Ireland trip help

Old Feb 15th, 2012, 06:27 AM
  #21  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dan Dooley is great - they will pick you up at the airport. They guarantee the rate they book you at, no hidden surprises. Michele has a great thread on Car Rental in Ireland on her forums at www.irelandyes.com.

There are some great advisements above by all! We recently went to Ireland for our 4th trip, and I'm already planning my 5th. We did the northern route and then the southern route (18 days) so feel free to go through for some ideas.

As SeeDee said, no need for a car while IN Dublin. It's a pain to drive there and park there. Glendalough is one of my favorite places in Ireland, but much more enjoyable in the early morning or late afternoon, after most of the tourists have gone. However, if you're doing a day trip tour out of Dublin, that's likely not an option.

One thing I noticed in mid-June is that, even though most American tourists aren't there yet, the Italian schoolchildren tours are EVERYWHERE. They are quite loud and boisterous, as well. Just a fair warning

Just plan the trip with the understanding that you'll be back some day, and there is no way to see all you want to do in one trip. It will make you much happier! Ireland is indeed addicting, you'll be back.
GreenDragon is offline  
Old Feb 15th, 2012, 07:17 AM
  #22  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I am so appreciative of all the good advice I am getting. Taking off the hubcaps is a great idea. I did rent an automatic in Scotland and plan to do the same in Ireland. There is enough to think about without shifting with the left hand as well! Now my next plan is to start trying to find places to stay. I always agonize over this! We are planning on doing B&B's out of Dublin, but would it be best to do a hotel while we are in Dublin? Thanks
yellowrose477 is offline  
Old Feb 15th, 2012, 09:38 AM
  #23  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 986
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: hubcaps, just take four of those nylon ties (we used to call them oilfield ties) and affix the hubcaps to the wheel. I took a pack last trip and then found someone else had beaten me to it so I still have the ties.
jaja is offline  
Old Feb 16th, 2012, 12:28 AM
  #24  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re accommodation in Dublin - thanks(?) to the property crash, a number of four star hotels were purchased in Dublin by ambitious developers whose grand plans are now no more. The result? These are now reopened and being operated purely to maintain some cash flow - offering rooms at non-commercial rates.
Checking today, there are double rooms on offer at the D4Berkeley, a former 4 star located in Ballsbridge, for €79 per night. A 2 night Sunday/Monday package is even better value at €109. This area is served by Aircoach from Dublin Airport. www.d4hotels.ie

In general, the B&B business is being pushed hard on price by the number of three star hotels that are struggling to survive. They cannot compete of course where the personal touch that a friendly landlady can provide.

Checking online for accommodation in June in the Donegal area, we have stayed in Castle Murray House - lovely sea shore location, nice restaurant - and they are quoting a 2 night B&B plus one dinner for €180. www.castlemurray.com

Better value is a small favourite place of mine in the small village of Kinlough, close to the town of Bundoran. Not your average Irish B&B as the owner Piero hails from Sardinia, the rooms are simply furnished but the downstairs restaurant does lovely food. They are quoting a 2 night B&B plus 1 dinner for just €100 pp. www.thecourthouserest.com

You should be able to find lots of recommendations for B&B's in the Westport and Galway areas on this site or Tripadvisor.
SeeDee is offline  
Old Feb 16th, 2012, 02:49 AM
  #25  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
jaja wrote: "Re: hubcaps, just take four of those nylon ties (we used to call them oilfield ties) and affix the hubcaps to the wheel."

Take five, in case you have to change a wheel. And be sure to have a knife or scissors to cut the tie if the need arises.
Padraig is offline  
Old Feb 16th, 2012, 05:13 AM
  #26  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I didn't realize that Ireland had experienced the same property crash that we had in the US. Happened right when we wanted to sell our house - needless to say we are in the same house. Anyway - thanks for the recommendations - I will check out some of the links after work. Good to know that some of the hotels are now competing with the B&B's. Need to sit down with hubby and plan a route so I have a better idea where we will be and how many lodgings I need to book. Seedee, I like your post where we can have a couple of nights in the same place and do some day trips. Will be more restful I'm sure.
yellowrose477 is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2012, 04:54 PM
  #27  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have been studying my new map. I am wondering if we were to go spend a couple of nights in Dublin - pick up a car and head toward Enniskillen for a couple of nights, Donnegal for a couple more and then Galway - would these locations be good bases for day trips?
yellowrose477 is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2012, 12:40 AM
  #28  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just about any place can be good for a couple of nights, but I think there are better options than Enniskillen. In addition, because it is in Northern Ireland, you get into the minor complication of using a different currency.

