June Itinerary - Welcome Comments
Feb 8th, 2004 | 10:29 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2003
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June Itinerary - Welcome Comments
I have been working on our trip for several months now, but after reading the threads on this site would welcome comments and suggestions from experienced travellers to Ireland, or better yet natives to Ireland.
We arrive Shannon from the US(San Diego) after flying all day June 22 and overnight.
June 23 - Arrive Shannon 8:10am; pick up car and drive to Doolin, if weather is good see Cliffs (Would welcome a restaurant suggestion for breakfast in Shannon or Ennis as we will not only be tired but starving!)
Stay at Ballinalacken Castle Hotel 1 night
June 24 - Drive through the Burren, see Burren Vistors Ctr, go to the Aillwee Caves (what else in the area?) Stay in Kinvara - Merriman or Fallon B&B. (Would we better off going on to Galway? If so, I need a recommendation for a B&B in Galway)
June 25 - Drive to Bunratty (sights along the way?) Stay for 2 nights, see Bunratty Castle, Folk Park, Dinner at the Castle etc.
June 27 - Drive to Killarney - stay 2 nights at Kathleens Country House - see Ross Castle, Muckross House, Jaunting Car etc. Drive a peninsula(Dingle or Kerry?)
June 29 - Killarney to Cashel - Stay at Legends Guesthouse - see Rock of Cashel - Depending on comments - stop on the way to see the Blarney Stone -
June 30 - Cashel to Callan via Waterford - see Waterford Crystal Factory -
July 1 - Callan through Kilkenny to Dublin with perhaps a backtrack to Jerpoint Abbey.
July 2 - Dublin - With only 1 1/2 days, what would be the best things to do in Dublin?
Any recommendations of sights, tour times etc. would be helpful. We (my husband, 11 year old son and I) enjoy just seeing how other people live. Strolling through small villages as well as the main highlights has provided us with a lifetime of memories. If there are special spots along our route, we would welcome suggestions. I have tried to keep our driving to 100 miles or so.
Finally, in June, I think I have read that daylight extends to 9:00pm perhaps even later since it will be near the solstice, can anyone confirm... if so this will help as we are not early risers!
Thank you in advance for your comments!
We arrive Shannon from the US(San Diego) after flying all day June 22 and overnight.
June 23 - Arrive Shannon 8:10am; pick up car and drive to Doolin, if weather is good see Cliffs (Would welcome a restaurant suggestion for breakfast in Shannon or Ennis as we will not only be tired but starving!)
Stay at Ballinalacken Castle Hotel 1 night
June 24 - Drive through the Burren, see Burren Vistors Ctr, go to the Aillwee Caves (what else in the area?) Stay in Kinvara - Merriman or Fallon B&B. (Would we better off going on to Galway? If so, I need a recommendation for a B&B in Galway)
June 25 - Drive to Bunratty (sights along the way?) Stay for 2 nights, see Bunratty Castle, Folk Park, Dinner at the Castle etc.
June 27 - Drive to Killarney - stay 2 nights at Kathleens Country House - see Ross Castle, Muckross House, Jaunting Car etc. Drive a peninsula(Dingle or Kerry?)
June 29 - Killarney to Cashel - Stay at Legends Guesthouse - see Rock of Cashel - Depending on comments - stop on the way to see the Blarney Stone -
June 30 - Cashel to Callan via Waterford - see Waterford Crystal Factory -
July 1 - Callan through Kilkenny to Dublin with perhaps a backtrack to Jerpoint Abbey.
July 2 - Dublin - With only 1 1/2 days, what would be the best things to do in Dublin?
Any recommendations of sights, tour times etc. would be helpful. We (my husband, 11 year old son and I) enjoy just seeing how other people live. Strolling through small villages as well as the main highlights has provided us with a lifetime of memories. If there are special spots along our route, we would welcome suggestions. I have tried to keep our driving to 100 miles or so.
Finally, in June, I think I have read that daylight extends to 9:00pm perhaps even later since it will be near the solstice, can anyone confirm... if so this will help as we are not early risers!
