Which direction? SW Ireland in October for 7 days
Aug 19th, 2005, 07:22 PM
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Which direction? SW Ireland in October for 7 days
I'm headed to SW Ireland for a 7 day solo trip in mid-October. Renting a car and going in and out of Shannon.
In mapping my route, would like to request some feedback. There's so much to see and I want to not be rushed and stop and see things that strike my interest along the way. Very interested in just enjoying the countryside, meeting people and some quality time in the pubs.
Arrival day 1: Arrive Shannon 10am. Visit Bunratty and Folk Park. Wander Ennis and relax after the long flight from Texas. Where exactly are the Cliffs of Moher? Is it reasonable to visit them on arrival day? (Not sure what time the sun sets in mid-october...) Overnight in Ennis. Considering Bunrattymeadows B&B. Does anyone have any alternate suggestions?
Day 2: Ennis to Killarney
Day 3: Drive Ring of Kerry - Is this really a one day trip? Don't want to rush through. Is there a 1/2 way spot suggested to stay over. Just want to take a slow pace and enjoy. And you're supposed to drive it counter clockwise?
I'd like to visit after the Ring of Kerry for 1 or 2 nights and then head to Adare for my last night as I've read that it's just lovely. My flight out of Shannon leaves 11am. Is Adare too far from the airport?
Any feedback to this mid-30's-solo-traveling-Texas-woman would be much appreciated.
In mapping my route, would like to request some feedback. There's so much to see and I want to not be rushed and stop and see things that strike my interest along the way. Very interested in just enjoying the countryside, meeting people and some quality time in the pubs.
Arrival day 1: Arrive Shannon 10am. Visit Bunratty and Folk Park. Wander Ennis and relax after the long flight from Texas. Where exactly are the Cliffs of Moher? Is it reasonable to visit them on arrival day? (Not sure what time the sun sets in mid-october...) Overnight in Ennis. Considering Bunrattymeadows B&B. Does anyone have any alternate suggestions?
Day 2: Ennis to Killarney
Day 3: Drive Ring of Kerry - Is this really a one day trip? Don't want to rush through. Is there a 1/2 way spot suggested to stay over. Just want to take a slow pace and enjoy. And you're supposed to drive it counter clockwise?
I'd like to visit after the Ring of Kerry for 1 or 2 nights and then head to Adare for my last night as I've read that it's just lovely. My flight out of Shannon leaves 11am. Is Adare too far from the airport?
Any feedback to this mid-30's-solo-traveling-Texas-woman would be much appreciated.
Aug 19th, 2005, 09:12 PM
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Lauriewis - on our last trip to Ireland, we found the coastline from just below Cork, to right around to Dingle, just about the "best" scenery in all of Ireland. We flew into Cork Airport, got our rental car, then drove south of Cork to the coastline, then stayed in B&B's on this beautiful coastline, right around to Dingle. You wont dissapointed with the scenery.
Not all the Ring of Kerry route is that scenic, only a portion of it, they say that Tourist coaches travel in a "certain direction" on the Ring of Kerry road, but we didn't see many coaches at all, and Dingle definitely needs 2 days. Killarney National Park (Not Killarney township) is a great walking park, with lakes, streams, etc, etc. We stayed one night at Kenmare, which we adored.
Not all the Ring of Kerry route is that scenic, only a portion of it, they say that Tourist coaches travel in a "certain direction" on the Ring of Kerry road, but we didn't see many coaches at all, and Dingle definitely needs 2 days. Killarney National Park (Not Killarney township) is a great walking park, with lakes, streams, etc, etc. We stayed one night at Kenmare, which we adored.
Aug 19th, 2005, 11:41 PM
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Lauriewis,
I would suggest that you take the following route during your week.
Below are approx non rushed driving times where I know them.
Shannon to Bunratty 20 min
Bunratty to Ennis 30 min
Ennis to Doolin 45 min
Doolin to Cliffs of Moher 5 min
Cliffs of Moher to Kilrush/Kilemer 90 min
Cross the Shannon on the car ferry at Kilimer 20 min
Kilimer to Dingle via Tralee 2 hrs
Dingle to Kilarney 2 hr approx
Kilarney to Adare (not sure on time)
Adare to Shannon 90 min (depends on traffic in Limerick)
Where you overnight you will have to decide, but Doolin might be an option on your first night.
Hope this helps.
Bill
I would suggest that you take the following route during your week.
Below are approx non rushed driving times where I know them.
Shannon to Bunratty 20 min
Bunratty to Ennis 30 min
Ennis to Doolin 45 min
Doolin to Cliffs of Moher 5 min
Cliffs of Moher to Kilrush/Kilemer 90 min
Cross the Shannon on the car ferry at Kilimer 20 min
Kilimer to Dingle via Tralee 2 hrs
Dingle to Kilarney 2 hr approx
Kilarney to Adare (not sure on time)
Adare to Shannon 90 min (depends on traffic in Limerick)
Where you overnight you will have to decide, but Doolin might be an option on your first night.
Hope this helps.
Bill
Aug 20th, 2005, 04:38 AM
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"I'm headed to SW Ireland for a 7 day solo trip in mid-October. Renting a car and going in and out of Shannon."
Just be aware that driving in Ireland is a nightmare. It will take you twice as long and 4 times the aggrevation you expect to go anywhere.
Just be aware that driving in Ireland is a nightmare. It will take you twice as long and 4 times the aggrevation you expect to go anywhere.
Aug 20th, 2005, 05:24 AM
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I would rethink that last night in Adare. First except for one strip of touristy shops in thatched cottages there is not much else except a large town. Its only about 25 miles from the aiport but you will have to drive thru Limerick during rush hour, return your rental car and check in by 0900 for an 1100 flight. While driving is Ireland is not exactly a nightmare it can be stressfull if your on a deadine. Just last July it took me over an hour to drive thru Ennis south to North, lots of construction and commuter traffic, reminded me why a moved out of N.J. In any event have fun, you will love Ireland.
Aug 20th, 2005, 09:23 PM
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Hi lauriewis,
Try the following link for sunrise/set times. (October 20th is 8:01am/6:17pm)
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldcloc...2005&day=1
You can also get a nice map of Ireland for free (although you would definitely want to buy a Michelin or some type of topo map when you get there!) at:
www.michiganaoh.com/map_of_ireland.htm
and to plan a route in Ireland, with directions, estimated time and routed "via" any place of interest between your 2 points go to:
www.aaroadwatch.ie
Goodluck on your trip! (DH and I head out for our 1st trip this Octoober as well, only 66 days, 19 hours, 9 minutes...!!!!!!)
Try the following link for sunrise/set times. (October 20th is 8:01am/6:17pm)
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldcloc...2005&day=1
You can also get a nice map of Ireland for free (although you would definitely want to buy a Michelin or some type of topo map when you get there!) at:
www.michiganaoh.com/map_of_ireland.htm
and to plan a route in Ireland, with directions, estimated time and routed "via" any place of interest between your 2 points go to:
www.aaroadwatch.ie
Goodluck on your trip! (DH and I head out for our 1st trip this Octoober as well, only 66 days, 19 hours, 9 minutes...!!!!!!)
Aug 21st, 2005, 04:08 AM
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"Overnight in Ennis. Considering Bunrattymeadows B&B. Does anyone have any alternate suggestions?"
Going solo you might consider hotel stays rather than B&B's. B&B pricing is normally set up per person sharing for a double room (ex. 35 Euro PPS) and that doesn't mean a single pays 35 Euro
In Ennis, I have stayed solo at the Temple Gate and the Queen's Hotel (also the Abbey Tourist Hostal & Rose Cottage B&B). That last one with my wife. I also prefer the privacy of a Hotel. The Temple Gate has ample parking. If I had to drive to Shannon airport in the AM, I think I would opt for Ennis and the Temple Gate over Adare. At the Temple Gate, ask for Paul Madden (Manager) or his father, John Madden. Maybe they would cut a deal for a lady from Texas and since it's October.
The Cliffs of Moher are just above Lahinch (on the coast), about a 25-min drive from Ennis.
Yes, Adare is too far from Shannon if you have to drive & return your rental car. You have to fight the AM Limerick City traffic. Ennis would probably be easier.
If you can find a copy, read Whoredom in Kimmage, a book by Rosemary Mahoney (on the liberation of the Irish woman)
Going solo you might consider hotel stays rather than B&B's. B&B pricing is normally set up per person sharing for a double room (ex. 35 Euro PPS) and that doesn't mean a single pays 35 Euro
In Ennis, I have stayed solo at the Temple Gate and the Queen's Hotel (also the Abbey Tourist Hostal & Rose Cottage B&B). That last one with my wife. I also prefer the privacy of a Hotel. The Temple Gate has ample parking. If I had to drive to Shannon airport in the AM, I think I would opt for Ennis and the Temple Gate over Adare. At the Temple Gate, ask for Paul Madden (Manager) or his father, John Madden. Maybe they would cut a deal for a lady from Texas and since it's October.
The Cliffs of Moher are just above Lahinch (on the coast), about a 25-min drive from Ennis.
Yes, Adare is too far from Shannon if you have to drive & return your rental car. You have to fight the AM Limerick City traffic. Ennis would probably be easier.
If you can find a copy, read Whoredom in Kimmage, a book by Rosemary Mahoney (on the liberation of the Irish woman)
