10 Days in Ireland - Need local tips!

Old Mar 24th, 2012, 07:56 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
10 Days in Ireland - Need local tips!

Hi, so excited to be planning a first trip to Ireland in September. My boyfriend has roots in Cork so we're sure to spend some time there (thinking maybe 4 or 5 days) and we really would like to see some of the beautiful countryside as well.

What I don't want to do is try to plan too much into a short stretch of time. I'd much rather come and visit again than feel like we spend the entire vacation rushing. That said we'll be flying in from NYC. Not sure which carrier, or if it should be to Dublin or straight to Cork or maybe Shannon? Suggestions appreciated here as well!

While there we can't wait to check out many pubs and hopefully a castle or two. We plan to rent a car, though we're also totally fine with public transportation if its a smarter way to go in the bigger cities.

Basically, we would love to see some of the less touristy stuff and maybe stay at a couple of wonderful, locally owned cottages where we'll get lots of opportunity to meet locals and feel the pulse of what it's really like there. Any suggestions would be very appreciated, thanks so much!
nycbrooklyn is offline  
Old Mar 24th, 2012, 10:08 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The best Guesthouse B&B I've ever stayed at in my forty years of travel is The Garnish House in Cork City. It's a small cluster of properties on the edge of the city---just several blocks to pubs, nightlife, restaurants, and riverside walkways. You'll be welcomed with a scrumptious spread of homemade delights for afternoon tea. Weather permitting, have it outside in the secluded flower garden. They're famous for their fabulous 30-option breakfast. If staying several days, get the unit with the fully equipped kitchen and living room with fireplace. It's a great base for seeing lots and lots of varied countryside in addition to the nearby towns of Cobh, Middleton, and Kinsale. The four of us paid 32 euro each last June. A steal.
annettafly is offline  
Old Mar 24th, 2012, 10:47 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We did 8 days on the western side (Killarney, Dingle, Galway) and flew in/out of Shannon. Though we had kids with us you still might get an idea or two from my trip report/blog.

http://ukfrey.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/ireland.html

Have fun.
indy_dad is offline  
Old Mar 25th, 2012, 09:06 AM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks so much to you both! I should mention that we plan on traveling for 10-12 days in early september. Do you think I'll need a heavy coat at that time? I was thinking layers with cashmere sweater and leather jacket might work?

I'm going to look into booking the Garnish house as it looks amazing.I was also thinking of booking something for a few days in Kinsale. Do you think it's better to just spend a day there and keep our home base in Cork?

Indy_dad your trip looks amazing. Is there any don't miss stuff you would suggest for Cork?

Also, I'm thinking we would regret it if we don't at least spend a couple of days in Dublin, do you agree?

Thanks again!
nycbrooklyn is offline  
Old Mar 25th, 2012, 10:48 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dublin? If nycbrooklyn is your home then I'd say you've seen enough of the big city stuff. I always fly into Shannon because I like the variety of landscape and sights in the southwest quadrant of the country. The DISCOVERIRELAND.IE site has a great route planner. Put in your departure and destination towns and it will give you complete directions for every turn in the roads, travel time per segments, and a detailed highlighted map of the trip. Kinsale claims to be the gourmet capital of Ireland so if you're a foodie you'd like it. It is a beautiful town and we stop there when we've left Cork and are headed out to drive through West Cork toward Kerry---a magnificant drive w/ incredible scenery.
annettafly is offline  
Old Mar 25th, 2012, 04:19 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From Cork, it would be easy to do a day trip to Kinsale. I would think it would be great to stay put in the Cork area for 4 or 5 sdays so that you feel as if you are coming "home" each evening. Cobh, Cork itself, Midleton (whiskey place), Kinsale, are within easy reach from the area. 1.5 miles downriver from Cork is Blackrock castle. It burned and has been renovated as a place for parties, but I believe one can still walk around the outside--good photo ops. Blarney is close by. It is a driver's nightmare in season but might be better in September. You don't have to do the kissing of the rock but the grounds are lovely.

Then you might head west to West Cork for the next 4 days--explore Garinish Issland, Baltimore, Mizen Head and some lighthouses. Then head up toward Shannon and spend a night or two in that area before flying home.

