foodnut

Our family of 4 --including our 18 and 21 year students--is going to Ireland for the first time, arriving on the 12th. We're spending the first night in Dublin, then on to Castle Leslie(2 hrs.north) for a 50th b-day celebration for our brother-in-law. After that, we're open to anything till the the 18th when we return to Dublin for a flight out late the 19th. (My husband's great-grandparents are from County Longord, so a look-see is in order there.)

We live near Seattle so water, walking, gardens, good food and spirits are in order. (I promised our kids a tour of Guinness, Jamison or somesuch.)Most everything seems to say "go west, young man". Any must-see's in the west? Great B&B's? Golfing spots for dad and son? Have a car rented from AutoEurope(which was great in Italy last year.) It's a last-minute trip so we hope to keep it non-stressed. Our daughter needs a bathroom so "ensuite" rooms are fine in B&B's. Hubby thinks making a home base somewhere west is best, then day trip out.
Thanks,in advance, for all your Emerald Isle advice!!

jheim

Hello,

Such a short time, so much to do.

If you want to keep it leisurely, like the idea of a home base and you are already headed North you may want to consider Northern Ireland.

A good base for daytripping would be in Portrush.

For accommodations you may want to consider a self-serve cottage rental - offers the privacy your daughter requires.

As for golf courses - Ireland has great golf courses everwhere.

NEDSIRELAND

You might consider doing the Guinness Brewery tour the day you arrive. It's a low stress thing that you should be able to handle even with jetlag.

I seek out 9-hole links courses: that way I don't have to kill an entire day playing Golf - the best I've found so far is Spanish Point, County Clare. So, if you're traveling from Galway to Killimer to catch the ferry you could fit in a 2-hour golf stop there. It's nicer than the much higher priced Lahinch Golf links (about 7-mi away). There's not much nearby except the Armada Hotel, so the 'boys' could drop you and your daughter in Lahinch to do some shopping while they play golf. There are some nice shops in Lahinch and the ITB store had some unbelievable bargains (30% off everything) when we were there in March.

There's another 9-hole layout on an island about 20-mi west of Galway City. Head for Carraroe; when you cross the causeway from Ross a'Veal you'll see a Texaco station on your right. As soon as you pass that station, turn right. That will take you to Connemara Isles G.C. I posted a couple of photos on http://groups.msn.com/IrelandPictures-Golf&more

I don't know how widespread a practice this is but once, at Carne Golf Links in County Mayo I told the lady at the desk that I was just going to play the back-9 (for buggy rental) and she just charged me half the buggy rental and half the posted Greens Fee.

rshersnow

You are not at all nuts. That time frame is very do-able with plenty of time to catch other sites such as the town of Kilkenney and it's castle and the Waterford Crystal factory. We used the DK Eyewitness book and the Fodor's books to find plenty of fun side-trips when we went and easily made it there in four days. Have fun!

Ann41

foodnut-I'm curious, where is Castle Leslie? I live about 2 hours north of Dublin and haven't heard of it before.

NEDSIRELAND

Sorry, that web page I mentioned is http://groups.msn.com/IrelandPictures-GolfMore
My initial post indicated an ampersand between Golf and More; that was wrong.

DavidD

Ann,

Castle Leslie has quite an interesting history. Located in the northern reaches of County Monaghan, in the town of Glaslough (very close to the N. Ireland border), the castle has played host to a number of noteworthy artists, politicians, celebrities, including W.B. Yeats, Winston Churchill, and Mick Jagger. The castle features numerous antiques and loads of atmosphere. Think 19th century, as there are no TVs or phones.
You might have to tap into your Irish mad money supply as well, as all that atmosphere doesn't come cheap.

Foodnut, as to your travel plans, given that you'll have but four days before heading back to Dublin, might I suggest that, rather than making the long drive to Dingle (glorious, but save it for your next trip to Ireland), spend your time in nearby County Fermanagh and Co. Sligo.

Fermanagh is one of the island's most lovely and underrated regions (so much the better for discriminating travelers), as it features numerous tourist attractions, including the "big houses" of Florence Court and Castle Coole, Marble Arch caves, the round tower and monastic ruins on Devenish Island, along with enjoyable drives along Lough Erne. Belleek Pottery is also based in the area.

While in the region, try to spend some time back in the Republic, in County Sligo. Here you'll find numerous attractions, including Sligo town and its connections to Yeats, Park's Castle, and the ever-inspiring sight of Benbulben Mountain.

Pick up a good travel guide that covers these regions (The Rough Guide is first-rate; Fodor's is good, too), and enjoy.

Bestof luck.

jheim

Hello foodnut,

(DavidD - you are giving out highly protected information that requires a top secret tourist clearance. NO ONE knows about Fermanagh County . . . yet).

I second the suggestion - even though I suggested Portrush previously. Enniskellen is a super town for a base. If you do choose self-catering, look into Belle Isle.

Either is a good choice.

Have a great time.

nattie

One thing I have learned about driving in Ireland over the years is that you should always give yourself more travel time than the locals estimate. If they tell you it takes two hours, prepare to be in the car for three. If you stay on the main highways travel is quicker, however, many times reaching a particular destination requires taking a rural route. These roads are narrow, often only one vehicle can pass at a time, and in my experience warrant driving slower than on the major route.
Ireland is a lush, beautiful country any time of the year. I am sure you will enjoy your trip.