Studying abroad in Ireland this summer - Looking for advice,thoughts,ideas,ect. (safe, people)

[northsider]

Originally Posted by BrianH

Coolock isnt a place you should avoid! There are a large number of exchange students there during the summer months.

I loved living in Coolock. If you look at all the other posts by the person who made up that list you'll see he has an opinion on other areas in other cities.... and not only in Ireland.

To the OP, if you go to Coolock have a pint in The Sheaf of Wheat. And I'll have one too.... on you of course.

[SteelersFan09]

Originally Posted by theroc5156

Regardless of where you go in Ireland SteelerFan, you will be treated very well. Are you of Irish descent? If so, maybe you can trace your ancestry to its roots. Of course you will visit Dublin a bunch of times, but like the other posters said, definitely tour the whole country. County Wicklow is gorgeous. Take a day or two and "get lost". Stop at a random roadside pub and have a pint.

Yeah that's something I really would love to do. I am of Irish descent..and I'm not worried if I don't get to do everything the first time. As you said, I'm sure it wont be the last time I'm there.

[jiraiya]

another poster mentioned getting lost and finding your way around. i would not recommend that. it is nice to find smaller areas, but absolutely do not ask any irishmen for directions! most of the roads are not labeled or are very poorly labeled. i asked for directions from 3 men in ireland, not one gave me good directions. two people told me to go in the complete opposite direction which i was going. another gave me a long story, about 10 minutes of talking, about how to get to the nearest interstate...all i had to do was drive half a mile (straight down the road) and i was there...his story was loaded with several roundabouts and churches. they were all very friendly and nice, but just werent good at giving directions. if you are driving, get yourself a map and learn it well. try to stay on the main roads and not drive on the side roads. do not try driving in the mountains after dark. it can be very very dangerous. the roads are not lighted, and they cannot fit 2 cars on them. if you come across another car, someone has to pull off to the side. if you drive in dublin, make sure to have a map of dublin on you, and always know in which direction the liffey is, otherwise it is easy to get lost.

oh yeah, one other thing, try to learn the northern ireland/ireland history. it is a very touchy subject with the majority of people, and you may end up offending people if you arent careful.

wow, i hope that doesnt sound negative, but im just trying to prepare you. there are definitely a few things you have to watch out for, but all in all it's amazing. i plan on going back towards the end of the summer.

[SteelersFan09]

Originally Posted by jiraiya

another poster mentioned getting lost and finding your way around. i would not recommend that. it is nice to find smaller areas, but absolutely do not ask any irishmen for directions! most of the roads are not labeled or are very poorly labeled. i asked for directions from 3 men in ireland, not one gave me good directions. two people told me to go in the complete opposite direction which i was going. another gave me a long story, about 10 minutes of talking, about how to get to the nearest interstate...all i had to do was drive half a mile (straight down the road) and i was there...his story was loaded with several roundabouts and churches. they were all very friendly and nice, but just werent good at giving directions. if you are driving, get yourself a map and learn it well. try to stay on the main roads and not drive on the side roads. do not try driving in the mountains after dark. it can be very very dangerous. the roads are not lighted, and they cannot fit 2 cars on them. if you come across another car, someone has to pull off to the side. if you drive in dublin, make sure to have a map of dublin on you, and always know in which direction the liffey is, otherwise it is easy to get lost.

oh yeah, one other thing, try to learn the northern ireland/ireland history. it is a very touchy subject with the majority of people, and you may end up offending people if you arent careful.

wow, i hope that doesnt sound negative, but im just trying to prepare you. there are definitely a few things you have to watch out for, but all in all it's amazing. i plan on going back towards the end of the summer.

Actually, that's exactly the type of advice I'm looking for. I won't have a car there, so the driving won't be an issue, thankfully.

[Rggr]

Go to Gus O'Connor's Pub in Doolin for a great night of traditional music.

