Eire experts: Dingle B&B, Dromoland extras, and Football finals
 

Hi All,
So H and I will be part of the horde heading over to Ireland in September, and I thought I wouldn't have any ?'s due to the plethora of posts, but can somebody pls. advise on:

1) nice B&B in Dingle proper. We have the dreaded vouchers, but I haven't had any problems booking places so far. Need one night; the next we're at the Shores [thx Budman and wojazz! Annette was hilarious on the phone...I promised I'd give her transcripts of Budman's report (hope that's OK). We're really looking forward to staying there.]

2) We'd like to either do some fishing or go horseback riding while at Dromoland - anybody done either? How steep is the additional charge? I'll probably wait to arrange depending on the weather.

3) And perhaps most important - we'll be in Galway for the Oyster festival, and will need rec's on places to watch the Senior Football Championship Finals on the 26th (would've loved to have gotten tix in Croke Park, but there's that pesky mortgage...sigh)

Thanks, all, as usual, and promise to post a nice, wordy trip report...

Hi ahaugeto:

Tell Annette that Bill and Felicity say Hi. We probably won't get to see her until at least Fall of 05. We just missed her last year.

Not sure about the cost of organizing a fishing or horseback riding trip but they have a US toll free number (1-800-346-7007) which could probably give you some quick answers.

I would guess you would be hard pressed to find a pub that didn't have the final on the tube. I don't have a favorite in Galway. It seems there is some sort of final every week being televised throughout the Bristish Isles.

Have Fun!!!

Bill

AHaugeto - I forgot to copyright my trip report -- go for it. ((a))

You'll love Annette and dinner at the Shores. ((b))

Although not "in Town" proper, The Lighthouse on High Street has excellent views of the harbor, etc. and IS within walking distance of town center (though you should have no problem driving in (3-5 minutes)and parking in Sept. We did so in June without too much hassle and it should also be quieter sleeping.

Hi AHaugeto - we stayed at Dromoland last week end and were told at reception that all activities (tennis, skeet, archery, horse back riding, etc) were included in the price of the room with the exception of spa services and golf. We were amazed at that but didn't check into further as we were only there for one night and didn't plan to do any. If you haven't been, you will love Dromoland. The Earl of Thomand restaurant was a real treat too.

Also, in Dingle we stayed at Heaton's guesthouse and can highly recommend it. It's a short 5 minute or less walk into town. The Shores looked lovely and I wish we had split our stay like you are.

Enjoy!

Thanks all. I wound up reserving the John Street B&B in Dingle so we'll just have to see how it is and report back...

Anyway, I'm topping in the hopes that someone (Siobhan? Ann?) might be able to tell me when the game is on this Sunday. The GAA website is no help (just says it's this Sunday), and I can't get good info on the various TV/Bank of Ireland websites I went to (though some were quite amusing...). We're trying to figure out our options for driving around the Connemarra on Sunday, but would love to soak up the craic and watch the game in a pub... Thanks again.

Not familiar with the voucher but we stayed at Heaton's Guesthouse in Dingle and I was floored. Felt like I was in someone's lovely well appointed home- great view but at the end of the town.

Every pub or hotel with a TV will be showing the finals. Just pop into any place and look for the crowd watching. Go earlier if you want a seat in the pub.

The Senior match will start at 3:30pm and if you're in Galway city centre the Quays pub on Shop Street usually attracts a large crowd and has a good atmosphere.

We stayed at Emalgh Lodge
http://www.emlaghlodge.com/
While in Dingle. The host maggie is wonderful rooms are very clean and very comfortable. All rooms have a view of Dingle Bay and its about a 5 minute stroll into town. Its quiet and very close to town center. We loved it there. Great rates as well!

Kerry and Mayo kick off at 3:30. Pre-game at 12:35 and the minor final at 1:30.