Best Little Guide to Ireland not in book stores?
Oct 28th, 2004, 01:07 PM
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Best Little Guide to Ireland not in book stores?
I saw a recommendation for this book but my local Barnes and Noble couldn't find it in their computer. Is this book only available through the mail? And is it worth it? So far, I have purchased Frommers and Rick Steves, which I just got today.
I like the idea of a book that tells you the unvarnished truth, rather than glowing reports of everything. It looks like the Steves book is honest that way (he doesn't rate the ring of Kerry too highly).
I originally planned to spend a week in a self catering home in Kenmare with a few nights in Dublin afterwards and just one night somewhere near Shannon the day we land. We have 11 nights total, flying into Shannon very early Friday morning and leaving from Dublin on the tuesday. Because we have two teens, and desire two rooms, the self catering option appealed to me for space and economy. But since they are all Sat - Sat, I'm beginnig to think this is not the way to go.
We want to see Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, and a good castle or two (Cahir?) before heading to Dublin. I think now we will skip the Ring of Kerry this trip after hearing about the summer crowds and buses. (We're going the last week of June).
Don't want to spend too many long days in the car. Staying in a home sounded good in theory, but it would limit us. When we land at Shannon, it will be 1 am our time, 7 am in Ireland. So it might be nice to have two nights (Fri and Sat) to get acclimated and begin to relax. (Stay in Lahinch maybe.)
Then we could go to Dingle for a few nights, then somewhere further east for a couple nights before our last three nights in Dublin. How does that sound? That would give us two or three nights in each area, which is more moving than I wanted, but I've been bitten by the bug after researching further!
Any suggestions on a nice area to stay between Dingle and Dublin? I originally thought we would drive to Dublin from the west coast with no stops in between, but now I'm thinking that is too long, and we'd have no time to check out Cahir Castle, which sounds neat. If we stayed in County Cork, would that be too far south?
Thanks to all you helpful folks. I am really swinging back and forth on what to do. I'm still tempted to opt for a week in self catering, but because we have to go to Dublin at the end (visit our daughter at Trinity) it might make for too much driving all in one day.
I like the idea of a book that tells you the unvarnished truth, rather than glowing reports of everything. It looks like the Steves book is honest that way (he doesn't rate the ring of Kerry too highly).
I originally planned to spend a week in a self catering home in Kenmare with a few nights in Dublin afterwards and just one night somewhere near Shannon the day we land. We have 11 nights total, flying into Shannon very early Friday morning and leaving from Dublin on the tuesday. Because we have two teens, and desire two rooms, the self catering option appealed to me for space and economy. But since they are all Sat - Sat, I'm beginnig to think this is not the way to go.
We want to see Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, and a good castle or two (Cahir?) before heading to Dublin. I think now we will skip the Ring of Kerry this trip after hearing about the summer crowds and buses. (We're going the last week of June).
Don't want to spend too many long days in the car. Staying in a home sounded good in theory, but it would limit us. When we land at Shannon, it will be 1 am our time, 7 am in Ireland. So it might be nice to have two nights (Fri and Sat) to get acclimated and begin to relax. (Stay in Lahinch maybe.)
Then we could go to Dingle for a few nights, then somewhere further east for a couple nights before our last three nights in Dublin. How does that sound? That would give us two or three nights in each area, which is more moving than I wanted, but I've been bitten by the bug after researching further!
Any suggestions on a nice area to stay between Dingle and Dublin? I originally thought we would drive to Dublin from the west coast with no stops in between, but now I'm thinking that is too long, and we'd have no time to check out Cahir Castle, which sounds neat. If we stayed in County Cork, would that be too far south?
Thanks to all you helpful folks. I am really swinging back and forth on what to do. I'm still tempted to opt for a week in self catering, but because we have to go to Dublin at the end (visit our daughter at Trinity) it might make for too much driving all in one day.
Oct 28th, 2004, 04:33 PM
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The Best Little Guide to Ireland is only available through Michele Erdvig's website www.irelandyes.com. I like it especially for B&B recommendations.
I was trying to reverse our recent trip to see if it would work for you, but I just opened a bottle of Bushmill's tonight and find my brain too hazy to help, so will leave you to the Ireland gurus!
(The one thought I did want to add is that we don't have any trouble driving for a few hours on the first day we arrive; we made it to Kinsale with nary a nap along the road. Well, okay, I had a 10 minute nap in the car because I didn't get a wink of sleep on the plane, but DH was able to sleep a bit and was good to go when we landed. Make frequent stops to get out and walk a bit!)
I think two nights would be enough for Dingle. You could head east from there, stopping in Kenmare for a night or two. Then a night or two around Cork (Kinsale became one of our favorites on this trip!), then up toward Dublin through, and even staying the night, in Cashel.
Wait, I wasn't going to make any suggestions!
I was trying to reverse our recent trip to see if it would work for you, but I just opened a bottle of Bushmill's tonight and find my brain too hazy to help, so will leave you to the Ireland gurus!
(The one thought I did want to add is that we don't have any trouble driving for a few hours on the first day we arrive; we made it to Kinsale with nary a nap along the road. Well, okay, I had a 10 minute nap in the car because I didn't get a wink of sleep on the plane, but DH was able to sleep a bit and was good to go when we landed. Make frequent stops to get out and walk a bit!)
I think two nights would be enough for Dingle. You could head east from there, stopping in Kenmare for a night or two. Then a night or two around Cork (Kinsale became one of our favorites on this trip!), then up toward Dublin through, and even staying the night, in Cashel.
Wait, I wasn't going to make any suggestions!
Oct 28th, 2004, 05:49 PM
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Thanks Allison. Yes, I was considering Kinsale also.
As far as landing at 1 am our time, I'm not so sure about hopping in the car and driving all that way. How many hours is it from Shannon to Kinsale? I've only flown to Europe once, when I was in my early 20s (20+ years ago!) Neither of us slept at all on the plane and after landing in Brussels, hopped on a train for Paris. Couldn't sleep on the train either due to a very chatty compartment mate, and when we arrived in Paris, discovered our hotel reservation had been cancelled. We had a lot of trouble finding a room that night, and we were so wiped out. Maybe because of that experience, I don't really want a long first day.
Also, we will be traveling with our 2 teens, and although they could sleep in the car, I think they will want to get to our first night's stop sooner rather than later. Although I guess we won't be able to check in till afternoon anyway.
But if we want to see the Cliffs of Moher, I was thinking that would be an easier first night's destination than Dingle or Kinsale, no?
As far as landing at 1 am our time, I'm not so sure about hopping in the car and driving all that way. How many hours is it from Shannon to Kinsale? I've only flown to Europe once, when I was in my early 20s (20+ years ago!) Neither of us slept at all on the plane and after landing in Brussels, hopped on a train for Paris. Couldn't sleep on the train either due to a very chatty compartment mate, and when we arrived in Paris, discovered our hotel reservation had been cancelled. We had a lot of trouble finding a room that night, and we were so wiped out. Maybe because of that experience, I don't really want a long first day.
Also, we will be traveling with our 2 teens, and although they could sleep in the car, I think they will want to get to our first night's stop sooner rather than later. Although I guess we won't be able to check in till afternoon anyway.
But if we want to see the Cliffs of Moher, I was thinking that would be an easier first night's destination than Dingle or Kinsale, no?
Oct 28th, 2004, 08:08 PM
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Bucky, Lahinch, Doolin or Ballyvaughan might work out for your first day or two in Ireland. They are about 1 1/2 hours from Shannon. It is a pretty easy drive even for the jet lagged. Loop Head rivals the Cliffs of Moher and does not have the circus atmosphere but you will read little about it in most books. Maybe you can do it on your second day. If you travel from the coast of Clare down to Dingle you might consider taking the ferry across the Shannon to cut down on the drive time.
Cahir Castle is one of Ireland's best. I suggest seeing the film, taking the tour and then wandering around yourselves. There are many winding spiral staircases to explore and lots of nooks and crannies to see. But beware of the "stumble steps" deliberately built into the castle. It is easy to trip on them if you are not paying attention. I also like the Swiss Cottage because it is unique and romantic. There is a scenic walk along the river (about a mile) that connects the Swiss Cottage and Cahir Castle if the weather is good. Cashel might be a good town for your halfway point between Dingle and Dublin. Be sure to see the Rock of Cashel, which is well worth the visit.
Cahir Castle is one of Ireland's best. I suggest seeing the film, taking the tour and then wandering around yourselves. There are many winding spiral staircases to explore and lots of nooks and crannies to see. But beware of the "stumble steps" deliberately built into the castle. It is easy to trip on them if you are not paying attention. I also like the Swiss Cottage because it is unique and romantic. There is a scenic walk along the river (about a mile) that connects the Swiss Cottage and Cahir Castle if the weather is good. Cashel might be a good town for your halfway point between Dingle and Dublin. Be sure to see the Rock of Cashel, which is well worth the visit.
Oct 30th, 2004, 12:21 PM
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I have always found it better to plan some activity the first day when traveling to Europe to get myself on the new time and make an early night of it...maybe I'm just too excited to sleep.
