teedamary

First, I want to thank all the wonderful people on this board who gave us great advice as we developed our itinerary. We leave Thursday, 8/16 for 7 nights in South/West Ireland. Our first time (DH and myself--no kids!). Checked the weather forecast and it looks fairly promising-although we've got full rain gear ready. Here's our final itinerary. Please don't hesitate to offer any last minute suggestions, must sees, pub recc., etc. Other than one four course dinner at Ballyvolane House, we're planning on mostly pub meals. This is a self-drive tour, but if anyone recommends a particular guide for any area we're visitng, we're open.

Day 1 (Friday): Arrive Shannon 8:35 AM. Get car, drive to Doolin. Weather permitting, we'd like to do a boat ride. We're staying at the Ballinalacken Castle Hotel. Plan to go into Doolin for a pub meal, and hopefully some music if we can stay awake.

Day 2: Drive to Dingle via Tarbet-Killimer ferry. Estimated 4-5 hour drive. Explore Dingle area in the late afternoon/early evening. Pubs at night. Lodging at Greenmount House.

Day 3: Explore Dingle Penninsula. Overnight again at Greenmount House.

Day 4: Leave Dingle early, drive to Killarney National Park Area. (2 hrs). Hope to be able to take the 10-4 tour. Drive to Kenmare (1 hr.) Check into Virginia's Guest House for 2 nights.

Day 5: Explore Bearra Penninsula. Return early evening to Kenmare for another night at Virginia's Guest House.

Day 6: Drive from Kenmare to Gougane Barra Forest Park (2 hours). Explore area and then head to Castlelyons, Cork for overnight at Ballyvolane House. Hopefully arrive in time for afternoon tea. Explore manor house grounds. Dinner reservations at house.

Day 7: Leave Ballyvolane House late morning, drive to Cashel (1 hour). Explore Cashel. Drive to Bunratty (1.75 hr). Visit Folk Park. 8:45 reservations to castle medieval dinner. Stay at Bunratty Castle Hotel.

Day 8: Drive to Shannon Airport for 9:30 AM flight home. YUK!

We really considered Ennis for the last night, but caved in to the touristy Bunratty experience. If we were any further than 10 miles from the airport DH would get really anxious and wouldn't enjoy the last night. This way, we'll sit back, hopefully enjoy the show and relax. (I read McCarthy's Bar and Pete McCarthy said the pub in the folk park though "fake" is a real local spot after hours--we may check that out!). Also, I tend to procastinate on buying souvenirs, but I must bring something home to the kids so this may be a good place to do that as well.

This forum has been so helpful. Thanks to tips here I've read Angela's Ashes, McCarthy's Bar, Round Ireland with a Fridge and am half way through Princes of Ireland. All great. I can hardly wait to go! We've rented a car with GPS, are printing out AA directions, have lots of maps. We don't mind getting lost, but only when we WANT to be lost! I hope to take lots of photos, am keeping a journal and will post a trip report when I return. Slainte! Mary

Pegontheroad

I hope you sleep very well on the trip into Shannon. I would be nervous about driving immediately after a transatlantic flight.

I'll be interested in how your trip goes, as we are visiting Ireland in September.

alyssamma

Mary,

Ireland is a great place. We did something very similiar to what you are doing a couple of years ago. You're going to love it!

Don't worry about driving after the flight

Kevin

chatham

teedamary,

It looks perfect to me. Your first morning drive to Doolin will be just fine. It's only about an hour and half. Take your time, get use to driving on the left. You are in good hands at Greenmount. I really liked my stay in Kenmare. Teedamary, many of my trips I stop by Bunratty Folk Park. I like it and if I have a first timer with me, I want them to see it. Your hotel there is very nice and you'll start your trip home on a good note. I do love Ennis, but I have never stayed on my last night. Beginning or middle of a trip.

Have a wonderful trip and please tell us about it when you return. I love details.

Regards, Joan

grapes

You will have a fantastic trip! The Bearra Penn. is beautiful and will take a full day to drive to the tip of the Penn. During our drive we saw only one woman with a goat, a father and son at the cemetery, and three children an aging man and a woman in a village. On the Dingle Penn, The Blasket Island Heritage Center is excellent. For Traditional music in Dingle, ask if Eilese (sp?) Kennedy is in town.

LCBoniti

I love details, too, and really hope that you will check in with a trip report when you return. (You too, Pegontheroad!)

You are covering most of the area we are planning for Sept '08, so whatever information/experiences you can share will be avidly read and pondered.

LCBoniti

Oh, and by the way, bon voyage!

Shadow

You will love Ireland!! Please tell us about your trip when you get back....I leave in a month and can't wait!!
Have a wonderful time,
Shadow

cidergal

What a lovely trip you have planned! I spent 2 weeks with Doolin as home base, and the best view of the Cliffs of Moher is from Doolin's pitch & putt! Perhaps they'll let you walk the course - it's the last hole or two that gives you an unbelievable view