We just returned from out 6th ABD from Ireland.
Some helpful hints:
1. First day in Ireland get the VAT tax refund card to use on all purchases so you get a refund back on you Credit Card, but need to register it on line at the Castle before you leave for airport, then at airport, go to counter with receipts to finish up. Make sure you have enough time to do so.
2. On your first free night in Dublin, we went to the Irish Dance show at the Arlington Hotel, about 5 minutes away from the Westin, and it was well worth the money. Great food and show.
3. Also suggest you try to barter with the prices at the Castle for optional activies, team up with group for a better price.
4. Be sure to bring a bar of soap with you, very small bars at the hotels.
5. We came in the day before the trip started, so we did the Wicklow Tours to Glendalugh and it was great. We where back in time for the welcome dinner. The picked up at the Hotel door step.
6. Do go in the Day before, several in our group where delayed coming in out of JFK.
7. Due bring rain clothes, just in case, but we had clear weather most days.
8. At the cliffs of Mohr, do not see the video inside the vistors center, not worth the time, but walk outside for the views
If you have any questions, just let me know.
Oh, also, our guides, Frankie and Paul where fun. Paul, being from Dublin, has a quick wit and good stories, while Frankie kept us in line!
Some helpful hints:
1. First day in Ireland get the VAT tax refund card to use on all purchases so you get a refund back on you Credit Card, but need to register it on line at the Castle before you leave for airport, then at airport, go to counter with receipts to finish up. Make sure you have enough time to do so.
2. On your first free night in Dublin, we went to the Irish Dance show at the Arlington Hotel, about 5 minutes away from the Westin, and it was well worth the money. Great food and show.
3. Also suggest you try to barter with the prices at the Castle for optional activies, team up with group for a better price.
4. Be sure to bring a bar of soap with you, very small bars at the hotels.
5. We came in the day before the trip started, so we did the Wicklow Tours to Glendalugh and it was great. We where back in time for the welcome dinner. The picked up at the Hotel door step.
6. Do go in the Day before, several in our group where delayed coming in out of JFK.
7. Due bring rain clothes, just in case, but we had clear weather most days.
8. At the cliffs of Mohr, do not see the video inside the vistors center, not worth the time, but walk outside for the views
If you have any questions, just let me know.
Oh, also, our guides, Frankie and Paul where fun. Paul, being from Dublin, has a quick wit and good stories, while Frankie kept us in line!