[enpan13]

I only made that post for awareness. Before anyone starts bashin me and calling me an outsider, I grew up in Tallaght, and lived and various spots in the states. By no means am i trying to put down anybody living in these areas. As anywhere, yes the majority of people are good people, but that does not mean there are noareas to aviod. With that said, will have to say that Jobstown, Killmahuddrick, and Darndale are not anywhere for touriusts to be wandering around.

[northsider]

Originally Posted by enpan13

I only made that post for awareness. Before anyone starts bashin me and calling me an outsider, I grew up in Tallaght, and lived and various spots in the states. By no means am i trying to put down anybody living in these areas. As anywhere, yes the majority of people are good people, but that does not mean there are noareas to aviod. With that said, will have to say that Jobstown, Killmahuddrick, and Darndale are not anywhere for touriusts to be wandering around.

So you'll know how many tourists have been assaulted or accosted in the areas you mention? Figures please.

Perhaps you'll enlighten us as to any area anywhere in the world that a tourist would not need to take the usual elementary personal security precautions.

You'll also be familiar with the term, "... flogging a dead horse."

[enpan13]

Jesus Christ, yous are unbelievable. The person asked for any suggestions or tips as to where to aviod and I gave my opinion. This carping is ridiculous..

[northsider]

Originally Posted by enpan13

Jesus Christ, yous are unbelievable. The person asked for any suggestions or tips as to where to aviod and I gave my opinion. This carping is ridiculous..

I didn't see any posts from Jesus Christ, but I'll respond in his place.

The OP did NOT ask anything about where to avoid. Have a look at his posts. Yet you slandered half of Dublin.

To the OP, I hope you won't let anything put you off from coming here. I've lived here all of my life, yes and in one or two of the areas that enpan13 suggested you avoid and believe me the vast majority of the people who live in those areas are the very salt of the earth.

So come on over. You'll find out for yourself very quickly why Ireland has been called Ireland of The Welcomes.

As soon as native Dubliners, in any area, discover that you're a visitor you'll be shown a warm welcome. I must warn you though that Dubliners love to talk, and especially to visitors, so be prepared to have your ears talked off.

When chatting with the natives there's just one topic to avoid -- politics. Over here we have very strong views on the Iraq thing and your current president is the only one to have visited here without being able to to walk among the ordinary people. The rest were welcomed with open arms and thousands in the streets to greet them.

Just to give you an idea of one of those scary areas to avoid by our friend.... when Bill Clinton came over he was able to walk freely in one of them and went into a pub for a pint of the black gold called Guinness. And he wasn't even mugged.

Come to Dublin my friend.... and enjoy your stay.

[SteelersFan09]

Originally Posted by northsider

I didn't see any posts from Jesus Christ, but I'll respond in his place.

The OP did NOT ask anything about where to avoid. Have a look at his posts. Yet you slandered half of Dublin.

To the OP, I hope you won't let anything put you off from coming here. I've lived here all of my life, yes and in one or two of the areas that enpan13 suggested you avoid and believe me the vast majority of the people who live in those areas are the very salt of the earth.

So come on over. You'll find out for yourself very quickly why Ireland has been called Ireland of The Welcomes.

As soon as native Dubliners, in any area, discover that you're a visitor you'll be shown a warm welcome. I must warn you though that Dubliners love to talk, and especially to visitors, so be prepared to have your ears talked off.

When chatting with the natives there's just one topic to avoid -- politics. Over here we have very strong views on the Iraq thing and your current president is the only one to have visited here without being able to to walk among the ordinary people. The rest were welcomed with open arms and thousands in the streets to greet them.

Just to give you an idea of one of those scary areas to avoid by our friend.... when Bill Clinton came over he was able to walk freely in one of them and went into a pub for a pint of the black gold called Guinness. And he wasn't even mugged.

Come to Dublin my friend.... and enjoy your stay.

That sounds terrific actually. I love people that are very talkative,outgoing,and friendly. I'll make sure to keep my mouth shut about politics even though I'm sure my opinion of Bush isn't any more positive than yours,haha. I was told I'll be staying on a college campus in the southern area of the city...I'm not really sure what or where that consists of. I haven't looked much at maps of the city yet.