Ireland-Reasonable Place to Visit/Stay
Mar 21st, 2003, 10:29 AM
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Ireland-Reasonable Place to Visit/Stay
Hello, we are looking for a reasonable place to stay and visit in Ireland. There are two of us, and we are looking at the prices for Dublin hotels and we can't afford that now. I'm not young and I don't know when I will be able to afford a Dublin hotel but that's another story.
Air Canada only goes to Dublin, so we are looking at an Aer Lingus flight from Boston.
We want to see Ireland very badly, early May, but the cost is very high according to what I have found online. We love history so we are not into shopping, which town or towns should we visit? Should we just drive up the western coast? We have a week. We can fly into any city but prefer smaller hotels. At least twice during the week I need to plug my computer into a modem somewhere, is that possible?
I am really getting desperate to find someplace, we are not picky about decor we are not looking for spa treatments, countryside is fine as long as it's not deliverance. Yes my Grandmother was was Irish but my main mission is not relative hunting. If that was the case I would stay in Canada. It's the history that draws us there.
Thank you,
Julie
Air Canada only goes to Dublin, so we are looking at an Aer Lingus flight from Boston.
We want to see Ireland very badly, early May, but the cost is very high according to what I have found online. We love history so we are not into shopping, which town or towns should we visit? Should we just drive up the western coast? We have a week. We can fly into any city but prefer smaller hotels. At least twice during the week I need to plug my computer into a modem somewhere, is that possible?
I am really getting desperate to find someplace, we are not picky about decor we are not looking for spa treatments, countryside is fine as long as it's not deliverance. Yes my Grandmother was was Irish but my main mission is not relative hunting. If that was the case I would stay in Canada. It's the history that draws us there.
Thank you,
Julie
Mar 21st, 2003, 12:01 PM
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Hi Julie:
Dublin is an expensive city to visit. Room rates tend to be a bit high. In general, hotels are the most expensive place to stay and B&Bs much less. Hostels are the cheapest. It is VERY unlikely that you would find a modem port at a B&B, more likely, but not guaranteed at a hotel. The hotel might have to be pretty pricey to have that.
I'm not sure the kind of work that you need to do on your computer, but you can always sign on at an internet cafe or sometimes the public library. The library may ask you to buy a library card, but that would usually be cheaper than internet cafe rates.
As to where to go, you can get 1,000,000 opinions. The west coast is certainly beautiful and popular. You could fly in and out of Shannon and go either north or south or a little bit of both. The west is dotted with castles and if you head up towards Sligo, you will find an extensive array of ancient burial cairns and you can go inside. Sort of like Newgrange but smaller and without bus loads of tourists. Carrowkeel and Carrowmore are two of the larger sites. Of course, the very well known of frequently photographed Poulnabrone dolmen is just about 1.5 hous from Shannon. You won't have any problem finding historic stuff in Ireland and in fact, within a 10-15 drive of the airport is Bunratty Castle and folk park which is interesting to some, a bit touristy to others, but even I enjoyed the castle and banquet.
OK, I'm rambling, but this will be a start and your replies and the the replies of others will get you going down the path to a great vacation. Contrary to the opinion of some, I don't think that you have to see Dublin to enjoy Ireland.
Bill
Dublin is an expensive city to visit. Room rates tend to be a bit high. In general, hotels are the most expensive place to stay and B&Bs much less. Hostels are the cheapest. It is VERY unlikely that you would find a modem port at a B&B, more likely, but not guaranteed at a hotel. The hotel might have to be pretty pricey to have that.
I'm not sure the kind of work that you need to do on your computer, but you can always sign on at an internet cafe or sometimes the public library. The library may ask you to buy a library card, but that would usually be cheaper than internet cafe rates.
As to where to go, you can get 1,000,000 opinions. The west coast is certainly beautiful and popular. You could fly in and out of Shannon and go either north or south or a little bit of both. The west is dotted with castles and if you head up towards Sligo, you will find an extensive array of ancient burial cairns and you can go inside. Sort of like Newgrange but smaller and without bus loads of tourists. Carrowkeel and Carrowmore are two of the larger sites. Of course, the very well known of frequently photographed Poulnabrone dolmen is just about 1.5 hous from Shannon. You won't have any problem finding historic stuff in Ireland and in fact, within a 10-15 drive of the airport is Bunratty Castle and folk park which is interesting to some, a bit touristy to others, but even I enjoyed the castle and banquet.
OK, I'm rambling, but this will be a start and your replies and the the replies of others will get you going down the path to a great vacation. Contrary to the opinion of some, I don't think that you have to see Dublin to enjoy Ireland.
Bill
Mar 21st, 2003, 02:09 PM
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Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
King John's Castle Limerick
Dysert o'Dea Archaeological Trail
Kilfenora Cathedral and High Cross
Quin Abbey
Antiquities of the Burren
Deserted famine villages
small jewels of museums like those in Corofin and Ennis Co. Clare
If you want to include old Galway town in your itinerary you can find the same reasonable B&B accommodations close to the city or a short distance outside along the coast.
