Question about traveling in Ireland

[bif]

(Sorry, I know Ireland isn't part of the UK, but I don't know where else to post this question). We're going to Ireland at the end of the month for 9 days. We'll be in the southwest part of the country. Should I book all our rooms ahead of time or can we just wing it and find rooms as we go?

[riverwalker]

1. find as you go

was there on a road trip with my brother, no planning, we just found cool little B&B's all over.

[Peregrine Took]

2. Northern Ireland is part of the UK. Sad to say.

Its very beautiful, too, but not many tourists go up there.

[TexasProgresive]

3. Just don't say that in County Cork or Kerry

We were there 20 years ago; at that time you could just find a place easily.

If you are going to do much driving in the southwest I would suggest that you hire (rent) the smallest car available. Some of the roads are quite narrow running between stone walls.

I'm jealous, have fun and don't get so attached to Ireland that you yearn to return all the rest of your life.

[bif]

4. Thanks. That's what I heard about the roads.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depends on how you look at it) I'll be traveling with my wife and two daughters. So we're getting a compact, but it'll have to be big enough for all our luggage. I'm thinking of booking B&Bs in advance. That way we won't be spending a lot of time finding rooms and can spend more time sightseeing. And we can always cancel if we find something cooler!

[dipsydoodle]

5. I don't think you'd spend a lot of time looking for rooms.

They've suffered a crisis in their tourist industry over the past few years sad to say. I don't think you'd have a problem finding accommodation quite easily just as you go. Cancelling pre-booked at very short notice may not make you too popular.

Enjoy yourself. I've yet to go their but do intend to do so. I have heard frequently that their road signs may leave a lot to desired so maybe take a compass too !