Ireland Christmas 2006 - Itinerary Help Needed!
Dec 19th, 2006, 08:22 AM
#22
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janisj - Painfully aware of it. 
I'm actually living in Germany, so I see the short days here too.
We'd have to SOMEHOW get up before sunrise, grab a coffee and start our journey. I'm hoping to land a good cheap room back in Dublin on the last 2 days, coz I'm sure I'm gonna need a good rest after all that rushing about.
I'm actually living in Germany, so I see the short days here too.
We'd have to SOMEHOW get up before sunrise, grab a coffee and start our journey. I'm hoping to land a good cheap room back in Dublin on the last 2 days, coz I'm sure I'm gonna need a good rest after all that rushing about.
Dec 19th, 2006, 10:06 AM
#23
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You have done well so far: car organised, and the first three nights booked. What about eating on Christmas Day? Maybe you should ask the folks at the Claddagh Hostel for advice.
I think your friend did well on accommodation for your first night. It's north inner city, only about 800m. from O'Connell Bridge, arguably the centre of the city. Another 800m. gets you to Grafton Street, the area cailin suggests (and I agree with her). There are some social problems in the area around Parnell Street, mostly drug-related, so don't go wandering around randomly; get advice from the people at Kingfisher, who will know the ground. I presume that you are streetwise.
Have you thought about where you will park the car? Secure parking in the city centre is an issue. Again, ask the people at Kingfisher.
Connemara: what can I say? Perhaps my favourite place on earth. Start before full daylight, because the best stuff is about an hour out of Galway. If it is frosty and the road might be slippery, take the coast road, which will be less affected. Sigposting will be in Gaelic for some of the route, so if you have a map it might seem confusing. Go An Spideal, Indreabhain, Casla, Cill Chiarain, Carna, Roundstone. You will want to stop from time to time, especially if you want to take photographs. See if you can find lunch at Roundstone -- there are good eateries there, but they might not be open. It's a lovely spot. Then via Ballyconeely to Clifden. If you haven't found lunch and Roundstone, you might find something at Clifden. Check the time and daylight. You will have driven about 100 km, and the direct route back to Galway from Clifden is about 80 km, and it's a scenci route. If you are doing very well, you can take the longer and more scenic route via Letterfrack, Leenane, Maam, Maam Cross, and rejoin the Clifden-Galway road there.
Most Irish pubs and restaurants are closed on St. Stephen's Day (we don't call it Boxing Day here). It might be advisable to carry a backup supply of food and drink in the car just in case.
I think your friend did well on accommodation for your first night. It's north inner city, only about 800m. from O'Connell Bridge, arguably the centre of the city. Another 800m. gets you to Grafton Street, the area cailin suggests (and I agree with her). There are some social problems in the area around Parnell Street, mostly drug-related, so don't go wandering around randomly; get advice from the people at Kingfisher, who will know the ground. I presume that you are streetwise.
Have you thought about where you will park the car? Secure parking in the city centre is an issue. Again, ask the people at Kingfisher.
Connemara: what can I say? Perhaps my favourite place on earth. Start before full daylight, because the best stuff is about an hour out of Galway. If it is frosty and the road might be slippery, take the coast road, which will be less affected. Sigposting will be in Gaelic for some of the route, so if you have a map it might seem confusing. Go An Spideal, Indreabhain, Casla, Cill Chiarain, Carna, Roundstone. You will want to stop from time to time, especially if you want to take photographs. See if you can find lunch at Roundstone -- there are good eateries there, but they might not be open. It's a lovely spot. Then via Ballyconeely to Clifden. If you haven't found lunch and Roundstone, you might find something at Clifden. Check the time and daylight. You will have driven about 100 km, and the direct route back to Galway from Clifden is about 80 km, and it's a scenci route. If you are doing very well, you can take the longer and more scenic route via Letterfrack, Leenane, Maam, Maam Cross, and rejoin the Clifden-Galway road there.
Most Irish pubs and restaurants are closed on St. Stephen's Day (we don't call it Boxing Day here). It might be advisable to carry a backup supply of food and drink in the car just in case.
Dec 19th, 2006, 10:25 AM
#24
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Killarney Lodge is closed. Go to www.irelandhotels.com and choose something else.
Dec 19th, 2006, 10:26 AM
#25
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Wow Padraig, thanks for such great comments again! I'm gonna follow the path you suggested for the Connemara drive.
Update: I've (finally!!!) booked Railway Hostel in Killarney for 27th, so I only have 2 nights of hotel left open now (28th and 29th in Dublin).
For some reason almost all hostels are available on 28th but not the 29th. Is 29th a special day in Ireland too, why is it all sold out???
I'm a bit disgruntled that my friend did so well in booking the Kingfisher place... as he basically spent about total of 2 hours on it, and I've spent countless hours since yesterday! Bah - beginner's luck (... and sour grape, haha)...
Update: I've (finally!!!) booked Railway Hostel in Killarney for 27th, so I only have 2 nights of hotel left open now (28th and 29th in Dublin).
