Ireland itinerary started, help please
Jan 28th, 2009 | 06:55 AM
#1
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Joined: Jul 2004
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Ireland itinerary started, help please
We are 2 older women traveling for the first time and have booked air and a castle stay...need help with the rest. TIA
So far we have air into SNN and out of DUB. End of May to June 2nd.
Arrive SNN early AM from the US
Day 1-3 Castle stay
We are renting a car and will head to the southwest area next, here is where we get way too excited. Since we leave out of DUB and have only 7 days after the castle, obviously we cannot do everything we want. How many days and where-Dingle, Kenmare, Cork? Oh my...also want to see the Waterford factory and spend one night in Dublin to get our plane out. Help please...TIA
So far we have air into SNN and out of DUB. End of May to June 2nd.
Arrive SNN early AM from the US
Day 1-3 Castle stay
We are renting a car and will head to the southwest area next, here is where we get way too excited. Since we leave out of DUB and have only 7 days after the castle, obviously we cannot do everything we want. How many days and where-Dingle, Kenmare, Cork? Oh my...also want to see the Waterford factory and spend one night in Dublin to get our plane out. Help please...TIA
Jan 28th, 2009 | 07:26 AM
#2
Joined: Aug 2007
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There are others on this board who have much closer knowledge of Ireland, but as a starting point, might I suggest:
From castle to Dingle (go via the Shannon ferry) It is a pleasant drive along the river and avoids Limerick traffic. The ferry goes every half hour as memory serves and takes just a few minutes. Depending on how early you set out from the castle, you might stop in Tralee and see the visitor center there. And/or the Blenerville mill with its interesting exhibit. Nice lunchroom.
spend three nights in Dingle. You can do the Ring of Kerry from there, but there is much to see in the drive around Dingle. Take a trip to the Blasket islands, though this does take a day and you may not want to give it that much with only 7 days. I thought it was a magical sort of place.
To Clonakilty for one night. On the way stop in Glengarriff and take the short boat trip to Garinish Island. You'll pass seals basking on the rocks and the island has wonderful gardens. Clonakilty has several good eating places. There is a small miniature village near the town. (Some might advise you to push on to Kinsale. I enjoyed the history of the place, but in my opinion it is overrated, but then thousands of visitors can't be wrong and I am in the minority (very small).
Then if Waterford is a must, push on to there the next day and visit the factory. There is lots to see in the area, but after the obligatory (to many) visit to the factory go on to Kilkenny for two nights. Kilkenny has many interesting craft shops, an interesting history walk, a castle with wonderful gardens and some interesting drives in the neighborhood.
On the way to Dublin airport hotel for your last night, stop and visit Glendalough. Also, if you were a fan of Ballykissangel, Avoca is the village where it was filmed. Powerscourt with extensive gardens is a possibility on your way to Dublin.
I think this is probably heavy on gardens and ancient history, but, not knowing your interests, this is a starting point for planning. As I said, there are many on this board who have closer to hand knowledge and will probably jump in later today.
From castle to Dingle (go via the Shannon ferry) It is a pleasant drive along the river and avoids Limerick traffic. The ferry goes every half hour as memory serves and takes just a few minutes. Depending on how early you set out from the castle, you might stop in Tralee and see the visitor center there. And/or the Blenerville mill with its interesting exhibit. Nice lunchroom.
spend three nights in Dingle. You can do the Ring of Kerry from there, but there is much to see in the drive around Dingle. Take a trip to the Blasket islands, though this does take a day and you may not want to give it that much with only 7 days. I thought it was a magical sort of place.
To Clonakilty for one night. On the way stop in Glengarriff and take the short boat trip to Garinish Island. You'll pass seals basking on the rocks and the island has wonderful gardens. Clonakilty has several good eating places. There is a small miniature village near the town. (Some might advise you to push on to Kinsale. I enjoyed the history of the place, but in my opinion it is overrated, but then thousands of visitors can't be wrong and I am in the minority (very small).
Then if Waterford is a must, push on to there the next day and visit the factory. There is lots to see in the area, but after the obligatory (to many) visit to the factory go on to Kilkenny for two nights. Kilkenny has many interesting craft shops, an interesting history walk, a castle with wonderful gardens and some interesting drives in the neighborhood.
On the way to Dublin airport hotel for your last night, stop and visit Glendalough. Also, if you were a fan of Ballykissangel, Avoca is the village where it was filmed. Powerscourt with extensive gardens is a possibility on your way to Dublin.
I think this is probably heavy on gardens and ancient history, but, not knowing your interests, this is a starting point for planning. As I said, there are many on this board who have closer to hand knowledge and will probably jump in later today.
