Planning a trip in mid-October-does this sound like a reasonable general plan?
May 5th, 2006, 07:58 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Planning a trip in mid-October-does this sound like a reasonable general plan?
My husband and I are traveling to Ireland in mid-October. I am just starting to make a general plan for the time we'll be there, and then choose the cities. We're planning to spend 10 days, and I was thinking about choosing four(or 5) locations to spend a couple days each at and explore the areas. I'm thinking Dublin, Wexford, Cork, Killarney and Galway. Does this sound practical, or would we be better off a day or so at a time? I would like to go out to the Arans as well...Also, if anyone has recommendations for places to stay I'd love it!
May 5th, 2006, 04:03 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Eight hours without an answer, and your post is "150 deep".
You should re-post, and this time, use a message header that indicates you have questions about a trip in mid-October to <i><b>Ireland</b></i>.
Best wishes,
Rex
You should re-post, and this time, use a message header that indicates you have questions about a trip in mid-October to <i><b>Ireland</b></i>.
Best wishes,
Rex
May 6th, 2006, 11:51 AM
#4
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dear heymo,
I don't know why people are not responding to you however I'll put my two cents in -- My sister and I went the end of Sept. We went in/out of Shannon and stayed in Bunratty nite one, Killarney(Brook Lodge Hotel for 99 euro/breakfast) via Dingle nite two, County Mayo(Claremorris) via Cashel, Roscommon, Athlone nite three and (Murrisk) via Knock, Newport, Westport nite four and the Zetland House in Cashel Bay, Connemara nites 5 and 6 (the reason for the trip - a friends destination wedding). Most of the experienced travelers on this forum recommend staying more than 1 night in a location and day-tripping from there. You do not need a car in Dublin, I am told - we didn't do Dublin this trip. Open jaw arrangements - into Dublin and out of Shannon afford more flexibility in planning with no backtracking. In general you have already laid out an east by south to west route which with 10 days is doable. I cannot speak to the east as we concentrated on west and southwest this trip. Do you like cities or countryside? Do you want to drive? Do you want to stay in B&B's or Hotels. All of this helps people to reply to your request with more information. Also, you can search any city, any topic within Ireland and get lots of information. Hope this is a start. Sally
I don't know why people are not responding to you however I'll put my two cents in -- My sister and I went the end of Sept. We went in/out of Shannon and stayed in Bunratty nite one, Killarney(Brook Lodge Hotel for 99 euro/breakfast) via Dingle nite two, County Mayo(Claremorris) via Cashel, Roscommon, Athlone nite three and (Murrisk) via Knock, Newport, Westport nite four and the Zetland House in Cashel Bay, Connemara nites 5 and 6 (the reason for the trip - a friends destination wedding). Most of the experienced travelers on this forum recommend staying more than 1 night in a location and day-tripping from there. You do not need a car in Dublin, I am told - we didn't do Dublin this trip. Open jaw arrangements - into Dublin and out of Shannon afford more flexibility in planning with no backtracking. In general you have already laid out an east by south to west route which with 10 days is doable. I cannot speak to the east as we concentrated on west and southwest this trip. Do you like cities or countryside? Do you want to drive? Do you want to stay in B&B's or Hotels. All of this helps people to reply to your request with more information. Also, you can search any city, any topic within Ireland and get lots of information. Hope this is a start. Sally
May 6th, 2006, 12:30 PM
#5
The main reason people are not responding is exactly what Rex mentioned. "Planning a trip in mid-October-does this sound like a reasonable general plan?" could be asking about Italy or Russia or anywhere.
heymo: you will get some response - but if you re-post w/ a better title you will get a lot more.
"<i>would we be better off a day or so at a time?</i>" In general one-night stands are tiring and waste time. Too much packing/unpacking/checking in/checking out. So your idea of 2 night (or 3 some places) stops is better. Of course there may be places that only one night makes sense - but for the most part settling down someplace to use for a base for a couple/3 days is better.
heymo: you will get some response - but if you re-post w/ a better title you will get a lot more.
"<i>would we be better off a day or so at a time?</i>" In general one-night stands are tiring and waste time. Too much packing/unpacking/checking in/checking out. So your idea of 2 night (or 3 some places) stops is better. Of course there may be places that only one night makes sense - but for the most part settling down someplace to use for a base for a couple/3 days is better.