Thank you in advance for your comments!
Feb 9th, 2004 | 05:22 AM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,872
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First of all - you will probably get more response if you re-post w/ Ireland in your title. "June Itinerary - Welcome Comments" could be asking about anywhere in Europe.
a few comments about your plans:
Don't assume you will be starving when you arrive - on most airlines you will be served several meals, including a full breakfast before landing.
The drive to Doolin is gorgeous but it is a stressful one if you have not slept in over 24 hours so you'll need to take it very easy.
Yes - it will be light until after 10 PM, but it will also be light by 4AM too so sleeping in may be difficult. Also many B&Bs serve breakfast at a set time - like 8-9AM or something like that. It varies a lot from place to place.
The first few days you are moving place to place. Shannon to Doolin to Kinvarra to Bunratty each with just one night's stay. These are all pretty near each other. You probably would be better served to pick one place for these three nights and use it as a base for The Cliffs, Burren, and Bunratty.
I don't think I'd go to Waterford. The tour is really no big deal and most folks are disappointed by the town. It takes a big chunk out of your day and is out of the way for the rest of your itinerary.
a few comments about your plans:
Don't assume you will be starving when you arrive - on most airlines you will be served several meals, including a full breakfast before landing.
The drive to Doolin is gorgeous but it is a stressful one if you have not slept in over 24 hours so you'll need to take it very easy.
Yes - it will be light until after 10 PM, but it will also be light by 4AM too so sleeping in may be difficult. Also many B&Bs serve breakfast at a set time - like 8-9AM or something like that. It varies a lot from place to place.
The first few days you are moving place to place. Shannon to Doolin to Kinvarra to Bunratty each with just one night's stay. These are all pretty near each other. You probably would be better served to pick one place for these three nights and use it as a base for The Cliffs, Burren, and Bunratty.
I don't think I'd go to Waterford. The tour is really no big deal and most folks are disappointed by the town. It takes a big chunk out of your day and is out of the way for the rest of your itinerary.
Feb 9th, 2004 | 07:48 AM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 397
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Deb,
I go to Ireland from San Diego, too! Please feel free to email me with questions directly if you want. (I'll be gone to Disney World from the 10th to the 15th of this month but afterward I'm open for Ireland questions!) I've been a few times (6 and counting) and visited most of the places you're going.
First off let's say that I agree with the Janis about airlines and food. You may find you are not hungry at all. If you and your family are lucky you will have been able to sleep on the plane on the way over. (I never can! Bummer.) Either way, bring snacks with you in case you do not like what is being served and to stave off the whole hunger thing. Snacks will also come in handy when you're in the car and driving about - until you find items you like there. Most of the small towns have a butcher shop or corner store where you can buy fresh sandwiches. A nice day in the Burren is a perfect place for a picnic.
I also agree with Janis about finding yourself a nice B&B in the Burren area and not moving from place to place every night. Much less packing and unpacking plus you will really get a feel for a place more if you stay more than one night. Either way, be sure to ask your B&B hosts for places to eat or things to see and do. They will be a wealth of info you.
Driving through the Burren can take all day or only an hour or two depending on what you stop to see and do. In Kinvara, be sure to do the castle there. It's only a small tower house but I'm betting your son will enjoy it! The Caves can be busy so you may have to wait your turn for a tour. They have a nice little tea shop there to help pass the time. I think that driving all the way to Galway when you are going to spend your next few days in Bunratty and further South is too far. Unless you changed and did one night at Bunratty and then do your one in or outside of Galway.
If you do not make it to Galway you could take the ferry from Doolin to the Aran Islands for a day or half day trip. This is well worth your time and you can visit all three islands (if you want) which you can't do from the Galway ferry.
Muckross House is worth doing but I really enjoyed the Farms more. You can get a ticket that will allow you go get into both attractions (they are right next to each other) or just one or the other. I think your son will enjoy the Farms, too. Lots of farm animals as well as several replicated buildings of Ireland farms in the 18th century that you can explore. (I think that's right...)
If I had to pick between Dingle or Ring of Kerry, I'd go for Dingle every time. The drive over Conor Pass from North to South is worth a few white knuckles.
Cashel will be quite busy but is also worth the time if you have it. If I had to choose between the Rock of Cashel or Cahir Castle I'd go with Cahir. I think your son will really enjoy Cahir Castle, as well. Part of it were used in the movie "Braveheart" (Trim Castle, Co. Meath was in it as well) which is fairly exciting. But the best part is that there is a tour AND you can explore on your own! Even down into the dungeon!! How cool is that?
I have to agree with the Janis, too, about Waterford. Though I've not done the factory tour I can vouch for the lack of charm of the town itself. It's a working town with not a lot to see and no nice hotels (well, one nice one but it's Very Expensive). If you do end up staying in the this area stay out in the country side somewhere.
Jerpoint Abbey is right next to Kilkenny. I enjoyed both in a single day and that's with a drive to Kildare (near Dublin) thrown in. (We stayed in Isintioge the night before.)
Dublin has loads to offer and is a good place to take a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour of the city if only to see a majority of sights in a day or two. Then you can linger over those places that interest your family most. If your son enjoys museums be sure to take him to The National Museum where they have a great Viking display - including a mummy. (Actually there are many mummies to be viewed in Dublin if you enjoy that sort of thing. Best to get a book about Dublin and bring it with you.)
Because of the time difference you WILL be early risers in Ireland. They are 8 hours behind us so your internal clocks will be cattawhumpus for several days if not longer. When my husband and I go we often find ourselves wide awake at 4am (Irish time) and ready to get the day on. If you can, when you arrive, try to stay awake until at least 9 or 10 that night. It will help to give you a full night's sleep that night. Do this even if you didn't sleep on the plane. Otherwise you'll be up and ready to go when the rest of Ireland is sleep!
Hope this is some help to you. Enjoy your trip!
Safe travels,
Wendy
[email protected]
I go to Ireland from San Diego, too! Please feel free to email me with questions directly if you want. (I'll be gone to Disney World from the 10th to the 15th of this month but afterward I'm open for Ireland questions!) I've been a few times (6 and counting) and visited most of the places you're going.
First off let's say that I agree with the Janis about airlines and food. You may find you are not hungry at all. If you and your family are lucky you will have been able to sleep on the plane on the way over. (I never can! Bummer.) Either way, bring snacks with you in case you do not like what is being served and to stave off the whole hunger thing. Snacks will also come in handy when you're in the car and driving about - until you find items you like there. Most of the small towns have a butcher shop or corner store where you can buy fresh sandwiches. A nice day in the Burren is a perfect place for a picnic.
I also agree with Janis about finding yourself a nice B&B in the Burren area and not moving from place to place every night. Much less packing and unpacking plus you will really get a feel for a place more if you stay more than one night. Either way, be sure to ask your B&B hosts for places to eat or things to see and do. They will be a wealth of info you.
Driving through the Burren can take all day or only an hour or two depending on what you stop to see and do. In Kinvara, be sure to do the castle there. It's only a small tower house but I'm betting your son will enjoy it! The Caves can be busy so you may have to wait your turn for a tour. They have a nice little tea shop there to help pass the time. I think that driving all the way to Galway when you are going to spend your next few days in Bunratty and further South is too far. Unless you changed and did one night at Bunratty and then do your one in or outside of Galway.
If you do not make it to Galway you could take the ferry from Doolin to the Aran Islands for a day or half day trip. This is well worth your time and you can visit all three islands (if you want) which you can't do from the Galway ferry.
Muckross House is worth doing but I really enjoyed the Farms more. You can get a ticket that will allow you go get into both attractions (they are right next to each other) or just one or the other. I think your son will enjoy the Farms, too. Lots of farm animals as well as several replicated buildings of Ireland farms in the 18th century that you can explore. (I think that's right...)
If I had to pick between Dingle or Ring of Kerry, I'd go for Dingle every time. The drive over Conor Pass from North to South is worth a few white knuckles.
Cashel will be quite busy but is also worth the time if you have it. If I had to choose between the Rock of Cashel or Cahir Castle I'd go with Cahir. I think your son will really enjoy Cahir Castle, as well. Part of it were used in the movie "Braveheart" (Trim Castle, Co. Meath was in it as well) which is fairly exciting. But the best part is that there is a tour AND you can explore on your own! Even down into the dungeon!! How cool is that?
I have to agree with the Janis, too, about Waterford. Though I've not done the factory tour I can vouch for the lack of charm of the town itself. It's a working town with not a lot to see and no nice hotels (well, one nice one but it's Very Expensive). If you do end up staying in the this area stay out in the country side somewhere.
Jerpoint Abbey is right next to Kilkenny. I enjoyed both in a single day and that's with a drive to Kildare (near Dublin) thrown in. (We stayed in Isintioge the night before.)
Dublin has loads to offer and is a good place to take a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour of the city if only to see a majority of sights in a day or two. Then you can linger over those places that interest your family most. If your son enjoys museums be sure to take him to The National Museum where they have a great Viking display - including a mummy. (Actually there are many mummies to be viewed in Dublin if you enjoy that sort of thing. Best to get a book about Dublin and bring it with you.)
Because of the time difference you WILL be early risers in Ireland. They are 8 hours behind us so your internal clocks will be cattawhumpus for several days if not longer. When my husband and I go we often find ourselves wide awake at 4am (Irish time) and ready to get the day on. If you can, when you arrive, try to stay awake until at least 9 or 10 that night. It will help to give you a full night's sleep that night. Do this even if you didn't sleep on the plane. Otherwise you'll be up and ready to go when the rest of Ireland is sleep!
Hope this is some help to you. Enjoy your trip!
Safe travels,
Wendy
[email protected]
Feb 9th, 2004 | 09:36 AM
#4
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
Janis writes: "Don't assume you will be starving when you arrive - on most airlines you will be served several meals, including a full breakfast before landing."
My last 3-trips to Ireland (May'02, Sep'02 and May'03) I flew Continental to Shannon, Continental to Dublin and US Airways to Shannon. I am usually famished when I arrive because none of those flights served what I call a full breakfast and by that time the coffeee is pretty bad. On the US Airways flight I mentioned to the couple seated next to me that my first stop would be the Cafeteria on the upper level at Shannon airport. They came into the Cafeteria as I was putting the things on my tray on the table.
In Ennis, there's also a cafeteria in Dunnes supermarket. You can eat as much or as little as you like but the usually have a 'special' on the full Irish breakfast.
Call the Hotel (or B&B). Ask if they have 'early check-in' available. If you can nap for several hours, it can save the day for you - the Traditional Irish music usually doesn't start until about 10 PM.
If you're in Galway on a Saturday afternoon, catch some Trad Irish music at Taaffes or AnCaeli. Your 11-year old might enjoy it. I don't know if there is any prohibition about children in Pubs, but some of the players in one of the groups I saw weren't much older than that.
My last 3-trips to Ireland (May'02, Sep'02 and May'03) I flew Continental to Shannon, Continental to Dublin and US Airways to Shannon. I am usually famished when I arrive because none of those flights served what I call a full breakfast and by that time the coffeee is pretty bad. On the US Airways flight I mentioned to the couple seated next to me that my first stop would be the Cafeteria on the upper level at Shannon airport. They came into the Cafeteria as I was putting the things on my tray on the table.
In Ennis, there's also a cafeteria in Dunnes supermarket. You can eat as much or as little as you like but the usually have a 'special' on the full Irish breakfast.
Call the Hotel (or B&B). Ask if they have 'early check-in' available. If you can nap for several hours, it can save the day for you - the Traditional Irish music usually doesn't start until about 10 PM.
If you're in Galway on a Saturday afternoon, catch some Trad Irish music at Taaffes or AnCaeli. Your 11-year old might enjoy it. I don't know if there is any prohibition about children in Pubs, but some of the players in one of the groups I saw weren't much older than that.