For some reason almost all hostels are available on 28th but not the 29th. Is 29th a special day in Ireland too, why is it all sold out???
I'm a bit disgruntled that my friend did so well in booking the Kingfisher place... as he basically spent about total of 2 hours on it, and I've spent countless hours since yesterday! Bah - beginner's luck (... and sour grape, haha)...
Dec 19th, 2006, 10:28 AM
#26
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IrishEyes - thanks for the tip! I've booked Railway Hostel in Killarney already.
Now just searching for my final two nights in Dublin -- on 28th and 29th. I'm determined to do it before the end of today, as I don't want to spend another day tomorrow on this! **determined**
Now just searching for my final two nights in Dublin -- on 28th and 29th. I'm determined to do it before the end of today, as I don't want to spend another day tomorrow on this! **determined**
Dec 19th, 2006, 10:51 AM
#27
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Check out this site... seems these hotels are available on the 28 and the 29th http://tinyurl.com/y3wr8t Good luck! Sounds like a spur-of-the-moment, fun trip!
Dec 19th, 2006, 11:03 AM
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michelleNYC - you saved my life!!!
I went to that link you gave me, and the first hotel was Cassidys Hotel which has excellent reviews on Traveladvisor.com. Whipped out my credit card, made a booking, and I have a hotel! Now, it is finally finished!!! Wheeeee... going to post my revised itinerary right now...
I went to that link you gave me, and the first hotel was Cassidys Hotel which has excellent reviews on Traveladvisor.com. Whipped out my credit card, made a booking, and I have a hotel! Now, it is finally finished!!! Wheeeee... going to post my revised itinerary right now...
Dec 19th, 2006, 11:19 AM
#30
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Hi Fodorites,
Finally after endless hours of work, here is my hammered-out itinerary. As you all helped me so much to fine-tune it, I feel that I owe it to you all to post this. Appreciate any further comments!
********************************
24 Dec
- 11:20am Arrive at Dublin airport, pick up Budget rental car at airport at 13:00, drive into city, check into hotel, join festive mood, look for a pub in Grafton Street (thanks, cailin!)
- Overnight: stay at The Kingfisher Apartments, 166 Parnell Road
25 Dec
- Morning: Breakfast, start drive to Galway
- Noon: Arrive at Galway, check into hostel
- Overnight: stay at Claddagh Hostel
26 Dec
- Day trip: drive around Connemara (according to Padraig's route recommendation)
- Overnight: stay at Claddagh Hostel
27 Dec
- Early Morning: Start drive to Killarney, stopping by Cliffs of Moher
- Noon: arrive at Killarney
- Afternoon: Drive to Gap of Dunlow
- Overnight: stay in Railway Hostel
28 Dec
- Morning: Breakfast, drive back to Dublin Airport to return car by 13:00!
- Afternoon: Take bus into Dublin city, check into hotel
- Overnight: stay in Cassidys Hotel (thanks to michelleNYC!!!)
29 Dec
- Explore Dublin
- Overnight: stay in Cassidys Hotel (thanks to michelleNYC!!!)
30 Dec
- Morning: Breakfast, then take bus to Dublin airport
- 12:20 Fly out of Dublin
********************************
I feel more settled now, and can rest better for the next few days... hopefully...
Thanks everyone!
Finally after endless hours of work, here is my hammered-out itinerary. As you all helped me so much to fine-tune it, I feel that I owe it to you all to post this. Appreciate any further comments!
********************************
24 Dec
- 11:20am Arrive at Dublin airport, pick up Budget rental car at airport at 13:00, drive into city, check into hotel, join festive mood, look for a pub in Grafton Street (thanks, cailin!)
- Overnight: stay at The Kingfisher Apartments, 166 Parnell Road
25 Dec
- Morning: Breakfast, start drive to Galway
- Noon: Arrive at Galway, check into hostel
- Overnight: stay at Claddagh Hostel
26 Dec
- Day trip: drive around Connemara (according to Padraig's route recommendation)
- Overnight: stay at Claddagh Hostel
27 Dec
- Early Morning: Start drive to Killarney, stopping by Cliffs of Moher
- Noon: arrive at Killarney
- Afternoon: Drive to Gap of Dunlow
- Overnight: stay in Railway Hostel
28 Dec
- Morning: Breakfast, drive back to Dublin Airport to return car by 13:00!
- Afternoon: Take bus into Dublin city, check into hotel
- Overnight: stay in Cassidys Hotel (thanks to michelleNYC!!!)
29 Dec
- Explore Dublin
- Overnight: stay in Cassidys Hotel (thanks to michelleNYC!!!)
30 Dec
- Morning: Breakfast, then take bus to Dublin airport
- 12:20 Fly out of Dublin
********************************
I feel more settled now, and can rest better for the next few days... hopefully...
Thanks everyone!
Dec 19th, 2006, 11:27 AM
#31
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As a matter of Interest, Cassidy's Hotel is about 100m from the Kingfisher! It will be familiar ground.
