U.S. to Ireland Vacation Q's

[Isaura]

Hello and very early good morning wishes to everyone.  I am from northern California and I am attempting to organize a two week vacation to Ireland.  I am curious as to what general weather conditions are like in late May/ early June and warmly welcome any advice regarding any particular places/sites, pubs, restaurants, etc. I should visit as well as any suggestions for lodging.  This will be the first time I am to travel outside of the United States (or even California for that matter), so I am very excited and expect it will be a great avdenture.  Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

I wish you well.

[lady_p_gold]

Well I don't know about the pubs etc. but I will advise you about the weather.  Be prepared for anything!  It is supposed to be summer but I would definitely bring a lightweight rain jacket type thing and also a jumper (sweater) in case it gets cold at night in wherever you are going to be. When you say Ireland I am presuming you mean Southern Ireland (Eire) anyway this site is quite good for accommodation etc. www.ireland.ie 

I am sure you will love it

[stevie21]

Where exactly in Ireland are you going? There are different things to see in the different parts/cities.

As mentioned, have you heard that Crowded House song "Four seasons in one day" ?? Welcome to our world.

Wear one of these:
http://tinyurl.com/c72ar
the locals will love you ;-)

[Sado]

I'm not sure about the weather, my guess is it would be changeable, but the people are wonderful.

On our first visit, my wife and I were directed on to the wrong bus.When the driver found out, at the end of the normal route, he made a detour to put us close to where we needed to be! I don't think that would happen in many places.

[ja66ke]

if you intend to visit the north i would not recomend wearing a celtic top in protestant areas if you value your health.

[Isaura]

I will be visiting the Dingle Peninsula & Aran Islands/Galway/Westport Areas & Dublin as well.  Thanks for all the great advice!

[jimmyb01]

Please note that if you intend to hire a car, it will not have automatic transmission, it will have what you call a stick shift. It might be wise to ask for an automatic as getting to grips with driving on the wrong side and a stick shift may be a bit much.

[Shipstabber]

I travel to Mayo/Galway quite often and this is your typical weather pattern - lovely sunshine with not a cloud in the sky, then ten minutes later it's p'ing it down. Repeat.  Westport is very nice, but I wouldn't bother with Westport House as it is mostly for kids.  I heartily recommend a hike up Croagh Patrick if you've the heart (and the boots!) for it, and Achill Island is a must see - beautiful all year round but especailly when the sun shines.

[Newby]

bring rain things and lots of money. Its an expensive country. Our weather is lousy...if you don't like the climate just wait a minute. I've lived in the areas you mention so if you give me some idea of what kind of thing you are interested in I might be able to help. Do you wan't the real Ireland or the tourist one?

[Narolines]

If you do hire a car I trust you will be driving on the correct side of the road, not the wrong side; it won't be the side you're used to, admittedly........

[Narolines]

I should have added - remember, the left side is the right side, and the right side is the wrong side.