Ireland Honeymoon
Aug 13th, 2010, 06:48 AM
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Ireland Honeymoon
Hello,
My wife and I will be traveling to Ireland for our Honeymoon in April of next year. I have a few questions and concerns. First concern is rental cars, I have seen many links on here and read a lot, but it still concerns me. Luckily I have time before I have to book! Speaking of booking, I have already started, we arrive in Dublin and are headed straight to Wexford for two nights, staying in a B&B. Does anyone have any ideas for things to do, places to go/see, or places to eat/get a good pint while I am in the Southeast of Ireland. On our way out before our next stop we are wondering Killkenny or Waterford for lunch and sites? Is Hook Head worth a trip?
Next we are headed to the Cashel area for a night, before headed up to Galway (actually Salthill) for two more nights. Same question as before when it came to Wexford. I am doing a day tour of Connemara/Aran Islands for one of my days.We will be looking for a decent restaurant and bar with Trad music both nights while in Galway. Any Ideas? We are going to finish our stay north of Dublin, about 30 minutes north for several days. This will fall on Easter weekend. We are doing a day tour of Wicklow, while we are there which covers Glendalough etc... What else should we be doing while we are in the Dublin area? Thank you in advance, and of course as people post I am sure I will have some more questions!
Mike
My wife and I will be traveling to Ireland for our Honeymoon in April of next year. I have a few questions and concerns. First concern is rental cars, I have seen many links on here and read a lot, but it still concerns me. Luckily I have time before I have to book! Speaking of booking, I have already started, we arrive in Dublin and are headed straight to Wexford for two nights, staying in a B&B. Does anyone have any ideas for things to do, places to go/see, or places to eat/get a good pint while I am in the Southeast of Ireland. On our way out before our next stop we are wondering Killkenny or Waterford for lunch and sites? Is Hook Head worth a trip?
Next we are headed to the Cashel area for a night, before headed up to Galway (actually Salthill) for two more nights. Same question as before when it came to Wexford. I am doing a day tour of Connemara/Aran Islands for one of my days.We will be looking for a decent restaurant and bar with Trad music both nights while in Galway. Any Ideas? We are going to finish our stay north of Dublin, about 30 minutes north for several days. This will fall on Easter weekend. We are doing a day tour of Wicklow, while we are there which covers Glendalough etc... What else should we be doing while we are in the Dublin area? Thank you in advance, and of course as people post I am sure I will have some more questions!
Mike
Aug 13th, 2010, 08:54 PM
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It sounds like you have planned your itinerary already, but if you could manage it, you might really enjoy staying one or two nights at Glasha Farmhouse. It's a lovely place, highly rated, out from Clonmel in the middle of nowhere, with outstanding food and service. You might could stay here rather than Cashel. Check details at www.glashafarmhouse.com. It's our very favorite place to stay in all of Ireland.
We prefer Kilkenny to Waterford -- both are accessible from Glasha.
We prefer Kilkenny to Waterford -- both are accessible from Glasha.
Aug 14th, 2010, 07:45 AM
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While in Wexford, a trip to the Silver Fox in Kilmore Quay (pronounced "key") for a wonderful evening meal will be worth it. The village itself is worth a walk around with lots of thatched cottages and flowery windowboxes.
Kilkenny is an interesting town. St. Canice's cathedral with its round tower, medieval streets and alleys to explore, the castle and its garden, Kyteler's Inn. If you spend an afternoon there and stay for supper Kyteler's has delicious early bird specials as well as a regular menu as well as music later int he evening.
I enjoyed a visit to Hook Head. Interesting visit to the lighthouse and a pleasant midmorning snack (tea and homemade baked goods) in the cafe there.
During your stay north of Dublin, you could take in the magalithic tomb at Newgrange (older than the pyramids). Monasterboice and Mellifont are abbey ruins for a pleasant walkabout. Trim Castle is also in the area. Just over the border into Northern Ireland is Downpatrick where St. Patrick is supposedly buried. (Going over the border is no hassle, but you do need to tell the car rental people if you plan to go over the border.) Malahide Castle has been refurbished as a livable home but is interesting. On the grounds there is a miniature railroad museum.
Pick up an ordinance survey map of each area in Ireland and you will find lots of interesting things and small roads well marked.
Kilkenny is an interesting town. St. Canice's cathedral with its round tower, medieval streets and alleys to explore, the castle and its garden, Kyteler's Inn. If you spend an afternoon there and stay for supper Kyteler's has delicious early bird specials as well as a regular menu as well as music later int he evening.
I enjoyed a visit to Hook Head. Interesting visit to the lighthouse and a pleasant midmorning snack (tea and homemade baked goods) in the cafe there.
