Bucket list trip to Ireland - need so much help!
Oct 7th, 2015, 06:01 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bucket list trip to Ireland - need so much help!
After years of researching my family tree and traveling to other parts of Europe, I've finally given in to the brick wall and have decided to go to Ireland while I still have legs, even if I don't have all the answers!
I know I will be flamed for this, but we definitely will NOT rent a car. We are in our early 70's, hubby has had some health issues this past year, and we just want to have as stress-free a trip as possible.
I've looked into various tours, but none of them go to the places I want to see but do go to shopping areas we're not interested in.
After years of genealogy research, I have some specific areas that are of high importance to me, so this will not only be a "vacation" but a trip to visit and pay homage to my heritage. All of my dad's grandparents came to the U.S. because of the Hunger, but they spoke very little of their past.
I plan to start with 3 - 4 days in Dublin, do a day trip to Newgrange and visit the genealogists for further research at the National Library. We aren't confined to any schedule, so we can spend 2 - 3 weeks in Ireland. Money would be our only constraint!
The places on my must-see list after Dublin are: (1) the CLONMEL area (my grandmother apparently spoke often of CLONMEL and CLERIHAN, but we're not sure WHO came from there - most likely Casey/Ryan) (2) COBH, to see the Queenstown Museum and visit the port where so many left from, (3) KILLARNEY for the park and Dingle Peninsula , (4) Bunratty Folk Park (?), (5) GALWAY area for Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands and because I'm also a Joyce descendant (!), (6) County Mayo - possibly Westport, my Murphy/Cooney g-grandparents were from CASTLEBAR and LAGHTMACDURKAN ( stone walls from the old homestead are still standing there and I'd also like to see the Museum of Country Life)), (7) STROKESTOWN for the Famine Museum and because we have a strong clue that a g-grandparent may have been from County Roscommon, then back to Dublin airport for flight home.
I've been looking into trains/buses to base cities, then plan to take day tours and/or private transportation.
I'm thinking of going late April/early May or late August/early September 2016. One of the problems I'm finding is how to plan around the days when public transportation is at a minimum, like Sundays.
I've been playing with an itinerary that goes Dublin (3-4 nights), Clonmel or Cashel (2 nights), Cork or Cobh (2 nights), Killarney (3 nights), Limerick or Galway (2 -3 nights), Westport or Castlebar (3 nights), Strokestown (1-2 nights), Dublin airport last night.
Of course, we could go in the opposite direction, whichever would be the most convenient for getting back to the airport. I'd like to build in extra days in case we have genealogy luck in Dublin, and if we don't we can just take in a few extra days taking in some scenery and enjoying the pubs.
I know it's a lot to ask, but if any of you have any suggestions as to bus or train routes, private drivers or daytours, places to stay in city centers near transportation, etc. I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm also open to any suggestions as to things or places to avoid and places that I should include.
I'm afraid this will not only be our first visit to Ireland but probably our only visit due to age and declining health, so I want to do it right. BTW, we live in Central Florida so can fly Aer Lingus direct to Dublin out of Orlando, which will help.
So there you have it. I want to see the parts of Ireland four of my great-parents left in the 1850's through my own eyes, to bring it full-circle so to speak. I look forward to hearing any recommendations you have.
Joyce
I know I will be flamed for this, but we definitely will NOT rent a car. We are in our early 70's, hubby has had some health issues this past year, and we just want to have as stress-free a trip as possible.
I've looked into various tours, but none of them go to the places I want to see but do go to shopping areas we're not interested in.
After years of genealogy research, I have some specific areas that are of high importance to me, so this will not only be a "vacation" but a trip to visit and pay homage to my heritage. All of my dad's grandparents came to the U.S. because of the Hunger, but they spoke very little of their past.
I plan to start with 3 - 4 days in Dublin, do a day trip to Newgrange and visit the genealogists for further research at the National Library. We aren't confined to any schedule, so we can spend 2 - 3 weeks in Ireland. Money would be our only constraint!
