Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Ireland without a car

Search

Ireland without a car

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 27th, 2016, 06:07 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ireland without a car

I am planning a trip for four (all in our 60s) and we have decided NOT to rent a car for exploring Ireland. We will be spending 5 days in Scotland before arriving in Ireland.

Our plan includes 3 days in Dublin and then a train/bus transfer to Dingle where we will spend 3 nights. We plan on hiring a guide to drive us in the Dingle and/or Ring of Kerry area.

Our flight from the U.S. to Scotland brings us to Glasgow. (The airline does not fly to Ireland.) This brings my question. There is a flight from Cork to Glasgow at 14:55. If I can hire a driver(I have spoken to one but haven't confirmed), I will book that flight. I am wondering if anyone has a better suggestion for airports in the Dingle region. Thanks for any advice.
Drowden is offline  
Old Mar 29th, 2016, 12:26 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,854
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
dingle999: >>But unlike Tony I try to GIVE accurate info and do not diss other parts of Ireland ..<<

That is a very self serving load of clap trap. Tony helps just about everyone asking about Ireland -- no matter which area(s) they want to visit.

And another thread heading down the tubes because one can't post his opinion w/o attacking others. Your <i>six</i> posts would have more credibility w/o the personal animosity.
janisj is online now  
Old Mar 29th, 2016, 03:04 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
dingle, I love Tony and he helps many but I know he hates Dingle and Doolin, unfortunately others don't unless they are on TA and here.
I do agree that Killarney is a good base for day tours but the op has already secured a tour with a private driver.

Drowden, you are flying to Scotland from the US and then flying to Dublin and then wanting to get back to Glasgow, Scotland? I think the Kerry airport only fly to Dublin and London so Cork might be your best option.
flpab is offline  
Old Mar 29th, 2016, 03:11 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Its a shame you are not seeing Ireland by car. Although, my hubs swears he will never drive "on the wrong side" of the road again. It really is the best way to view Ireland.
I went to Dingle and absolutely loved it.
Here is my blog....

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...gs-day-one.cfm
brookums71 is offline  
Old Mar 29th, 2016, 03:24 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
flpab why does he hate Dingle and Doolin ?
Indeed why does in Ireland ?
dingle999 is offline  
Old Mar 29th, 2016, 03:25 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Indeed why does he live in Loughrea Co Galway Ireland ?


brookums71 nice Blog ..
dingle999 is offline  
Old Mar 29th, 2016, 03:56 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you dingle999. I just re-read it and relived the whole thing.
You really must see Dingle.
brookums71 is offline  
Old Mar 29th, 2016, 04:09 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't think he hates them but they are touristy to him. I live in the land of tourism so what I like about Florida tourist would hate so have to keep that in mind. I do the same when I think about Ireland. You couldn't drag me to Disney or Universal. I love the non touristy beaches and local places. I think it is the same for some in Ireland but not telling people that come to my state not to go to Disney. I just tell them to stay on property, safer that way and to go to New Smyrna Beach over Daytona. I have been to Dingle once and that was enough. I love Wicklow, Dublin and the west coast. Next trip is Westport for biking and hiking.
Tony lives near the big grey lake, close to Athenry so can't be bad.
flpab is offline  
Old Mar 29th, 2016, 05:06 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,131
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A friend and I saw Ireland without a car though in a couple of spots we got a car to drive us.

Dingle is lovely and we spent several days there, but I wouldn't necessarily use it as a base; it isn't exactly central and they do seem ambivalent about tourists.

We used trains and for one segment a bus to travel.
annw is offline  
Old Mar 29th, 2016, 07:21 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
While the locals are having a civil argument, the outsiders might comment on the OP's question. If Dingle is the destination and Cork is not, there is no need to detour to Cork if you swap Dublin to the end. If your Glasgow-Dublin flight is early enough, you can immediately do Dublin-Tralee train, about 4 hours, then frequent enough bus to do the Tralee-Dingle, about 70 minutes. On return, just do the opposite. You will have more flight choices and competitive airfares to return to Glasgow from Dublin.

Kerry airport is closest to Dingle, but you have to stare at the bus schedule to make sure there is a way out if you are not driving or taking a taxi. http://kerryairport.ie/website/wp-co...-Timetable.pdf
greg is offline  
Old Apr 1st, 2016, 06:28 PM
  #11  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for all your input. We have settled on flying out of Cork because the timing is right and the price for a flight to Glasgow (where we will spend an additional two days) is reasonable.

For those of you who advise renting a car, I agree in theory, but I'm just not brave enough. FYI, we will be taking private tours (just the four of us) so that is a good compromise, I think.
Drowden is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kimmi023
Europe
8
Aug 21st, 2011 10:22 AM
selsel
Europe
9
Mar 3rd, 2011 04:46 PM
TPAYT
Europe
9
Apr 5th, 2010 04:28 PM
Reggs
Europe
37
May 8th, 2008 10:19 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



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