3 weeks in Ireland
Sep 6th, 2003 | 08:47 AM
#1
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3 weeks in Ireland
We are traveling to Ireland in Oct., for 3 weeks, our plan is to stay in Dublin for 3 or 4 days and then head south and west, I would appreciate any suggestions on where to stay along the way, and what not to miss. Also has anyone stayed at Kilronan House in Dublin? It's in city centre I think. We depart from Dublin too so will be doing a roundtrip sort of thing...thanks
Sep 6th, 2003 | 09:27 AM
#2
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Hi lillymayo, welcome to the board.
Three weeks is a very nice amount of time for Ireland. Plenty of time to enjoy. I can't comment on the Kilronan House as we stay with family around the Dublin area. I wouldn't mind commenting on the sites, but I think I'd need more info on what interests you. Cities and nightlife, castles and ruins, scenic vistas, pubs and villages? Will you be driving or will you be on public transport? That will make some difference on what is accessible to you. Do you want to see as much as possible or pause in spots to do hiking, horseback riding and other activities?
One good place to start is with a good guidebook from your local bookstore or amazon.com. Guide books are an excellent investment in your vacation, if you haven't already picked one up. I really like the Eyewitness Guide for a general "what to see" overview (with pictures and diagrams!) and the Lonely Planet for more written detail on what is around particular areas (pubs, walks, etc.)
Three weeks is a very nice amount of time for Ireland. Plenty of time to enjoy. I can't comment on the Kilronan House as we stay with family around the Dublin area. I wouldn't mind commenting on the sites, but I think I'd need more info on what interests you. Cities and nightlife, castles and ruins, scenic vistas, pubs and villages? Will you be driving or will you be on public transport? That will make some difference on what is accessible to you. Do you want to see as much as possible or pause in spots to do hiking, horseback riding and other activities?
One good place to start is with a good guidebook from your local bookstore or amazon.com. Guide books are an excellent investment in your vacation, if you haven't already picked one up. I really like the Eyewitness Guide for a general "what to see" overview (with pictures and diagrams!) and the Lonely Planet for more written detail on what is around particular areas (pubs, walks, etc.)
Sep 7th, 2003 | 08:04 AM
#3
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Clifton, thanks for your reply, we are renting a car and will head south I guess, we will reserve rooms in Dublin and take off after 3 or 4 days, I do have Fodors and Frommers guides but any places you love or would not miss would be a real help. We plan to visit castles and also like to hike, and I of course like to shop, any pubs with Irish music too.Most likley we would take the scenic routes, as we have 3 weeks. I wonder do you think it's better to just park it somwhere and take day trips, and move every 3 to 4 days, or just keep moving spending the night in different places every night? Any suggestions will be a help, another question, do you know taxi fares from the airport to city centre in Dublin? We will stay in B&B's most of the time as I heard that's the way to go, so any you like I'd be greatful. Thanks again, I can't wait to go.
Sep 7th, 2003 | 08:56 AM
#4
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3 weeks in Ireland in October! I am seriously envious.
I'm in love with Ireland's west coast. Although the south is beautiful, I find the west more dramatic, more rugged, less populated, and more intriguing. I'd suggest exploring the Beara and Dingle peninsulas, the Burren region in Clare, Galway City, the Connemara region, Killary Harbor, Clew Bay area in Mayo, and the coastline of Donegal. Lots of great towns of varying sizes along the way.
Whether you stay in one place for a few days or move every day probably depends on where you are. It is more relaxing, I think, to have a home base where you can settle in for several days. On the other hand, I found myself in some places where one day was enough and I was ready to move on.
When you start to sketch out your general plan, you'll get lots of B&B recommendations, I think.
I'm in love with Ireland's west coast. Although the south is beautiful, I find the west more dramatic, more rugged, less populated, and more intriguing. I'd suggest exploring the Beara and Dingle peninsulas, the Burren region in Clare, Galway City, the Connemara region, Killary Harbor, Clew Bay area in Mayo, and the coastline of Donegal. Lots of great towns of varying sizes along the way.
Whether you stay in one place for a few days or move every day probably depends on where you are. It is more relaxing, I think, to have a home base where you can settle in for several days. On the other hand, I found myself in some places where one day was enough and I was ready to move on.