The places on my must-see list after Dublin are: (1) the CLONMEL area (my grandmother apparently spoke often of CLONMEL and CLERIHAN, but we're not sure WHO came from there - most likely Casey/Ryan) (2) COBH, to see the Queenstown Museum and visit the port where so many left from, (3) KILLARNEY for the park and Dingle Peninsula , (4) Bunratty Folk Park (?), (5) GALWAY area for Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands and because I'm also a Joyce descendant (!), (6) County Mayo - possibly Westport, my Murphy/Cooney g-grandparents were from CASTLEBAR and LAGHTMACDURKAN ( stone walls from the old homestead are still standing there and I'd also like to see the Museum of Country Life)), (7) STROKESTOWN for the Famine Museum and because we have a strong clue that a g-grandparent may have been from County Roscommon, then back to Dublin airport for flight home.
I've been looking into trains/buses to base cities, then plan to take day tours and/or private transportation.
I'm thinking of going late April/early May or late August/early September 2016. One of the problems I'm finding is how to plan around the days when public transportation is at a minimum, like Sundays.
I've been playing with an itinerary that goes Dublin (3-4 nights), Clonmel or Cashel (2 nights), Cork or Cobh (2 nights), Killarney (3 nights), Limerick or Galway (2 -3 nights), Westport or Castlebar (3 nights), Strokestown (1-2 nights), Dublin airport last night.
Of course, we could go in the opposite direction, whichever would be the most convenient for getting back to the airport. I'd like to build in extra days in case we have genealogy luck in Dublin, and if we don't we can just take in a few extra days taking in some scenery and enjoying the pubs.
I know it's a lot to ask, but if any of you have any suggestions as to bus or train routes, private drivers or daytours, places to stay in city centers near transportation, etc. I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm also open to any suggestions as to things or places to avoid and places that I should include.
I'm afraid this will not only be our first visit to Ireland but probably our only visit due to age and declining health, so I want to do it right. BTW, we live in Central Florida so can fly Aer Lingus direct to Dublin out of Orlando, which will help.
So there you have it. I want to see the parts of Ireland four of my great-parents left in the 1850's through my own eyes, to bring it full-circle so to speak. I look forward to hearing any recommendations you have.
Joyce
Oct 8th, 2015, 12:42 AM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lots of people visit Ireland and manage perfectly well on Public Transport. Most of your points are accessible easily although the surrounds of the centre could be problematic.
Clerihan is north west of Clonmel on the cut through to Cashel, not a great size and very rural so visiting there would be a taxi ride of 6 miles each way or between Clonmel and Cashel by Taxi where you can get the bus to Cork.
Cobh is a train ride down from Cork and we have used the town as a base quite often so evening arrival for 2 nights there would be fine and give the middle day to explore and a morning run by bus to Killarney. Killarney has day tours to several places including the Deros tour of Dingle.
Have a night in Adare/Limerick or Bunratty between Killarney and Galway. Yes the folk park is worth seeing but can get busy later in the day, especially at weekends so that might decide the previous nights accommodation.
Galway has tours for the Connemara or down to the Cliffs and Burren or out to Inis Mor. Depending on your interest in Joyce Country you might want a night in Oughterard or Moycullen, if not a night there then they are both on regular bus routes from Galway city
Westport and Castlebar have limited public transport and Strokestown even less being a small rural town so have a good think about fitting these locations into your time.
www.transportforireland.ie/ & http://getthere.ie/ might be of use along with www.buseireann.ie/ & www.irishrail.ie/
Clerihan is north west of Clonmel on the cut through to Cashel, not a great size and very rural so visiting there would be a taxi ride of 6 miles each way or between Clonmel and Cashel by Taxi where you can get the bus to Cork.
Cobh is a train ride down from Cork and we have used the town as a base quite often so evening arrival for 2 nights there would be fine and give the middle day to explore and a morning run by bus to Killarney. Killarney has day tours to several places including the Deros tour of Dingle.
Have a night in Adare/Limerick or Bunratty between Killarney and Galway. Yes the folk park is worth seeing but can get busy later in the day, especially at weekends so that might decide the previous nights accommodation.
Galway has tours for the Connemara or down to the Cliffs and Burren or out to Inis Mor. Depending on your interest in Joyce Country you might want a night in Oughterard or Moycullen, if not a night there then they are both on regular bus routes from Galway city
Westport and Castlebar have limited public transport and Strokestown even less being a small rural town so have a good think about fitting these locations into your time.
www.transportforireland.ie/ & http://getthere.ie/ might be of use along with www.buseireann.ie/ & www.irishrail.ie/
Oct 8th, 2015, 12:53 AM
#3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just a point on Joyce country. Oughterard and Moycullen are south of there and just verging the Connemara, whilst Cong is probably closer at the eastern edge there is only one bus a day serving there. The spread of Joyce country between Cong and Leenane by Lough Mask is a wonderful area but needs a car or private driver.
Just correcting myself before someone else does.
Just correcting myself before someone else does.
Oct 8th, 2015, 06:48 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tony, thanks so much for all the great information. As for seeing Joyce Country, I think I'll be content just doing a daytrip or two out of the Galway area. While it is my mother's family name and my given name, my Joyce ancestors left Ireland long ago, in the 1700's with a Presbyterian minister actually. But the County Mayo part is a must see, as the remains of the cottage my great-grandfather was born in are still there - I feel a stronger connection, so to speak.
It seems there are buses that connect Galway to either Westport or Castlebar and I'm hoping I could find a private driver to take us to Laghtmacdurkan from at least Castlebar.
I see there are trains and buses that connect either of those towns with Dublin, so that would get us back anyway. As for Roscommon, it looks like it might be too far off the beaten track for us. Unless something concrete turns up in my research between now and then, I may have to scratch it off.
Any thoughts as to which direction to start from in Dublin - either head to Clonmel first or Castlebar? Is it true that public transportation is minimal on Sundays?
Thanks again for all of your input.
Joyce
It seems there are buses that connect Galway to either Westport or Castlebar and I'm hoping I could find a private driver to take us to Laghtmacdurkan from at least Castlebar.
I see there are trains and buses that connect either of those towns with Dublin, so that would get us back anyway. As for Roscommon, it looks like it might be too far off the beaten track for us. Unless something concrete turns up in my research between now and then, I may have to scratch it off.
Any thoughts as to which direction to start from in Dublin - either head to Clonmel first or Castlebar? Is it true that public transportation is minimal on Sundays?
Thanks again for all of your input.
Joyce
Oct 8th, 2015, 09:13 AM
#5
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi HAGAN,
Sounds like an exciting trip. I have a suggestion for a hotel in Dublin - BUSWELLS - it directly across from the National Library, Leinster House, and many other attractions.
http://www.buswells.ie/?r=3708003&gc...FUsXHwodHnUAGA
I spent a week in Dublin in June celebrating BLOOMSDAY. Check out events at the Joyce Center. I love Joyce.
http://jamesjoyce.ie/
Here is my trip report - no doubt giving you more info than you want to know...
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ary-odyssey.cf
Also there are many day trips from Dublin to place all over the country.
Sounds like an exciting trip. I have a suggestion for a hotel in Dublin - BUSWELLS - it directly across from the National Library, Leinster House, and many other attractions.
http://www.buswells.ie/?r=3708003&gc...FUsXHwodHnUAGA
I spent a week in Dublin in June celebrating BLOOMSDAY. Check out events at the Joyce Center. I love Joyce.
http://jamesjoyce.ie/
Here is my trip report - no doubt giving you more info than you want to know...
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ary-odyssey.cf
Also there are many day trips from Dublin to place all over the country.
Oct 8th, 2015, 10:09 AM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To be honest I had to look up Laghtmacdurkan it seems to be one of many small townlands by the Moy above Bohola. It might be possible to have a cab meet you off the bus there or email the cab companies in Castlebar to see if they would do a "Day or half day rate" Rural and local bus's are affected on Sundays but the main routes are mainly an every day timetable. You might also need a cab for the Museum of Country Life.
