Ireland Trip in Spring

Old Jan 11th, 2015, 06:50 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ireland Trip in Spring

First of all, I have scoured these forums for info and appreciate everything I have learned and now feel it is now necessary for me to seek advice.

My sister and I and our two teen children are heading to Ireland for 8 days at the end of March. I was in Ireland 15 years ago and escorted my grandmother for a week when I was pregnant with the child who is now returning with me. We rented a manual transmission car then and that was quite an experience for me who did all of the driving. We flew in and out of Shannon and stayed at a very low budget B&B in Killarney the entire time and did a few day trips. I LOVED Ireland so much and am so excited to be returning. This time we are flying in and out of Dublin. I've got a somewhat skeleton of an itinerary and I would appreciate any input. One thing that I know has changed is the rigamarole with renting a car. I had no issues way back then and didn't have to pay extra for insurance. That has freaked me out a bit especially after reading every single thing I can on the forums about car rental experiences. So anyone who has recently been and cares to share their experiences would have my gratitude. We've booked flights and a couple nights of lodging but are holding back on the car rental so far. It's kind of thrown our very limited budget into a tailspin.

Anyway, we are arriving into Dublin and picking up whatever car we decide to rent. I'm torn about what to rent because my sister has never traveled internationally before and is hesitant about packing lightly. My concern with the car is the 4 of us renting a compact and not being able to get our luggage into it. I pack lightly and so does my daughter. Any input on the luggage and care rental please? So, she wants to get a bigger car that can accommodate more luggage because everyone says free upgrade and I am thinking that might not be the best idea. I was even thinking maybe we should rent two really tiny cars for our travel days and then pile into one when we do our day trips. Any input would be great.

We are flying into Dublin and then heading to Bunratty for two nights. I picked Bunratty because it is not a long drive from the airport and there are a few things to do there including the Castle and Folk Park and Cliffs of Mohr.

When we leave there we will head to Dingle Peninsula because the forums seem to suggest this is a better way to spend our Day than the Ring of Kerry. We will spend two nights in Kenmare and perhaps go to Muckross House and explore Killarney.

After our second night there were were going to head to Cork via the coast and take our time. I'm not really sure what to see along the way but I know it is a gorgeous drive. My daughter really wants to see Blarney Castle.

We don't know if we should stay two nights in Cork/Blarney or just one and then spend a night somewhere heading back to Dublin. Our last two nights are in Dublin at a hotel that I was able to book with airline miles. The other six nights are at B&Bs but all are not booked.

So, breakdown of itinerary

Day 1 - Fly into Dublin, drive to Bunratty and maybe visit Limerick? Bunratty Folk Castle?
Day 2 - Bunratty -- Cliffs of Mohr
Day 3 - Head to Dingle Peninsula and stay in Kenmare
Day 4 - Explore around Killarney and stay in Kenmare
Day 5 - Head to Cork and explore countryside? Stay in Blarney/Cork?
Day 6 - Cork? head to Dublin and stay somewhere else? Sleep in what town?
Day 7 - Head to Dublin and go to many attractions recommended on Forums? Overnight in Dublin
Day 8 - More exploring in Dublin and overnight in Dublin and head home on Day 9

I would so appreciate any input.
mms_mom is offline  
Old Jan 11th, 2015, 07:18 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,628
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
Just time for a quick comment . . . It is nearly 150 miles and 3+ hours to Bunratty. Very bad idea to drive that far (or at all) after an overnight flight.
janisj is offline  
Old Jan 12th, 2015, 02:54 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
OK. Land Dublin. bus into the City and catch the M7 express to Bunratty or to my taste Ennis. No need to drive the 1st day 2nd day rent a car from Shannon airport.

Or get the express bus to Cork on arrival at Dublin. rent from Cork airport day 2.

Using option 1 and knowing it can be flipped.
Arrive Bunratty and check into accommodation. have a look round Bunratty castle and folk park meet fellow tourists in Durty Nellies maybe catch the Banquet (probably not on a tight budget) get a good nights sleep. Wake up have breakfast and bus to SNN to collect rental car or bus to Limerick have the day there another evening in Bunratty! (not sure I personally like that idea)
Or. Arrive Ennis walk 200yards to Grey Gables B&B grab lunch in Poets Corner of the Old Ground Hotel. look round Ennis grab a bit of Sleep. Meal in Brogans night out around Ennis Day 2 either collect car from Shannon or take a Burren/Cliffs tour.

Day 3 if you haven't already collect car from Shannon (dooley, easytourireland, budget) aim for Dingle via Listowel (ok you are tourists via Adare)over the Connor Pass. Check into Accommodation walk round town grab a bite to eat. early evening do the Slea Head drive. night out in Dingle trying to avoid folk comparing Rick Steves guide books.

Day 4 Drive round the Ring of Kerry (Clockwise with the heavy traffic not against it) take a couple of detours see a bit off the main road. end in Kenmare.

Day 5 over the Healy pass and down towards Cork maybe quick stop in Kinsale (just to say you've been) over the ferry to Cobh for a walk around (Titanic experience?) end the day in Blarney.

Day 6 Driver drops the car at Cork airport (bus back to Cork) and the group catch the bus back to Dublin. Or using option 1 you can drive back to Dublin calling at Cahir and Cashel or other options.

Option 2 the reverse of option 1.
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Jan 12th, 2015, 07:11 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I like Tony's plan, given your wish list.
If your daughter is 'INTO' Castles, try to take time to also visit Ross Castle, in Killarney, Barryscourt Castle, near Cohb and the Rock of Dunamase, along the M8/M7 route to Dublin.
As to car hire, I've rented over 20 cars in Ireland since 1999, from a variety of companies -- Budget, Hertz, Dooley and more without any serious problems. The key is to deal directly (rather than through consolidators like Priceline, AutoEurope, etc., and read and understand ALL the 'Terms and Conditions (and ASK, if you are uncertain)--BEFORE you show up at the counter.
Some helpful links:
http://ireland.activeboard.com/t2931...5000-deposit-/

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-...ing.A.Car.html

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...dmust-read.cfm
Itallian_Chauffer is offline  
Old Jan 12th, 2015, 10:03 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
All the above is great advice. You don't want a three hour drive after an overnight flight

I love Dan Dooley - great prices, all included in the quote, never any problems with them. Even when two (yes two!) tires blew out on my last trip - got them replaced, they reimbursed me when I returned the car, no fuss.

Check out my trip reports for more info!
GreenDragon is offline  
Old Jan 13th, 2015, 06:22 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks so much for the input! I appreciate it. Tony, do you think the bus idea will save us money or will it save us not having to drive after an overnight flight? I'm super comfortable driving a standard and had a very small learning curve the last time I was there. I figured we would stop at some towns along the way and kind of take our time. But, your bus suggestion is definitely something I will look into. Regarding Dingle, if we just picked one (Dingle or ROK), which would you suggest/prefer? And, are there things in Dublin that any of you would definitely recommend? Would we be ok getting rid of our rental car there (two days before we leave) and get to the airport and around the city without it?

These forums are so helpful!
mms_mom is offline  
Old Jan 13th, 2015, 06:57 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Driving, the bus option might save some money but the main concern is how long you have been travelling before you even get to the hire car.

If you want to drive straight off your flight take the route over Lough Derg and use Birr for the overnight. Clonmacknoise is handy and you can call off at one of the Distilleries on the way there. The grounds of Birr castle are excellent but the castle is rarely accessible.

Don't ask me about Dingle!! two weeks into the year and I feel like I've been dragged around the place by a tractor the amount of "got to go because I've been told I have to" posts on a number of forums, feel like going onto the Rick Steves forum just to hear less about the place!

Rant over Beara always wins the south west peninsula stakes in this house, The Ring of Kerry needs the time to get off the main drag

You definitely don't need a car in Dublin the Hopper bus's have 2 day tickets that will get you to all the main sights.
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Jan 13th, 2015, 07:50 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Beara sounds like an interesting choice so I will look into that. I'm also going to check out your route suggestion as I am thrilled for any sort of recommendation -- I don't need to reinvent the wheel as to a good itinerary! And is getting to the airport via bus from our hotel (near Croke Park) easy. I've traveled internationally many, many times, but my companions have not. If I don't have to pay for a car for two days, that would be great.
mms_mom is offline  
Old Jan 13th, 2015, 08:37 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Croke Park to the airport is probably a walk to get the 700 bus from Drumcondra? probably 1/2 hour ride from there, but the Dublin experts will advise better on that.
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Jan 13th, 2015, 08:42 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Oh, I loved Beara as well. Unspoiled and gorgeous. I went on a random walk through the woods and ended up on the top of a mountain with two stone circles!
GreenDragon is offline  
Old Jan 13th, 2015, 08:54 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Taxi for 4, with luggage from Croke park hotel to Terminal 2 should take under 15 minutes and cost between 20 - 30 Euro.
The Bus would cost around 30 and take longer.
You don't need -- or want -- a car IN Dublin.
Personally, I would stay closer in than Croke Park.
What's your budget?

Also: In April of 2012 three, US sized adults traveled in a Ford Focus. We had 'excess' baggage as we were there to attend a wedding. In addition to suits, dresses and dress shoes, we also carried presents. We pretty much filled the entire 'boot' (trunk), but everything fit in.
When we have traveling companions I limit them to one checked bag per COUPLE and one carry-on, per person. It's rather undemocratic of me, but I'm the one the rents the car and does all the driving.
My car -- my rules. ;-)
Itallian_Chauffer is offline  
Old Jan 13th, 2015, 10:14 AM
  #12  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have free rooms for two nights at Croke Park Hotel which is why we are staying there are last two nights. A couple friends have suggested daytrips from Dublin to:

"**Newgrange is worth the trip – Stonehenge type rock formations and druid site
**Dun Loaghaire (pronounced – Dun Leery) is an awesome short day trip from Dublin and is a historic fishing town"

If you all recommend we do those things, should I hang on to the car OR keep it to drive to those places.