Jan 29th, 2009 | 04:33 PM
#5
Joined: Dec 2004
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Cesta, We are 2 couples in your age group & will arrive in Dublin May 8 for one week. we found hotel & B&B prices high & have deacided to go for a tour With Barratt Tours
/www.4tours.biz They have a number of tours , we found them very reasonable .Richard the owner is very available & informative.
Jean.
/www.4tours.biz They have a number of tours , we found them very reasonable .Richard the owner is very available & informative.
Jean.
Jan 31st, 2009 | 06:51 AM
#6
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Joined: Jul 2004
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TIA for suggestions...very helpful
Bob-we are at Dromoland castle and wish to travel south then on to Waterford, then Dublin. I am concerned with trying to fit too much in between Dromoland and Waterford. We like ruins, castles,scenery,not into pubs but want to at least experience one...we are pretty open. If we only have 4days between, your suggestion would be what?
Jean-thanks for the info but we are crazy old broads and will try to drive;-)
Bob-we are at Dromoland castle and wish to travel south then on to Waterford, then Dublin. I am concerned with trying to fit too much in between Dromoland and Waterford. We like ruins, castles,scenery,not into pubs but want to at least experience one...we are pretty open. If we only have 4days between, your suggestion would be what?
Jean-thanks for the info but we are crazy old broads and will try to drive;-)
Jan 31st, 2009 | 04:48 PM
#7
Joined: Aug 2007
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Just heard a news item on the way home from school yesterday. Waterford crystal has gone bankrupt and the factory is closed. Perhaps that will make a rethink of plans necessary.
I haven't heard this on tv news or later radio reports. So maybe I imagined it?
I haven't heard this on tv news or later radio reports. So maybe I imagined it?
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Jan 31st, 2009 | 04:58 PM
#8
Joined: Aug 2007
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I just googled "waterford crystal factory" and bankrptcy is indeed true. The factory was shut down Friday afternoon when the pm shift arrived for work. There was some scuffling with security and workers are sitting in until the govt does something. The workers have been on part time work for a while now while the factory struggled with debts.
Feb 1st, 2009 | 04:32 AM
#9
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,647
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It IS true that Waterford has effectively shut down. Upper management went on a buying frenzy over the past decade or so, using cheap credit from the Celtic Tiger economy to buy up numerous "Old Name' companies that were, themselves, already on the verge of bankruptcy. Off-shore divesture (much Waterford made in Poland or Checklovakia and much Royal Doulton and Royal Albert made in China or Indonesia)only cheapened the Brand.
Now, with people 'cutting back' on their spending for luxuries ...
The Irish Government is discussing the possibility of stepping in and taking over the Visitor's Center (at least) to shore up the Tourist value. Dunno how well that will work out -- or when -- as they seem pretty mired down in dealing with general economy.
Back to the original question, though.
During your three days at Ashford, will you be touring, or justing 'chilling out' and enjoying the ammenities of the facility? It would be possible to see a number of sites/areas while at Ashford.
http://www.claretouristcouncil.ie/category.php?id=2/7
To the North, is Galway city. In Co Clare, there is the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, Craggenowen and more. To the South, Limerick, King John's Castle, the Hunt Museum, Lough Gur and Adare. All are within reach, depending upon how much driving and traveling you are interested in doing.
When you leave Ashford, I would recommend two nights in Dingle and three in Kenmare or Killarney, then two more in the vicinity of Kilkenney, in order to 'pick up' the Rock, Kilkenney, Glendalough and, yes, Waterford, if it is available and you are still so inclined.
By the way - Kenmare vs. Killarney is a subject of passionate debate among fans of Ireland. You will hear tremendous arguments for each local.
They are both TERRIFIC towns, with much to offer, but MY vote in YOUR case, would be for Killarney.
Bob
Now, with people 'cutting back' on their spending for luxuries ...
The Irish Government is discussing the possibility of stepping in and taking over the Visitor's Center (at least) to shore up the Tourist value. Dunno how well that will work out -- or when -- as they seem pretty mired down in dealing with general economy.
Back to the original question, though.
During your three days at Ashford, will you be touring, or justing 'chilling out' and enjoying the ammenities of the facility? It would be possible to see a number of sites/areas while at Ashford.
http://www.claretouristcouncil.ie/category.php?id=2/7
To the North, is Galway city. In Co Clare, there is the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, Craggenowen and more. To the South, Limerick, King John's Castle, the Hunt Museum, Lough Gur and Adare. All are within reach, depending upon how much driving and traveling you are interested in doing.