During your stay north of Dublin, you could take in the magalithic tomb at Newgrange (older than the pyramids). Monasterboice and Mellifont are abbey ruins for a pleasant walkabout. Trim Castle is also in the area. Just over the border into Northern Ireland is Downpatrick where St. Patrick is supposedly buried. (Going over the border is no hassle, but you do need to tell the car rental people if you plan to go over the border.) Malahide Castle has been refurbished as a livable home but is interesting. On the grounds there is a miniature railroad museum.
Pick up an ordinance survey map of each area in Ireland and you will find lots of interesting things and small roads well marked.
Aug 14th, 2010, 09:49 AM
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As you're going to the Aran Islands, I would recommend flying out and taking the boat back. They are quite magical. While you might be lucky to get good weather, you should expect the worst. If the weather is not too bad, hire a bike - it is the best way to see the islands.
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/West_Ireland_photos_2.htm
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/West_Ireland_photos_2.htm
Aug 14th, 2010, 10:33 AM
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Wexford - drive out to the Lobster Pot in Carne (direction Rosslare). If the idea of dining out in a hotel doesn't turn you off, Kelly's Hotel in Rosslare is worth a try.
Galway - Tig Neachtains is a great favourite (with everybody, unfortunately) so a quieter pub option might be Murphys on High St or Tig Coili, Mainguard St (where it is reported musicians go to get drunk - or maybe it's just an excuse when the quality of playing takes a turn for the worse).
McDonaghs fish and chip shop might not fit the bill on honeymoon but the nearby Ard Bia/Nimmo's restaurant has a cosy feel. Sheridans on the Docks might tick both boxes for food and drink.
Galway - Tig Neachtains is a great favourite (with everybody, unfortunately) so a quieter pub option might be Murphys on High St or Tig Coili, Mainguard St (where it is reported musicians go to get drunk - or maybe it's just an excuse when the quality of playing takes a turn for the worse).
McDonaghs fish and chip shop might not fit the bill on honeymoon but the nearby Ard Bia/Nimmo's restaurant has a cosy feel. Sheridans on the Docks might tick both boxes for food and drink.
Aug 16th, 2010, 12:16 PM
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Thank you for the responses thus far, I appreciate the information. Especially the dining ideas. I think we plan on going to the Aran Islands at some point, if we can fit it in! Keep the ideas coming!!
Mike
Mike
Aug 17th, 2010, 12:36 PM
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I agree with all suggestions already submitted. I would highly recommend Kilmore Quay as someone already has. Haven't been to Silver Fox but have had nice fresh fish lunches in Kehoes pub.
I was in Hook Head last week. Worth a trip if the day is clear but if it is raining it is not so good, unless you are really into experiencing life as it was for lighthousekeepers.
You can take the ferry over from Ballyhack to Passage East into Waterford. It is just a 5 minute journey.
I stayed recently in Granville Hotel in Waterford - check out their website. Got a good deal and it is a lovely old world hotel and very well run on all levels.
On the other hand if you choose Kilkenny it is worth visiting Kilkenny Castle and Kilkenny Shop across the road has top range Irish craft items and a lovely restaurant for lunch.
Lots of other restaurants in Kilkenny.
Another interesting option for you, as it is a honeymoon, is to check out www.bluebook.ie
which lists Irish houses that offer accommodation and meals.
Places already recommended in Galway are good. For accommodation there I have stayed in Harbour Hotel which was good value and central.
If you are going to Aran I agree flying out with www.aerarran.ie would be your best option.
I was in Hook Head last week. Worth a trip if the day is clear but if it is raining it is not so good, unless you are really into experiencing life as it was for lighthousekeepers.
You can take the ferry over from Ballyhack to Passage East into Waterford. It is just a 5 minute journey.
I stayed recently in Granville Hotel in Waterford - check out their website. Got a good deal and it is a lovely old world hotel and very well run on all levels.
On the other hand if you choose Kilkenny it is worth visiting Kilkenny Castle and Kilkenny Shop across the road has top range Irish craft items and a lovely restaurant for lunch.
Lots of other restaurants in Kilkenny.
Another interesting option for you, as it is a honeymoon, is to check out www.bluebook.ie
which lists Irish houses that offer accommodation and meals.
Places already recommended in Galway are good. For accommodation there I have stayed in Harbour Hotel which was good value and central.
If you are going to Aran I agree flying out with www.aerarran.ie would be your best option.