King John's Castle Limerick
Dysert o'Dea Archaeological Trail
Kilfenora Cathedral and High Cross
Quin Abbey
Antiquities of the Burren
Deserted famine villages
small jewels of museums like those in Corofin and Ennis Co. Clare
If you want to include old Galway town in your itinerary you can find the same reasonable B&B accommodations close to the city or a short distance outside along the coast.
Mar 21st, 2003, 02:13 PM
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Sorry about the preceeding message...it failed to post the entire first paragraph!
Suggest you think about the west coast as meeting both your financial and interest needs.
You can find excellant inexpensive accommodations ($30 per night including breakfast) in most of the small towns and villages along the north coast of Clare (Lahanch, Ennistymon) As well, these villages also have pubs serving substantial reasonable pub meals.
There is much to savor for th history buff in the area (see preceeding)
Suggest you think about the west coast as meeting both your financial and interest needs.
You can find excellant inexpensive accommodations ($30 per night including breakfast) in most of the small towns and villages along the north coast of Clare (Lahanch, Ennistymon) As well, these villages also have pubs serving substantial reasonable pub meals.
There is much to savor for th history buff in the area (see preceeding)
Mar 21st, 2003, 03:44 PM
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Thank you that sounds great. I am a textile artist and want to keep in touch with co-workers at our gallery.
Looks like the West Coast is the place for us, we will fly into Shannon then. If you have any suggestions for B&B's let me know. I will look at Internet Cafes.
Thank you, Julie
Looks like the West Coast is the place for us, we will fly into Shannon then. If you have any suggestions for B&B's let me know. I will look at Internet Cafes.
Thank you, Julie
Mar 21st, 2003, 06:30 PM
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While on the west coast, certainly tour most of Connemara. As far as recommending B&Bs, it's like recommending a restaurant to go to. It's not feasible because each one's tastes are different. While travelling in May, you should have no trouble locating a B&B to your liking in the town you end-up-in any given day.
Mar 22nd, 2003, 03:31 AM
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I just purchased tickets on Aer Lingus from Boston to Ireland (Shannon) for $298 before taxes. We have been to Dublin before and paid around $135 per night for both of us at Kilronan House. It was very nice, small hotel/B&B. This time we are taking a brief 3 night 4 day vacation to County Clare/Galway. We are staying 1 night in Salthill outside of Galway (30 Euro per person per night) and then 2 nights in southern Clare Co. (30 Euro per night per person) always including a full Irish breakfast. ensuite, and tv and hairdryer in room. We are also renting a car from Dan Dooley.
Mar 22nd, 2003, 04:21 AM
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Thank you, that's where we are flying to, our flight to Shannon, is $750 with tax for two,I wasn't sure who to rent a car from. I will look at Dan Dooley, and your recommendations.
Julie
Julie
Mar 22nd, 2003, 05:05 AM
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Julie
Contact via email: [email protected] and ask them to send a book on their B&B accommodations. I believe you can also call at 1-800-223-6470 (Irish Tours) We carried this book with us as it gives everything available with pictures and prices in every area. They also have a web site: I think it's townandcountry.com If you have not purchased your plane tickets, try Sceptur tours or Brian Moore (1-800-982-2299) They offer tours that include plane, B&B vouchers, and car rental for $399 - 499 per person for 7 days
Contact via email: [email protected] and ask them to send a book on their B&B accommodations. I believe you can also call at 1-800-223-6470 (Irish Tours) We carried this book with us as it gives everything available with pictures and prices in every area. They also have a web site: I think it's townandcountry.com If you have not purchased your plane tickets, try Sceptur tours or Brian Moore (1-800-982-2299) They offer tours that include plane, B&B vouchers, and car rental for $399 - 499 per person for 7 days
Mar 22nd, 2003, 06:04 AM
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Julie,
The west of Ireland has so very much to offer, and that includes a wide range of quality accommodations. Rather than obtaining a large telephone book-like directory of places to stay, I'd recommend that you obtain a couple of specialized and reliable guides. There are a few that immediately come to mind:
*The Bridgestone 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland 2003 (bridgestoneguides.com)
*The Hidden Ireland: Accommodation in Private Heritage Houses ([email protected])
*Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay in Ireland (www.sawdays.co.uk)
Finally, while there is an abundance of touring possibilities in Ireland's west, do try to allow a few days to explore the justifiably popular Dingle Peninsula. With good weather on your side, this ruggedly spectacular region is without question a must-see. Dingle town is a treat as well, as it features a good many first-rate restaurants.
Best of luck.
