Alk's European Vacation (advice needed)

[Alk]

Plans are starting to come together as July rapidly approaches. We fly into Dublin and will spend out first full day there. Probably hit the Guinness brewery. I know it's touristy but I feel like we have to see it while we're there. Then one, maybe two distilleries.

Then from there we're heading to Scotland for the Inverness Highland Games. This wasn't originally in our plans but when I saw they were happening, I thought it would be a great time so we shuffled our itinerary around a little to make it work. Hopefully they're not a disappointment. We're going to catch Loch Ness while we're up there.

I believe next is Edinburgh and Glasgow as we make our way back towards Ireland.

I think maybe Belfast is next? Although that might be before Scotland. I can't remember for sure.

Then we are hitting the southern part of Ireland and possibly West. I think there's some music festival in Galway that we might try to make it to.

We will spend our last day back in Dublin before we fly out.

This is only a two week trip so I'm sure we're going to miss a lot and there probably won't be a whole lot of relaxing but I'm looking forward to it. I just hope that we're still friends with the couple that we're travelling with when it's all over.

 

[Roberto71]

Plans are starting to come together as July rapidly approaches. We fly into Dublin and will spend out first full day there. Probably hit the Guinness brewery. I know it's touristy but I feel like we have to see it while we're there. Then one, maybe two distilleries.

Then from there we're heading to Scotland for the Inverness Highland Games. This wasn't originally in our plans but when I saw they were happening, I thought it would be a great time so we shuffled our itinerary around a little to make it work. Hopefully they're not a disappointment. We're going to catch Loch Ness while we're up there.

I believe next is Edinburgh and Glasgow as we make our way back towards Ireland.

I think maybe Belfast is next? Although that might be before Scotland. I can't remember for sure.

Then we are hitting the southern part of Ireland and possibly West. I think there's some music festival in Galway that we might try to make it to.

We will spend our last day back in Dublin before we fly out.

This is only a two week trip so I'm sure we're going to miss a lot and there probably won't be a whole lot of relaxing but I'm looking forward to it. I just hope that we're still friends with the couple that we're travelling with when it's all over.

Good to hear. I'm bringing a load of German colleagues to the Guinness Storehouse next month, It's well worth it and the bar high up above the facility, the Gravity Bar, has great views of the city. Near the Guinness Storehouse, is the Brazen Head pub which is Ireland's oldest pub/hostely, etablished in the year 1198 would you belive. Grreat vibe there and good food.

 

[3 Point Stan]

Plans are starting to come together as July rapidly approaches. We fly into Dublin and will spend out first full day there. Probably hit the Guinness brewery. I know it's touristy but I feel like we have to see it while we're there. Then one, maybe two distilleries.

Then from there we're heading to Scotland for the Inverness Highland Games. This wasn't originally in our plans but when I saw they were happening, I thought it would be a great time so we shuffled our itinerary around a little to make it work. Hopefully they're not a disappointment. We're going to catch Loch Ness while we're up there.

I believe next is Edinburgh and Glasgow as we make our way back towards Ireland.

I think maybe Belfast is next? Although that might be before Scotland. I can't remember for sure.

Then we are hitting the southern part of Ireland and possibly West. I think there's some music festival in Galway that we might try to make it to.

We will spend our last day back in Dublin before we fly out.

This is only a two week trip so I'm sure we're going to miss a lot and there probably won't be a whole lot of relaxing but I'm looking forward to it. I just hope that we're still friends with the couple that we're travelling with when it's all over.

That's a great itinerary. I was in a few of those places just last year.

Had never been to Belfast or Glasgow. Both are very urban, not entirely unlike Boston but with a far more Euro-flare. Lots of great restaurants and museums. And there are plenty of bucket list sites to see in the surrounding areas outside of the city (Giant's Causeway, a few popular Lochs). Where you are going to the Highlands, some city time in Glasgow may be worth it.

Depending on how much time you have in Edinburgh, you can see the lion's share of it by walking what they refer to as "The Royal Mile" which is essentially one long street (2 miles or less) from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse Palace. (If you start at Edinburgh Castle, your walk is largely downhill to flat so FYI if you are considering doing it in reverse order). Three are also some other cool spots outside the Fringe of Old Town (University of Edinburgh, Museum of Scotland, etc.) If you're only there for a day or so and stick to the Royal Mile, you won't be disappointed. One time we stayed in a castle south of the city. The countryside outside of the city is absolutely gorgeous so I'd sacrifice an extra day in a museum in order to take a ride and enjoy some picturesque views. Hopefully your journey between there and Glasgow will provide you just that.

I defer to Roberto on all of Ireland, of course, but every town I've zig-zagged to from Dublin down to Cork was terrific (Waterford, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mallow, et al.). Cork is a fun city but if you're going to Dublin, Glasgow, Belfast and Edinburgh, not sure it's quite up there with those (still fun if you're going).

