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Here's Help to Keep your Greenbacks: Air + Hotel to the Emerald Isle from $359

Like fall, spring is an optimal time to visit Ireland; it's not swamped with summer's tourist herd, and it's not too cold, either. And because of the country's size, it's easy to see a lot in a short period of time -- if it's natural, rugged beauty, ancient ruins, pubs, small-town charm and lots of Guinness you're after.

Like fall, spring is an optimal time to visit Ireland; it's not swamped with summer's tourist herd, and it's not too cold, either. And because of the country's size, it's easy to see a lot in a short period of time -- if it's natural, rugged beauty, ancient ruins, pubs, small-town charm and lots of Guinness you're after.

Americans tend to overdo it when it comes to St. Patty's Day -- it's turned into a drunken free-for-all. But it's fair to say that in the smaller towns and cities of Ireland the holiday is celebrated a bit differently. For a real taste of local color, Sceptre Tours (tel. 800/221-0924; www.sceptretours.com) is offering a land-only, four-night "First Class Galway" package starting at $359 per person. The city is the gateway to Ireland's Gaeltecht (Irish-speaking) region, the most traditional part of the country. Galway itself boasts a vibrant cultural scene (especially music), and it's home to the original claddagh ring at Thomas Dillon Jewelers. It makes for a great base for exploring the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the Connemara region just north of the city. Sceptre's offer includes a full Irish breakfast each morning and car rental with unlimited mileage. Or, you can upgrade to the Galway Deluxe package for $549, with accommodations at the Glenlo Abbey. The package can be customized and/or extended upon request, and Sceptre puts together city stays in Killarney, Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Belfast, too. This offer is valid for travel through March 31.

If you're after something that allows you to bundle in airfare, check out Sceptre's independently minded "Emerald Package," which is priced from $599 for airfare, five-nights at bed and breakfasts, and car rental. For land only, it's $391 for May-June, and $461 for July-August travel. It also gives you the choice to fly into or out of either Shannon or Dublin. It's advertised from $599 based on flights from New York-JFK or Boston to either Shannon or Dublin, based on what's available when Sceptre searches for the lowest price, so keep in mind the price could vary wildly.

You can purchase airfare through Sceptre, but if you're more inclined to do your own thing, plan on flying into Shannon airport, located southeast of Galway. If you live near an airport that Aer Lingus (tel. 800/474-7424; www.aerlingus.com) services, check out their winter fare sale. Some of the rates good for February, and some are valid in March. For example, one-way tickets to Dublin from either New York or Boston are $145, based on round-trip purchase; New York-Shannon is a low $120; and Chicago O'Hare is $159. All the aforementioned fares are valid through February 28. Prices creep up a bit for travel March 1 -- 31, however. Flights from New York or Boston to either Shannon or Dublin are priced at $155 one way, but Chicago jumps up to $195. You must act fast and book by the February 17 deadline.

The country's gateway site, Ireland.com is also home to the Irish Times newspaper. Travel promotions are posted weekly, (www.ireland.com/travel) and current offerings include a fully escorted pub tour from $409 that includes Galway and Dublin, available February 26 -- it's recommended you arrive a day earlier, though, if you're flying in from the United States. The tour isn't available again until November. The deal includes a private luxury motor coach, an Irish guide, four nights in a first-class hotel (two apiece in Galway and Dublin), full Irish breakfast daily and two complete dinners. Another deal, "Legendary Nights of Dublin" is also available through March 31 and you can customize it for three, five, six or seven nights, from $399 -- $639. It includes round-trip airfare to Dublin, three nights at Jurys Croke Park Hotel with daily breakfast, admission to the Guinness Museum, and the opportunity to add on 2, 3 or 4 nights at a bed and breakfast, along with a car rental. The prices are based on airfare from New York JFK and Boston.

Chat up fellow Frommer's Travelers on our Ireland Message Boards today.


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