When you start to sketch out your general plan, you'll get lots of B&B recommendations, I think.
Sep 7th, 2003 | 12:04 PM
#5
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lillymayo,
That helps! Let's see, well since you're asking, I'll take it from the frame of reference of what we would repeat of the south and west. As far as the cab fare, I recall spending 25 to go back and forth from the airport to North Co. Kildare and less than that to go Kildare to Dublin Ctr, but I haven't gone straight airport to city center.
If I had 3 weeks, I'd definitely spend a few days in each place I stayed, at least for the most part. I might do the one nighter occasionally. Not to set your agenda, but as a sample, I might do something like this (or pieces of as I haven't counted days for accuracy):
Dublin 3 days. No car.
Rent car early, drive south through Co. Wicklow seeing Glendalough and Powerscourt. Pickup heritage card at Glendalough. Stay nearby overnight depending on time.
Drive to Cashel for 2-3 days. Explore Rock of Cashel, day trips to Cahir and Kilkenny. We'd pick Legends Guesthouse to stay at, but I know others here really like a B&B called Dualla House (I think)
Leisurely drive south towards the town of Dungarven, over the Vee drive and through town of Lismore. Explore, rest, whatever in towns like Clonmel, Carrick, Lismore. Lunch in Dungarven and explore the coast here. True, as Mary says, it's not as dramatic, but we found it peaceful and untouristed and pretty, especially just east of Dungarven. I'd actually head west though for the night and stay along the coast. We pick Cobh and the Waterside Hotel and I'm sure we always will, but it's all really nice along there before you get to Cork. Cork, not so much. We stay in Cobh for a few days and use as a base to explore the Cork area. Cork/Blarney/Kinsale
Others would likely choose Kinsale as their base.
Head out from the Cork base West down the coast heading past Kinsale. Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Timoleague, Bantry, Sheeps Head are along the way. Base in Glengariff or Kenmare to explore the Beara penn and/or Ring of Kerry. Killarney and the nat'l park are reachable from these locations as well. Staying in Killarney is also an option but busier one. The Healey Pass and the Beara in general are at the top of my list.
Moving up the coast, there is Dingle. Amazing views and pre-historic sites everywhere. Worth a couple of days and many recommended pubs. See the Slea Head, Gallerus Oratory, Inch.
I'm not as fascinated by Clare as I am by other areas. I find the Burren fascinating from a geological standpoint, the Cliffs of Moher are amazing of course, and the Dolmen is not to be missed. Yet, each of these things are on my "look at, or observe as we go" but don't attact me to stay on like other areas do. I'd like do this as a drive through, with maybe an overnight rest stop. BUT, I have not gone to Doolin and have always bypassed it while others swear by the music available there.
The Connemara: Ahh, also near the very top of my list. Unlike anywhere else in Ireland. Wild, eerie at times. I like the drives that take you through the middle. Through the bog. The 12 Pins (12 Bens), the valleys and the black water lakes between them are something to see. Connemara National Park in the Pins is a hiker's only park. Clifden makes a good base. We liked Mal Dua House B&B there. Best breakfast we had in Ireland and that's saying a lot. Views of the mountains, rather than sea at this B&B. Nice owners, huge ensuite bedrooms.
Tops on our list for permanant repeats:
1) Beara
2) Connemara
3) Glendalough/Sally Gap
Enjoy your trip!
Pics from last time if you're interested:
http://travel.nexxtworld.com/ireland/
That helps! Let's see, well since you're asking, I'll take it from the frame of reference of what we would repeat of the south and west. As far as the cab fare, I recall spending 25 to go back and forth from the airport to North Co. Kildare and less than that to go Kildare to Dublin Ctr, but I haven't gone straight airport to city center.
If I had 3 weeks, I'd definitely spend a few days in each place I stayed, at least for the most part. I might do the one nighter occasionally. Not to set your agenda, but as a sample, I might do something like this (or pieces of as I haven't counted days for accuracy):
Dublin 3 days. No car.
Rent car early, drive south through Co. Wicklow seeing Glendalough and Powerscourt. Pickup heritage card at Glendalough. Stay nearby overnight depending on time.
