Ireland Christmas 2006 - Itinerary Help Needed!
Dec 20th, 2006, 07:19 AM
#41
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ter2000 - thanks!
hmmm... I've been warned a few times now about Parnell St, so will be extra careful. How much does a taxi cost from Kehoe's Pub in South Anne Street to Parnell St? Any extra charges for Christmas eve?
hmmm... I've been warned a few times now about Parnell St, so will be extra careful. How much does a taxi cost from Kehoe's Pub in South Anne Street to Parnell St? Any extra charges for Christmas eve?
Dec 20th, 2006, 07:40 AM
#42
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Why8, I presume you know that you are trying to set up a date with a she-person, one who might have a large and jealous partner.
Parnell Street is not quite that bad. It is at the top of O'Connell Street, Dublin's main street. I don't know the Kingfisher, but I looked at their website and I think it is about 50 metres from O'Connell Street in an okay area. I say okay rather than good. Assuming you are not silly drunk or foolish, you should have no problem. Just don't ramble further afield without local advice.
Forget about taxis. They are in short supply in Dublin at weekend nights, and will be especially scarce on Christmas Eve. You might have to queue longer at a taxi rank than it would take to walk the distance. Don't drive, even if you plan to stay sober. Parking is a headache if you are not familiar with the city.
Parnell Street is not quite that bad. It is at the top of O'Connell Street, Dublin's main street. I don't know the Kingfisher, but I looked at their website and I think it is about 50 metres from O'Connell Street in an okay area. I say okay rather than good. Assuming you are not silly drunk or foolish, you should have no problem. Just don't ramble further afield without local advice.
Forget about taxis. They are in short supply in Dublin at weekend nights, and will be especially scarce on Christmas Eve. You might have to queue longer at a taxi rank than it would take to walk the distance. Don't drive, even if you plan to stay sober. Parking is a headache if you are not familiar with the city.
Dec 20th, 2006, 08:02 AM
#43
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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)...
......I would review your friends choice of the Kingfisher - the reason he found it is because its not the most desirable place in the world.
......I would review your friends choice of the Kingfisher - the reason he found it is because its not the most desirable place in the world.
Dec 20th, 2006, 01:14 PM
#44
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Padraig - thanks again for the tip regarding Kingfisher. I've also printed out the website on Chapter One, their website gives no clue on how much dinner would set each one of us, can you advise?
As for the date with cailin, it's a thank-you drink I was thinking about, not an actual date. Thought it would be nice to actually meet some of you kind souls.
lawchick - i'm out of options for 24 Dec night, and it's just one night, hopefully it works out. My friend booked it off www.hostels.net, by the way, which gave it a 82.8% rating. Not sure how they get the figures out though...
As for the date with cailin, it's a thank-you drink I was thinking about, not an actual date. Thought it would be nice to actually meet some of you kind souls.
lawchick - i'm out of options for 24 Dec night, and it's just one night, hopefully it works out. My friend booked it off www.hostels.net, by the way, which gave it a 82.8% rating. Not sure how they get the figures out though...
Dec 20th, 2006, 01:54 PM
#46
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Some reviews, with price information:
http://www.tasteofireland.com/restaurants.rvt/12.html
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/mag..._100INTRO.html
http://www.12travel.com/ie/food/chapterone.html
http://www.ireland-guide.com/establi...rant.4215.html
I'm not sure if they are currently offering the pre-theatre menu. Last time I asked, it wasn't available, and I don't know if it was a temporary or a long-term change.
I had a look around for info on the Kingfisher, and found nothing very informative. I have in the past found strong negative reports on hostels in Dublin, so I imagine that the Kingfisher is not that bad.
A suggestion: if you want to use google for research on Ireland, go to www.google.ie and you have the option of selecting pages from Ireland.
http://www.tasteofireland.com/restaurants.rvt/12.html
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/mag..._100INTRO.html
http://www.12travel.com/ie/food/chapterone.html
http://www.ireland-guide.com/establi...rant.4215.html
I'm not sure if they are currently offering the pre-theatre menu. Last time I asked, it wasn't available, and I don't know if it was a temporary or a long-term change.
