Hi!

My boyfriend planned a surprise trip for my birthday, and after five months of secrecy, I now know our first destination - DUBLIN! I am so excited :-)

I have never left the U.S. (sad but true) and I would appreciate any advice from more seasoned travelers :-)

Thanks!

Welcome to the Slow Travel board!

How long will you be in Dublin, where are you staying, and what sorts of things interest you? And where else will you be going? Please give us some more information so we can give you something useful. I know you don't have much time, but you'll want to read up on flight restrictions re: packing and carry-ons (or inability to take same) in the current travel climate. And if you can get your hands on some guidebooks, start browsing to see what things interest you most.

Dublin is great - congratulations on getting such a wonderful surprise birthday present!

Thank you!

We are staying at the Radisson SAS St. Helen's Hotel. I think we'll be in Dublin about a week. I'm not sure where we are going next, that is still a surprise.

As far as air travel, I don't carry makeup with me anyway, so I'm not worried about lotions etc. I will put my shampoos and the small amount of makeup and sunscreen I have in my checked baggage. On the plane I will have my travel documents, maybe a pack of gum (if allowed), and reading material. However, my boyfriend was planning on carrying his laptop - do you know if that is OK? I have been checking all of the requirements on the airlines, and it is hard to figure out - some sites say electronics are ok, some not. Or iPods - no idea if those are OK either. Do other countries have restrictions on prescription medication, or over the counter medication?

Interests - eek...I love so many things. I live in AZ, but I'm originally from NY/NJ - I miss the greenery. So as many outdoors activities as possible (and I don't care about rain - we never get any here in AZ, it will be nice!) I am interested in history, architecture...maybe some shopping. We will have a car, but I don't want to be running around all the time, I want to enjoy this. If that means seeing fewer places, but spending more time at the places we do see, that is fine. Oh, and I know this is typical, but I do want to visit the Guiness Storehouse. Restaurants - local fare, or Italian or Thai. Doesn't have to be fancy, just good food.

Clothing - I am bringing as little as possible. I may have to buy a sweater there, as it doesn't get that cold here and finding a decent sweater is near impossible. So any shopping recommendations in Dublin would be great.

Sorry I have so little to go on...hopefully I will find out the next destination while we are in Dublin and I'll be able to post again.

Thank you very much

Hi,
I just checked BBC for the weather this week and on Tuesday it will be 55 degrees, Wed, 62, Thurs 68 and Friday 60. It is going to rain on all of those days. Lucky you, I love going someplace and it rains. As I remember in Ireland it was a "soft rain". There are tons of shops that sell Irish wool sweaters. I am sorry I don't recall any names but they were pretty expensive. It has been some years since I was in Dublin but I recall we enjoyed the pubs and music. It is suppose to be a very lively spot in the world these days. By the way the BBC weather url:http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day_f.shtml?world=0031.
If Dublin has one of those tours that is a all day ticket where you can get off and on when you want that might help you get a over view of the city.
Have a great time and let us know about your trip.

Mynx - I know the hotel you are staying in - it is about 3 or 4 miles from the centre so you will probably opt for taking your car into town. There is car park behind the Stephen's Green shopping centre that you would find handy for your shopping and sightseeing trips but if you want to be free of the car and the traffic (heavy at rush hour) you are on the 46A bus route to St Stephen's Green.

Shopping - The Stephen's Green shopping centre at the top of Grafton Street. Many good shops in Grafton Street and in Nassau Street, you will find several woollen shops and also the Kilkenny Design Centre where you will find high quality (and high price) sweaters.

Also off Grafton Street is Suffolk Street where you will find the tourist information centre which will give you lots of ideas on what to do. Of course, Trinity College is just a step from here.

When you come out of your hotel if you turn the car left you are on the direct route to County Wicklow and I recommend going to the Avoca Handweavers Shop at Kilmacanogue. Not only do they have some lovely things to buy but they do really delicious lunches in nice surroundings. You can take a little trip into the mountains from there - visit Enniskerry, Powerscourt House and Gardens, Newtownmountkenedy perhaps.

I hope you have a lovely time...and take an umbrella!

Lots of good suggestions here. Re: VegasMs' post, Dublin does have a "hop on, hop off" bus tour. Yes, it's touristy, but as you said, it's also a good introduction to the sights and to helping you find your way around the city. Once you are oriented, Dublin is a good walking town, and there's lots to do. Tour Dublin Castle (they do about 3 different tours there, I believe), see the Book of Kells in Trinity College, visit St. Patrick's and Christ Church, see the incredible collection of Celtic Gold at the National Museum, or visit the Guinness brewery exhibit (where from the bar you get a good view of the city while drinking your complimentary pint of the "black stuff").

This thread and this one have suggestions on things to do in Dublin.

Whatever you decide to do, best wishes for a wonderful trip!

Mynx - Just in case you haven't left for the airport yet - there is a brilliant Somerset Maugham play on at the Gate Theatre (top of O'Connell Street) at the moment: 'The Constant Wife' - do try and see it. Wonderful period comedy. You can prebook parking there with your tickets also which is very useful, especially coming in at night.