As to start and finish points thats possibly a case of seeing how days run either way and deciding where might best suit for certain days (possibly to match rural bus schedules?)
As to start and finish points thats possibly a case of seeing how days run either way and deciding where might best suit for certain days (possibly to match rural bus schedules?)
Oct 8th, 2015, 05:02 PM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Again, thanks so much Tony and Latedaytraveler for the valuable advice. Lateday, I will definitely look into your hotel recommendation for Dublin.
Researching for this trip, I've come across a company called Ireland Chauffeur Travel based in Cashel. I'm thinking of looking into using them from Cashel to fill in for traveling to some of the more obscure places we'd like to visit.
For instance, if we started independently in Dublin, stayed there 3 -4 nights and went to Cashel on our own via bus, then following our stay there we could use them to visit Cobh on the way to either Killarney or Limerick where we would stay independently for 3-4 nights and do day tours. Then possibly we could use them again for the Galway-Mayo portion of the trip.
I'm thinking it might be good to combine public and private transportation and tours if that's possible.
I'll try to contact them and see if we could make something like this work.
I'll let you know what I find out.
Joyce
Researching for this trip, I've come across a company called Ireland Chauffeur Travel based in Cashel. I'm thinking of looking into using them from Cashel to fill in for traveling to some of the more obscure places we'd like to visit.
For instance, if we started independently in Dublin, stayed there 3 -4 nights and went to Cashel on our own via bus, then following our stay there we could use them to visit Cobh on the way to either Killarney or Limerick where we would stay independently for 3-4 nights and do day tours. Then possibly we could use them again for the Galway-Mayo portion of the trip.
I'm thinking it might be good to combine public and private transportation and tours if that's possible.
I'll try to contact them and see if we could make something like this work.
I'll let you know what I find out.
Joyce
Oct 9th, 2015, 01:17 AM
#9
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi HAGAN,
"I'm thinking it might be good to combine public and private transportation and tours if that's possible." I think that is a very good idea.
Personal drivers are used extensively in Ireland. Hotels/ B&Bs can often suggest a good local person. I had an excellent driver to the airport in Dublin. He worked for an umbrella organization, but did extensive private work. They are very entrepreneurial.
His name is DAVID LYNCH.
http://allstarchauffeurs.ie/ PHONE 087 2439612
"I'm thinking it might be good to combine public and private transportation and tours if that's possible." I think that is a very good idea.
Personal drivers are used extensively in Ireland. Hotels/ B&Bs can often suggest a good local person. I had an excellent driver to the airport in Dublin. He worked for an umbrella organization, but did extensive private work. They are very entrepreneurial.
His name is DAVID LYNCH.
http://allstarchauffeurs.ie/ PHONE 087 2439612
Oct 9th, 2015, 02:55 AM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am seriously considering this private guide thing €400 a day as a base line makes a mockery of my disability allowance.. (semi rant)
If you want to use Cahir http://www.visitcahir.ie/ as a base you could get from there to Cork for Cobh as a day trip on public transport. Cahir is on the Dublin ~ Cork X8 express bus route. Although you would have to go Via Cork or Limerick to get to Killarney.. Cahir is handy though for both Cashel and Clonmel. It is also under 2 hours each way by bus to Kilkenny as a day trip from there.
If available try http://www.thecarrigeencastle.com/
If you want to use Cahir http://www.visitcahir.ie/ as a base you could get from there to Cork for Cobh as a day trip on public transport. Cahir is on the Dublin ~ Cork X8 express bus route. Although you would have to go Via Cork or Limerick to get to Killarney.. Cahir is handy though for both Cashel and Clonmel. It is also under 2 hours each way by bus to Kilkenny as a day trip from there.
If available try http://www.thecarrigeencastle.com/
Oct 9th, 2015, 07:20 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
400 euros a day?!!! Good grief, guess I won't be making that call. We are also "pensioners" so that won't work.
Hadn't thought of Cahir as a base so thanks for that suggestion.
I'm finding that choosing the "base" towns is the most difficult decision - once that's made, it should all fall in place fairly easily.
Hadn't thought of Cahir as a base so thanks for that suggestion.
