Lorna

Can anyone recommend some names of reliable travel agencies in Ireland that could help us to set an itinerary, and who would choose and book accommodation for our vacation there in August ? We are thinking about self catering.

Eleanor

For self catering you could try http://harveys.foundmark.com or www.irishvacationrental.com

Bill

Try http://www.12travel.ie/ They are an online travel agency. No idea on quality, but I think they've been a round for a while.<BR><BR>Bill

Erin

Lorna,<BR>My sister and I just returned from our trip to Ireland and had great sucess w/ our booking agent, Isle Inn Tours. We did a rental car and B&B vouchers for 9 days and it went off w/o a hitch- even though we were there during the Aer Lingus strike, which required us to come back 2 days early. Isle Inn gave us our money back for those 2 days hotel and rental car. I would definitely recommend them. (Plus, they're cheaper and more flexible than some of the other companies we looked at.) Their website is www.isleinntours.com. Ask for Virginia McKinnon.

Rachael

Erin,<BR><BR>I saw your post and was interested in what else you did while in Ireland. I will certainly contact them and see what they have to offer. I am trying to plan my honeymoon to Ireland next Sept but need help with the itenerary and such.

Cathy

Lorna,<BR><BR>Try www.ireland.travel.ie - the official web site of the Irish Tourist Board and also pat Preston's site at www.irelandexpert.com<BR><BR>Hope this helps,<BR><BR>Cathy

protime

Rachel, Pat Preston will provide you with a itenerary for free www.irelandexpert.com. If you wnat more personal help Michelle at www.irelandyes.com does itenerarys but charges for them. Couldnt tell you which is better but I have a sneeking suspicion you get waht you pay for.

xx

I'll go for the free stuff every time!!!!!!!

Laurel

You don't need a travel agent in Ireland to plan a great trip to Ireland.<BR>I've been to Ireland three times and have worked with Brenda at Academic Adventures for each trip. She is passionate about Ireland and really knows her stuff. She's been going there for 25 years, went there for her honeymoon and goes back at least twice a year. We have been VERY satisfied with everything she has done for us. She doesn't advertise. She's a Shamrock Club member and is listed on the Irish Tourist Board website. Her telephone number is 508-997-3535, email is &lt;[email protected]&gt;. Tell her Laurel suggested you contact her. I really loved working with her.

Lorna

Eleanor,Bill,Erin, and Cathy- thanks for the suggestions- looked at all of them but by chance came across another site called www.irishtravelplans which seemed to fill our needs. They have set an itinerary, found appropriate self catering accommodation in the locations that we were hoping for at a reasonable price. We were given a good reference from a well known hotel in Ireland, that is listed in the Fodors Ireland book.<BR><BR>Here's my question- we have to send 30% deposit now, and the remaining balance the middle of July to secure these places for the end of August, will paying with my credit card give me any protection , just on the off chance , things were not on the up and up? Also if there is any protection, would that offset the risk of putting your credit card number out there, so far away?

tiny

Lorna, I just looked at the web site of www.irishtravelplans. I was not impressed with the info given under "company profile". They don't even list an address. They are probably located in Ireland since they give that country code in their phone number (but who knows these days). Call the tourist board to check on them and see if they are approved and legit.

lorna

Tiny- Yes, we have already checked them out, had phone calls, and correspondence, as well, everything checks. Just wanted to know if there is any additional safeguards or advantage to paying by credit card instead of other payment methods.

Erin

Rachael,<BR>Sorry I haven't checked this site in a while. We had a great time and saw a lot- maybe too much. My main advice for you is to not squish too much in your day. We felt like we were living in the car a lot of the time and we got to know our Corrola a little too well. We landed in Shannon, drove up to Doolin and stayed there for 2 nights. The plan was to go to the Aran Islands, but the weather was too bad, so we explored The Burren, Cliffs, and the coast. It's a good idea to stay near the Cliffs, because we had to go there 3 times before we had good enough weather to take some good pictures! The next day, we drove down toward Ennis to look at castles, ruins, etc. Knappague Castle was interesting. The Abbey in Quinn was our favorite. And Dysart O'Dea was an unexpected find. Day 3, we chose the Dingle peninsula- if you do that, make sure it's not on a Sunday- Dingle was a ghost town and not very fun at all. The next day we went to Killarney St. Park, Muckross and the Gap of Dunloe- which we could have easily spent 2 (or more) days doing. Be a tourist and take the jaunting pony cart through the park for at least part of it. You can hike the rest. Torc waterfall was worth the climb and Muckross House was beautifully restored and worth the tour. The Gap is beautiful! Next stop was the Rock of Cashel and Cahir. I would definitely recommend taking the guided tour through both of those. Drove up to Kilkenny, saw the castle (which to us was disappointing compared to some of the other ruins and castles we'd seen)and did some shopping. It was here that we figured out that we had to take a flight out the next day or be stuck there another week (sounds good, but couldn't do it) and had to miss Dublin entirely. But, thank God, we went out that night and had the greatest time at a pub called 'The Witness Box', right across from the Courthouse in Kilkenny. If a band called 'The Briar's' is playing, stop in- they're fun- and pretty rowdy! If you need any more info, let me know. As you can see, I love talking about it!!