That said, you would have plenty of time to check out the cliffs of moher and head for Dingle (if not stay in Doolin)...just take it easy and stop for scenic breaks.
splitting time between (2)Dingle-slea head drive, (3)Kenmare-Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Muckross house/abbey,Beara Pen., (2)Kinsale-Charles Fort, Blarney, and (1)Cashel-Cahir, Rock of Cashel would leave 3 nights in Dublin-could stop to see Kilkenny Castle on the way.
In Ireland, with driving conditions, I think it is easier to avoid backtracking as much as possible, so I think that staying in one place would limit what you could easily see in a day without a long drive.
I did order the guide book you mentioned but I didn't find it very helpful. I suggest going to the library and checking out a variety, then purchasing the most current issue of the one that you found most helpful.
I like Rick Steves, but it is not as comprehensive as some other guides. I also enjoy the Frommer's Best-Loved Driving Tours Series.
That said, you would have plenty of time to check out the cliffs of moher and head for Dingle (if not stay in Doolin)...just take it easy and stop for scenic breaks.
splitting time between (2)Dingle-slea head drive, (3)Kenmare-Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Muckross house/abbey,Beara Pen., (2)Kinsale-Charles Fort, Blarney, and (1)Cashel-Cahir, Rock of Cashel would leave 3 nights in Dublin-could stop to see Kilkenny Castle on the way.
In Ireland, with driving conditions, I think it is easier to avoid backtracking as much as possible, so I think that staying in one place would limit what you could easily see in a day without a long drive.
I did order the guide book you mentioned but I didn't find it very helpful. I suggest going to the library and checking out a variety, then purchasing the most current issue of the one that you found most helpful.
I like Rick Steves, but it is not as comprehensive as some other guides. I also enjoy the Frommer's Best-Loved Driving Tours Series.
Oct 30th, 2004, 02:02 PM
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From the info that Bucky has already given that he does not want a far drive on his first day, I would have to disagree with the notion of seeing the Cliffs of Moher and then driving to Dingle. That would be entirely too much driving for the day of arrival. There is plenty to do and see in west Clare for the first day. By staying somewhere near the cliffs Bucky can do as much or as little as jet lag permits.
As for guide books, that is a very personal matter and I won't go into which ones I preferred over another. Though I have an extensive collection, what I like in one may not be what someone else would find useful. Some I have chosen because of the pretty pictures and others because of the writing style or info or presentation. There are plenty to choose from about Ireland and by having a few you will get various opinions and info so that you can collect the best tips for your trip.
As for guide books, that is a very personal matter and I won't go into which ones I preferred over another. Though I have an extensive collection, what I like in one may not be what someone else would find useful. Some I have chosen because of the pretty pictures and others because of the writing style or info or presentation. There are plenty to choose from about Ireland and by having a few you will get various opinions and info so that you can collect the best tips for your trip.
Oct 31st, 2004, 01:57 AM
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What time of year are you going? If it's in your original post, I missed it, so I apologize.
If you're going in the off-season, you may still be able to get self-catering accommodation. If the place normally has trouble getting full week rentals in the off-season, they'll rent for a few days at a time.
If you're going in the off-season, you may still be able to get self-catering accommodation. If the place normally has trouble getting full week rentals in the off-season, they'll rent for a few days at a time.
Nov 2nd, 2004, 02:38 PM
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The Best Little Guide is a good reference that I like for taking with me. No pictures but a lot of information and updated yearly. A book with pictures is good for making initial plans, but hers is good for psecifics. It's not very little anymore either. Michele is a good resource for information and her forum is good also. She is quite pleasant and welcomes inputs from others.
Bill
Bill
Nov 2nd, 2004, 06:09 PM
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We spent 2 weeks in Ireland this summer. If I ever go again, I would definitely do a couple of things differently.
#1) spring for an automatic transmission; roads require much concentration;automatic would relieve part of the stress
#2) stay IN-town rather than OUT-of-town;doing so gives greater freedom to the teens;Guinnes and driving don't mix.
Have fun!
#1) spring for an automatic transmission; roads require much concentration;automatic would relieve part of the stress
#2) stay IN-town rather than OUT-of-town;doing so gives greater freedom to the teens;Guinnes and driving don't mix.
Have fun!
Nov 2nd, 2004, 06:13 PM
#11
You can also buy second hand copies in great condition at:
www.amazon.com,
www.alibris.com,
www.able.com
www.amazon.com,
www.alibris.com,
www.able.com
Nov 3rd, 2004, 10:17 AM
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cigalechanta, I was unable to find used copies of Best Little Guide to Ireland on the websites listed but who knows, maybe tomorrow. I did find the book available on the irelandyes site and also at Irish Books & Media. I am confused about able.com. Did you mean to post a differnt site? That one seems to be a communications company.