You could head straight for south Donegal (bit of history; lots of good scenery); thence through Sligo (lots of history; good scenery); follow a somewhat coastal route (very scenic) through county Mayo into Connemara (also scenic, but different) and on to Galway.
Padraig is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2012, 08:41 AM
  #29  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Is going from Dublin to south Donegal in one day a viable option? Of course allowing along the way for sightseeing?
yellowrose477 is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2012, 09:49 AM
  #30  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I am guessing its about 3 1/2 hours straight...maybe 145 - 150 miles ?? I would say you should be able to do it with sightseeing included along the way... in regards to the currency difference in Northern Ireland, last year when we were traveling from Ireland to Northern Ireland ( with no intentions of an overnight ), we found ourselves in Coleraine and I just got sterling from the ATM across the street from our hotel... and I must say - Coleraine was a delight, an unexpected detour..Northern Ireland and its people are so warm and friendly... have you considered if you are headed north, to see Giant's Causeway, Carrick a rope bridge, Dunlace Castle, Bushmills Distillery ? They are all in one area but it would take a few days to see them all...but all worth seeing...
frugaltraveler is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2012, 09:54 AM
  #31  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
and if you decide to do this route and then head to Donegal - and if you are a fan of Enya - her father's pub is in Gweedore near Bloody Foreland.. The north will not be as crowded as the south in June also ...If you go to the Connemara area, I highly recommend Matt Malloy's in Westport.. he is the flutist for the Chieftains..great trad music and Kylemore Abbey is something to see and that is in that area... Also - Ashford Castle in Cong.. I think you have to stay there to see it, but it is worth splurging on...to say you slept in a castle and it is beautiful...
frugaltraveler is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2012, 02:38 PM
  #32  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
yellowrose477 wrote: "Is going from Dublin to south Donegal in one day a viable option? Of course allowing along the way for sightseeing?"

Yes. It's mostly a good road, much of it dual carriageway. Sightseeing possibilities on the route include Trim Castle, Enniskillen, Belleek Pottery. Some of the route through the midlands is not particularly scenic, but you do get some good views of Lough Erne in the latter part of the journey.

Many traders in NI, particularly in the border regions, are willing to accept euros, and are not severe on exchange rates, so if you make a stop for food or whatever, it is worth asking before you trouble yourself with seeking sterling.
Padraig is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2012, 03:32 PM
  #33  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I will also tell you that the north, and Donegal, is stunning and beautiful. We stayed in Ardara, and were delighted with the area.
GreenDragon is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2012, 03:50 PM
  #34  
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,275
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you are only passing through NI, just use your CC for gas or food, no real need for Sterling.
allisonm is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2012, 01:23 AM
  #35  
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Definitely try to make it to the North Antrim coast. It's stunningly beautiful and unspoilt - not just the Giant's Causeway the whole coast from Portrush through Carrick-a-rede, Ballintoy, Ballycastle and down the Antrim coast road is worldbeating. Believe me Don't miss it. It's one of Ireland's gem. Travel writer Paul Theroux rated it as one of the best three drives in the world. Honest. I'm biased, yes, but the people are some of the warmest in the world also. Check it out
stemplar1 is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2012, 05:15 PM
  #36  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have been reading more on the Antrim coast. It sounds beautiful. I got a new Ireland book tonight and it has some great information in it and divides the areas of Ireland up in easy to understand pictures and language. It actually says that along the "rugged coast of Donegal is some of Ireland's wildest scenery." It's so easy to get confused about wanting to see too much and do too much. If we headed to the Antrim coast along to Donegal and down to Galway - where would you recommend spending nights?
yellowrose477 is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2012, 12:55 AM
  #37  
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sounds a fantastic route - you would also pass through Sligo and connemara (part of Co Galway and which is absolutely incredible). Best idea would be to speak to the tourists boards, north and south, and discuss accommodation. There's a good hotel in Bushmills on the north Antrim coast,home to world-famous distillery and close to the Giant's Causeway. Also on the way up the coast road there is the Londonderry Arms at Carnlough, a small fishing port. Avoid Larne on the way up. There are loads of good hotels in Donegal (Ballyliffin and Carrigart) and in Galway and in Connemara. I think it would be a wonderful driving trip without being too hectic. You are probably talking about 300 miles from Dublin to Belfast, up the North Antrim Coast then Donegal, Sligo and Galway. From Galway you cross Ireland across the flat midlands. It's not an interesting journey but takes only 6 hours and gets you back to your starting point quickly. Don't want to appear too much of a know it all but I am Irish and know these areas well. To sum up, I would spend nights in Belfast, Carnlough or Bushmills, Donegal (2 nightss) Connemara, and Galway (County Fermanagh, adjacent to Donegal, is also va ery pretty lakeland area) Don't try too much. Good luck. By the way, these areas are unspoilt and not too touristy.
stemplar1 is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2012, 04:26 AM
  #38  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Travel time Galway - Dublin Airport should be about 3, not 6, hours as it now is all by motorway.
SeeDee is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2012, 05:06 AM
  #39  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Curious as to why you want to avoid Larne? Lovely cemetery there, I took lots of photos We stayed in Cushendall at the Riverside B&B http://www.theriversidebandb.com/- fantastic place, on main street, very clean and lovely. The host had been a merchant marine and was a wealth of tales.

In Donegal, we stayed in Ardara, at the Bayview Countryhouse B&B http://www.bayviewcountryhouse.com/ - about a half mile out of town, huge rooms, great views. Several nights of great craic at Nancy's Bar.
GreenDragon is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2012, 08:46 AM
  #40  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Green Dragon - we don't want to avoid anything - I will check out Larne. This is why I am asking questions - to find great places to see and stay. stemplar1 - thanks for your input. When I get off work tonight I will do a little more research and looking at my map. I appreciate all of the ideas that you are all giving me. It helps make planning much easier.
yellowrose477 is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -