Ireland-West Coast in 5 days..Is it Possible????
 

My son (11 years old) and I will be leaving from Dun Laoghaire and will have five days to see it "all" before leaving from Shannon airport. I think staying in a castle would be fun, as well as an authentic medieval banquet (is that possible??) as well as enjoying some celtic music and dance. Not sure what to see as I know four full days is not enough to even get a glimpse of it all but hopefully will get a taste that will bring us back for more! I appreciate any and all suggestions.
Kelly

Kelly,

I would suggest that you and your son spend your first night in Kilkenny, taking time on the day of your arrival to explore after you arrive there. On your second day, head to Tralee and stay there for two nights. That will allow you to explore the Dingle Peninsula and maybe catch sight of Fungi, the Dingle dolphin, as well as exploring co. kerry. On your way to Tralee from Killkenny, stop to see the Rock of Cashel. Your last night, stay at the Bunratty Castle Hotel, while not a castle in itself, it is close to both the airport in Shannon and Bunratty Folk Park. Enjoy a Medieval Banquet there the night before you leave. Here is the link for the Bunratty Castle Hotel, http://www.bunrattycastlehotel.com/. If staying in a castle is in your budget, I would recommend staying at the Glin Castle, http://www.glincastle.com/.

I hope that you and your son will be able to come back for a longer visit. There is so much to see and do.

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit Devine
www.cowboycraic.com

giggles, You'll get some very good advice here on this forum from people who have been to Ireland and are not advertising.
Also, there's two other web-sites that have very good information, they are:
IrelandYes - Michele Erdvig
IrealndExpert- Pat Preston
Have fun with your research. Joan

Kelly: From your other posts I get the impression that you are traveling around Ireland by public transportation not by car. If that is correct you need to choose where to spend each night carefully. What time of year will you be there? That makes a big difference.

Thank you for the information.

Irish Eyes: that is my greatest anxiety that I'm traveling during peek season (end of June) and have to rely solely on public transportation while not wanting tospend the majority of my time in a bus or train. I was thinking of a tour group. Do you have any ideas/suggestions? Thanks again for the help.

Kelly,

If it were me I would try to simplify. As I see it you have 4 days before your last night near Shannon. If it were me I would take the train from Dublin to Killarney. I would stay in Killarney for 4 nights. There is plenty to see and do in the area. There are many day trips you can catch from there including Dingle. Take a look at Dero's Tours: www.derostours.com If you stay within walking distance of Killarney town you can go in for restaurants, shopping, pubs and more.

On the 5th day get a bus to the Shannon area. Dromoland Castle is not far but you will be shocked at the prices. If you decide a castle is too expensive stay in Bunratty. You can do the castle, folk park, last minute shopping and the banquet that day. In the morning get a taxi to the airport (about 10 minutes away). I really think that would be your best plan.

Thank you so much Irish Eyes! I appreciate the suggestions!

Oops..I meant to ask you if you know of any accomodations in that area you would recommend?
Thanks again.

Kelly, I like IrishEye's itinerary. I took the train to Cork and when I left Cork I took the train to Killarney. You may have to change trains in Mallow. I wasn't real crazy with Killarney(the time of year I went) but it is perfect without a car. Look at web sites of IrelandYes and Ireland Expert, they both have lodging suggestions. They have stayed in them. I'd stay near Bunratty Castle, as around that area is the only place to get food. I stayed once a few miles away and spent so much money on taxis, I could have stayed in one of the nice hotels. Don't stay at Bunratty Shannon Shamrock Hotel. It's gone way down. I haven't stayed but I've noticed how close Bunratty Manor is to the Castle and places to eat. It gets good reviews on Trip Advisor.

I remember a newer place in Bunratty near the action. It's a guesthouse called The Courtyard. Easy walking to the park and eats.

Thank you very much for the suggestions. Is Buntratty close to the rail station as well? Any ideas for where to stay in Kilkenny?
I appreciate all your help.
Kelly

Kelly,

Bunratty is not real close to the rail station. That is in Limerick. If you go from Killarney to Shannon there is no train. You have to take a BUS. There is a bus stop right at Bunratty. I don't know what your budget for lodgings are but Bunratty Courtyard, Bunratty Manor and Bunratty Castle Hotel are places you should be looking at staying. Note: Bunratty Castle Hotel is not a real castle. It is just a hotel across the street from the castle.

Please note it is KILLARNEY not Kilkenny that I recommended. Two different places!!!

In Killarney I would stay at Killarney Lodge, Earl's Court or Ashville. They are all walking distance to town.