I had a look around for info on the Kingfisher, and found nothing very informative. I have in the past found strong negative reports on hostels in Dublin, so I imagine that the Kingfisher is not that bad.
A suggestion: if you want to use google for research on Ireland, go to www.google.ie and you have the option of selecting pages from Ireland.
Dec 21st, 2006, 07:49 AM
#47
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Hiya Padraig, thanks for the new info again! I read some of the reviews on Chapter One: Main courses €27.50-€36.50 -- that would mean about €50 including drinks and tips... Not sure we want to spend that much!
One further question: driving from Galway down to Killarney, I planned one stop at Cliffs of Moher. A friend told me that the Burren is nearby, but I can't really find it on the map -- is it a huge area? With limited time, I'd want to stop to have a quick look at the Dolman, how do I get there? thanks again...
One further question: driving from Galway down to Killarney, I planned one stop at Cliffs of Moher. A friend told me that the Burren is nearby, but I can't really find it on the map -- is it a huge area? With limited time, I'd want to stop to have a quick look at the Dolman, how do I get there? thanks again...
Dec 21st, 2006, 09:16 AM
#48
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You wouldn't get out of Chapter One easily for under €100 a head!
You'll have no trouble finding the Burren. You pass through it to get to the Cliffs of Moher. I presume your route from Galway will be Oranmore, Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, Lisdoonvarna (Lisdoon to the locals). The Burren is a large area, and starts between Kinvara and Ballyvaughan. To get to the Dolmen involves travelling on a secondary road, and might be a bad idea with time and daylight constraints. Just take it as interesting landscape.
For getting from the Cliffs of Moher to Killarney, you might find the ferry from Killimer (near Kilrush) to Tarbert useful. See: http://www.shannonferries.com/timetable/
You'll have no trouble finding the Burren. You pass through it to get to the Cliffs of Moher. I presume your route from Galway will be Oranmore, Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, Lisdoonvarna (Lisdoon to the locals). The Burren is a large area, and starts between Kinvara and Ballyvaughan. To get to the Dolmen involves travelling on a secondary road, and might be a bad idea with time and daylight constraints. Just take it as interesting landscape.
For getting from the Cliffs of Moher to Killarney, you might find the ferry from Killimer (near Kilrush) to Tarbert useful. See: http://www.shannonferries.com/timetable/
Dec 21st, 2006, 11:37 AM
#49
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Padraig - I'm steering clear from Chapter One then. 
Driving from Galway to Killarney, I plan to use the directions given to me by www.viamichelin.com, but I broke the journey into 2 parts:
(1) from Galway to Cliffs of Moher
(2) Cliffs of Moher to Killarney
1st segment: Galway --> Oranmore --> Kinvarra --> Ballyvaughan --> Lisdoonvarna --> Cliffs of Moher
2nd segment: Cliffs of Moher --> Kilkee --> Kilrush ==ShannonFerry==> Tarbert --> Tralee --> Killarney
I just realised that you're right, the route does require the Shannon Ferry!!!
Wow, that Ferry timetable is a lifesaver, I could potentially (though not planned) have arrived at the ferrypoint after 19:00 and then get stuck at Kilrush! Wowzez. Thanks, and I have to prepare €15 for the ferry ride too.
Thanks Padraig. Can I buy you a beer?
Driving from Galway to Killarney, I plan to use the directions given to me by www.viamichelin.com, but I broke the journey into 2 parts:
(1) from Galway to Cliffs of Moher
(2) Cliffs of Moher to Killarney
1st segment: Galway --> Oranmore --> Kinvarra --> Ballyvaughan --> Lisdoonvarna --> Cliffs of Moher
2nd segment: Cliffs of Moher --> Kilkee --> Kilrush ==ShannonFerry==> Tarbert --> Tralee --> Killarney
I just realised that you're right, the route does require the Shannon Ferry!!!
Wow, that Ferry timetable is a lifesaver, I could potentially (though not planned) have arrived at the ferrypoint after 19:00 and then get stuck at Kilrush! Wowzez. Thanks, and I have to prepare €15 for the ferry ride too.
