Yeruf

Hello, my husband and I are one of several families who will be attending the UCF vs Penn State game in Dublin on August 30, 2014. We are taking my 87 year old father in law and I think it will be easier for us to rent a house in a central location and make day trips rather than have him pack and unpack several times during our stay (8 - 10 days). We will be in Dublin for the pre-game party on August 29, 2014 and then in Dublin for the game. Other than that, I would love to take them to kilkenny, waterford, Killarney, cork, Dingle peninsula, and Galway. (my suggestions but agenda can change). Any suggestions for a central location?? Thanks so much.

flpab

Did you all book your reservations in Dublin already? I know some that are going also for the game. There is a guy I know here that has an apartment in Dublin but he had that week blocked out already for UCF people as soon as the game was announced. You can leave Dublin and travel to Galway to do the cliffs and burren but you will want to base yourself more south to take in everything else on your list. Waterford is not such a big deal since the main attraction has moved to Poland. I do think they opened up a smaller visitor center and make a little crystal there but nothing like before. It is a long way to travel for a day trip from Dingle to Cork for your 87 year old fil. look at the michelin milage chart. Have you thought about a mini van tour with someone like Butler coaches out of Cork?

flpab

viamichelin http://en.mappy.com/#d=ireland&p=map

try those to see the mileage between your destinations.

Tony2phones

I would suggest somewhere around Killarney as a location. you could call into Waterford and Kilkenny on the way there and back either way round. Galway is north and would be the alternative "touring" base but given your list the south west fits most.

flpab

Tony, what is up with the Waterford factory now days? I have been twice but know it is not in operation anymore but there is a smaller place. I loved Kilmore Quay. So odd I picked that place to go see many years ago but it was beautiful and the best fresh seafood.
Killarney would be a central place.

Tony2phones

The Waterford "Centre" runs tours practically just the same as the old Factory tour. You still see the blowing and cutting and they still make exhibition and trophy pieces on site.

I admit that the south east is not an area I know a great deal about. We went on the Waterford Crystal Tour with Pops a couple of years ago because he had always wanted to go and he thoroughly enjoyed it. We skipped the trip down to New Ross for the Famine ship between Waterford and Kilkenny on that occasion but it might be worth considering?

abram

In Waterford, we enjoyed a historical walking tour and visiting several excellent museums.

Also liked the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross and the Jerpoint Abbey on the way to Kilkenny.

Robert2533

Actually, it's difficult to find a more central location, that has everything, then Dublin. It's possible to do day-trips to just about everywhere you've listed from Dublin.

As far as accommodations go, you may want to consider staying at the Ariel House (www.ariel-house.net). It makes an excellent base.

harvmatic

I would recommend spending the first couple of nights in Dublin, then moving to Neenagh or Cashel in County Tipperary and using that as a base for day trips to Galway, Cork, Killarney etc. Another possibility would be to use Cork city as a base and do day trips to Dingle, Killarney and Cobh, Waterford and Wexford from there. Galway is only about 3 hours from Cork, but tough to do there and back in one day.

Sassafrass

Personally, I think you will need two bases in addition to Dublin.

Things may not seem far apart, but travel in Ireland can be slow. If you are thinking of day trips that are two or three hours from your base, there is no way your FIL could return to his room for a couple of hours to re-group. The older I get, the more I hate day trips where travel by car takes more than an hour or so each way. I find it very tiring. Your FIL may be fine with it, but will he tell you if he is not?

For the game stuff, stay in Dublin.

Sassafrass

Personally, I think you will need two bases in addition to Dublin.

Things may not seem far apart, but travel in Ireland can be slow. If you are thinking of day trips that are two or three hours from your base, there is no way your FIL could return to his room for a couple of hours to re-group. The older I get, the more I hate day trips where travel by car takes more than an hour or so each way. I find it very tiring. Your FIL may be fine with it, but will he tell you if he is not?

For the game stuff, stay in Dublin.

flpab

I really want to know what you are doing for the game in Dublin. Are you buying one of the packages? I am asking because some Penn State people I know want some help in planning and have asked me.

Yeruf

Thanks so much to all of you who responded. I think I will take your advise and look into at least two home bases in addition to our two or three nights in Dublin. In response to flpab.... I have been frustrated with trying to get info on packages from UCF. The athletic director from UCF has had several complaints and told my husband that as soon as the UCF Bowl game is over (Jan. 1, 2014) that he is going to look into making the tours a little more accessible and affordable. Penn State may have it more together since they did not have a bowl game. As soon as I get more info, I will be happy to email and let you know. Happy New Year to all! Fondly, Tracy

flpab

http://ucf.crokeparkclassic.com/

flpab

http://www.crokepark.ie/crokeparkclassic/booknow

I think I would op to buy tickets only and book my own room in Dublin but would be quick about it. Transportation is so easy there and not sure if you care about the other things the packages offer.

azzure

Had not realized a similar question to mine (of the 31st) had already been posted. Hope to get some helpful responses here as well.

flpab

I am doing research for my Penn State friend and the packages might not be so bad. Just to give you the rates, Buswells where we stay cheap but nice for normally 130.00 a night is going for 330 a night for a twin room Sat and Sunday night. Travel lodge at St Stephen's is going for 233.99 euro for the night. Yikes, they know the Yanks are coming to town.

Padhraicin

Apartments in Dublin might be worth checking out -

http://www.staycity.com/dublin/?gcli...FWs72wodr3gA5Q


http://www.staydublin.com/apartment-millennium.php