The one thing I would say is a completely overrated experience is Blarney Castle. It's just a dilapidated old castle that you'd swear was built for people who are the size of your average Munchkin from Oz. You go up to the roof and have to lay on your back to kiss the Blarney Stone - and after I did it, I was told the locals go up there at night and piss on it to mock the tourists. The ride to Blarney Castle is far more rewarding (for the views) than any of the time I actually spent at the castle. Just my $0.02 on that stop.

 

[HSanders]

Good to hear. I'm bringing a load of German colleagues to the Guinness Storehouse next month, It's well worth it and the bar high up above the facility, the Gravity Bar, has great views of the city. Near the Guinness Storehouse, is the Brazen Head pub which is Ireland's oldest pub/hostely, etablished in the year 1198 would you belive. Grreat vibe there and good food.

whenever I see beautiful historic buildings like this, I wonder how many billions of dollars it would cost to build something like that now.

 

[Roberto71]

If you want two really good pubs in Dublin, stay away from Temple Bar, it's a real tourist trap. Two of the locals favourites are Kehoes, on South Anne Street, both have outstanding Guinness.

And then O'Donoghues on Suffolk Street which has live Irish music most nights.

 

[Aloyouis]

If you want two really good pubs in Dublin, stay away from Temple Bar, it's a real tourist trap. Two of the locals favourites are Kehoes, on South Anne Street, both have outstanding Guinness.

And then O'Donoghues on Suffolk Street which has live Irish music most nights.

We had fun at Temple Bar (actually, too much fun, lol), but that was back on our honeymoon in 1995 and I’m sure things have changed.

 

[gomezcat]

Plans are starting to come together as July rapidly approaches. We fly into Dublin and will spend out first full day there. Probably hit the Guinness brewery. I know it's touristy but I feel like we have to see it while we're there. Then one, maybe two distilleries.

Then from there we're heading to Scotland for the Inverness Highland Games. This wasn't originally in our plans but when I saw they were happening, I thought it would be a great time so we shuffled our itinerary around a little to make it work. Hopefully they're not a disappointment. We're going to catch Loch Ness while we're up there.

I believe next is Edinburgh and Glasgow as we make our way back towards Ireland.

I think maybe Belfast is next? Although that might be before Scotland. I can't remember for sure.

Then we are hitting the southern part of Ireland and possibly West. I think there's some music festival in Galway that we might try to make it to.

We will spend our last day back in Dublin before we fly out.

This is only a two week trip so I'm sure we're going to miss a lot and there probably won't be a whole lot of relaxing but I'm looking forward to it. I just hope that we're still friends with the couple that we're travelling with when it's all over.

That sounds like a lot of fun! Remember to look right when crossing the road.

Re doing touristy stuff - I'm just as guilty of it, and I think holidays are a great time for doing stuff you wouldn't normally do.

 

[gomezcat]

If you want two really good pubs in Dublin, stay away from Temple Bar, it's a real tourist trap. Two of the locals favourites are Kehoes, on South Anne Street, both have outstanding Guinness.

And then O'Donoghues on Suffolk Street which has live Irish music most nights.

We went to Dublin for a friend's wedding in the early 2000s. It was my first time in Ireland and we fell into the trap of doing the touristy stuff. Would be good to go back to Dublin and do stuff slightly off the beaten track, and see other bits of Ireland.

 

[Roberto71]

We went to Dublin for a friend's wedding in the early 2000s. It was my first time in Ireland and we fell into the trap of doing the touristy stuff. Would be good to go back to Dublin and do stuff slightly off the beaten track, and see other bits of Ireland.

As 2PS said above, I'd advise staying away from the overtly touristy stuff like the Blarney Stone.

In Dublin, simply take the train as I did last week to watch a rugby game in Dublin, from the station near me, Killiney, which goes into the city just 20 mins on the train, and there are some great views as the train hugs the coastline. Stop off at Dalkey, which is a lovely coastal town with great cafes and pubs.

 

[BostonTim]

Plans are starting to come together as July rapidly approaches. We fly into Dublin and will spend out first full day there. Probably hit the Guinness brewery. I know it's touristy but I feel like we have to see it while we're there. Then one, maybe two distilleries.

Then from there we're heading to Scotland for the Inverness Highland Games. This wasn't originally in our plans but when I saw they were happening, I thought it would be a great time so we shuffled our itinerary around a little to make it work. Hopefully they're not a disappointment. We're going to catch Loch Ness while we're up there.

I believe next is Edinburgh and Glasgow as we make our way back towards Ireland.

I think maybe Belfast is next? Although that might be before Scotland. I can't remember for sure.

Then we are hitting the southern part of Ireland and possibly West. I think there's some music festival in Galway that we might try to make it to.

We will spend our last day back in Dublin before we fly out.

This is only a two week trip so I'm sure we're going to miss a lot and there probably won't be a whole lot of relaxing but I'm looking forward to it. I just hope that we're still friends with the couple that we're travelling with when it's all over.

Highland games! Love watching them toss telephone poles.


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6a77FrzTJ9E

 

[Alk]

Highland games! Love watching them toss telephone poles.


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6a77FrzTJ9E

I'm looking forward to them but was a little surprised at how easy it was to get tickets and find a place to stay. It made me wonder if this particular one isn't that big of a deal.

 

[Alk]

It's almost time. One more day of work tomorrow which I am sure will be absolute chaos as they try to prepare for two weeks with me gone. All the bags are packed. Some might find this insane but we're travelling with carry on luggage and one backpack each. No big suitcases. We got vacuum bags and managed to fit 7 changes of clothes into each carry on. Most of the places that we're staying at have laundry so we will be able to wash clothes as needed. Our flight leaves Tuesday afternoon and we're scheduled to land in Dublin around 8:00 AM on Wednesday. We plan on hitting the ground running to try to ward off any potential jet lag.

 

[3 Point Stan]

It's almost time. One more day of work tomorrow which I am sure will be absolute chaos as they try to prepare for two weeks with me gone. All the bags are packed. Some might find this insane but we're travelling with carry on luggage and one backpack each. No big suitcases. We got vacuum bags and managed to fit 7 changes of clothes into each carry on. Most of the places that we're staying at have laundry so we will be able to wash clothes as needed. Our flight leaves Tuesday afternoon and we're scheduled to land in Dublin around 8:00 AM on Wednesday. We plan on hitting the ground running to try to ward off any potential jet lag.

Have the best time!

 

[HSanders]

It's almost time. One more day of work tomorrow which I am sure will be absolute chaos as they try to prepare for two weeks with me gone. All the bags are packed. Some might find this insane but we're travelling with carry on luggage and one backpack each. No big suitcases. We got vacuum bags and managed to fit 7 changes of clothes into each carry on. Most of the places that we're staying at have laundry so we will be able to wash clothes as needed. Our flight leaves Tuesday afternoon and we're scheduled to land in Dublin around 8:00 AM on Wednesday. We plan on hitting the ground running to try to ward off any potential jet lag.

Safe and easy travels! Hope you'll be able to update us on the way.But if not,spam us with tons of pictures and stories when you get back!

 

[gomezcat]

It's almost time. One more day of work tomorrow which I am sure will be absolute chaos as they try to prepare for two weeks with me gone. All the bags are packed. Some might find this insane but we're travelling with carry on luggage and one backpack each. No big suitcases. We got vacuum bags and managed to fit 7 changes of clothes into each carry on. Most of the places that we're staying at have laundry so we will be able to wash clothes as needed. Our flight leaves Tuesday afternoon and we're scheduled to land in Dublin around 8:00 AM on Wednesday. We plan on hitting the ground running to try to ward off any potential jet lag.

Enjoy! Remember to look right when crossing roads.

 

[chevss454]

It's almost time. One more day of work tomorrow which I am sure will be absolute chaos as they try to prepare for two weeks with me gone. All the bags are packed. Some might find this insane but we're travelling with carry on luggage and one backpack each. No big suitcases. We got vacuum bags and managed to fit 7 changes of clothes into each carry on. Most of the places that we're staying at have laundry so we will be able to wash clothes as needed. Our flight leaves Tuesday afternoon and we're scheduled to land in Dublin around 8:00 AM on Wednesday. We plan on hitting the ground running to try to ward off any potential jet lag.

You'll have an excellent trip, finding something amazing and interesting everywhere you go. Enjoy it!

 

[HSanders]

@Alk
Also, let me know how it works out with taking a carry on and a piece of luggage.Because I am going to probably be going to italy with some friends in the spring, and i'm hoping to do the same. One of my friends is a travel agent, and she is setting this up with an agency.So i'm not sure about laundry facilities, but I can ask her.

 

[deec77]

Have a great time!

~Dee~

 

[BostonTim]

whenever I see beautiful historic buildings like this, I wonder how many billions of dollars it would cost to build something like that now.

Joyce in the glorious Ulysses, mentions The Brazen Head twice. Both references appear in the “Eumaeus” chapter, where Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom discuss various Dublin establishments, famously noting: "...you got a decent enough do in the Brazen Head for a bob". It was a fun stop back in 1982,

 

[gomezcat]

@Alk
Also, let me know how it works out with taking a carry on and a piece of luggage.Because I am going to probably be going to italy with some friends in the spring, and i'm hoping to do the same. One of my friends is a travel agent, and she is setting this up with an agency.So i'm not sure about laundry facilities, but I can ask her.

I suspect most hotels will have some kind of laundry facilities, particularly in the cities where they will be used to guests going on multi-week holidays.