8 days in ireland
Nov 1st, 2015, 06:00 PM
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8 days in ireland
we will be in Ireland November 8 thru 16th. this is a castle tour and we have reservations for 2 nights in each of the following: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Dublin, Kilronan Castle Hotel in Ballyfarnon, Dromoland Castle in Newmarket on Fergus, and Cabra Castle Hotel in County Cavan. A bit overwhelmed with making an itinerary. Any suggestions?
Nov 2nd, 2015, 02:00 AM
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This is the typical end of season castle scattering, have seen it for a few years now. It makes a convoluted figure of eight through the Midlands.
What is it you want to try and fit into this fixed point plan? Fitzpatrick is handy for Wicklow. Glendalough and or the National Stud/Japanese Gardens, maybe the Rock of Dunamase.
Kilronan gives a day trip to Sligo area ?
The second longest run is between there and Dromoland which could be used for a day in south & west Clare? but what to see on the run down? Knock? Museum of Country life, not sure if that's closing to revamp the 1916 exhibition? Galway?
Dromoland to Cavan possibly via Nenagh and Birr possibly Belvedere manor (if you haven't seen enough of big houses and gardens). Cabra can be used for Newgrange, Trim, Battle of the Boyne.
Other options are available but these hotels are generally sold on the making use of the "resort" basis.
What is it you want to try and fit into this fixed point plan? Fitzpatrick is handy for Wicklow. Glendalough and or the National Stud/Japanese Gardens, maybe the Rock of Dunamase.
Kilronan gives a day trip to Sligo area ?
The second longest run is between there and Dromoland which could be used for a day in south & west Clare? but what to see on the run down? Knock? Museum of Country life, not sure if that's closing to revamp the 1916 exhibition? Galway?
Dromoland to Cavan possibly via Nenagh and Birr possibly Belvedere manor (if you haven't seen enough of big houses and gardens). Cabra can be used for Newgrange, Trim, Battle of the Boyne.
Other options are available but these hotels are generally sold on the making use of the "resort" basis.
Nov 2nd, 2015, 03:39 AM
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thanks Tony. We arrive and leave from Dublin, are planning to remain in the Dublin area first 2 days for city life, then concentrate on countryside, small towns. we hear Cliffs of Moher is a must, as is Kerry and the southern tip. Do you have any suggestions specific to the above?
Nov 2nd, 2015, 04:10 AM
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There is not a great deal of high-impact stuff very close to Kingscourt; the forest park just across the road might be enjoyable if the weather is favourable. Within striking distance you have Trim Castle, the Boyne Valley (Newgrange, Mellifont Abbey, Monasterboice).
I had to look up Kilronan, as I have never heard of it. Lots of interesting stuff nearby, including Arigna mines (guided tour of an old coal mine - but perhaps not available in November), Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle Abbey, King's House at Boyle.
The sequencing of your stops is awful, and at this time of year you cannot expect suitable weather for planning a scenic route. It might be best to bite the bullet and just treat the transfers as part of the price you have to pay, and concentrate on things that are conveniently close to each of your hotels.
I had to look up Kilronan, as I have never heard of it. Lots of interesting stuff nearby, including Arigna mines (guided tour of an old coal mine - but perhaps not available in November), Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle Abbey, King's House at Boyle.
The sequencing of your stops is awful, and at this time of year you cannot expect suitable weather for planning a scenic route. It might be best to bite the bullet and just treat the transfers as part of the price you have to pay, and concentrate on things that are conveniently close to each of your hotels.
Nov 2nd, 2015, 04:48 AM
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If you want to see Kerry then the only free days are the 2 you have planned for Dublin. You could use those as both Fitzpatrick and Cabra are within reach of the city. Fitzpatrick is ideal for a day in Dublin.
Getting to Killarney from Dublin on arrival means getting to Dublin Heuston station and taking the train. You can get tours from Killarney even in November to see the ring and other immediate options, Muckross, Gap of Dunloe etc and Dingle as a daytour. Then return to Dublin and start the package. If at the end you would need to get back to Dublin for your last night. The last train between Killarney and Dublin is around 1/2 past 7. There are also flights between Dublin and Kerry Airports but these are commuter flights from Dublin's Kerry suburb so suit a day in Dublin from Kerry rather than the other way round.
The Cliffs are part of the west Clare options from Dromoland, You could also have a night out in Ennis or Newmarket on Furgus from there to meet the locals, I am down in Ennis for Trad fest but that ends on the 9th so before you get down there.
A possible option from Kilronan might be up to the Slieve League in Donnegal calling at Belleek and or Bundoran. Or as said earlier sights around Sligo http://www.discoversligo.com/ Arigna mines given by Padraig will be open but you have to book tours, (Santa doesn't arrive there until the end of November though).
Getting to Killarney from Dublin on arrival means getting to Dublin Heuston station and taking the train. You can get tours from Killarney even in November to see the ring and other immediate options, Muckross, Gap of Dunloe etc and Dingle as a daytour. Then return to Dublin and start the package. If at the end you would need to get back to Dublin for your last night. The last train between Killarney and Dublin is around 1/2 past 7. There are also flights between Dublin and Kerry Airports but these are commuter flights from Dublin's Kerry suburb so suit a day in Dublin from Kerry rather than the other way round.
The Cliffs are part of the west Clare options from Dromoland, You could also have a night out in Ennis or Newmarket on Furgus from there to meet the locals, I am down in Ennis for Trad fest but that ends on the 9th so before you get down there.
A possible option from Kilronan might be up to the Slieve League in Donnegal calling at Belleek and or Bundoran. Or as said earlier sights around Sligo http://www.discoversligo.com/ Arigna mines given by Padraig will be open but you have to book tours, (Santa doesn't arrive there until the end of November though).
