6 days in Ireland

Are you flying into Shannon and out of Dublin or both in and out of Dublin?

I would concentrate your trip on the west coast of Ireland especially if you arrive in Shannon. I would visit the counties of Kerry, Galway and Mayo.

Some of the areas I would visit in Kerry would include the Dingle Peninsula and or the Ring of Kerry. In Galway I would visit the Connamara area---visiting the town of Clifton.

In Co Mayo I would recommend the following towns: Westport and Newport. Achill Island is beautiful if the weather is nice otherwise I would skip it.

Upon arrival I would try and find a B and B to rest a few hours before starting your trip.

Have a great time.

That's when we're considering going, but I'm concerned that Holy Week will mean that sites or restaurants are closed on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. I've asked that question on these boards this morning. Let's see what they say!

jk1348 - You may glean some information from my trip report from our visit to Ireland in May, as some of the places we visited have been mentioned by Comayoeagle. I know you are only spending 6 days and we did the trip differently but there are photos as well.
http://tinyurl.com/mmm492

We are flying into Dublin arriving at about noon on Sat March 27th and leaving from Dublin on Friday morning at about 9am.

Hi Does anyone have any other suggestions for a route to travel since we are landing in Dublin. Also any suggestions on a castle to stay at. Do you think it might be better for us to hook up with a tour group or try the driving on our own. And has anyone mentioned anything about Holy Week in Ireland? Would love to hear from anyone with this experience. Thanks

Oh any suggestions for a reasonably priced, good location hotel in Dublin. What's the best area to stay for convenience and accessibility to the sites?

hi, am in dublin right now! We got a great deal at the Belvedere in Great Denmark st. it's comfortable and has a nice bathroom. It's across the river from the Temple Bar area, but near many galleries/museums. Best part is no buses go down our street so not so noisy! Honestly Dublin is not that big, lots of people around, but we walk everywhere and find it not that far to wherever we want to go. The buses are plentiful. Suggest you do the guiness storehouse as the view from the top flr Gravity Bar is sensational. There are many day trips to do, which I'm sure you'll figure out. County Wicklow and Newgrange I'd recommend.....it's "grand"

P.S you could visit Dublin Castle to get your castle fix, it's also walking distance.

See this listing of castle hotels in Ireland: http://www.hotel-ireland.com/castles.

For maximum flexibility, rent a car.

We stayed in O'Neill's Victorian Pub B&B when we were in Dublin. It's a bit noisy, but well placed and reasonably priced, with a decent pub on the main floor. The noise is from the road outside (traffic never really stops) and the train nearby, but with earplugs it's fine

It's right next to Trinity college, and walking distance to the bridge across to O'Connell Street, Grafton Street, etc.

(there are two O'Neill's, so choose carefully)

I would probably do a circle between Kilkenny, Glendalough, and Dublin. Kilkenny is a great medieval city, with a castle, churches/abbeys, and lots of beautiful surrounding countryside. Nearby is Jerpoint Abbey and Kells Abbey. Not far is Rock of Cashel, and a little farther is Cahir Castle and the Swiss Cottage - all good for day trips from Kilkenny. Then coming down into Glendalough for a beautiful day at the abbey, up to Powerscourt waterfall and gardens. Back to Dublin via Dun Loughaire (Sp?), which is a nice fishing village south of Dublin.

Thank you to mazzandclara, TimS and GreenDragon - these are great suggestions and very helpful. Currently planning on spending Sat and Sun in Dublin and then renting a car to travel around a bit and back to Dublin on Thurs. for a 9am departure. Any other suggestions or tips are most appreciated.

I do mean a 9am flight on Friday.

I would say there is lots to do in Dublin, such as the Book of Kells, Jameson Distillery, Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park/Dublin Zoo, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch, Dublinia, Kilmanhain Gaol, etc.

Outside of Dublin has daytrips to Newgrange/Hill of Tara, Glendalough, Powerscourt Falls/Gardens, Trim Castle, Malahide Castle, all sorts of things.

So I think we are going to try to follow your suggested Itineary of a circle between Kilkenny, Glendalough and Dublin. Any suggestions for a reasonable place to stay around Kilkenny and would you suggest we plan on staying in one place and traveling around from there or move about. If move about then some other suggestions for us. I appreciate your time and input. Anyone else with places to stay would be appreciated. We also enjoy good food and wine - so any top picks you can send our way would be welcomed.

I loved staying at a B&B named Alcantra... it's a couple blocks from the castle, and a lovely place, with a great hostess

There is traditional music at Dame Kyteler's Inn. I had great sandwiches at Marble City, a small cafe right across the alley from Dame Kyteler's (they are both about a half block south of the castle, in a 'slip', or alley)

Other things to do around Kilkenny:

Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Design Centre
St. Canice Cathedral
Cahir Castle
Swiss Cottage
Rock of Cashel
Jerpoint Abbey
Kells PRiory/Abbey
Inistioghe (where they filmed Circle of Friends, charming town)

Thank you so much. Would you suggest staying the three nights there or just two and then going where? before heading back to Dublin on Thurs.

