bmathes

Hi All -

After reading all the wonderful threads throughout the Forum the itinerary I posted, and received great comments to, has been revised. So I started a new topic to get your thoughts on the new itinerary and your favorite things to do in certain areas! So here it goes..

Friday - Travel Day (we're coming from California so it is a 19 hr deal)
Sat - Land in Cork
Sun - Cork Again
Mon - Head to Dingle
Tue- Dingle
Wed - Head out to Galway
Thu- Galway
Fri - Open Day
Sat - Head to Dublin
Sun - Dublin
Mon - Travel back to Cali

Favorite pubs/restaurants in or around Cork, Dingle, Galway, and Dublin?
Has anyone biked in Dingle?
Does anyone recommend the Aran Islands?
What were your favorite things to do in/around Cork?

Any and all recommendations are welcome and appreciated!!

Safe Travels!
Bonnie

irishface

I would recommend the Aran Islands. Rosseveal is not too far from Galway and is the best (IMO) jumping off point. The ferry from there go regularly and give several options for departure and return times. There is parking at the ferry area. Some recommend the 10 minute flight over and back. I would wait and see about weather. Much of what one would want to visit is outdoors and if it is bucketing rain, won't be much fun. A drizzle or heavy mist is not bad and sort of atmospheric, but is a matter of taste.

When you take the ferry over, there are minivans and horse drawn carriages waiting at the pier for a tour of the important places. There is also a bicycle rental shed at the end of the pier.

A drive around Connemara while in Galway is to be recommended. The scenery is wonderful even in misty or rainy weather. Near Oughterard is Aughnanure Castle. Near Moycullen on the main road is a shop specializing in Connemara marble articles. Near Cong are some interesting hikes. You might go out to Connemara National Park for some hikes and an informative visitor center with lots of info on the botany and geology of Ireland. Leenane has lots of craft shops and cafes for a lunch stop. Obviously one cannot cover all of this in one day, but it is a starting point for planning a day out.

On the way back to Dublin, stop in Clonmacnoise for its monastic ruins and round tower.

On the way to Galway there are lots of interesting detours and stops: Cliffs of Moher; the Burren; the Cragganouwen project; Quin Abbey; Blennerville windmill. Again you can't do all, but check in a guide book for what might be of interest to you.

If you are staying in Cork, I would suggest that you not pick up your car until the day you head for Dingle. Driving in Cork itself is a driver's nightmare--at least I feel that way. But I think Cork has lots to see and do on foot.

bmathes

That is great feedback Irishface! We can't wait to visit Ireland! We hope to go in May but it depends on a new project at my husband's company. Fingers crossed, because I don't want to put it off ;-) Thanks Again! Bonnie

SeeDee

Things to do around Cork city:
The English Market for food stalls of every type.
The Crawford Gallery, permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Patrick St for the shops.
Out to Cobh to see the Titanic exhibition.
Wander around Kinsale or take the walk out to Summercove and back.

sheri_lp

I was amazed to learn there are over 50 pubs (I think) in Dingle! I spent the most time in the An Droichead Beag (The Short Bridge)

http://www.dingle-region.com/smallbridge.htm

And the Conor - smaller, local pub with a friendly pool table
right next to the Short Bridge on Spa Road.

And Dick Mack's is also a happening place -

http://dickmacks.homestead.com/

bmathes

Thanks for all the wonderful info! You guys are awesome!!

bmathes

Thanks for all the wonderful info! You guys are awesome!!