Or you might head to Killarney for the Ntional Park, Ross Castle, Ring of Kerry, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, Staigue Fort, etc. before heading toward Shannon.

Or from Cork you might work your way toward Dublin via County Wicklow (Glendalough, Powerscourt, Avoca) and spend your last days in Dublin. (Ditch the car at the airport; a car is not an asset in Dublin--limited parking is expensive and the streets a tangle of one way and random name changes) Lots to see and do--National Museums (art and artifacts) closed on Mondays, Kilmainham Gaol, Guiness Brewery, churches and history galore.

or Head to Galway from Cork. Explore Cannemara, maybe the Aran Islands, Aughnanure Castle, Dunguare castle. On the way to Shannon stop at the Cliffs of Moher and check out the Burren.

I would spend 3-4 nights eachin two or three places. If your boyfriend has roots over there, you'll have reason enough to go back again and again and explore different areas each time.

You asked about weather in September. It can be everything from raw and rainy to clear and warm and everything in between--sometimes all in one day or even within a few hour timespan. Your idea of layers is sensible.

By September the days will be shorter than summer when you have as much as 19 hours of daylight, but still allow plenty of daylight time to get around. Most things will still be open.

No matter what you choose, you'll have a grand time.
irishface is offline  
Old Mar 25th, 2012, 04:40 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,275
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Fly in and out of Shannon. Head down to Cork for a few days. Kinsale is a nice drive from Cork for a day, and a day would be fine, no need to spend the night.

As annettafly said, West Cork is beautiful, so take the coastal route and head toward Kerry for a few days. Base yourselves in Kenmare in a self catering cottage or one of the many B&Bs and see the penninsulas. There is some amazing scenery. If you go out to Mizen Head you will feel like you are at the end of the earth.

See some of Clare on your way back to Shannon. Not sure how many nights you have left by then, but if you can allow two nights near the airport, you can see quite a bit of the Burren.
allisonm is offline  
Old Mar 26th, 2012, 08:42 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Your idea of layers for September is wise. However, I would leave the leather jacket at home. I ususally bring long sleeve tops, fleece layer and a goretex jacket. The goretex will be great if it rains and it also keeps you warm on a windy day. It doesn't take up much room. I would not want to get my leather jacket wet.
Bette is offline  
Old Mar 26th, 2012, 07:01 PM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'll take your advice on the leather jacket and throw down for something gortex for sure.
Thinking we'll fly into Shannon and travel down through Cork and Kenmare (Mizen Head looks amazing for maybe one night) and then back up through Kerry and see the cliffs of Moher and up through Galway.

Maybe one night in Mizen Head, then up to Cork to stay for 4 days 5 nights. Then maybe to Killarny for 2 nights and up to Galway/Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands?

I'm thinking that Annettafly night be right about Brooklyn and NYC being enough in the city aspect of things. THough I really don't want to miss out on pubs and social stuff too.