I'm finding that choosing the "base" towns is the most difficult decision - once that's made, it should all fall in place fairly easily.
Oct 14th, 2015, 04:53 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I've pulled the trigger and starting making reservations for accommodations along my itinerary. It's taken a lot of editing, but this is what I've settled on:
Tues. May 3, 2016 - fly to Dublin
Weds. May 4 - Dublin - thinking of staying at Hotel Beresford, on Busaras and Airlink lines
Thurs. May 5 - Dublin
Fri. May 6 - Dublin
Sat. May 7 - Train to Westport - Have written The Boulevard B & B for availability, backup is St. Anthony's Riverside
Sun. May 8 - Westport
Mon. May 9 - Westport
Tues. May 10 - Bus to Galway, stay at Park House Hotel
Weds. May 11 - Galway
Thurs. May 12 - Galway
Fri. May 13 - Bus to Cork, stay at the Metropole Hotel
Sat. May 14 - Cork
Sun. May 15 - Cork
Mon. May 16 - Bus to Cashel, stay at Bailey's Hotel
Tues. May 17 - Cashel
Weds. May 18 - bus to Dublin, either into the city or to the airport for departure May 19
As you can see, I left out Killarney and Strokestown to simplify things and keep the bases to a minimum.
In Westport, we are looking into hiring a taxi service to take us to ancestral area of Laghtmacdurkan and to Hennigan's Heritage Center near Swinford.
In Galway, we're thinking of doing day tours to Cliffs of Moher/Aran Island and another to Connemara/Kylemore Abbey.
In Cork, we'll take the short train ride to Cobh, and will either go to Kinsale or if we're feeling up for it do a daytour to Ring of Kerry.
In Cashel we'll get a taxi to take us to ancestral area of Clerihan and of course visit the Rock of Cashel.
I've tried to schedule it so that we do nothing on each travel day but explore the area a bit by foot after we check in, go to a pub and relax.
All of our hotels are very close to transportation so hubby shouldn't have a problem. Daytours are up for grabs,and we'll just play it by ear according to the weather.
Please let me know your thoughts, as this is our first and sadly, most likely only trip to Ireland. I've tried to concentrate on areas that are important to us, not necessarily what every tourist has to see.
I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.
Tues. May 3, 2016 - fly to Dublin
Weds. May 4 - Dublin - thinking of staying at Hotel Beresford, on Busaras and Airlink lines
Thurs. May 5 - Dublin
Fri. May 6 - Dublin
Sat. May 7 - Train to Westport - Have written The Boulevard B & B for availability, backup is St. Anthony's Riverside
Sun. May 8 - Westport
Mon. May 9 - Westport
Tues. May 10 - Bus to Galway, stay at Park House Hotel
Weds. May 11 - Galway
Thurs. May 12 - Galway
Fri. May 13 - Bus to Cork, stay at the Metropole Hotel
Sat. May 14 - Cork
Sun. May 15 - Cork
Mon. May 16 - Bus to Cashel, stay at Bailey's Hotel
Tues. May 17 - Cashel
Weds. May 18 - bus to Dublin, either into the city or to the airport for departure May 19
As you can see, I left out Killarney and Strokestown to simplify things and keep the bases to a minimum.
In Westport, we are looking into hiring a taxi service to take us to ancestral area of Laghtmacdurkan and to Hennigan's Heritage Center near Swinford.
In Galway, we're thinking of doing day tours to Cliffs of Moher/Aran Island and another to Connemara/Kylemore Abbey.
In Cork, we'll take the short train ride to Cobh, and will either go to Kinsale or if we're feeling up for it do a daytour to Ring of Kerry.
In Cashel we'll get a taxi to take us to ancestral area of Clerihan and of course visit the Rock of Cashel.
I've tried to schedule it so that we do nothing on each travel day but explore the area a bit by foot after we check in, go to a pub and relax.
All of our hotels are very close to transportation so hubby shouldn't have a problem. Daytours are up for grabs,and we'll just play it by ear according to the weather.
