Ok, I am familiar with both Ireland and the Carolinas. So let me try and help you. Dublin is similar to Charlotte just more sprawled out. How do you get around in Dublin, same in Charlotte except no commuter train around town, only between cities. Taxi, bicycle, foot or friend should be considered. The coast is the equivelant of traveling from Dublin to Gorey (if you don't know where that is I can give another reference). Metrolina is a train, in case you did not know. I have never seen a town that was boring and I have never been bored. People that are bored are usually boring and spend a lot of time typing repetitive things and being lonely. Life is what you make of it. If you like history, there is plenty to see. Charlotte is the Queen city and you will understand that if you are into history. The weather will be similar to that in Cork in April just slightly warmer. There are many great things to see that are nearby and if you are into history consider one of the local tour companies. NYC can be undesirable for many reasons (similar to those in London) but hey, there is plenty to do. Same for Charlotte, just not so many choices.