Shannon at $272 RT

Sure, you could fly into Dublin (this week's fares are still live after all) — blink at it's stunningly bleak skyline and bolt for the nearest bus station or car rental agency.

But congrats, you've just burned a full day of precious PTO and blown your savings on overpriced Dublin B&Bs (enjoy that $45 continental breakfast of Cornflakes, btw)

Or, you could land in Shannon in Co. Clare, skip the cross-country schlepp and start your Emerald escapades before the jet-lag even catches up.

Trust me, after living in Ireland for half your life, you learn a thing or too. And my biggest advice when it comes to seeing Ireland? All the best bits are beyond Dublin.