Too many places to see and too little time. I've glad we have 8 full days at least!
mms_mom is offline  
Old Jan 13th, 2015, 10:28 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,628
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
Itallian_Chauffer : >>When we have traveling companions I limit them to one checked bag per COUPLE and one carry-on, per person. It's rather undemocratic of me, but I'm the one the rents the car and does all the driving.
My car -- my rules. ;-)My Rules
janisj is offline  
Old Jan 13th, 2015, 10:57 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorry, catch the ferry from Dun Laoghaire but other than that? Howth would be a better option for a small fishing village, especially Sunday for the Fisher/Farmers Market. Your friend might know something I don't. The Bray Head Walk is an option if it's a nice day https://fatstevewalks.wordpress.com/...ray-head-walk/

Newgrange, Hill of Tara tours are an option http://newgrangetours.com/ as is the Glendalough, Wicklow option http://www.wildwicklow.ie/
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Jan 13th, 2015, 12:43 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
janisj: "Heck - you're a pushover "
THAT'S what I tell my people! Don't know why they don't believe me? 8-)



mms_mom O.K. I know a lot of hotels in Dublin, but I can't beat FREE! I would STILL for-go the car and use public transit. It likely will be a 'wash', cost-wise, but you can't put a price on the relaxation it affords by giving up the car.
Were it ME, I would do either Newgrange OR Wicklow and use the second day to avail of the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus to see the many Dublin sites.
That same day, you could also ride the DART to either Howth or Bray. If the walk seems to daunting, the DART follows the Cliff Walk Path into Greystones -- giving you much of the same views, without all the walking.
Itallian_Chauffer is offline  
Old Jan 14th, 2015, 06:20 AM
  #16  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you for the advice and links. We are making progress. A question about food: How much should be plan on per day if we have breakfast covered? And I was considering purchasing online tickets for Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, etc. Anyone have thoughts as to pros/cons of this?

Also, based on comments on other threads in this forum, we have a couple nights booked at O'Donnabhain's in Kenmare. I had initially booked us out of town a bit but there were a few reviews on Trip Advisor and comments on this that made me rethink being out of town. Also, any ideas for a cheap but decent B&B in Blarney or Cork. And would it be better to stay in Blarney OR Cork for a night. The goal is to see Blarney Castle and maybe the Woolen Mills.
mms_mom is offline  
Old Jan 14th, 2015, 07:19 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Breakfast at a B&B is a huge deal. I am usually not hungry until 2 or 3 pm - at which time, some pubs may be closed. Pubs, I've found offer decent value for the money, though I'm also a fan of roadside food. Food is a little more expensive than a comparable meal in the states, but not horribly so. $10 will get you a fancy burger with chips.

Have you looked into a Heritage Pass? It might save you some money if you visit many sites. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Info/HeritageCards/
GreenDragon is offline  
Old Jan 14th, 2015, 08:10 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The only time that I stayed in Kenmare, it was here:
http://www.kenmarehousebandb.com/ It was very nice, with gracious hosts, just out of town, but there is a nice, paved footpath that provides a handy 'Short-cut' into town center.
As GreenDragon says, a B&B breakfast will usually get you through to early afternoon. Pricing of meals usually changes about 5 PM, so often, a 4 PM dinner will save you a few Euro over an 7 PM one.
Blarney is a tourist mecca during the day, but makes for a nice overnight, once the tour buses leave. Some friends just stayed here, for two nights, last October:
http://www.thewhitehouseblarney.com/
Here's what he said about it (and some details on food prices!):
" Had booked the White House B&B for 2 nights, the first of mostly 2 night stays. It was a nice facility, helpful friendly owner/ operators and was 170 euros total 2 nights triple. . . . headed on foot downtown about 7:30 to Muskerry Arms Pub for supper. GD learned about "chicken goujons" which chicken strips or chicken nuggets are often times referred to on menus in Ireland. Just a mere 10 minute walk downtown with raincoats in hand, just in case. DW had the bacon wrapped stuffed roast chicken, and I had leg of lamb. The food here was outstanding as was touted on TA and suggested by our B&B host. Also shared a slice of our first banafi pie and yum,yum! Along with beverages, total bill was 52 Euros. The entrees were about 13 euros, kids menu ave 7-8 Euros, but along with 3 pints and soda it really adds up. But then, we are on vacation (holiday)......"
Balance of his report: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t5926...igh-adventure/
Itallian_Chauffer is offline  
Old Jan 14th, 2015, 08:13 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
http://www.meadowbankblarney.com/ or either of the hotels in Blarney if they have decent offers, Medowbank is a good option though

Pre booking tickets saves a little, not sure if you are planning on anything on the Heritage Card? http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Info/HeritageCards/ You would have to work out if one would make sense savings wise? They used to do a free pass which gave discounts but not anymore
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Jan 14th, 2015, 08:17 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Buying online tickets -- unless they are discounted -- won't really save you any time. The ticket booth at Blarney is pretty quick and efficient - unless you happen to arrive just AFTER a Tour Bus disgorges!
At the Cliffs, you pay for everything at a Drive-Up window in the Car Park. When we were there this past June, it probably only took 2 minutes.
Itallian_Chauffer is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -