Hey everyone,
I am going to Ireland/Scotland in September with my girlfriend. She booked us on a tour in Scotland for a week, so that one is covered, but I am going to rent a car in Ireland stay there another week. I need help on where to go and where to avoid. I don't want to drive into a bad area and end up being a hostage or something. :torch: All help would be great. Also where are some good B&B' in Ireland? Thanks!

Hostage? Are you serious? Ireland is safe -- don't worry about that.

Some warnings I have heard (haven't been to these places myself...my trip to Ireland was a short one in the Dublin area):
• The Blarney Stone is a touristy nothing. Avoid it.
• The Ring of Kerry (a circular drive around the Kerry peninsula) is pretty heavily touristed. Consider the Dingle Peninsula, or another, instead.

There are TONS of nice B&Bs in Ireland. Get one of those B&B guidebooks that list them before you go. That way, when you get to a town, you can pick out recommended ones, or look over your options if your first choice is full.

I know it's not targetted at backpackers and budget travelers, but if you have time to read a Fodor's guide on Ireland, it is great on telling you about the sights. That way you and your girlfriend can pick out the ones that sound interesting to you.

Have a blast!

worldwidemike

I'm from Ireland(belfast actually) and Ireland is like everywhere else, good and bad areas but don't worry,you have absolutely no chance of getting taken hostage. If your travelling on a budget I would try to avoid staying too long in Dublin, while it is a great city with loads to do and see it is very expensive compared to the rest of ireland. If your after quaint irish villages with loads of pubs almost anywhere in the south is worth visiting although for scenery I would definately recommend anywhere in counties donegal,kerry, galway or cork. If you want to stay in cities then cork or galway is worth visiting as is belfast(altho in belfast you do need to be a bit more careful than most other places). Any further questions don't be afraid to ask. Accom is pretty easy to find esp in the south, loads and loads of B+B's everywhere

Thanks for the info, I was kidding about the hostage thing. How are B&B's prices accomodations compared to hotels and hostils. They seem a little cheap, not much more than a hostil. Is there a catch? I have never stayed at a B&B before. Also, should I book in advance, or will I be able to find one when I get there?

Yup, I gots to agree with the others....I have to to Northern Ireland and the Republic Of Ireland and I felt safe as can be, no political drama enough to be kidnapping tourists...I think even in the height of the conflict in the North, crimes against foreigner s was still pretty rare. Ireland is one of the most beutiful places I have been. About Yes has the right idea, enjoy the cities but don't get stuck on them!

And Cali-Fireman http://www.harrythecat.com/graphics/b/welcom18.gif to the family! I think your the 3rd fireman we have on board here!! http://www.harrythecat.com/graphics/b/firetru1.gif