May 6th, 2006, 02:15 PM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My first comment would be that all the locations you mention are cities. If thats what you like, Ok, but I think you will get a better for Ireland by gettng off the beaten path and seeing some of the small villages. If you haven't booked you airfare yet fly into Dublin and out of Shannon (or the reverse). The Aran Islands are best done with Galway as a base. You can fly or go by boat, rent a bike if you are able and be sure to visit Dun Aengus. Cork is a big city, why not Kinsale, 30 minutes down the road and alot of folks favorite village. Plenty of Pubs and places to eat. Dublin is Ok if you want to see the historical sites but thats it for me. Killarney is not bad. It has gotten pretty big and touristy but there is alot to do (National Park, Gap of Dunlo). Lots of Pubs. Not my first choice but OK. Have never been to Wexford but again a big city, why not wander out on the Peninsulas for great sea views and wonderful villages. In any event have fun
May 7th, 2006, 01:48 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all for your kind advice. When I posted, I was under the impression I was posting in the Ireland section...didn't think about it going out to the general population. Will try to repost with a more specific heading. As I finished writing I realized that when I picked areas I said cities, I didn't have my book in front of me to say what counties we would like to visit. I'm a little overwhelmed, and my husband isn't giving me much help in the planning. Thanks again for your suggestions, and I will repost...
May 8th, 2006, 03:27 AM
#8
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dublin Wexford Cork and Galway are Counties!
Heymo, Do you want to see City or Rural when you visit, you must first decide that? . Secondly I would drop
Wexford and rather spend my time Donegal, but that means going up the north west of the country, which is a long drive for just one night, so maybe plan two nights there. If you plan to fly into Dublin, then spend a night or two here, then move on to Cork,Kerry Galway, and if you want to Donegal. West Cork is very beautiful, Connemara is nice ( but not my favourite place) Killarney is really lovely, but can be quiet touristy. Finally as I mentioned Donegal is rugged and quite beautiful, have a think about it and try to decide where you most want to see, then maybe come back and I will help you out with your plans if you wish. By mid October the days are getting short, so plan well!
Heymo, Do you want to see City or Rural when you visit, you must first decide that? . Secondly I would drop
Wexford and rather spend my time Donegal, but that means going up the north west of the country, which is a long drive for just one night, so maybe plan two nights there. If you plan to fly into Dublin, then spend a night or two here, then move on to Cork,Kerry Galway, and if you want to Donegal. West Cork is very beautiful, Connemara is nice ( but not my favourite place) Killarney is really lovely, but can be quiet touristy. Finally as I mentioned Donegal is rugged and quite beautiful, have a think about it and try to decide where you most want to see, then maybe come back and I will help you out with your plans if you wish. By mid October the days are getting short, so plan well!
May 8th, 2006, 07:43 AM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thought Wexford was a county as well as the others I mentioned, but I can see where someone might be confused. From everything I'd read about that area it sounded lovely, and worth spending a day or so...
May 8th, 2006, 11:41 AM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Folks, check your maps. Wexford town is on the coast in County Wexford, just north of Rosslare. If you ave been there and and found it lovely more power to you, as I stated I have never been there. My point is to get off the beaten path and visit the out of the way places. Having said that to each his own. Have fun
May 9th, 2006, 03:47 AM
#12
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I dont need to check my map I was born and raised in Ireland!
As I stated Wexford is not a city but a County, and I also said it has a coastline, ie, its on the coast, and yes, Co. Wexford also has a town.
All counties in Ireland have a main city or central town, Wexford town being County Wexford's.
To answer your question further heymo, yes Wexford is very nice, and worth a short visit in my humble opinion.
Good Luck!
As I stated Wexford is not a city but a County, and I also said it has a coastline, ie, its on the coast, and yes, Co. Wexford also has a town.
All counties in Ireland have a main city or central town, Wexford town being County Wexford's.
To answer your question further heymo, yes Wexford is very nice, and worth a short visit in my humble opinion.
Good Luck!
May 9th, 2006, 07:25 AM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, lucielou...Thanks for the insight into the area. I would like to at least make a short visit through there...it looks like from Detroit Shannon is the best place to start, the flights from here to Dublin stop in Shannon on the way! I'm having to rethink my route, since I had us starting in Dublin...Not sure what the best route is from there to see the sights we wanted to see...