Drive to Cashel for 2-3 days. Explore Rock of Cashel, day trips to Cahir and Kilkenny. We'd pick Legends Guesthouse to stay at, but I know others here really like a B&B called Dualla House (I think)
Leisurely drive south towards the town of Dungarven, over the Vee drive and through town of Lismore. Explore, rest, whatever in towns like Clonmel, Carrick, Lismore. Lunch in Dungarven and explore the coast here. True, as Mary says, it's not as dramatic, but we found it peaceful and untouristed and pretty, especially just east of Dungarven. I'd actually head west though for the night and stay along the coast. We pick Cobh and the Waterside Hotel and I'm sure we always will, but it's all really nice along there before you get to Cork. Cork, not so much. We stay in Cobh for a few days and use as a base to explore the Cork area. Cork/Blarney/Kinsale
Others would likely choose Kinsale as their base.
Head out from the Cork base West down the coast heading past Kinsale. Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Timoleague, Bantry, Sheeps Head are along the way. Base in Glengariff or Kenmare to explore the Beara penn and/or Ring of Kerry. Killarney and the nat'l park are reachable from these locations as well. Staying in Killarney is also an option but busier one. The Healey Pass and the Beara in general are at the top of my list.
Moving up the coast, there is Dingle. Amazing views and pre-historic sites everywhere. Worth a couple of days and many recommended pubs. See the Slea Head, Gallerus Oratory, Inch.
I'm not as fascinated by Clare as I am by other areas. I find the Burren fascinating from a geological standpoint, the Cliffs of Moher are amazing of course, and the Dolmen is not to be missed. Yet, each of these things are on my "look at, or observe as we go" but don't attact me to stay on like other areas do. I'd like do this as a drive through, with maybe an overnight rest stop. BUT, I have not gone to Doolin and have always bypassed it while others swear by the music available there.
The Connemara: Ahh, also near the very top of my list. Unlike anywhere else in Ireland. Wild, eerie at times. I like the drives that take you through the middle. Through the bog. The 12 Pins (12 Bens), the valleys and the black water lakes between them are something to see. Connemara National Park in the Pins is a hiker's only park. Clifden makes a good base. We liked Mal Dua House B&B there. Best breakfast we had in Ireland and that's saying a lot. Views of the mountains, rather than sea at this B&B. Nice owners, huge ensuite bedrooms.
Tops on our list for permanant repeats:
1) Beara
2) Connemara
3) Glendalough/Sally Gap
Enjoy your trip!
Pics from last time if you're interested:
http://travel.nexxtworld.com/ireland/
Sep 8th, 2003 | 07:34 AM
#7
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thanks so much all of you, I checked out the places you listed, all have a web page, with the exception of Waterside hotel, if you have a little more info on that one I'd be stoked. One more question, do we reserve a car here or will we find a better deal once we get there? And again thank you this forum is great. I looked at your photo's....wow.
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Sep 8th, 2003 | 07:44 AM
#8
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Definitely reserve your car from here. We made the mistake once of wanting to be flexible and renting only when we got to Europe, SOOO expensive. Try www.autoeurope.com. They have discout arrangements with the actual providers (like Avis or National). Also for driving in Ireland (on the "wrong" side of the road) you might consider getting an automatic transmission, more expensive but maybe easier unless you are used to driving manual transmission at home. Have a great trip!
Sep 8th, 2003 | 07:57 AM
#9
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Well, I suppose it would help if I was to get the name right. Too much thinking, I think. Sorry about that!
It's actually the Water's Edge Hotel.
http://www.watersedgehotel.ie/
Cobh was the point of departure for most Irish emigration and there's an exhibition on the subject right next to the hotel. Very good restaurant in the hotel called Jacob's Ladder. Cobh was also the last port of call for the Titanic and the cathedral in town, St. Colmans, is worth a walk up. You can see it on the front page of their website, in the background.
It's actually the Water's Edge Hotel.
http://www.watersedgehotel.ie/
Cobh was the point of departure for most Irish emigration and there's an exhibition on the subject right next to the hotel. Very good restaurant in the hotel called Jacob's Ladder. Cobh was also the last port of call for the Titanic and the cathedral in town, St. Colmans, is worth a walk up. You can see it on the front page of their website, in the background.