If your budget can take it, the best eatery in Dublin (Chapter 1) is less than 100m away, but you will need to book. If you expect to have spent most of your money by then, Cassidy's is very good for food at mid-market prices. I use it for the pre-theatre dinner when I go to the Gate Theatre, which is directly opposite.
It looks like your package is coming together well.
We (well, I can speak only for myself, really) will expect a trip report.
If your budget can take it, the best eatery in Dublin (Chapter 1) is less than 100m away, but you will need to book. If you expect to have spent most of your money by then, Cassidy's is very good for food at mid-market prices. I use it for the pre-theatre dinner when I go to the Gate Theatre, which is directly opposite.
It looks like your package is coming together well.
We (well, I can speak only for myself, really) will expect a trip report.
Dec 19th, 2006, 11:37 AM
#32
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michellenyc - a pint in your honour will certainly be drunk on Christmas Eve, mark my words!!!
Padraig - a trip report, certainly! I owe it to all of you! Wow, Cassidy's Hotel is really near to Kingfisher... and Cassidy's looks much better too - I did a quick check already if they're available on 24th, but unfortunately not
So with that, only thing that remains are:
- buy a Michelin Road Map when I arrive at Dublin airport
- print out all material
- pack my bags... did I miss anything?
- pack my camera and a journal for writing
I've a 2001 edition of Lonely Planet Ireland, and photocopies of Ireland section from 2005 edition Lonely Planet Western Europe. That should do it!
Did I miss anything???
Padraig - a trip report, certainly! I owe it to all of you! Wow, Cassidy's Hotel is really near to Kingfisher... and Cassidy's looks much better too - I did a quick check already if they're available on 24th, but unfortunately not
So with that, only thing that remains are:
- buy a Michelin Road Map when I arrive at Dublin airport
- print out all material
- pack my bags... did I miss anything?
- pack my camera and a journal for writing
I've a 2001 edition of Lonely Planet Ireland, and photocopies of Ireland section from 2005 edition Lonely Planet Western Europe. That should do it!
Did I miss anything???
Dec 19th, 2006, 03:31 PM
#34
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Pack a washcloth if you use one. Many places in Ireland do not supply them. Take plenty of film or memory for your camera. Take a electricity converter if you have that type of stuff. Most of all, have fun!
Dec 20th, 2006, 01:01 AM
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Sorry, I'd gone home by the time you posted again yesterday, but I think Padraig answered your questions. Parnell Street isn't the most salubrious of areas, but with a limited budget you don't have a huge amount of choice at this time of year. However, just keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.
I can second the recommendation for Chapter One - gorgeous food if your budget can stretch to it.
Have a fantastic trip. Might see you in Kehoe's on Christmas Eve!!
I look forward to the report.
I can second the recommendation for Chapter One - gorgeous food if your budget can stretch to it.
Have a fantastic trip. Might see you in Kehoe's on Christmas Eve!!
I look forward to the report.
Dec 20th, 2006, 03:37 AM
#36
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IrishEyes, michelleNYC - thanks!
cailin - how shall I find you in Kehoe's? I found the pub on google, it looks like a cool place to hang out on 24th! Hopefully after that, it's not too far to walk back to Parnell Street!
cailin - how shall I find you in Kehoe's?
I found the pub on google, it looks like a cool place to hang out on 24th! Hopefully after that, it's not too far to walk back to Parnell Street!
Dec 20th, 2006, 03:49 AM
#37
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I'll be the drunk one with a bunch of friends! (so that makes me different from everyone else in the pub..how?!).
It's only about a 20 minute stroll from South Anne Street to Parnell Street. After a few drinks you won't notice the cold!
It's only about a 20 minute stroll from South Anne Street to Parnell Street. After a few drinks you won't notice the cold!
Dec 20th, 2006, 04:28 AM
#38
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cailin, you'll know Why8 and his friend. They will be in holiday attire (loud print short-sleeved shirts, bermudas, sunhats, and sandals) and clutching a sheaf of printouts from this forum. Probably looking a little lost. Say hi for me.
It's a 20 minute walk back to Parnell Street, but staggering or crawling takes a bit longer.
It's a 20 minute walk back to Parnell Street, but staggering or crawling takes a bit longer.
Dec 20th, 2006, 07:15 AM
#39
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Padraig - AND camera! don't forget the camera! hehehe... 
cailin - seriously, could you drop me an e-mail (e-mail address on my 1st post up there), and I'll really look for you that night, AND buy you a beer!
20 minutes walk, can I make it??? I could threaten to drive, then boy, we'd be in trouble...
cailin - seriously, could you drop me an e-mail (e-mail address on my 1st post up there), and I'll really look for you that night, AND buy you a beer!
20 minutes walk, can I make it??? I could threaten to drive, then boy, we'd be in trouble...
Dec 20th, 2006, 07:16 AM
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PLEASE be careful in Parnell St and its environs. As another poster said, it's a rough area, and around Christmas time it could be even dodgier (26th December and afterwards are literally the worst times of the year for muggings and other crimes in Dublin). Keep your wits about you, and if you must get drunk then consider a taxi back to your hotel.
