Hello, My husband and I are planning our honeymoon to Ireland for Oct. 2 - 16, 2002. I am trying to come up with a loose itinerary for our trip and was wondering if anyone had any ideas, comments or suggestions for us. <BR><BR>We are flying into Shannon and will probably stay at a B&B somewhere close by (maybe near Bunratty)for the first night since we arrive at 4:30pm. Then we were thinking of heading up to the Burren and Galway area to spend a few days (inluding the Aran Islands). Then off across the country to the Dublin area - only want one day in Dublin and also want to see Newgrange area. Then head down to Kilkenny, Waterford, Cashel area for a day or 2. Then on to Cork/Kinsale. Then spend a good chunk of time in the Kenmare/Dingle/Ring of Kerry area before heading back towards Shannon - we alrady have our last night booked at the Dromoland Castle.<BR><BR>So we would love to hear from anyone who has suggestions re: places to stay, good places to use as bases/hubs, things to see, things to skip, how many days we should spend in each area, etc.<BR><BR>Thanks in advance to everyone who offers assistance!!

Your ideas are actually do-able, though it didn't look like it at first. You are trying to do a lot and it is your honeymoon. Just a few ideas.<BR><BR>1. I stayed at the Bunratty Lodge in Bunratty. It was very nice and just up the road from the castle. There are loads of B&B's on the road between the castle and Durty Nellies. You would probably want to get this booked soon.<BR>2. The Arans will take a full day and depending on where you are leaving from, there may be limited sailing times. In October, I'm pretty sure the ferry from Doolin only runs once a day...out in the morning back in the afternoon. I'm not sure about the ones from outside Galway. There are also flights from a little airport west of Galway. No idea of the price. The seas could be rough at that time of year.<BR>3.You'll spend a good part of the day driving to Dublin even if you don't stop much, which you probably will. The Newgrange tours sell out, so you would want to get there early in the day. I and many others found that out the hard way. This is the part I probably wouldn't since you'll definitely have to spend two nights in the area to see what you want to see. If you want to book a room in the city center, do it NOW! They fill up fast, especially on the weekends. It looks like you would probably avoid the weekend, which is good.<BR>4. Waterford/Kilkenny/Cashel is a lot to see. I would leave one of those out and my choice would be Waterford. If you're in Cashel see Cahir Castle also. Somewhat under rated place and is in remakably good condition. We stayed in Cahir at the Scaragh (sp) House B&B. It was a nice place. The owner, Patricia, is a riot. Carrigeen Castle is a neat looking place to stay but has had mixed reviews. Some love it some don't. It's actually and old jail. Eat at the Galtee Inn in Cahir. We had a great meal there. <BR>5. There is a ton to see from Kinsale up to Dingle and every one of those Peninsulas has some wonderful things to see. Plan as much time as you can for that area. It will be a good time to go. Lower tourism.<BR><BR>6. Have Fun!

Are you going on through Yahoo for your trip? My husband and I are going there on Oct 16, flying into Shannon and doing that same sort of trip. We are only going for a week and trying to hit the Limerick/Adare area then around the coast to Galway and back down. I was wondering if this is enough time also.

Bill...thank you so much!! That was very helpful!<BR><BR>Krista...I am not going through Yahoo for our trip. I just found some really good tickets on British Airways' website and bought them and made some hotel reservations but plan on doing most it as we go when we get there. I have heard that October you can just drive from place to place and drop in at most B&Bs for a place to stay without calling in advance....my in-laws did that and never had a problem. Also, if you are looking for a place to rent a car I found a great rate at www.goireland.com.

If you come across the Skellig Experience or the Cobh Heritage Center... don't stop-- nothing special at all. I was on a CIE tour and the Waterford Crystal Factory was pretty neat. Dublin was neat, too. Mixed feelings about the Book of Kells at Trinity. Mostly I heard nothing special, but it's nice to say that you saw it when in Ireland. Kilkenny was a charming town to visit, but not a whole lot there that I found. We took about a half hour tour of the village which we left early because we didn't find that too interesting, though. Bits and pieces, sorry. Hope I'll have helped.

Our trip is through Sceptre Ireland and it included our airfare, 6 night B&B, a night in a castle, rental car and all taxes for less than $1500 for both of us so. Someone suggested the Seaview B&B at the Aran Islands.