How to conquer Ireland in just two weeks

Why would you want to? My advice, pick one county, there are 32 to choose from and each will contain enough diversity of scenery, culture, history, music and craic to keep you going a lifetime.

zenahifalls: The whole west coast is really beautiful, but with 5 days I think a trip starting at Clifden, see Connemara National Park then down to Galway Spanish Point for the music and culture. Stay along the coast road as much as possible, pass by Kinvarra and the lovely Dunguaire Castle, then onto the Burren (lots of hiking there) if you like that. You'll soon be on your way to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher (expensive to visit, now I hear)I think your friends wil be amazed, though. At night in Doolin are the sessions of all sessions for Traditional Irish music and the pubs are nice and welcoming with good food and drinks! Doolin is spiritual and spirited. I think you'll probably be able to see Dingle, there are many ancient remains of early churches, and spectacular views of the Ocean and Mount Brendan. Maybe you'll have time for the Ring of Kerry. Breathtaking views all around. Have a great time wherever you go!

A wee story for yez... An American touring Europe is attending Mass in St. Peter’s when out of the corner of his eye, he sees a gold telephone hanging on one of the basilica’s columns, with a sign over it saying $1000. After Mass, he asks a passing priest what the telephone was for. “It’s for calling heaven”, says the priest “but mind you, it costs $1000 to call”. “Wow! A thousand bucks?” says the American. Anyway, onwards throughout Europe’s cities the American travels and in each church he visits for mass, he sees the gold telephone, always with a sign over saying “$1000”. His last stop before leaving Europe for home is Ireland. Again he sees the gold telephone while attending Mass but this time the sign says “25 cents”. After Mass, he meets the priest and tells him of travelling all over Europe and seeing the gold telephones in every city, all with a $1000 charge for a call to heaven. “Why only 25 cents in Ireland??” he asks the priest. “Ah!” says the priest, “you’re in Ireland – it’s a local call”. >>> As they say, “When God made Ireland, He made it out of a piece of heaven”.

It has been great to read this article and it does do Ireland justice. I’m a Dublin man, living in Ireland and know many of the places written about above. I’ve also travelled extensively abroad and lived abroad for periods of time but I would always want to stay and live here. What do I do when my American friends come to visit? Mostly, for first-time visitors, I bring them to West Cork, Kerry & Clare. I rate Donegal and Galway’s Connemara area very highly too; indeed, you’re likely to see me in Galway & Mayo more often than other places. I’ve visited only some parts of Nth Ireland but found them very beautiful too – the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down, where St. Patrick based himself are particularly enjoyable. I’ve kissed the Blarney Stone – twice; which might explain why my posts tend to be blatheringly long.

Donegal is breathtaking and without all the tourist traps. Often missed because of its location but one of Irelands best kept secrets.

I have been to Ireland three times, soon to be four, all with someone different. My second and third time going, I repeated some of the places to see and added new sites to see as well. On my visit next month I will spend most of my time on the east coast using Dublin as a base. Ireland is a tiny island, but there is plenty to see. I will never tire of it.

I think there is no "wrong way" to see Ireland. No matter what method you choose it will be an exhilarating experience and you will never see it all. The first time is just the learning experience to help you decide on how to proceed on your next visit. I also agree with you regarding Blarney Castle. Sure it's a tourist attraction. But why skip it ? We thought it was well worth the time. Cobh, the point of emigration for so many including my own relatives is a really wonderful stop as well.

i want to do the west with some friends in 5 days they have never been to ireland any ideas

There's no place like Doolin. With the Cliffs of Moher, the ocean waves and the music, it feeds my senses and my spirit.

In my opinion, this is exactly how not to see Ireland. My advice is to pick one little town centrally located on the west coast. Doolin for instance and really chill out hang with the locals and soak up the relaxation that Ireland offers. If you get bored you can always take a few day trips.

You got to Galway and the Aran Isles and missed Connemara? Put that on the top of your list for your next trip in that case. My wife and I have seen a good deal of the island over the last few years and spent most of our vacation this June in Connemara. It's the most beautiful part of Ireland we've seen. It's a post card around every corner.

It seems like you missed a lot of it by flying Cork-Belfast-Cork when you could have driven around the entire country. It's amazing how such a small place requires so much time....it is truly a lovely country....every inch of it!

It's always great to our town highlighted in your reports, but why do you not have some photographs of Kinsale on your site. The ones on display have absolutely nothing to do with our town. Please look at our web site kinsaleheritage.com and we will send any ones you want. Dermot Ryan