Ireland Itinerary Help
Jul 5th, 2006, 11:25 AM
#1
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Ireland Itinerary Help
My wife and I will be visiting Ireland in mid October for 10 nights. Since we plan to enjoy the pubs around Ireland and are freaked out by having to drive on the "other" side, we won't have a car by choice. Am I just being paranoid about the whole driving thing? Here's the preliminary stops we have planned.
Dublin 2 nights
Dingle 3 nights
Doolin 2 days
Galway 2 nights
Are we missing anything that is a "must-see"
These only total 9 nights and we want to stay in a castle one night also. Any suggestions as to how to get a "deal" on a castle overnight? Thanks in advance for all your thoughtful responses
Tom
Dublin 2 nights
Dingle 3 nights
Doolin 2 days
Galway 2 nights
Are we missing anything that is a "must-see"
These only total 9 nights and we want to stay in a castle one night also. Any suggestions as to how to get a "deal" on a castle overnight? Thanks in advance for all your thoughtful responses
Tom
Jul 5th, 2006, 12:27 PM
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Do you have specific interests in Dublin? Otherwise, you might consider flying in and out of Shannon (if that is still possible). Dublin is a great city, but since most of your time is in the West, it might make sense to leave it off of this itinerary.
I don't know about the going without a car issue. We've been twice and rented cars both times. I'm sure it's doable without a car, but you will have less flexibility in what you see. Neither of us really had much of a problem adjusting to the driving.
If you give people some more information on why you chose the bases you did, they can probably give better feedback.
Happy planning,
oopsy
I don't know about the going without a car issue. We've been twice and rented cars both times. I'm sure it's doable without a car, but you will have less flexibility in what you see. Neither of us really had much of a problem adjusting to the driving.
If you give people some more information on why you chose the bases you did, they can probably give better feedback.
Happy planning,
oopsy
Jul 5th, 2006, 12:59 PM
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Hi Tom,
I went to Ireland in June 2005 and loved everything about it. We were not even home yet and already trying to plan another trip. Believe me, you won't see everything you want to, but what you do fit in is incredible.
I was very stressed out the first day of driving, but it went just fine. Definitely, rent the car. You can see so much more. We always walked to the pubs and many times the locals walked us safely back after a wonderful evening.
I wanted to stay at a castle too, but found it too expensive for the budget. We ended up staying at Ballinalacken Castle in or near Doolin. You stay in the Guest House which our room had a view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cliffs. After breakfast (included), you can explore the castle ruins. It was 65 euro pp and a great experience.
For "must sees", my friend wanted to see small villages or rural areas. Basically anything not in Dublin because she had already been there. We went to Cork for some night life and she loved it. My other friend, wanted to see Blarney Castle, hear traditional Irish music and go to a pub every night. Mine were the Cliffs of Moher and every castle I could squeeze in. I really enjoyed the Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny Castle. We did the Gap of Dunloe tour and had a great time there too.
I went to Ireland in June 2005 and loved everything about it. We were not even home yet and already trying to plan another trip. Believe me, you won't see everything you want to, but what you do fit in is incredible.
I was very stressed out the first day of driving, but it went just fine. Definitely, rent the car. You can see so much more. We always walked to the pubs and many times the locals walked us safely back after a wonderful evening.
I wanted to stay at a castle too, but found it too expensive for the budget. We ended up staying at Ballinalacken Castle in or near Doolin. You stay in the Guest House which our room had a view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cliffs. After breakfast (included), you can explore the castle ruins. It was 65 euro pp and a great experience.
For "must sees", my friend wanted to see small villages or rural areas. Basically anything not in Dublin because she had already been there. We went to Cork for some night life and she loved it. My other friend, wanted to see Blarney Castle, hear traditional Irish music and go to a pub every night. Mine were the Cliffs of Moher and every castle I could squeeze in. I really enjoyed the Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny Castle. We did the Gap of Dunloe tour and had a great time there too.
Jul 6th, 2006, 03:33 PM
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Tom,
Usually "deals" on castle hotels take place in mid-winter when there are few tourists and they try to fill up with locals by offering enticing packages. Otherwise, they might have some two or three night packages. It might be a bit rich for your budget though. Most castle hotels are quite expensive.
In mid Oct. things will be very quiet in Dingle and Doolin. It will be a bit difficult to get to those places without a car. Have you checked on trains and buses yet? Seeing the challenges associated with using them you may just decide to bite the bullet and rent a car.
Usually "deals" on castle hotels take place in mid-winter when there are few tourists and they try to fill up with locals by offering enticing packages. Otherwise, they might have some two or three night packages. It might be a bit rich for your budget though. Most castle hotels are quite expensive.
In mid Oct. things will be very quiet in Dingle and Doolin. It will be a bit difficult to get to those places without a car. Have you checked on trains and buses yet? Seeing the challenges associated with using them you may just decide to bite the bullet and rent a car.
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