the inlet to the next peninsula is stunning.

Answer 4

try Landmark Trust for old cottages / lighthouses / farmhouses - almost always in beautiful countryside but still reasonable driving distance to cities or towns of interest.
http://www.irishlandmark.com/home/self-catering-ireland.html
Would agree with previous answer - Kilkenny is beautiful, with a castle in the town itself. Less than 2 hrs' drive from Dublin, important if you're only coming for a weekend. I'd say Kerry / Donegal would be too far, given you're planning on coming on the ferry. Ferry from Holyhead (Wales) to Dun Laoghaire.
Also, if coming by car you can get detailed road directions from AA Routeplanner Ireland.
Alternatively, Aer Arann flies into the West and Southwest from London (Luton) I think - www.aerarann.com

Answer 5

If you would rather take the boat and bring your car here then take the ferry to belfast and drive up the coast through portrush stopping at the giants causeway and then on to donegal. You will pass through some lovely towns, take in some great sites on the way and Donegal is one of the most picturesque and beautiful counties in Ireland. There are also a number of tourist attractions, walks, beaches etc on the coastal road from belfast to Donegal.

Other than that you could take the boat to Dublin and drive from there to Galway or down towards Kerry. These are two great counties with plenty to do.

Both of these options will take a few hours drive though! For more options and prices see www.tourismireland.com

You can search for more info on their or contact the tourist board by phone for some great advice.

Good luck, and if you make it here enjoy your trip!

Answer 6

If you call Virgin trains, you can book the train and the ferry through them. You travel from London Euston to Holyhead and then with Irish Ferries to Dublin Ferryport. It costs £32.00 Return. When you call to book ask for a Dublin 14.
The number is 08457 222 333. The most beautiful place in Ireland (i think ) Is Co Donegal. Once you get to Dublin head to the main bus station, you can catch a bus to any county in Ireland. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

You can fly from London to Cork in about 50 mins and from there you can hire a car and drive west. Check out Dingle if you can. Really chilled out place and some amazing scenery. If you want to go a bit further, try Donegal. I'm Irish myself and I thought I saw all of this country's scenery. Then I went to Donegal....
www.ireland.ie for tousist info and pics.
www.ryanair.com for the cheapest flights.
Enjoy your trip!

Answer 8

You should consider going to Donegal! It is probably the most layed back county in the whole of Ireland!! Donegal has rolling hills, beautiful countryside....loads of fields and farms......mile long beaches(but the water is freezing!) also many people here still actually live in thatched roofed houses!!!
The only down side is that you cannot get to Donegal by boat....because it is on the on they coast on the opposite side of England!! There is one airport but Derry airport is probably the most convenient!!!!
You will not regret it as it still has all the brilliant night life.....check out Glenties and Letterkenny !!!
Please come!!!! (^^,)

Answer 9

Kerry, beautiful scenery. Kilkenny is a med evil city and is a great place to visit. You could use it as a base if you wanted to check out the countryside. Other places you could think about: Wicklow, Clare, Donegal. Visit the site www.ireland.ie

Answer 10

We went to Ballycastle in Northern Ireland at Easter. Giants Causeway Coast is Great!! Bushmills Distillery, Food and people are great. Will go again.