I have done the drive from Dublin to Kilkenny right after arrival - and I wouldn't recommend it if you don't have to. It's doable, but rather dangerous, as you will be tired and jetlagged.

If you do go to Kilkenny Saturday, I would recommend staying Saturday night (you probably won't be up to much sightseeing that day), Sunday and Monday night. If you stay in the Dublin area Saturday instead, and head to Kilkenny Sunday morning, you should still do well leaving Tuesday morning.

After Kilkenny, it is doable to do a long way back to Dublin via Glendalough and Powerscourt, but much more interesting and relaxing to take at least one night along the way. Glendalough is best experienced early or late in the day, when the tourists aren't thick on the ground.

Thank you - We have actually decided to stay in Dublin until Monday early AM and then drive to Kilkenny and stay Monday and Tuesday nights. I think we will then take the long way back to Dublin via Glendalough and Powerscourt and stay over along the way for Wed night . Any suggestions???
We will sepnd our last night in Dublin on Thurs before heading for the airport.
Where has this forum been for all my other trips to Africa and South America? I never thought to try it and it (especially you) have been so helpful sorting things out.

I've actually have never stayed anywhere along that trip, just taken the long day. However, I've heard that there aren't a lot of options in Glendalough itself. The hotel food isn't fabulous, but it is filling (it's also a bit on the expensive side, as I recall). It is a long day trip - especially going through the Wicklow mountains, which is a desolate but beautiful drive. Perhaps a place closer to Powerscourt?

My favorite author lives not far from there (Anne McCaffrey) and we took some time to visit her (with prior arrangements with her) had had a delightful afternoon tea in her kitchen, chatting for a couple hours.

You might get some value out of www.irelandyes.com - Michele might have some recommendations on her lodging pages, or on her forums. She's been to Ireland over 40 times!

Thank you

I think maybe comayoeagle means Clifden (which sounds like Clifton)

jk1348, if I may weigh in on this ... you'll be missing the absolute best part of Ireland if you remain in the eastern/southern portion of the country. The most beautiful, most exciting parts of the country are to be found, as an earlier poster said, in the west. The west is unparalleled for its beauty and, if you are as interested as I think you might be, for its ruins. Case in point: the Rock of Cashel, a County Tipp destination. You wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity to see the seat of the kings of Munster. Travel on further and see Cork, where I lived for five wonderful years and which has many free things to do. Cork is also rapidly becoming a foodie destination, so there are many fine and inexpensive restaurants there. I can name them if you're interested.

But my advice? Spend a day or two maximum in Dublin: it's not the real Ireland (as anyone outside of the Pale will tell you). While you're there, take the DART south towards Greystones and hop off when you see the coast (Dun Laoghaire is a good bet, for instance). Walk for a while. Back in Dublin, go to Temple Bar, visit the Dublin Writers Museum, walk through Stephen's Green and maybe even do the open bus tour. By all means, though, get out of dodge as soon as you can. If either of you can drive manual transmission, hire a car and drive due west on the N6 towards Galway (manual is three times cheaper than an automatic there). If you work your way north from there, you can easily spend the next four days driving your way back to Dublin, hitting along the way the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede and the A2 south through the North which is still one of the most beautiful drives I've ever taken in the world.

Conversely, you can drive south from Galway towards the "Kingdom" (County Kerry) and see the amazingly beautiful Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and Shannon estuary (not quite in that order, though that order in terms of beauty). Then you could work your way over to Cork, up to the Rock of Cashel and back to Dublin. The drive from Cork to Dublin is just over three hours and isn't difficult to do.

Thank you for the additional information - Needless to say - since we have such a short period of time - I am extremely confused. My daughter would really like to see Dingle - if at all possible. What is the feasibility of staying in Kilkenny 1-2 nights and then driving to Dingle or Cork to Dingle and then drive back to Dublin the following day.
In other words would this work: Sat and Sun in Dublin; leave early Monday morning and drive to Kilkenny - explore area and on Tues drive to Rock of Cashel- return to B&B in Kilkenny and on Wed drive down to Cork and then over to Dingle - Stay over Wed night near Dingle (any suggestions) and then Drive back to Dublin via Cliffs etc. Spend last night in Dublin as we have a 9am flight out Friday morning.
Is it at all "doable"?
Unfortunately we only drive automatic. My daughter can drive manual in a pinch but not with much expertise for this type of trip and I only drive automatic. I realize the cost will be additional but I am willing to do it for the autonomy it will provide us. I would love some suggested restaurants for Cork. Right now I am just totally confused. But I very much appreciate all the feedback. Please keep it coming.

Automatic? We can work with that! You'll want to book that in advance, though, as Irish car hire agencies have a very limited number of them.

The good news is it's doable. I know what you're going through, though: I had a number of people come to visit me over the years I was there and I always had to do the same driving route to maximize their time, but that meant we usually missed 'the bit in the middle'. Kilkenny is worth a night but probably not two, as you'll see most of what you want to see, including the Alice Kyteler house and Kilkenny Castle in one day. It's quite a small town. So that will save you some time there. Just try to make it into town centre early if you can. Lunch suggestion: Marble City Bar. They make a great Irish stew and Shepherd's Pie, but if you and your daughter like seafood, any of their daily seafood specials is divine! The drive down from Dublin takes about two hours, but if you're leaving Monday morning Dublin traffic will add an extra forty minutes, especially on the ring road. Allow for that. (Conversely, you could always leave Sunday night and stay overnight in Kilkenny to be there Monday morning into Tuesday night.) So ... let's see what we've got.

There are two things you can do here. You can leave Kilkenny possibly on the Tuesday and have about a half day's drive to the west. Out of Kilkenny, take the N76 towards Clonmel and once you hit Cahir (and you'll pass a gorgeous castle that you should stop to see), pick up the N8 (the main Dublin-Cork road). Keep following the N8 towards Cork until you hit Fermoy, then catch the N72, which will take you towards Killarney. You can hit Cashel on the way back to Dublin, since it'd be out of the way for you were you to head more or less due west. Bypass Killarney, in which you won't want to stay too long anyway (the tour buses will kill you); follow the N22 to Tralee. There's a tricky roundabout in Tralee, so keep your eyes peeled for signs for N86, because that's the main Dingle road. From this point, Dingle itself is about a four or five hour drive, so you'll want to be heading towards a B&B. There are PLENTY in Dingle, but if you go a little further and don't mind hostels, there's a gorgeous hostel that sits on a bay and is run by a positively sweet German couple. It's in Cloghane--the Mount Brandon hostel. While on the Peninsula, walk around Brandon Bay, visit Inch beach (take a walk there for me: it's my favourite beach in the whole of Ireland), Slea Head, the Connor Pass, and Anascaul ... and while in Anascaul, have a pint in the South Pole Inn.

The other option is to take the N77 back out of Kilkenny on the Tuesday and hit the N8 at Durrow. At Urlingford, there's a travel plaza (small--not like an American one) if you need to go to the bathroom or get a quick bite to eat. Follow the N8 towards Cork and you'll reach Cashel. This drive will take between an hour and a half to two hours, depending on traffic. Part of the N8 is a major highway, so you can travel relatively fast. After Cashel, follow the N8 into Cork and stay at one of the new and inexpensive hotels the city put up within the last two years and which are now vacant. (If you want to splurge, stay at Jury's Inn near the university.) In Cork, eat at one of the following: Star Anise, Fenn's Quay, Greene's, Amicus (used to be known as the birthday party restaurant), Liberty Grill, Proby's Bistro, Wagamama or my all-time favourite, Cafe Paradiso. They specialise in the following:

Star Anise: Thai-French fusion. Very odd hours.
Fenn's Quay: Modern Irish, uses local produce. Great Prix Fixe menu.
Greene's/Isaac's: Elegant dining. Classic and Modern Irish using the finest local ingredients.
Amicus: Spanish-Irish-Asian fusion. Their chicken dishes are innovative. Get there early! (Stop at nearby O'Connaills for the best hot chocolate in the world.)
Liberty Grill: American with an Irish twist. Great Eggs Benedict.
Proby's Bistro: "Cork" food. They're great with poultry of any kind, including pigeon. Also have gluten-free dishes.
Wagamama: Japanese fast food. Number 42 is outstanding.
Cafe P: Ahh ... just thinking of this place makes me drool. Michelin-star chef Denis Cotter created a whole menu for his vegetarian wife and the result is phenomenal. I've taken die-hard carnivores there who left mesmerized. The menu changes daily. Make reservations. Many of the dishes served at dinner are served in smaller portions during lunch at much lower prices.

You could always make a stop in the fabled English Market, pick up picnic food and take a seat along the River Lee. If you do, stop at Heaven's Cakes for a yummy treat (Petit Fours if you're on Western Road). If you want coffee and a great atmosphere, go to Tribes on Tuckey Street. They have a nice wine list, too, but it's chiefly a coffee house and it's like no other. It used to be decorated in an African style but in 2006, was redecorated using a mish-mash of Victorian and modern.

Now, if you're doing route number one, you'll leave Dingle en route for Cashel, following the N86-N22 route. But follow N22 to Cork and visit it as you leave. This should put you into Thursday and you'd leave that day for your last night in Dublin. If you choose route two, you'll have got this stuff on the way and from Cork, you'll go Wednesday morning to Dingle (three-hour drive, minimum). Wednesday-Thursday on the peninsula with Thursday as a driving day. The quickest route back to Dublin would actually be N21-N7-M7.

I've been trying to think of a way to get you up to the Cliffs of Moher. For that, you'd almost want to take route two and then, follow the N21 to the N18 in Limerick. Follow the N18 to Ennis, then take the N85 to Ennistymon and the N67 (Lahinch). Follow the Cliffs signs. This is another four-hour drive, though, so you'd want to plan accordingly based on how much time you're spending on Dingle.

Let me just clarify something as I've been proofreading: when I said Dingle was a four or five hour drive from the N86, I meant the whole peninsula, including stops (the 'bleeding' cross, Slea Head, Inch, Anascaul, etc.)

I'm beginning to miss Ireland now ... *sniff*

You are awesome - I need to sift through - but my daughter comes home this week so we will try to sort out and will certainly be asking more questions. Thank you so much for your input. It really is so exciting.

We would never have found our way around Ireland without the help of our trusty Garmin. Even then, so many roads are new and you have to ignore certain instructions!

When in Kilkenny do go to the Tourist Information centre and take a guided tour of the city. We had the dearest old man who didn't rush headlong in front of us, but pointed out so many things we would never have known. Just an example is the unusual white marbling effect on the sidewalks (which look like bird dirt) enlightened us to the fact it is actually sea creatures!

If we do Route 2 - any suggestions on places to stay? We really would like to see the Cliffs

Hi We will be taking our grand-daughter (11years) to Ireland in March 2011. We have taken our 4 grand-children to Europe at this age and Sarah will be the last one. We are spending time in London,Paris and Ireland (Maybe Rome as well). Ireland is the birth place of my 4 grandparents and I am anxious to visit their places of Birth and tell their story to Sarah. Two were from Dublin and one from Cork (easy), my paternal Grandfather (my favourite) however, came from Longford and I cannot get much info from the Net. I gather it is not a tourist attraction but I would like to know if it would be of interest to my husband and g.daughter.
Most of the records, I believe, were destroyed during "the troubles" but I would love to walk the streets he walked.

Cheers Pawsha

jk1348 - We had to miss the famous 'Cliffs' because the wind and rain was so bad. I have read in several guide books that the cliffs of Moher are best seen from the sea. A boat trip looking up at these massive structures sounds quite cool to me!
Maybe someone can add something baout these scenic trips?

Try http://www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com/cliffsofmoher.html
We had hoped to go this year, but were waiting for good weather. It never came! (We live 100 miles away from the cliffs, in the Midlands)

We were very lucky the day we went to the cliffs - it was bright and clear (though very windy!)

My pics:
http://www.greendragonartist.com/Galleries/Small%20Images/Ireland%202006/CliffsofMoher.jpg
http://www.greendragonartist.com/Galleries/Small%20Images/Ireland%202006/OBriensTower.jpg

Yes, those are people in the first pic on the cliff. No rails, no fences... and all are past a big sign that says 'do not go beyond this point!'

I have seen the cliffs twice from land and once by sea. Would never do the by sea again. It takes a much longer time and you have no control. You are on the boat and just go where the boat goes.
When visiting by land, you can walk around, there is a museum of sorts, and you can go to OBrien's tower. You can walk as far as you want and do what you want. The flexibility is nice.
But... if the weather is bad, it is a long drive to get there. One time it was WINDY and COLD!
The other two times the weather was warm and clear. Perfect!
One visit was in June, the other in July, and the other in August.
If you go , be prepared and have coverings for your head and a warm coat.
Ireland is wonderful. You will have a great time. Glad you are giving due consideration to Dingle also.

lazuliangel: 4 or 5 hours from Tralee to Dingle; on a pushbike? Should be 4 or 5 hours from Kilkenny to Dingle, but perhaps a bit more if you take the odd detour to admire the scenery.

http://www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp#

you may find trip planner site above helpful for routes and time, always add time to their estimate which is a bit optimistic

if you want "best of" including ruins/pubs, i suggest...
(i can't imagine "best of" w/out west)

saturday-dublin-hop on/off bus tour w/stop at kilmainham jail and book of kells (loved the library/long hall) and then take either the musical or literay pub crawl tours and to bed early

sunday-i would leave dublin on sunday morning
dublin to rock of cashel/lunch on to killarney for night,plenty of pub action and depending on timing could tour sites or just explore park,ride out to kate kearney's cottage

monday-scenic ride thru killarney park,ladies view,moll's gap to kenmare/lunch then quick road back to killarney and on to dingle for night
or tour ross castle and/or muckross house/abbey then on to dingle-pub...stay in b&b in dingle so you can walk to dinner/pubs/strolling around town

tuesday-tour dingle sleahead loop enjoy town and dingle pubs

wed. scenic drive up coast /ferry across shannon up to doolin
and night at doolin pubs (stop for look at cliffs of moher on way)

thurs. drive back to dublin around coast or thru burren w/ stop at clonmacnoise (just south of athlone) spend last night in dublin pubs

I would suggest city tour hop-on hop-off tour of Dublin - check out at www.dublinbus.ie.
Live commentary - you can just do whole trip as a once off and get a good overview of city and history of city or hop-on hop-off at tourist attractions.

Before visiting Ireland I think it would be useful to know something about the country. You can and indeed should buy some guidebooks but you can also visit the main TV channels and you will find a wide selection to enlighten you on the player at www.rte.ie/tv/index.html

An excellent suggestion, sandylan. Which gets me thinking, here's a couple of radio programmes that will give you a flavour of the place:

http://www.rte.ie/radio1/podcast/podcast_marianfinucane.xml
http://www.rte.ie/radio1/podcast/podcast_sundaymiscellany.xml

Marian Finucane is an easy-to-listen to widely respected presenter. I am biased toward her as my wife wrote her an email once & we won 2 nights in a hotel! She recently interviewed Michael O'Leary (Ryanair CEO). The website says: Ireland's most popular weekend radio programme, Marian Finucane entertains listeners with in-depth interviews, compassionate highlighting of human interest stories, lively panel discussions and consumer issues. The show also covers breaking news stories, discusses issues of the week and invites more listener contribution.

