2012 St. Patrick's Day Guide to Ireland: Plan Now for the Optimal Experience

If you've ever thought of spending St. Patrick's Day in Ireland, 2012 should be the year to finally go. It can be the trip of a lifetime for many, and the time to plan is now. Late winter/early spring can be an ideal time to go to the Emerald Isle. With lower airfares, cheaper accommodations and fewer tourists to compete with, it's can be a lot more pleasant than summer. It doesn't get much better than watching the St. Patrick's Day Parade in person in Dublin.

In 2012, the parade will be held on March 10, so you'll want to plan on being there several days before the event so that you can truly enjoy it. Jet lag can take the fun out of even the most exciting spectacles.

Booking your flight

I recommend checking several web sites to determine the best airfare. Aer Lingus, the Irish airline, has a flexible airfare calendar on their site, and it's great for finding the best deals. Always check a flight comparison site as well, such as Travelocity.

Do your research

If this is your first visit to Ireland, take some time to read online guides or buy a travel book on the country. Get an idea of the most important sites you'd like to see and prioritize. Ireland is a fairly small country, but most of the roads are not like they are in the U.S. It will take a lot longer to get from one side to the other than you realize. Don't try and squeeze in too much or you'll spend the whole time driving.

Purchase a map of Ireland, and plan an itinerary before you go. Allow at least two days in each region, and if you plan on attending the parade, plan to spend at least a few days in Dublin to enjoy it.

Some of the highlights of the city that I recommend are: Trinity College (where you can view the Book of Kells, written by Irish Monks in the 9th century), Dublin Castle , St. Patrick's Cathedral , Guinness Storehouse (the best part of the tour is the free Guinness you get at the end, and the 360 degree view of Dublin from the floor to ceiling glass walls), the National Museum, and O'Connell Street - lined with statues commemorating many Irish heroes, as well as being the hub of a bustling shopping precinct.

Rental car

Book your rental car as far in advance as possible, if you haven't included it in a vacation package, I've found Dan Dooley offers the best value.

Lodging

Bed and breakfasts are always the way to go in Ireland. It's the best way to get to know the local culture, and there are thousands to choose from. The majority of the hosts are typical Irish, with warm and friendly personalities and a great sense of humor. They can offer a unique experience to any tourist and often provide some good insider tips to the area.

For the parade, you should book accommodations in advance as Dublin lodging can fill up quickly during that time. You might consider a stay in Swords or Malahide, just north of the Dublin airport, as they are less expensive and fairly convenient to the city. Public transportation is readily available, as city driving can be rather nerve wracking.

I also recommend booking your first night's lodging ahead of time so that when you arrive, you'll have a place to go and rest. It's a long flight from the U.S., and jet lag can be a killer. Try taking just a two or three hour nap when you arrive, and not longer, or it will be even more difficult to adjust.

Parade tips

* Arrive early. Normally, Irish tend to wake up a little later than we do in America, but for the parade the streets will fill up early. Plan to arrive by 9:00 a.m.

* Take public transportation or walk, driving would be a very bad decision.

* You should probably not drink green beer and then ride the Festival Ferris Wheel. Ride first.

* Bring your camera. This is one of the most colorful exciting celebrations in the world.

Once you've got your plans in motion, all you have to do is count down the days before your flight takes off. Don't forget your passport, travel documents and itinerary! May the luck of the Irish be with you.

K.C. Dermody is a freelance writer and a Featured Contributor for Yahoo!Travel. She has traveled to nearly all 50 states, and many countries worldwide, and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others.

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Ireland in the Off-Season: Five Reasons to Experience the Emerald Isle in the Winter