7 Days, 7 Counties, 3 Generations Southwest Sampler
Jul 3rd, 2015, 06:43 AM
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7 Days, 7 Counties, 3 Generations Southwest Sampler
Trip to Ireland #8 for Gran; she took along her son M and granddaughter E. As a bonus, E's uncle D was able to join us for the first 2 days, dropping by from his own vacation in London.
Day One began for G in Kingsville, Texas with a Breakfast on a Bun and giant Dr Pepper from the local Whataburger, on the road to gather up the other participants in Bay City, Texas. Also aided on the road by James, the voice of our satnav, and the Ireland/UK mini-card.
Day Two, D-I-L and grandson drove us to Bush International in Houston (after a wee detour to retrieve G's forgotten hearing aids) and then they headed for Boerne, Texas to attend family graduations. The flights to Newark and then on to Shannon were uneventful. Sound didn't work on G's movies but oh well.
Day Three found us arriving half an hour early in Shannon After collecting our checked luggage, clearing customs and immigration, and hitting the ATM, we found D who had flown in yesterday and stayed at the Park Inn. We had breakfast in the Limestone Café. Dan Dooley Car Rentals has moved from the airport proper so took their shuttle to get our two rental cars. Seemed to take forever to get the paperwork done which threw us late for the rest of the day. But everyone was nice and friendly and eventually we hit the road in our little red Nissan Pulsar. E rode with D in his car, G and M along with James in the lead.
We had planned to attend Mass in Doolin but were late and didn't want to go tromping in in the middle. (There is a website for all the Catholic churches in Ireland with Mass times and maps) So we went to Doolin Cave (drove right past Holy Rosary Church to get there) and the rest of the group took the 11:00 tour (we had booked an afternoon tour online but no problem to switch) while G basked in the sun. She had seen the stalactite on a prior trip and knew that her aging knees would not appreciate another visit. No mobile phone signal so the really nice young lady at the checkout loaned their phone so G could change arrangements. After petting the donkeys on the nature walk we headed into Doolin.
Parking was impossible near the pubs so we had lunch of pizza and sandwiches at the Doolin Hostel. Did a bit of shopping and then went down to the pier to await our boat trip to the Cliffs of Moher. It was scheduled for 4:00 but got started somewhat later and was a disappointment as the water was extremely choppy, no stop at the cliffs and no canned music/story about the cliffs. This was G's 3rd excursion with Doolin2Aran Ferries and the most disappointing. Of course, who can control or predict what the Atlantic will do?
On to Shannonbridge to our B&B--Kajon House. G had chosen based mostly on proximity to Clonmacnoise and it was an inspired choice. We knew we would be exhausted on our first busy day in country so had booked dinner at the B&B. Delicious 4 courses with choice of lamb cutlets or fresh salmon cooked and served by the most delightful hostess. Kate is just a wonder! Her husband John (Kajon--get it?) was in hospital but Kate was bubbly and full of energy.
Showers and early bedtime. G, M & E in a triple room and D in a single. We paid €150 for our triple room and three dinners.
Weather today was sunny and cool.
Day One began for G in Kingsville, Texas with a Breakfast on a Bun and giant Dr Pepper from the local Whataburger, on the road to gather up the other participants in Bay City, Texas. Also aided on the road by James, the voice of our satnav, and the Ireland/UK mini-card.
Day Two, D-I-L and grandson drove us to Bush International in Houston (after a wee detour to retrieve G's forgotten hearing aids) and then they headed for Boerne, Texas to attend family graduations. The flights to Newark and then on to Shannon were uneventful. Sound didn't work on G's movies but oh well.
Day Three found us arriving half an hour early in Shannon After collecting our checked luggage, clearing customs and immigration, and hitting the ATM, we found D who had flown in yesterday and stayed at the Park Inn. We had breakfast in the Limestone Café. Dan Dooley Car Rentals has moved from the airport proper so took their shuttle to get our two rental cars. Seemed to take forever to get the paperwork done which threw us late for the rest of the day. But everyone was nice and friendly and eventually we hit the road in our little red Nissan Pulsar. E rode with D in his car, G and M along with James in the lead.