Sunday Miscellany is billed as follows
Today the programme's mix of 'music and musings' continues to be as fresh as ever with contributions to the programme coming from open submissions and commissioned work delivered on the air with new voices complementing more established writers across each programme. From radio essays to reportage, appreciations, memory pieces, poetry, travel writing to personal accounts of events and happenings this programme is essential listening on the radio and the web to thousands of people all over the world.

You can listen over the 'net or podcast. I think that the podcast doesn't give the music, just the musings. Whether or not you come to Ireland, do enjoy Sunday Miscellany

jk1348, we spent three weeks in Ireland last June (first time) and absolutely second others comments about the Southwest. We loved Kinsale (but we flew into Cork not Dublin) and ROK and especially Dingle (also loved Clifden and further north Killibegs which unfortunately would be much too far for you.) I think the rough itinerary suggested by chip would work well - don't sacrifice the southwest for Dublin which is nice but dare I say not "unique."
I will probably be shot down in flames for that comment...lol
Have a great time.

Ricardo_215, yes, indeed, 4-5 hours. The roads are twisty, narrow and slow to navigate. Plus, given the time of year the poster is going, the roads will be heavily trafficked, which will cut down significantly on travel time (particularly if the Germans arrive in their caravans--don't get me started on Germans and caravans [Winnebagos]). I am indeed including scenic stopovers, as well, since there are many points along said route when the views are just too beautiful to miss.

Don't waste your time in Dublin. It is not tourist-worthy like all other Irish cities. The only reason to go to Ireland is for for the natural scenery. Get yourself to the west of Ireland ASAP - Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, etc.

Lastly, don't even attempt to drive in Ireland. The real problem is that the roads are so narrow that you hold your breath everytime to you pass a car going in the opposite direct. It is VERY stressful. Take busses.

The age-old question of private car or public transport. I have driven that road several times, well the northern route as far as just before the O'Connor pass, I've camped near there most years for the last 15 years. An American friend described the O'Connor pass road as a bicycle track. If you do drive, leave yourself plenty of time. Probably not 4-5 hours, mind, but you surely wouldn't want to rush through this scenery anyway. www.aaireland.ie gives time Tralee to Dingle as 44 minutes which may be a bit ambitious in busy times, so allow 1½ hours. Alright, then 2-3 hours!! I think lazuliangel enjoys the scenery too much & so keeps stopping to admire the views.

My sister and I drove all over Northern IReland and Ireland with no problems. If two old ladies can do that anyone should be able to.

We liked Dublin and wouldn't have wanted to miss seeing it. We did a lot of walking there and also took the hop on and off bus around Dublin.

Ou first day we drove to Newgrange which is north of Dublin. We then drove into Northern Ireland to Giant's Causeway, the rope bridge, Bushmills etc. In March, it may be very cold at Cliffs of Moher so be sure to have a hat of some kind. We had to dig out some stocking caps we had bought for our family back home.

Wherever you go in Ireland/N.Ireland you will like it. The entire island is beautiful.

Drive yourself - half the fun was getting lost occasionally. Our experience would not have been the same by bus.

Thank you all - We have decided to leave Dublin upon arrival on Sat and drive to Kilkenny and spend the night there. I know I am still trying to cram way too much into such a short time. Since we know we will be exhausted on Sat we thought we would go out for a pub dinner and call it a fairly early evening - although I would still like to get in a little traditional music On Sunday we would tour the town and the area and possibly head on to Killarney or possibly to the Rock of Cashel and then to killarney. We would then head to dingle and spend a night there. Wed we would wind our way back to Dublin and spend the evening and next day seeing Dublin's sites. What am I missing or am I trying to accomplish way too much. Also any suggestions on where to stay during our stops. You have all given me so many great itineraries that I keep changing my mind each time I read them. Any more input would be welcome. Hope all had a great New Year.

I don't think the Rock of Cashel is open on Sunday and does close at 4:30 or 5 daily (or did when we were there) You might want to check on that!

You will want to check Fodor's Book on pubs with music that are open in March -- many don't have music as much in the off-season. If you make it to dingle - (or before you go) check into the Emlaght Lodge - great place to stay in Dingle about 35Euros a night - right on the bay and beautiful!

Unfortunately, pub music typically doesn't start until after 9, sometimes even later, and you may be well comatose by then. However, if you can stay awake, I had a great night with trad music in Kyteler's Inn in Kilkenny, a band called Caladh. He has such a wonderful clear voice!

Thank you GreenDragon and Irishgal - Didn't realize the end of March was still considered so off season. Will check out pubs for music ahead of time. And yes GreenDragon I do think we will somewhat comatose but we are going to give it a shot. Kyteler's here we come. Have made reservation for B&B that you suggested previously in Kilkenny. Just not quite sure where to go from there. It's amazing that I'm having so much dificulty leaving things out that I am constantly revisiting our choices. If Rock is closed on Sundays then I might need to put it into play on the way back from Dingle on our way to Dublin. Might work out better.

Does any one know if there is any benefit to making our bookings under my daughters name - she has dual citizenship?
US and Ireland

lucky her! lol

I don't think it's any less expensive no matter who's name they are in!

I'd certainly check pubs and music out -- I do believe March is still off-season -- still cold sometimes - for sure!

I go to Ireland every year...always in the offseason. One of the nicest B&B's we stayed in was Dunromin B&B in Kilkenny. It is walking distance to the center of town( that is important to me when I travel!). The owners Val and Tom are very nice and very friendly. I am not normally a B&B traveler, but O loved this place! Also, in Dublin in the off season you can very good hotel rates in the city center if business travel is down.

You are trying to fit alot of traveling into 6 days....Dingle is really far and the drives take a long time. The roads are narrow and the fastest you will go is 35-40 MPH. It get dark early in march too. What about tbis itinerary Dublin ( 1 night) Kilkenny ( 1-2 nights), Killarney ( 2) Dublin ( 1 night). You can take day trips from Dublin to Glendalough ( Take the Wild Wicklow Tour) . It's nice not to have to drive the whole time. Stick to larger towns in off season ..smaller towns shut down. I hope this helps!

Thank you kelbo - My daughter has just informed me that she really, really wants to see the cliffs. I'm just not sure if we can arrange it with out spending our whole time driving. I like your suggestion above but people that's she's spoken to have said we must see Dingle and the Cliffs. If that is the case should we leave out one of the other towns. Not that i really want to. Just trying to find some down time in the process to actually enjoy what we are seeing.

It would be perfectly easy if you flew in and out of Shannon, but using Dublin as your entrance and exit, it's more difficult

Here is the website for Kyteler's Inn (pronounced KIT-lers). It doesn't look like music is on right now, but they do list regular scheduled music - might want to email them and ask?

I agree -- don't miss the cliffs or dingle -- best part of my first trip! i loved both!!! and throw in some traditional music - and it's a great time -...

i do agree -- don't always be driving and whoever IS driving have steady nerves!

Yeah, I forgot the link

http://www.kytelersinn.ie/

Thank you for the link -The place is beautiful and everything I was hoping for. It looks like we'll be in Kilkenny on a Tues eve and they traditionally have Irish folk music - Way to go
We are finally in the throws of formalizing everything - It is an impressive itinerary but we are up to it. Sat - Ennis, Sun - Tralee, Mon - Killarney, Tues - Kiklenny and Wed and Thurs - dublin. We should be able to cover it all with stops along the way. a little rushed but should create some great memories. Any other suggestions for places to stay in any of the above towns. I have promised not to change the itinerary as I just keep adding and enough (while never enough) is enough.

Awesome! Glad I could help. Just remember that it takes time to find, check in, unpack at each B&B, and more time in the morning to breakfast, checkout, pack, and go

I think I already gave you my recommendations for Dublin and Kilkenny above. I stayed in Ennis before, but it wasn't anything special. Didn't stay in the other places (yet) www.irelandyes.com has lots of suggestions - she's stayed in every place she recommends.

Again thank you. I have a reservation at the Alcantra in Kilkenny for Tues and am still finalizing Dublin since I really wasn't quite sure exactly when we would be there. I am hoping this will just be one of many trips to Ireland as there is so very much more I want to see.

There is ALWAYS more to see, and Ireland IS addicting

Hi. just a tip when you visit Dublin. Make sure you visit Trinty college. i think your daughter would love to see the medical school. i was a student there in the 90s. Some of teh buildings are 300 years old. when you enter the college from the front, walk through the main square, make sure to pop into the ´museum building´ and to the back of the campus and you will see the medical buildings. Some lecure leatures are still in use from over a hundred years ago. if you see and friendly looking students around i'm sure they would show your daughter around..the antomy lecture theatre is worth seeing. also please try not to miss a trip to Glendalough--there are good day tours to give you a break from the driving.
Hope you get good weather. the roads have improved here.that is the main roads but the secondary roads are still poor.

Thank you Caitriona I will be sure we stop by - Alexis will be most pleased.

Just to warn you, we had unprecented amounts of snow 2 weeks ago..not seen since 1962. unfortunately our raods were not built for it, so be careful on the smaller roads in the rural areas as the potholes are quiet bad. Sometimes you think you're driving through a small puddle but it's actually a deep pothole. Don't want to focus on negatives though. it's a great country and I hope you have a fantastic trip!

jk1348 - We loved Kilkenny but would not have enjoyed it half as much if we hadn't started the morning at the Tourist Centre. This is what I wrote in my trip report last year May 2009:

THE ROCK OF CASHEL - Tuesday 19th May

At last sunshine this morning!
We take the N72 via the town of Tathmore, Mallow and Michaelstown. From there the N8 takes us through to Cashel.

Because we are driving a motor home we are allowed to take up parking space reserved for coaches and have no difficulty finding a space in the parking lot. We have bright sunshine and although there are huge clouds about it is hot enough not to wear a jacket or sweater.
We take the guided tour which lasts an hour, have a good wander around and take lots of photos in the good weather. The tour is very good and our guide gave some interesting anecdotes including the one about Johnny Cash’s visit to the Rock of Cashel. I wish I could remember the name of the song Cash composed after surveying the valley below.

MEDIEVAL KILKENNY
We drive through the outskirts of Kilkenny and find our last campsite in Ireland, called Three Trees Caravan Park. This is a privately owned campsite and is the most ‘rustic’ one we have visited. We find a lovely grassy spot opposite a horse paddock. There is a mother and foal grazing peacefully and Peter takes a wander about for photos while I prepare my version of an Irish Stew for our dinner.

Wednesday 20th May
Another sunny day as we set off to take in the sights in Kilkenny. Parking a motor home in town is a problem but we struck it lucky when someone suggested we park in a hotel parking as it was free and had much larger spaces. Brilliant! We walked into town just as it started to drizzle but did not last long thank goodness.
We went to the Information Centre in Shee Alms House, Rose Inn street (www.southeastireland.com)and joined a few others waiting for a walking tour.
Our tour guide was quite an elderly gent who knew everything there is to know about Kilkenny having lived there all his life. He pointed out the shells embedded in the black marble used for paving throughout the town’s streets, which I thought were bird droppings! We wandered down the little lanes with strange names and even saw a busker who was staying in our campsite!
Lastly he took us to the beautiful little church with the most fantastic stained glass window.

We visited Kilkenny castle afterwards for about an hour and then found some lunch at a little place opposte the famous Kytler’s Inn on Kieran street. It dates back to 1324 when Dame Alice Kytler, ‘the sorceress of Kilkenny’ was accused of poisoning her four husbands, and of being a witch. The restaurant retains a medieval air with exposed beams and 14thC stonework.

That evening we met with a lady we have known through a business connection, but now have become good friends with this charming person. We all had a wonderful dinner at Langton’s before she dropped us back at our campsite. Just the perfect end to our visit to Kilkenny.

Here are the photos:
http://tinyurl.com/l64rda.

Next: Goodbye to Ireland.

I think the little place across from Kyteler's Inn must have been Marble City - it had fantastic sandwiches when we went!

You are ALL awesome. Please keep the tidbits coming as it really helps me formulate a plan of sorts anyway.

Hi everyone - any one have any experience renting from Thrifty at the Dublin Airport. They seem to be much more reasonable than Dooley (sp) or the other major companies. I have had terrible luck with Hertz during my last two trips and would prefer to avoid them. Also will have the car for 5 days and would prefer not to spend an extreme fortune. We just need a small automatic. Any bad or good words would be appreciated before I book.

get the smallest car possible - roads are precarious....if you have a world master cards you can forgo the total insurance - if you dont' have one -- you might want to get the CDW insurance - cost more - protects you if ANYTHING happens to their car - i wouldn't use dooley we had an awful experience with them!

jk- What types of problems did you have with Hertz? I have a reservation for this summer so is there something in particular that I need to watch out for?

I've had decent experience with both Enterprise and AutoEurope (which is a consolidator, and rented through Europcar).

Michele at www.irelandyes.com has a post in her forums about the various car rental agencies, what they require in terms of insurance and deposits, etc.

Rosa_Mundi - the problems we had with Hertz varied - and I must admit we were mainly in three world or developing countries but some examples were - Not having the size car reserved, wanting to give us a larger car but not for the same quoted rate but much more expensive. Also the price seemed to double from that which was quoted here in the states to what the actual price was at time of rental.
I think if you are in a more modern city it might not be such a problem but these encounters did sour me on using Hertz any time in the near future.

Just an FYI for all of us that believed our World Mastercard covered the CDW - I recently called Bank of america concerning my Work Mastercard before renting for our trip to Ireland. Verbally I was told that international coverage was indeed part of my benefits but that I needed to go to a particular website to obtain the written verification that most Irish rental agencies require. Glad I did- At the very bottom of the print out, in very tiny print, Excluded Ireland, Israel, Jamaica. While I could have added it at the time of rental the cost would have left me staggering were I not prepared.
So - everyone - have it in writing and read the fine print. Lesson learned for me

jk1348:

Firstly, it is a mistake to ask Bank of America-- you NEED to call 1-800-MCASSIST and verify coverage from MASTERCARD. The insurance is a MasterCard benefit -- NOT from BOA.

Secondly, the wording you refer to PROBABLY says something like: "coverage may not be available in Ireland, Israel, etc...etc...". The reason for the 'weasel words' (concerning Ireland, at least) is that the rental car company can 'Opt Out' of accepting MasterRental -- it has something to do with the way MC's Business Contract with Irish Merchants is worded ...

CDW is the LEAST of your worries. If you purchase it, you are STILL 'on the hook' for up to 1500 Euro, so they will Pressure you into purchasing the 'Super CDW', sometimes called "EXCESS COVERAGE". Rates are typically 10-15 Euro PER DAY.

Even then, you are still responsible for the first 100 Euro and MANY of the companies EXCLUDE window glass, undercairrage damage, sideview mirrors and TIRES!!!. In all fairness, so does MasterRental, but that coverage is free.