Sep 12th, 2003 | 04:14 PM
#10
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I have been trying to post a message for days, has anyone else had trouble? Anyway thanks so much for all your help, I am so looking forward to traveling in Ireland, it sounds so perfect. We wondered should we really spend the $ for an automatic if you all think it makes that much difference I would love to know, and thanks for the tip to rent from USA much easier I guess. Would you drive back to Dublin the same way (or maybe it's the only way to go, the way we came) we will head south and then west as everyone thinks that's the best way, just wondered if you had any suggestions for the way back. Also do you knw about Bunratty dinner, it is fancy dress or are jeans okay, are jeans okay just about everywhere you go, or will we feel underdressed? Anything else you found helpful, I am all ears. we are coming from Hawaii so we know we have to bring warm clothes, but how warm do you think? thanks
Sep 13th, 2003 | 03:53 AM
#11
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We don't rent an automatic, but we don't drive them at home, either. It takes a little bit of adjustment to get used to shifting with the left hand, but we're onto it within a short time. If you're used to driving a standard shift, I wouldn't pay the significant additional expense for an automatic.
I don't know about the Bunratty dinner, but jeans are fine just about anywhere. (They do take awhile to dry, though, if you get caught in rain.)Unless you're going to very upscale places, you're going to find Ireland to be very casual. I take a pair of black pants which can make me feel dressed up enough if I'm in a good restaurant.
Since the weather can be unpredictable, take stuff you can layer. I wore a fleece pullover over a long-sleeved shirt over a T-shirt...and peeled as the temperature rose and the sun came out. A good raincoat is worth having, too.
I don't know about the Bunratty dinner, but jeans are fine just about anywhere. (They do take awhile to dry, though, if you get caught in rain.)Unless you're going to very upscale places, you're going to find Ireland to be very casual. I take a pair of black pants which can make me feel dressed up enough if I'm in a good restaurant.
Since the weather can be unpredictable, take stuff you can layer. I wore a fleece pullover over a long-sleeved shirt over a T-shirt...and peeled as the temperature rose and the sun came out. A good raincoat is worth having, too.
Sep 15th, 2003 | 10:37 AM
#12
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thanks for the reply Mary Z, do you know the Jury's hotel in Ballsbridge(sp), we have reservations for the 1st 3 nights before we rent a car and take off? I would rather stay some place less $$ but just didn't know where to book, if you have any suggestions, we prefer to stay city center as we will walk every where, but we like to walk so a couple miles is nothing. Has anyone heard of Landsdowne hotel or Aerial house both in Dublin? thanks again.
Sep 16th, 2003 | 07:53 AM
#14
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Can't resist thinking about your trip to Ireland having been there for about same length of time two years ago in the Fall. We were with an Elderhostel group located north of Dublin (Navan)one week and in Limerick for the other, plus extras days in Dublin beforehand and in Killarney afterwards.
What impressed us? Dublin itself with pub music and plays and history (incl. Kilmainham Goal, Book of Kells). Glendalough, Russborough, Newgrange, Rock of Cashel, Burren, Galway Bay, Craggaunowen, Dingle...so much to see and so much we missed!
As mentioned, a lot depends on your interests...ours were history, scenery, spiritual centers, Celtic music. An advantage of an Elderhostel/tour/good guidebook is really knowing about what you are looking at. I take copious notes a tape recorder and slides so that I have a clear record.
Good luck. Oh yes, we enjoyed dinner at Bunratty pub rather than the banquet...partly a matter of cost.
Bill in Missouri
Sep 16th, 2003 | 08:35 AM
#15
Joined: Jan 2003
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lillymayo, Ballsbridge is a bit of a hike from Dublin City Centre, but it can be walked. I believe somewhere near Jury's (a closer walk, let's say) there is the DART train which will get you to the city centre as well. I suggest that or a cab to get there. There are many hotels now in the centre, I recently stayed at Jury's Christchurch, which is a one-rate hotel, but you get what you pay for, believe me. It was acceptable, but very standard and nothing special at all.
Sep 21st, 2003 | 07:41 AM
#17
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Has anyone stayed at the Glenogra guest house? It looks good on the web site and not a bad price...also can you take the Air coach? with a suitcase or is a taxi the only way from the airport to your hotel in Dublin? thanks for all the help, we leave Oct. 1st., can't wait.