We had planned to attend Mass in Doolin but were late and didn't want to go tromping in in the middle. (There is a website for all the Catholic churches in Ireland with Mass times and maps) So we went to Doolin Cave (drove right past Holy Rosary Church to get there) and the rest of the group took the 11:00 tour (we had booked an afternoon tour online but no problem to switch) while G basked in the sun. She had seen the stalactite on a prior trip and knew that her aging knees would not appreciate another visit. No mobile phone signal so the really nice young lady at the checkout loaned their phone so G could change arrangements. After petting the donkeys on the nature walk we headed into Doolin.
Parking was impossible near the pubs so we had lunch of pizza and sandwiches at the Doolin Hostel. Did a bit of shopping and then went down to the pier to await our boat trip to the Cliffs of Moher. It was scheduled for 4:00 but got started somewhat later and was a disappointment as the water was extremely choppy, no stop at the cliffs and no canned music/story about the cliffs. This was G's 3rd excursion with Doolin2Aran Ferries and the most disappointing. Of course, who can control or predict what the Atlantic will do?
On to Shannonbridge to our B&B--Kajon House. G had chosen based mostly on proximity to Clonmacnoise and it was an inspired choice. We knew we would be exhausted on our first busy day in country so had booked dinner at the B&B. Delicious 4 courses with choice of lamb cutlets or fresh salmon cooked and served by the most delightful hostess. Kate is just a wonder! Her husband John (Kajon--get it?) was in hospital but Kate was bubbly and full of energy.
Showers and early bedtime. G, M & E in a triple room and D in a single. We paid €150 for our triple room and three dinners.
Weather today was sunny and cool.
Jul 4th, 2015, 12:39 PM
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Day Four began with...what else....a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast. And Kate insisted on sending the leftover scones and most of a loaf of banana bread with us "in case you get peckish."
So just down the road to Clonmacnoise. G had visited before but there always seems to be something new to see. E's Sleepy Bear from her babyhood had stowed away so we got her picture in the Pope's Chair (SB visited France with E's mum and uncle D and had some very interesting adventures there). In '09, we got a picture of E's brother hand-fishing in the Shannon off the pier so we recreated the pic with E.
After a bit of gift shop shopping we headed our wee convoy south to Cahir for a tour of the castle....free of charge, possibly because they are under construction. Sandwiches and chips for lunch in the Shamrock Lounge, and then more shopping.
Took the scenic Vee Drive on south with several photo stops.
In Cobh we checked in at Mount View House where M & E had a twin and G got the single that she had had two years ago. D opted for the Commodore Hotel down on the waterfront. Dinner at the Quay Restaurant on the patio.
€105 for a twin and a single.
Day Five We met up with D and did the Titanic Experience. E and G survived but the fellows perished and their bodies never found. We walked up to the Cathedral and had a lovely visit, then said goodbye to D as he headed for the Cork airport for his return to London. After the Cobh Heritage Experience (where we also had lunch) we took the long drive to Mizen Head, which fortunately was still open. Very impressive, beautiful scenery. M & E went to the end, G walked where she could.
In Goleen we stayed at Heron's Cove in a really nice triple room. Into Schull for supper at Newsome's West since our original destination is closed on Tuesdays.
On the way back to Goleen we stopped at the Altar Rock which is an ancient wedge tomb which was used as a Mass Altar during penal times. Very pleasant outlook as the sun was going down.
G realized that she had left her earrings in Cobh. Not costume jewelry and the gift her sweet husband had given her on their 25th wedding anniversary. A frantic e-mail and phone call assured that Noreen had found them and would post to home the next day. Whew! (they arrived in Kingsville the same day G did)
€90 for the triple room. And delicious breakfast in the restaurant. Fresh-squeezed orange juice that was just like eating a Rio Grande Valley Christmas orange!
Day Six found us driving to Glengarrif to take the ferry to Garnish (also spelled Garinish some places) Island, past the seals basking in the sun on their own private island, to a lovely big garden full of all sorts of trees and flowers. The recent bad weather had played havoc with the displays but it was still delightful.
Back on the ferry and south to Dursey Head where we passed on the cable car since we weren't sure whether we would get back by closing time. Up Healy Pass for the obligatory pictures and more shopping in the little gift shop.
On to Sneem to the night's lodging at Sneem River Lodge. Very nice B&B. Dinner in town at O'Shea's Pub where G & E shared their famous huge burger.
€130 for a twin and a single.
Day Seven began with a light breakfast and our resident dear friend picked us up. We followed through Moll's Gap with photo stops, past Killarney to outside Kilcummin where we met (I'm so sorry, I've forgotten his name) and the Harris Hawk Tex from Killarney Falconry. All four of us got gloves and we walked up a little boreen, Tex coming to whichever glove had the chicken parts. Then we made the acquaintance of a wee barn owl. All in all a delightful experience.
Then a visit to St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney, Torc Waterfall, and a delicious picnic lunch in the National Park provided by our friend. Then a tour of Muckross Traditional Farms followed by ice cream and then a visit to the Abbey.
Our night was spent at Muckross Stables. We "girls" had the twin and M had a single with no ensuite so we graciously let him use our shower. A very enthusiastic young family member gave a tour of the stables. We had dinner in Killarney at Jarvey's Rest.
€130 for twin and single with no ensuite. Apparently that was to be the price for a triple but somehow we didn't get that.
Day Eight we were met at breakfast by our friend who led us to Dingle Peninsula where we visited Inch Strand, a ruined monastery, Mulcahy Pottery (more shopping!), the Blasket Experience (G was quite taken with the quilting exhibition) where sadly the ferry wasn't running due to weather. Over Connor Pass through the fog where we stopped to get water from a wee waterfall. Then on to Blennerville to visit the windmill and see the toy trains. We had another delightful picnic lunch provided by our friend.
Checked in at Bleach Farmhouse , then into Tralee for supper at Kiley's Brogue, take-away ice cream and goodbye to our friend as she headed home and we back to B&B.
€90 for a nice triple room.
Day Nine breakfast with a family from South Africa, then a long drive to Craggaunowen....James took us the long way around several times. Lunch in Bunratty at the Creamery, outside on the picnic tables in the delightful weather. A bit of final shopping and then to our B&B to repack and rest up. Our last night has traditionally been at Headley Court. Kathleen is a delightful hostess and her B&B is wonderful. We had the triple for only €85.
G had initially tried to book us in at the Irish Night but it was full so we attended the Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle. Well received by all.
Day Ten began with a delicious breakfast and then the short drive to Shannon Airport to drop the rental car and begin the process of going home.
Weather was just delightful the whole trip with the exception of the fog and chill over Connor Pass. We understand that weather was unpleasant both before and after we were there.
So just down the road to Clonmacnoise. G had visited before but there always seems to be something new to see. E's Sleepy Bear from her babyhood had stowed away so we got her picture in the Pope's Chair (SB visited France with E's mum and uncle D and had some very interesting adventures there). In '09, we got a picture of E's brother hand-fishing in the Shannon off the pier so we recreated the pic with E.
After a bit of gift shop shopping we headed our wee convoy south to Cahir for a tour of the castle....free of charge, possibly because they are under construction. Sandwiches and chips for lunch in the Shamrock Lounge, and then more shopping.
Took the scenic Vee Drive on south with several photo stops.
In Cobh we checked in at Mount View House where M & E had a twin and G got the single that she had had two years ago. D opted for the Commodore Hotel down on the waterfront. Dinner at the Quay Restaurant on the patio.
€105 for a twin and a single.
Day Five We met up with D and did the Titanic Experience. E and G survived but the fellows perished and their bodies never found. We walked up to the Cathedral and had a lovely visit, then said goodbye to D as he headed for the Cork airport for his return to London. After the Cobh Heritage Experience (where we also had lunch) we took the long drive to Mizen Head, which fortunately was still open. Very impressive, beautiful scenery. M & E went to the end, G walked where she could.
In Goleen we stayed at Heron's Cove in a really nice triple room. Into Schull for supper at Newsome's West since our original destination is closed on Tuesdays.
On the way back to Goleen we stopped at the Altar Rock which is an ancient wedge tomb which was used as a Mass Altar during penal times. Very pleasant outlook as the sun was going down.
G realized that she had left her earrings in Cobh. Not costume jewelry and the gift her sweet husband had given her on their 25th wedding anniversary. A frantic e-mail and phone call assured that Noreen had found them and would post to home the next day. Whew! (they arrived in Kingsville the same day G did)
€90 for the triple room. And delicious breakfast in the restaurant. Fresh-squeezed orange juice that was just like eating a Rio Grande Valley Christmas orange!
Day Six found us driving to Glengarrif to take the ferry to Garnish (also spelled Garinish some places) Island, past the seals basking in the sun on their own private island, to a lovely big garden full of all sorts of trees and flowers. The recent bad weather had played havoc with the displays but it was still delightful.
Back on the ferry and south to Dursey Head where we passed on the cable car since we weren't sure whether we would get back by closing time. Up Healy Pass for the obligatory pictures and more shopping in the little gift shop.
On to Sneem to the night's lodging at Sneem River Lodge. Very nice B&B. Dinner in town at O'Shea's Pub where G & E shared their famous huge burger.
€130 for a twin and a single.
Day Seven began with a light breakfast and our resident dear friend picked us up. We followed through Moll's Gap with photo stops, past Killarney to outside Kilcummin where we met (I'm so sorry, I've forgotten his name) and the Harris Hawk Tex from Killarney Falconry. All four of us got gloves and we walked up a little boreen, Tex coming to whichever glove had the chicken parts. Then we made the acquaintance of a wee barn owl. All in all a delightful experience.
Then a visit to St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney, Torc Waterfall, and a delicious picnic lunch in the National Park provided by our friend. Then a tour of Muckross Traditional Farms followed by ice cream and then a visit to the Abbey.
Our night was spent at Muckross Stables. We "girls" had the twin and M had a single with no ensuite so we graciously let him use our shower. A very enthusiastic young family member gave a tour of the stables. We had dinner in Killarney at Jarvey's Rest.
€130 for twin and single with no ensuite. Apparently that was to be the price for a triple but somehow we didn't get that.
Day Eight we were met at breakfast by our friend who led us to Dingle Peninsula where we visited Inch Strand, a ruined monastery, Mulcahy Pottery (more shopping!), the Blasket Experience (G was quite taken with the quilting exhibition) where sadly the ferry wasn't running due to weather. Over Connor Pass through the fog where we stopped to get water from a wee waterfall. Then on to Blennerville to visit the windmill and see the toy trains. We had another delightful picnic lunch provided by our friend.
Checked in at Bleach Farmhouse , then into Tralee for supper at Kiley's Brogue, take-away ice cream and goodbye to our friend as she headed home and we back to B&B.
€90 for a nice triple room.
Day Nine breakfast with a family from South Africa, then a long drive to Craggaunowen....James took us the long way around several times. Lunch in Bunratty at the Creamery, outside on the picnic tables in the delightful weather. A bit of final shopping and then to our B&B to repack and rest up. Our last night has traditionally been at Headley Court. Kathleen is a delightful hostess and her B&B is wonderful. We had the triple for only €85.
