One week from lift off!
Have you started packing yet, Callalilli?

Hi IC... well... yes.. its so close now.. I have started preliminary packing - meds, toiletries, notebook, camera, ipod, pjs, ziplocs, foldup extra duffle, oh yea.. passport.. we're looking forward to meeting all of you, and picking your brain some more. I'm thinking we may stay in Doolin first night instead of Bunratty. Heard some really nice things about Doolin, and I dont think it should be too much driving the first day, though it will add to day 2 going to the Shores. So many decisions!! We also changed our Carrigeen Castle stay so we have one night between that we will play by ear. I'm SO EXCITED!! oh - one more thing. . please pray or cross your fingers (whichever you are apt to do) that we get on our flight to Boston on Thursday. We are flying standby (I work for one of the airlines -- no names right now) and it makes travel just a bit more - um - interesting. (no - not standby to Ireland.. just to Boston) thanks again for the last minute tips and updates.

Just returned and Doolin was the perfect distance for the first day. Be sure to stop at Cliffs of Moher on the way or go back for sunset. Ennistymon on the way had a great little bakery for Queen's cakes stuffed with jam and cream. Have a great trip!

Doolin is a good idea. Likewise the extra day between the Shores and Cahir --Kenmare, perhaps??
Good to know you are NOT standby on the SNN flight -- at last check, there were only four empty seats and they were scattered, as singles.
Is the Arizona to BOS a high demand flight? Good luck!
Bob

Thanks marshacarlin .. i'll look forward to some Queens cakes. I'm having a hard time finding any availability in Doolin that night due to it being a Public Holiday weekend. I've emailed 4 places already. If I don't find something tomoro, looks like we're staying in Bunratty.
We shouldn't have a problem getting to BOS unless something like a cancelled flight - and we're going the day before so we'll have a few options.
no worries.. but i still dont have a jacket. They're not easy to find in AZ this time of year. Any chance I could just buy one in Ireland when we get there? haha.. like i said.. no worries.

Actually, they will probably be on sale in Ireland while you are there. When our luggage was delayed, we bought fleece jackets at the Blarney Woolen Mills store in Shannon for my wife and I got a really cheap one from the Dunne's store in Clonmel. That was in April.

did you try the Seaview B and B?
http://www.ireland-doolin.com/
we just stayed there, it was great, great location, nice rooms 35 E/per person I think.

Just checked the AAROADWATCH>IE site, and there is road construction on the N18 below Bunratty that narrows the road down to a single lane in each direction. Don't expect it to be a big problem early on a Saturday morning, but thought everyone might want to know.

Try Ennistymon or Lisdoonvarna, to the north of Doolin, or Liscannor, Lahinch, to the south. You will have PLENTY of daylight, and they are quite close to the 'action' in Doolin.
Bob

Itallian_Chauffer,

Last time I looked at my Ordnance Survey map of Ireland Ennistymon was southeast of Doolin not far from Lahinch. Maybe the leprechauns have been having fun with your map when you weren't looking! ((r))

callalilli, Have you tried O'Connor's Farmhouse? Nice place. Ground floor rooms in new wing are huge. http://www.oconnorsdoolin.com/

IrishEyes:
No leprechauns, just my old, addled dyslexia. Either way though, they are all close enough to Doolin, given the Bank Holiday Weekend, I would think.

callalilli,

Did you try REI.com for fleece jackets? I just got a nice one on sale for $40. They also have Marmot Precip jackets which are great for rain and can layer over the fleece.

Thanks All for suggestions.. I did try Sea View House - full. I received a response from Ashling House that they are full, but advised their neighbor - Doolin House has availability. I'm going to call them in about an hour.. give em time to wake up.. Tho maybe I'll check O'Connors first - thnx Irisheyes. Seems like a good location - within 5min of pubs. Also - thanks Bucky for REI tip... I actually was there this morning and am really happy with my fleece and Helly Hansen rain coat.
My son just walked in and I told him about all the great help all you Fodorites are.. He said it'll be our turn soon. . I can't wait !!
IC - see you in a couple of days! definitely packing tomorro and the PHXBOS flights look fine. 24hours in Boston -- hope we find something to do..

Not sure if anyone mentioned this previously, but another tip that may or may not be useful:

Call your credit cards (that you will use abroad) and let them know you will be there... Otherwise, it may look like suspicious activity and they might stop usage until they contact you for confirmation. That's if you have a conscientious credit card company. :) I don't know how often this has happened to people, but I've actually had CC people call me to confirm "un-normal" activity.

Hi callalilli, have a great trip, as for 24 hours in Boston: Endless choices. Walk the freedom trail, go to Quincy matket, there is a tourist office near. See Quincy Market itself. Park Street Church, Paul Reveres' house in the North End(Little Italy, great food) Museum of Fine Arts, Science Museum, The Aquarium, Swan Boats, Boston Common, Antiqueing on Charles Street(just off the common). Faneuil Hall, Take a Duck Tour(Amphibious WWII land and sea tour. "Old Ironsides" in Charlestown etc.....The Subway will get you anywhere that you can't walk. Boston is a great city. Mind you, its no Paris but we New Englanders love it. yy4me

thanks amyprib -- got that checked off my list. called them tonight. also - thanks to yy4me - thats a lot to do in 24hours!! j/k. great ideas. i'm sure we'll do something fun.
i am packed and ready to go. and finally found a place to stay in Doolin! yeay!
one more question (i know this thread has totally changed from the original car rental question).. does anyone know if the cars in Ireland have the same lighter in them as the US? my son wants to plug in his iPod. thanks all.

Lighters are the same in cars in Ireland and the US. Your son won't be bored. Where are you finally staying in Doolin?

with regards to the ipod question. My son brought his ipod and a special adaptor so that the music could be played throughout the car, not just in his ears. The car we had didn't have a tape player,which is where this gizmo would plug in, just CD, so it didn't work........I guess you have to grateful for small favors.

Thanks for the lighter info.. we are doing our last minute packing now. Leaving for Boston noon tomorrow, and not looking back (well, what I mean is.. no worries about items forgotten). We're staying at the Fernhill Farmhouse in Lisdoonvarna - the woman I spoke to - Suzanne - sounds like the nicest, friendliest person ever!! Looking forward to meeting her. Next time I post - it will all be memories!!

Is that lady a Matchmaker? You do know about Lisdoonvarna, don't you? We are begining to THINK about packing, but we have one more day than you. See ya at Logan ...

Bob

haha.. heard something about the matchmaking there..
hey.. here's something i came across that you all might be interested in..
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=w01191677