There are whole VOLUMES of threads on the peculiarities and vagarities of Irish Car Hire -- an industry MUCH in need of regulation and oversite! Do a search here on Fodor's or check out:

http://ireland.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=65127&p=3&topicID=29313409

Bob

We are going March 1. We will only be in Dublin for 6 days and plan to take at least two tours out of Dublin. My husband is disappointed he can go to Clifs or see more of the beauty of Ireland at that time of year. I think we made a mistake but stuck now. It is nice to hear good thiings from people who went in winter.

are you sure tours are operating and stuff is open?

Hi - I have recently booked us into the Trinity Lodge because of it's proximity to everything and am now having 2nd thoughts. Recently read some disturbing reviews. (Cancelled reservations at the Belvedere because I thought it was further removed from everything we wanted to see. We only have 1 and a half days in Dublin) Any one have any experience with the Trinity Lodge or should I consider cancelling and finding something else. (Got a fairly good rate thru triple A) Any other thoughts. Thanks

Decided to change to O'Neills Victorian Pub and Townhouse. Since I grew up in the city figured the noise shouldn't be too bad.

Just a thought, if you are going straight to Kilkenny from the airport, you might take the train and then pick up the rental car the next day. It would save one day's rental and you wouldn't have to drive jetlagged.

jk, I've stayed at O'Neill's, and it is certainly good value for their price, and a nice location. But yes, bring earplugs

Yes GreenDragon - I did remember that and it had a great deal of influence on my choice. Thank you all
Clock is finally ticking down. Can't wait.
irishface - We are actually driving to Ennis from Airport - My daughter usually sthe whole time on transatlantic flights (not very good company) and feels she should be ok. But we will make a few stops along the way for food and stretching our legsand some sightseeing. (Hoping to get to Clonmaciose (sp?) Hope it works out ok. We are arriving Kilkenny on way back to Dublin. We have a very, very ambitious itinerary. Ennis - Sat night
Cliffs of Moher and Tralee - sun night, Dingle on Mon and on to Killarney then on Tues on to Kilkenny via ROC with Wed a lesiurely drive back to Dublin via Powerscourt. Wish us luck. But we are very flexible.

Wow! What an awesome posting to read!! Information overload!!
My husband and I will be arriving in Lairn May 20 for 2 nights and plan to visit Giant's Causway and area. We have no reservations booked so would be interested in any B&B that would be convenient to this end. We will be travelling public transport here.
On May 22 we would like to go (train?) to the west-southwest Ireland area for the next 3 nights. Here we could rent a car to do day trips from a base location to eliminate multiple accommodations. Any suggestions? We enjoy scenery, the smaller towns,and are ok driving, as opposed to cities, museums, galleries.
We would prefer to rent and return the car from he same location, and on the 25th would probably ferry to Wales. From where in Ireland would depend on where we ended up staying then, as we are flexible.

Oops! didn't intend to post that quite yet
Ideally we could drop the car, take a train to connnect with the ferry across to Wales. Perfect world. Well a perfect world would be endless time and money
Any help with this as yet vague plan would be so welcome!
Thanks, Colleen

I've been told by a local that Cushendall is a lovely town to base yourselves while exploring the area. However, as I was planning on renting a car, I have no idea of the public transport options there.

How would everyone suggest getting from Ennis to Tralee (via Cliffs of Moher) Ferry of back thru Ennis and motorway? any advice?

If seeing the village of Adare is not one of your priorities, I'd opt for the ferry. Driving will be kinda slow in West Clare until you get to Killimer. But you would not have to go through Limerick, and only a short part of that route would be motorway anyway.

jk1348 -- first off, the arrival day drive from Shannon to Ennis will take all of about 30 minutes -- TOPS -- so your daughter shouldn't have too much difficulty.

Driving down through Clare from Doolin to the Shannon ferry at Killimer http://www.shannonferries.com/ would probably be the recommended route -- gives you the option to explore the Bridges of Ross, relax on the ferry and stop off in Listowel at: http://www.kerrywritersmuseum.com/museum.html

The alternate route, through Limerick and Adare DOES have lots of diversions on offer -- The Hunt Museum, King John's Castle, Bunratty and Adare -- but Limerick IS a city, with traffic congestion, seedy (or seedy-looking, at least)parts and a drive-through really doesn't afford you enough time to enjoy or appreciate the available charms of the area. Adare is an adorably cute, ENGLISH Market Town -- worth a brief stop if passing that way, but I wouldn't make a significant detour just to see it.

I think it would be entirely reasonable to spend night 2 in Dingle, rather than Tralee, which is a nice, but unremarkable County Town -- paricularly if you take the ferry.

Bob

colleenbee08 -- You would probably be better served by starting a new thread for your questions. that said, if you are wanting to visit the Giant's causeway and are using only public transport, consider Bushmills as a base -- http://www.freewebs.com/giantscausewayrailway/ will provide memorable access to the Causeway. Bushmill's is a nice, small town that also offers tours of the distillery ( a nice, foul-weather option!).

Bob