G had initially tried to book us in at the Irish Night but it was full so we attended the Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle. Well received by all.
Day Ten began with a delicious breakfast and then the short drive to Shannon Airport to drop the rental car and begin the process of going home.
Weather was just delightful the whole trip with the exception of the fog and chill over Connor Pass. We understand that weather was unpleasant both before and after we were there.
Jul 5th, 2015, 03:55 PM
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The same wording but with a few pictures at http://travelpod/members/jjarnold and you can look at the pictures at https://judyireland2015.shutterfly.com/ .
I didn't take so many photos this trip as we revisited many places I had seen and photographed in the past.
I didn't take so many photos this trip as we revisited many places I had seen and photographed in the past.
Jul 5th, 2015, 04:00 PM
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Tap on my shoulder at Clonmacnoise "Mom, there's someone here to see you." "?" It was Kate, returning my sweater that I had left draped over a chair in the breakfast room. What a sweetie!
Tip: Double the time you think you should allow for most sites. Just in case.
Tip: Double the time you think you should allow for most sites. Just in case.
Jul 6th, 2015, 07:51 AM
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Loved the pictures from shutterfly and wish that I could have seen the others from travelpod, but I kept getting a message "this page cannot be displayed". Is there something I am doing wrong?
Your family trip sounds wonderful. You certainly covered a lot of ground! thanks for sharing!
Your family trip sounds wonderful. You certainly covered a lot of ground! thanks for sharing!
Jul 6th, 2015, 03:36 PM
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I know, Bob, I kept thinking I was leaving things so I would have to come back. Not that I have needed to do that so far. And it's been fairly easy to get more grandchildren as needed!
irishface, I just checked and I wasn't getting that message but then this is the computer that I produced them on. If you saw the ones on shutterfly, the ones on the blog are from the same album.
And there were the hearing aids left behind in Bay City. I am blaming the cat for that as I have to hide them from Harley the cat and obviously from myself also.
I have one granddaughter left to take on her own trip, but she is only 6 and I would like for her to be somewhat older to appreciate the trip. So now I'm pondering an old-ladies-only one with a couple of friends, and a two-generation one with daughters and daughter-in-law. Stand by.
irishface, I just checked and I wasn't getting that message but then this is the computer that I produced them on. If you saw the ones on shutterfly, the ones on the blog are from the same album.
And there were the hearing aids left behind in Bay City. I am blaming the cat for that as I have to hide them from Harley the cat and obviously from myself also.
I have one granddaughter left to take on her own trip, but she is only 6 and I would like for her to be somewhat older to appreciate the trip. So now I'm pondering an old-ladies-only one with a couple of friends, and a two-generation one with daughters and daughter-in-law. Stand by.
Jul 7th, 2015, 12:47 PM
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We have a connection there and we have not gone so have wonder about Sneem. My gf's are planning a trip again for Ireland but this time we want to rent a house in Clifton. I want to go back to the South West but the north is calling me.
Jul 7th, 2015, 03:26 PM
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Have another b&b recommendation for Sneem if you are interested.
I think I figured out why the travelpod link wouldn't open....I copied it wrong. *sigh*. If anyone still cares, here is the correct one: http://travelpod.com/members/jjarnold . That .com will get ya every time.
I think I figured out why the travelpod link wouldn't open....I copied it wrong. *sigh*. If anyone still cares, here is the correct one: http://travelpod.com/members/jjarnold . That .com will get ya every time.
Jul 8th, 2015, 01:33 PM
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flpab
can recommend http://connemaralettings.ie/property...n-town-centre/ right off the rear of Market st with a private gate onto the road. (Clifton might require a flight to Bristol in the UK
)
sorry for hijacking.
can recommend http://connemaralettings.ie/property...n-town-centre/ right off the rear of Market st with a private gate onto the road. (Clifton might require a flight to Bristol in the UK
)sorry for hijacking.