Thanks Padraig. Can I buy you a beer?
Dec 21st, 2006, 01:23 PM
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Thanks for the offer, but I'll be nowhere near your circuit. I'll arrive in Dublin after you have left for the west, and be gone again when you get back. It's not an avoidance strategy: that's the schedule we already had planned.
If your programme works out, walk on the pier at Roundstone, look around you and see that it is one of the nicest places you have ever been, and tell yourself that Padraig isn't such a bad fellow. Then, if any pub is open, have a glass of beer (no more if you are on driving duty), drink to my health, and think yourself fortunate not to have to stump up the price of a beer for me!
If your programme works out, walk on the pier at Roundstone, look around you and see that it is one of the nicest places you have ever been, and tell yourself that Padraig isn't such a bad fellow. Then, if any pub is open, have a glass of beer (no more if you are on driving duty), drink to my health, and think yourself fortunate not to have to stump up the price of a beer for me!
Dec 22nd, 2006, 03:27 AM
#52
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Padraig: "walk on the pier at Roundstone, look around you and see that it is one of the nicest places you have ever been".
Will drink to your health once I'm back in Galway that evening.
Whoa... I will, I certainly will.
Your Connemara Weekend report has been printed, and will be on the plane with me on the trip. So as you see, you will not be forgotten.
Final working day of the year, final trip of 2006, shortest daylight hours day of the year -- Connemara, here I come!
Will drink to your health once I'm back in Galway that evening.
Whoa... I will, I certainly will.
Your Connemara Weekend report has been printed, and will be on the plane with me on the trip. So as you see, you will not be forgotten.
Final working day of the year, final trip of 2006, shortest daylight hours day of the year -- Connemara, here I come!
Dec 22nd, 2006, 11:32 PM
#54
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Padraig, cailin, michelleNYC and all Fodorites, Merry Christmas!
Am flying early tomorrow morning, let's hope this trip works out better than planned!
Thanks to everyone again, watch out for my trip report!!!
Am flying early tomorrow morning, let's hope this trip works out better than planned!
Thanks to everyone again, watch out for my trip report!!!
Dec 25th, 2006, 12:58 PM
#55
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Wonder if you guys will read this...
Reporting "live" from Galway, Ireland at the moment. Literally everything is closed here today, so I almost starved for Christmas dinner. Luckily we ordered a handy GPS system together with the rental car, and it helped us to find a nearby Shell petrol station where we bought a frozen pizza and cup noodles which we had for our Christmas dinner!!!
Hopefully things will be open tomorrow again, I really want to get some better food. Cheers!
Reporting "live" from Galway, Ireland at the moment. Literally everything is closed here today, so I almost starved for Christmas dinner. Luckily we ordered a handy GPS system together with the rental car, and it helped us to find a nearby Shell petrol station where we bought a frozen pizza and cup noodles which we had for our Christmas dinner!!!
Hopefully things will be open tomorrow again, I really want to get some better food. Cheers!
Sep 18th, 2007, 12:32 PM
#57
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This is almost a year late, but we had a great trip, with almost no rain. We had a rented Nissan Micra from Budget, and opted for a GPS system as well, and extra insurance for a 2nd driver.
Fodorites were superb help during my trip planning. Very very grateful!
Fodorites were superb help during my trip planning. Very very grateful!
Sep 18th, 2007, 01:24 PM
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Hi Padraig,
Have not planned something yet for Christmas this year. Almost bought tickets to New York for my first ever US trip, but thought about it too long and the cheap tickets are gone now.
What will you be doing?
By the way, I did walk up the Roundstone pier, and I did think of you. Thanks again. It was cold and chilly, but still beautiful.
Have not planned something yet for Christmas this year. Almost bought tickets to New York for my first ever US trip, but thought about it too long and the cheap tickets are gone now.
What will you be doing?
By the way, I did walk up the Roundstone pier, and I did think of you. Thanks again. It was cold and chilly, but still beautiful.