Aug 17th, 2010, 12:40 PM
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Aug 17th, 2010, 12:48 PM
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Sorry again - got the Aer Arran one wrong too: its www.aerarran.com
And the Granville Hotel, Waterford is http://www.granville-hotel.ie/
When in Dublin I would recommend doing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour - www.dublinbus.ie
The City Tour run by Dublin Bus has live commentary which is very entertaining.
The tour gives you a good sense of the city and then you can choose what you would like to hop off to visit i.e. Guinness Brewery, Dublin Castle, etc. Tickets last for 2 days.
The day trip to Wicklow is good. After that it very much depends what you are interested in.
Lots of good restaurants in Dublin - not sure what your price range is or what kind of restaurants you like -let me know and I will post a few recommendations.
And the Granville Hotel, Waterford is http://www.granville-hotel.ie/
When in Dublin I would recommend doing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour - www.dublinbus.ie
The City Tour run by Dublin Bus has live commentary which is very entertaining.
The tour gives you a good sense of the city and then you can choose what you would like to hop off to visit i.e. Guinness Brewery, Dublin Castle, etc. Tickets last for 2 days.
The day trip to Wicklow is good. After that it very much depends what you are interested in.
Lots of good restaurants in Dublin - not sure what your price range is or what kind of restaurants you like -let me know and I will post a few recommendations.
Aug 18th, 2010, 06:38 AM
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Thanks for the replies thus far! I guess our price range is fairly diverse at the same time we tend to lean more towards casual for the most part. I am very interested in trad irish music and hope to see a lot of it while we are in Ireland. Thanks for the idea of Hop on-Hop off while we are there. We have something similar here in Philly that is also a good idea! I guess at the end of the day my wife and I are very laid back casual folks who are looking forward to getting to know the Irish people and culture. I wish it was April! Seems like it is so far away!!
Aug 18th, 2010, 11:50 AM
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Dun Angus,on Inishmore,Aran islands is breathtaking,definitely not to be missed ;unless you are very fit and strong do not go by bicycle,as the route upwards is steep and not so short ;it is more comfortable and less time consuming by bus.
Aug 19th, 2010, 01:46 PM
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OK - restaurants casual Dublin - my recommendations (I live in Dublin):
Le Bon Crubeen, Talbot Street - main courses around 12 - 15 euro. one side bar food other side tables - good quality and excellent service.
Salamanca, Andrew St (beside tourist office) spanish - good menu.
In Dublin you will find best traditional music at The Cobblestone, Smithfield.
If you want to venture a little out of town - Howth a fishing village about a half hour on DART nice to spend an evening strolling around harbour - nice fish restaurants on the pier.
Abbey Tavern in Howth is popular with tourists but I have never been there.
Le Bon Crubeen, Talbot Street - main courses around 12 - 15 euro. one side bar food other side tables - good quality and excellent service.
Salamanca, Andrew St (beside tourist office) spanish - good menu.
In Dublin you will find best traditional music at The Cobblestone, Smithfield.
If you want to venture a little out of town - Howth a fishing village about a half hour on DART nice to spend an evening strolling around harbour - nice fish restaurants on the pier.
Abbey Tavern in Howth is popular with tourists but I have never been there.
Aug 19th, 2010, 01:49 PM
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Check out www.menupages.ie and if you see some restaurants that interest you, come back to me for comment (haven't been in them all but might have some idea).
Aug 21st, 2010, 02:20 AM
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Two more suggestions for food in the Galway area - Cava is an interesting tapas place in Galway itself and the Inish Meann restaurant on the island of the same name (one of the Aran Islands) gets well reviewed.
Would not concur with the opinion that cycling out to Dun Aonghus fort is a particularly strenuous undertaking (unless honeymooning has drained you of all your strength.......).
By the way, if you are not put off by the concept of Italian dining in Ireland, you should try Rinnucini's in Kilkenny.
Would not concur with the opinion that cycling out to Dun Aonghus fort is a particularly strenuous undertaking (unless honeymooning has drained you of all your strength.......).
By the way, if you are not put off by the concept of Italian dining in Ireland, you should try Rinnucini's in Kilkenny.
Aug 23rd, 2010, 04:45 AM
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Hello everyone,
We are planning on staying in Dublin for four days now to end our trip. We think we want to stay near the Trinity College Campus area. What would you recommend? We dont need anything real fancy but dont want to stay in a hostel either! We wont have a car at this point, so we would like to be in walking distance to everything.
Thanks in advance.
Mike
We are planning on staying in Dublin for four days now to end our trip. We think we want to stay near the Trinity College Campus area. What would you recommend? We dont need anything real fancy but dont want to stay in a hostel either! We wont have a car at this point, so we would like to be in walking distance to everything.
Thanks in advance.
Mike