Please let me know your thoughts, as this is our first and sadly, most likely only trip to Ireland. I've tried to concentrate on areas that are important to us, not necessarily what every tourist has to see.
I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.
Oct 15th, 2015, 01:02 AM
#14
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its a workable plan and makes good use of your time and transport situation. I might swap Cahir for Cashel but that's just a personal thing. Dropping Killarney makes a more relaxed schedule and as indicated you can always do a day trip up from Cork.
Oct 15th, 2015, 06:05 AM
#15
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The major genealogical "draw" at the National Library has been the church records of marriages and baptisms (and a few deaths). That is now available online. Have you had a look?
If you can get into that stuff before your trip, you can free up some time, and you might have better targets for walking the ground that your ancestors walked.
If you can get into that stuff before your trip, you can free up some time, and you might have better targets for walking the ground that your ancestors walked.
Oct 15th, 2015, 07:20 AM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Padraig, thanks for the advice. Yes, I've done hundreds of hours of online searching. What I'm most interested in are several reference books that aren't searchable online and aren't available here in the states.
I'd also like to have a short consult with one of the genealogists on staff there. I would probably only spend a half-day there, the rest of the time will be free to roam.
Tony, the reason for Cashel is it appears to be a straight shot down to the Clonmel and Clerihan area, where great-grandparents are from. I looked into staying in Clonmel, but it just didn't look that appealing to me. The proximity to bus stops in Cashel seemed much easier than being in the larger town of Clonmel. Do you think Cashel is a bad choice? I can easily change it to someplace nearby.
I'd also like to have a short consult with one of the genealogists on staff there. I would probably only spend a half-day there, the rest of the time will be free to roam.
Tony, the reason for Cashel is it appears to be a straight shot down to the Clonmel and Clerihan area, where great-grandparents are from. I looked into staying in Clonmel, but it just didn't look that appealing to me. The proximity to bus stops in Cashel seemed much easier than being in the larger town of Clonmel. Do you think Cashel is a bad choice? I can easily change it to someplace nearby.
Oct 15th, 2015, 10:22 AM
#17
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cashel is fine as I said, My only thoughts on Cahir are the Castle (currently under renovation but open again next year) Swiss Cottage, the river walk and Carrigeen for the overnight. There is little to chose in size between the 2 and they are adjacent stops on the X8 bus route. As said personal preference that's all.
Oct 15th, 2015, 12:43 PM
#18
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oct 15th, 2015, 06:53 PM
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
flpab, thanks for the taxi recommendation. Looks like it will be exactly what we're looking for to get around Mayo.
lateday, thanks for the encouragement - I need it. I'm sure I'll be back here many times as the trip draws nearer to ask for more advice, but I'm already so excited to be at least this far in the process.
I did make reservations for St. Anthony's Riverside B&B today - The Boulevard B&B said to contact them in March about availability, that they were still working on 2015! I've been seeing so many sold out signs for places already all over Ireland that I just want to have things like that nailed down now.
Tony, I looked at Carigeen Castle in Cahir but our dates were unavailable and there really was very little selection there. Looks like it would be an interesting place to stay though.
So now I'm just checking airfares everyday and waiting to pull that trigger. I think the best fares will come in 2 or 3 months, but I'll recognize them when I see them! I'm on many fare alerts.
I'm so grateful for everyone's help.
lateday, thanks for the encouragement - I need it. I'm sure I'll be back here many times as the trip draws nearer to ask for more advice, but I'm already so excited to be at least this far in the process.
I did make reservations for St. Anthony's Riverside B&B today - The Boulevard B&B said to contact them in March about availability, that they were still working on 2015! I've been seeing so many sold out signs for places already all over Ireland that I just want to have things like that nailed down now.
Tony, I looked at Carigeen Castle in Cahir but our dates were unavailable and there really was very little selection there. Looks like it would be an interesting place to stay though.
So now I'm just checking airfares everyday and waiting to pull that trigger. I think the best fares will come in 2 or 3 months, but I'll recognize them when I see them! I'm on many fare alerts.
I'm so grateful for everyone's help.