The west of Ireland has so very much to offer, and that includes a wide range of quality accommodations. Rather than obtaining a large telephone book-like directory of places to stay, I'd recommend that you obtain a couple of specialized and reliable guides. There are a few that immediately come to mind:
*The Bridgestone 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland 2003 (bridgestoneguides.com)
*The Hidden Ireland: Accommodation in Private Heritage Houses ([email protected])
*Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay in Ireland (www.sawdays.co.uk)
Finally, while there is an abundance of touring possibilities in Ireland's west, do try to allow a few days to explore the justifiably popular Dingle Peninsula. With good weather on your side, this ruggedly spectacular region is without question a must-see. Dingle town is a treat as well, as it features a good many first-rate restaurants.
Best of luck.
Mar 23rd, 2003, 07:48 AM
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Julie
Ireland can be such an inexpensive place to visit and a joy to visit also thru the use of their fantastic Bed & Breakfast organization.
If you fly into Shannon - may I recommend a B & b we stayed at on two occasions (2 because it was so GOOD) the name is Eileen Wolfe"s B & B at Bunratty. The rooms are not within her home but in an addition to her home, more like a small inn. Large, lovely rooms with baths, tv, and full breakfasts. Last time we visited we the Wolfes select our next night's stay from the B & B's that they knew. We then did the same in each town we visited and found some truly delightful B & B families. They also helped us select our restaurants and sightseeing and were truly helping hands.
Enjoy your visit!!
Ireland can be such an inexpensive place to visit and a joy to visit also thru the use of their fantastic Bed & Breakfast organization.
If you fly into Shannon - may I recommend a B & b we stayed at on two occasions (2 because it was so GOOD) the name is Eileen Wolfe"s B & B at Bunratty. The rooms are not within her home but in an addition to her home, more like a small inn. Large, lovely rooms with baths, tv, and full breakfasts. Last time we visited we the Wolfes select our next night's stay from the B & B's that they knew. We then did the same in each town we visited and found some truly delightful B & B families. They also helped us select our restaurants and sightseeing and were truly helping hands.
Enjoy your visit!!
Mar 23rd, 2003, 06:48 PM
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if you contact the irish tourist bureau at 345 (i think) park avenue, nyc, they will send you books on B & B's...we used their books on our march trip and paid about $60/nite for doubles in 4 star accomodations.... you could save by using a lesser star place....the people are all very nice and help you find your next nights lodging and will phone ahead for you for about 1 euro...
Mar 23rd, 2003, 06:53 PM
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we spent our first nite in kilrush, which is about a 1 hour drive west north west of shannon... we stayed at the Hillcrest View...ethna hynes is a lovely woman and very helpful...her house is beautiful...the beds were the most comfortable we slept in...she lists her rooms as 25-30 euros per nite per person...her breakfast is fabulous...e-mail her at: [email protected]
Mar 23rd, 2003, 09:31 PM
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Julie,
You're already getting lots of good advice on regions and accommodations.
Since you mentioned an interest in history, and an interest in saving a bit, I'm going to recommend the Irish Heritage Card that will get you into as many Dúchas National Historic sites as you like for one fee (19Euro; 12.70Euro for seniors; 7.60Eu for children)
We found we saved a bit on some key sites and the guides served as a pre-built list of places to see as well, as they were not inherently touristy (gov't run); the best of Irish history and was already paid for!
They have a website that explains the card, with links to lists of all the Dúchas sites. You can order the card here: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/HeritageCard/
Or just purchase it at the first of their sites you visit.
You're already getting lots of good advice on regions and accommodations.
Since you mentioned an interest in history, and an interest in saving a bit, I'm going to recommend the Irish Heritage Card that will get you into as many Dúchas National Historic sites as you like for one fee (19Euro; 12.70Euro for seniors; 7.60Eu for children)
We found we saved a bit on some key sites and the guides served as a pre-built list of places to see as well, as they were not inherently touristy (gov't run); the best of Irish history and was already paid for!
They have a website that explains the card, with links to lists of all the Dúchas sites. You can order the card here: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/HeritageCard/
Or just purchase it at the first of their sites you visit.
Mar 24th, 2003, 02:46 AM
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Julie0001,
If you are an artist/craftsman the west would be lovely to Drive and pop into all the pottery, artist studios etc. I love going to galleries in towns on the west coast. There is always some unusual and lovely items. The countryside is lovely and B&B's are all over and should be better priced than in Dublin. Many large towns have an internet cafe so check ahead maybe with a B&B or lets say of you are goingby Galway city, pop in and check out you mail. They are more common these days to have an internet and call shop.
If you are an artist/craftsman the west would be lovely to Drive and pop into all the pottery, artist studios etc. I love going to galleries in towns on the west coast. There is always some unusual and lovely items. The countryside is lovely and B&B's are all over and should be better priced than in Dublin. Many large towns have an internet cafe so check ahead maybe with a B&B or lets say of you are goingby Galway city, pop in and check out you mail. They are more common these days to have an internet and call shop.