When you leave Ashford, I would recommend two nights in Dingle and three in Kenmare or Killarney, then two more in the vicinity of Kilkenney, in order to 'pick up' the Rock, Kilkenney, Glendalough and, yes, Waterford, if it is available and you are still so inclined.
By the way - Kenmare vs. Killarney is a subject of passionate debate among fans of Ireland. You will hear tremendous arguments for each local.
They are both TERRIFIC towns, with much to offer, but MY vote in YOUR case, would be for Killarney.
Bob
Feb 1st, 2009 | 06:00 AM
#10
Joined: Jan 2005
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cesta-- when it comes to Ireland the most common "newbie" mistake is to fit 17 cities in 9 days....why not? it all looks so close in a map...WRONG!! Driving distances in Ireland are better estimated if using about 35-40 miles/hr as average speed.
A lot of your post-Dromoland route will depend on what you do while staying at Dromoland. Three days is a decent stay and day trips from Dromoland could easily include the The Burren, Ennis, and castles nearby.
From Dromoland I would loop around the Dingle Peninsula and plan your stay per God's Good Humor; whenever the late aft happens to find you. head out to Killarney then and based there for 3 days. I agree with Bob; in your specific case, you should homebase in Killarney and explore from there. I am partial to Ring of Kerry (ROK) on your own. We had a great map that detailed every castle, every stone fort, every gorgeous stop, so I have great memories of parking by the side of the road and hiking in to find a bucholic scenery; amazing castle ruins, a water stream nearby, sheep and donkeys eating grass at a distance, no body around; out of a postcard I swear.
Tons of outings from Killarney; limit your in/out driving to 5 hours/day, that would be a radius from Killarney of about 100 miles/one-way. The farthest I would drive from/to Killarney is to loop the ROK.
Head back to Dublin from Killarney with an overnight stop at Cashel. make sure you visit the Rock of Cashel. I recomend Wattie's B&B; sweet Irish lady; her Irish breakfast is amazing!! http://www.wattiesbandb.ie/
About Cork and Waterford; I could not get out of Cork fast enough. Also, found no reason to go to Waterford since Killarney has shops with FABULOUS Waterford crystal all over town. That said, it saddens me the Waterford factory is no longer.
Overall, the thing with Ireland is that planning a trip to IRE is very different than planning a trip to say, Germany or Italy. You need to get to Ireland to get in the right state of mind to explore it. It is a day by day thing; big cities versus mountain villages versus coastal scenery versus forested areas. There is everything for every mood. Have a general idea of a route, but let Ireland take you around as well.
Have fun!!
A lot of your post-Dromoland route will depend on what you do while staying at Dromoland. Three days is a decent stay and day trips from Dromoland could easily include the The Burren, Ennis, and castles nearby.
From Dromoland I would loop around the Dingle Peninsula and plan your stay per God's Good Humor; whenever the late aft happens to find you. head out to Killarney then and based there for 3 days. I agree with Bob; in your specific case, you should homebase in Killarney and explore from there. I am partial to Ring of Kerry (ROK) on your own. We had a great map that detailed every castle, every stone fort, every gorgeous stop, so I have great memories of parking by the side of the road and hiking in to find a bucholic scenery; amazing castle ruins, a water stream nearby, sheep and donkeys eating grass at a distance, no body around; out of a postcard I swear.
Tons of outings from Killarney; limit your in/out driving to 5 hours/day, that would be a radius from Killarney of about 100 miles/one-way. The farthest I would drive from/to Killarney is to loop the ROK.
Head back to Dublin from Killarney with an overnight stop at Cashel. make sure you visit the Rock of Cashel. I recomend Wattie's B&B; sweet Irish lady; her Irish breakfast is amazing!! http://www.wattiesbandb.ie/
About Cork and Waterford; I could not get out of Cork fast enough. Also, found no reason to go to Waterford since Killarney has shops with FABULOUS Waterford crystal all over town. That said, it saddens me the Waterford factory is no longer.
Overall, the thing with Ireland is that planning a trip to IRE is very different than planning a trip to say, Germany or Italy. You need to get to Ireland to get in the right state of mind to explore it. It is a day by day thing; big cities versus mountain villages versus coastal scenery versus forested areas. There is everything for every mood. Have a general idea of a route, but let Ireland take you around as well.
Have fun!!
Feb 1st, 2009 | 06:42 AM
#11
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,647
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I'm confused.
Your first post said SEVEN nights between Castle and Dublin, but the later post only FOUR. ???
With only four:
1 Night Dingle
2 Nights Killarney
1 Night Kilkenney or Cashel.
Chose Kilkenney ONLY if Glendalough and Waterford becken -- fair amount of driving involved in Killarney to Waterford to Kilkenney. It's about 242 Kilometers (150 Miles), but it will take you 4-5 hours (excluding STOPS). If you figure about 2 hours to tour the factory and about an hour stop for lunch, that will make close to an eight hour day -- a LOT of traveling, but NOT overly hectic.
Interestingly, ADDING Cashel into the mix ONLY adds about 15 miles to the trip, but then, you'll want about 2 hours to visit the Rock, etc (and you would be VERY near to Cahir and THEIR excellently restored castle!)
If only two nights in Killarney, I would skip the Ring Of Kerry Drive - it's nearly all day - do Ross Castle, Muckross House and Gardens and maybe drive down to Kenmare and back for Ladies View, Moll's Gap and the Stone Circle. Weather permitting, do the Deros Tour of the Gap of Dunloe (approx 10AM-5PM).
http://www.derostours.com/
Bob
Your first post said SEVEN nights between Castle and Dublin, but the later post only FOUR. ???
With only four:
1 Night Dingle
2 Nights Killarney
1 Night Kilkenney or Cashel.
Chose Kilkenney ONLY if Glendalough and Waterford becken -- fair amount of driving involved in Killarney to Waterford to Kilkenney. It's about 242 Kilometers (150 Miles), but it will take you 4-5 hours (excluding STOPS). If you figure about 2 hours to tour the factory and about an hour stop for lunch, that will make close to an eight hour day -- a LOT of traveling, but NOT overly hectic.
Interestingly, ADDING Cashel into the mix ONLY adds about 15 miles to the trip, but then, you'll want about 2 hours to visit the Rock, etc (and you would be VERY near to Cahir and THEIR excellently restored castle!)
If only two nights in Killarney, I would skip the Ring Of Kerry Drive - it's nearly all day - do Ross Castle, Muckross House and Gardens and maybe drive down to Kenmare and back for Ladies View, Moll's Gap and the Stone Circle. Weather permitting, do the Deros Tour of the Gap of Dunloe (approx 10AM-5PM).
http://www.derostours.com/
Bob
Feb 1st, 2009 | 12:29 PM
#12
Original Poster
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 86
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Thank you everyone, you people are great!!
irishface- so sorry to hear about the Waterford factory, it was a highlight of my traveling partner's and she will be truly disappointed. There are many other wonderful adventures though.
Bob-7 turned into 4 with 3 days at Dromoland, then 2 days for Waterford (now on hold) and traveling to Dublin then 1 night in Dublin...all of your suggestions are wonderful, deciding will be tough.
Viajero2-We will be 'stumbling' around in the car but just wanted a general direction and some fab suggestions.
Everyone-if you could pick thing-sight,ruin,etc on our SNN to DUB adventure, what would your favorite be?
TIA-you people rock!!!
irishface- so sorry to hear about the Waterford factory, it was a highlight of my traveling partner's and she will be truly disappointed. There are many other wonderful adventures though.
Bob-7 turned into 4 with 3 days at Dromoland, then 2 days for Waterford (now on hold) and traveling to Dublin then 1 night in Dublin...all of your suggestions are wonderful, deciding will be tough.
Viajero2-We will be 'stumbling' around in the car but just wanted a general direction and some fab suggestions.
Everyone-if you could pick thing-sight,ruin,etc on our SNN to DUB adventure, what would your favorite be?
TIA-you people rock!!!
Feb 1st, 2009 | 02:19 PM
#14
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,647
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Dingle is worth a day and a night, but on your schedule, you would be wasting your time if you gave it any less than that.
Of the Killarney area attractions -- WEATHER PERMITTING -- the Gap of Dunloe trip is magical. In my opinion, the best of the Ring of Kerry is the stretch from Kenmare to Killarney (Moll's Gap, Ladies View and Torc Falls), unless you have a whole day, or more to dedicate to the rest.
Ross Castle is probably one of THE finest restored castles that I've visited in Ireland, though I have only toured five or six. It's WELL worth a two hour visit.
Bob
Of the Killarney area attractions -- WEATHER PERMITTING -- the Gap of Dunloe trip is magical. In my opinion, the best of the Ring of Kerry is the stretch from Kenmare to Killarney (Moll's Gap, Ladies View and Torc Falls), unless you have a whole day, or more to dedicate to the rest.
Ross Castle is probably one of THE finest restored castles that I've visited in Ireland, though I have only toured five or six. It's WELL worth a two hour visit.
Bob
