I've been there several times. It's fun but be careful. If you're driving, always remember to stay on the opposite side of the road. It sounds like a simple thing but it's easy to do...especially after downing a pint or three. Also, be cognizant of pickpockets.

 

On the positive side, go into every pub you can and just start talking. At night, try to find a pub with a "seisun (sp?)" where everyone comes in with their instruments and plays/sings.

 

Bed and breakfast breakfasts are fabulous. Look for lunches along your routes, I always found them easier than dinners to find.

 

The Connemara peninsula is a great drive as is the Ring of Kerry. Killarney and Kinsale are nice towns. I preferred the West to the East although the castles and such around Dublin are more plentiful. I thought Guinness- St. James Gate- was a tad overrated and the Waterford crystal place was too but they are kind of must see places.

 

On Sundays, the pubs have a "holy hour", I think from Noon to 1 where everyone should home with their families after church. The pubs don't allow anyone in during that hour but if you're already in, you can stay and drink so...plan accordingly if you are there on a Sunday.

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