So much to consider!
nycbrooklyn is offline  
Old Apr 1st, 2012, 02:57 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How are the plans going? You can't miss pub life --- there's one on every street---many of them with nightly jam sessions when the locals come in with their instruments. If you stay at the Garnish House in Cork, you'll find a nightspot a short walk down the main road that has Bandaroake twice a month---a chance to sing with a live band. Up in County Clare, between the Cliffs of Moher and Galway is Doolin, a tiny village famous for traditional music in its pubs. Leaving Kerry in the direction of Shannon we stopped in Adare---named "the prettiest village in Ireland"---thatched roofs and all. Nearby in Patrickswell is a horse racing fixture called Greenmont where we bought a twilight package that included admission, program, 5 euro betting card, BBQ dinner with a pint or wine, and live music starting at 9:00PM. Plenty of social life to be found.
annettafly is offline  
Old Apr 1st, 2012, 04:04 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
West Cork and Mizen Head sure are beautiful.
On your way from Cork city, don't miss the small local road in Rosscarbery to Glendore to see Drombeg (one of the prettiest located stone circles in Ireland), Glendore and Unionhall (pretty small villages, ideal for a lunch break).
Cowboy1968 is offline  
Old Apr 1st, 2012, 08:04 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes! Drombeg Circle is amazing and worth the treacherous drive. About half way up we had a wonderful lunch at a small hotel that sat at the edge of the road and had outdoor seating with great views down to the water.
annettafly is offline  
Old Apr 5th, 2012, 08:06 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I disagree on skipping Dublin. It has a completely different vibe from Cork. I'd spend a day or two. Irishface is right there are a few sights that are a must if you're a history buff...Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Castle. There's also many great pubs (outside of Temple Bar)that you can enjoy without feeling like you're surrounded by tourists.
ParisNiceLondon is offline  
Old Apr 6th, 2012, 03:56 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I won't challenge you on those "must"s in Dublin. I'm a literary type so you know I love that stuff. Every trip I take requires some editing---painful as it is. The OP didn't want "to plan too much into a short stretch of time". So, since she was already doing one city . . . just suggesting. I'd have to take my time in Dublin---as you say---soak up the vibe and get into the nooks and crannies.
annettafly is offline  
Old Apr 9th, 2012, 04:20 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Bookmarking
aussie_10 is offline  
Old Apr 9th, 2012, 04:55 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm with anettafly. You can't do it all. As you want to start in Cork, it makes sense to explore what someone else called the 'southwest quadrant'. Make it easy for yourself, not a clockwatching exercise. You have wonderful suggestions already for that area.
Yes, Glendalough, Powerscourt and Avoca should not be missed under any circumstances, but save those for your next trip, when you can combine them with Dublin and even go as far as Belfast, if you stay that side.
And then, of course, I'm biased - I live in the glorious midlands, the lakelands, the beautiful Shannon River, the loughs, Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, Tullynally Castle, I could go on...
Enjoy it anyway, and don't worry about the pubs - every cluster which features more than three cottages will have at least one!!!
skatlam is offline  
Old Apr 10th, 2012, 03:43 AM
  #17  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you so much all for your suggestions! We are meeting with a travel agent this weekend to discuss particulars but it looks like first week of September is the plan! We'll leave in August to give us a bit more time (10 or 11 days total) and I think we're going to fly into Shannon. Someone wrote that taking Aer Lingus almost makes you feel like you're already in Ireland just after passing through customs. I love this!

I don't know if we'll squeeze in Dublin - we may! But I really want to just find a cozy place to stay in (or near) the 3 areas we're focused on - Cork, Kerry and Galway. We won't miss Kinsale or Mizen Head either.

So far I'm thinking we should budget around $200 a day for food lodging and rental car (for 2) does this sound plausible?

Also, I'm thinking we would be remiss to stay 10 days in Ireland without staying a night in a castle. Do you all think it is a must?

Mostly I want the trip to be relaxing and fun. We both work in midtown manhattan - so we have more than enough big city excitement in our day to day lives, I think we're both looking forward to a little bit of tranquility for a change.
nycbrooklyn is offline  
Old Apr 10th, 2012, 06:36 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Bring a small disposable umbrella. When it rains, it pours. I toured Sligo and Donegal last year in driving rain.
Paul H
PaulH is offline  
Old Apr 10th, 2012, 08:02 AM
  #19  
WMD
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you are looking for ideas for some alternative accomodation try reasearching 'The Blue Book'for country house ideas or maybe a stay in a lighthouse?! - try www.irishlandmark.com
You'll have to try Sligo next time you visit! Enjoy
WMD is offline  
Old Apr 10th, 2012, 08:59 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,275
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hard to estimate per day pricing... Our rental car for 10 days this month is about $400 for a compact automatic. We are staying exclusively in B&Bs, which run on average €70 per night.

We tend to eat mostly pub meals which probably cost more than you would expect, unless you just have a bowl of soup. So $200 per day might work, except for stays in castles or other specialty lodging.

We have been many times without the use of a travel agent. Look on line for prices before you meet, and avoid vouchers, which are more of a hindrance than a help, IMHO.
allisonm is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Lynn_McManus
Europe
16
Jul 30th, 2011 06:13 PM
jenn2126
Europe
5
Feb 25th, 2011 10:04 AM
Suered
Europe
7
Oct 24th, 2010 10:35 AM
Bellalion
Europe
5
Jul 18th, 2010 12:59 PM
joan
Europe
6
Aug 12th, 2002 12:59 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -