For not much more than the cost of a flight to New York, you can visit Ireland this winter. Between Novemeber and March, Aer Lingus and several other airlines, are offering flights from the West Coast to Dublin for $250 each way plus tax. The total comes to around $610. Ireland is an amazing country, a combination of rugged beauty, history and architecture that will amaze you and lots of good culture. The weather's not great at this time of year, but the lack of crowds everywhere may compensate for that.
Ireland is a small country of only about 7 million people, including Northern Ireland. Finally, Northern Ireland can be included on your itinerary, and although I haven't been there, I hear it is worth including. Toursists outnumber residents, as they have over 7 million visitors every year, so going in the off season is a good idea.
My favorite trip would included a rental car, a very light suitcase, and some good travel books. That's about it. I would stay at B and B's. This is a great way to meet locals, go where they go and meet like minded travellers. When you check in to a B and B you are usually greeted by one of the owners. Most are warm and friendly and really make you feel welcome. You will get a key to your room, plus a key to the front door. Owners love to chat with the guests, give you their take on local folklore, and suggest pubs, restaurants and sights to see. Each morning you will be served a breakfast fit for a king. A full Irish breakfast is included in any B and B stay. This includes fried eggs, bacon, fried tomato, mushrooms and bangers. Some breakfasts also include white and black pudding, which is actually not pudding at all. It is a sausage stuffed with meat and grains. Go figure. Sometimes you will also have a choice of cold or hot cereal, fruit, bread and yogurt. What a meal.
B and B's are usually about half the price of nice hotel, so give them a try. Then get in your rental car, remember to keep to the left, and enjoy the beautiful sights of Ireland.
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