Kissing the Blarney Stone for 40th!
Jan 19th, 2009, 10:58 AM
#23
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You realize you are seeing 3 countries in 10 days, right? Whew! I am the same age (turning 40 this year) and that sort of trip exhausted me - back when I was 27. I can't imagine what it would do to me now that I'm older and fatter 
I agree that flying is the way to go. And it is definitely well-defined as a 'green blur' tour! Make sure you plan driving times for no more than an average of 35 mph on Irish and Scottish roads.
Do get a highlands tour - but don't bother with Loch Ness, unless you REALLY want to scan the water for Nessie. There are lots of prettier Lochs closer by, like Loch Lomond or Loch Tay
Check out www.irelandyes.com - Michele has been to Ireland over 35 times and has some great resources and forums on her site.
The only thing I liked in Waterford was the Crystal, and you can see that, as was mentioned, in Dublin or elsewhere. No need to go to the southeast corner on a long driving day - head straight to Blarney. Check out some sites on the way, such as Kilkenny (great medieval town) or Rock of Cashel, maybe even Glendalough if you have time, it's a beautiful abbey.
I agree that flying is the way to go. And it is definitely well-defined as a 'green blur' tour! Make sure you plan driving times for no more than an average of 35 mph on Irish and Scottish roads.
Do get a highlands tour - but don't bother with Loch Ness, unless you REALLY want to scan the water for Nessie. There are lots of prettier Lochs closer by, like Loch Lomond or Loch Tay
Check out www.irelandyes.com - Michele has been to Ireland over 35 times and has some great resources and forums on her site.
The only thing I liked in Waterford was the Crystal, and you can see that, as was mentioned, in Dublin or elsewhere. No need to go to the southeast corner on a long driving day - head straight to Blarney. Check out some sites on the way, such as Kilkenny (great medieval town) or Rock of Cashel, maybe even Glendalough if you have time, it's a beautiful abbey.
Jan 19th, 2009, 11:04 AM
#24
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If you do decide to fly from Edinburgh to Dublin on Ryan Air, don't forget to add 10 GBP per person as a credit card charge, and 10 GBP per person for airport check-in if you don't have an EU passport. There is also an additional charge for checked baggage.
(not sure if your USAir ticket includes that leg of the journey)
(not sure if your USAir ticket includes that leg of the journey)
Feb 1st, 2009, 01:23 PM
#25
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Thanks for all of your suggestions and good information.
The hotels/B&B's are reserved.
We are going to fly from Edinburgh to Dublin...and from Shannon to London via Ryanair or Aer Lingus. asalamy, thanks for pointing out the additional fees...not too thrilled about those! I am comparing fares/fees between the two airlines. What else to I need to be on the lookout for?
I read in another thread that I might be able to have a wall in the train berth removed, so we can all be in the same "room" overnight. That would be great.
We might actually have a 4th person joining us. My uncle's "lady friend" is very excited about our trip, so we invited her along. She is going to think about it...so we may be adjusting some of our reservations.
I am so excited...I can hardly wait!
Thanks again to everyone!!!
The hotels/B&B's are reserved.
We are going to fly from Edinburgh to Dublin...and from Shannon to London via Ryanair or Aer Lingus. asalamy, thanks for pointing out the additional fees...not too thrilled about those! I am comparing fares/fees between the two airlines. What else to I need to be on the lookout for?
I read in another thread that I might be able to have a wall in the train berth removed, so we can all be in the same "room" overnight. That would be great.
We might actually have a 4th person joining us. My uncle's "lady friend" is very excited about our trip, so we invited her along. She is going to think about it...so we may be adjusting some of our reservations.
I am so excited...I can hardly wait!
Thanks again to everyone!!!
Aug 18th, 2009, 06:37 PM
#26
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Well, we leave in two weeks!!
We did decide to fly from Edinburgh to Dublin and from Shannon back to London to help save some time.
We are tying up loose ends and are open to any last minute suggestions!!
We did decide to fly from Edinburgh to Dublin and from Shannon back to London to help save some time.
We are tying up loose ends and are open to any last minute suggestions!!
Aug 18th, 2009, 10:19 PM
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I forgot to mention that I kissed the Blarney Stone. It was such a thrill. I have two photos to prove it. I am going to do it again next time I am in Cork, if I can still climb the stairs. Whew! There is huge gift shop at Blarney with loads of expensive Waterford crystal, Guiness branded stuff, and other tourist trinkets.
Fish N’ Chips? Once in my lifetime and never again. I ate at the Hard Rock Cafe 30 years ago, every day I was in town for a week. Great chili. I was in town for a week this year and forgot all about it. There are plenty of pubs with quick serve pub grub so I just stopped whenever I got hungry.
Fish N’ Chips? Once in my lifetime and never again. I ate at the Hard Rock Cafe 30 years ago, every day I was in town for a week. Great chili. I was in town for a week this year and forgot all about it. There are plenty of pubs with quick serve pub grub so I just stopped whenever I got hungry.
Aug 19th, 2009, 12:30 AM
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Just to flag regarding RyanAir, if you are flying with them from Edinburgh to Dublin, you might be required to check in on-line and then take the print out with your Passport to a seperate desk in order to have it validated. This is the process now at Stansted, but I'm not sure about Edinburgh. If not followed, you could be facing more fees ...
I used to travel on RyanAir at least once a month, but I've converted to BA for most of 2009, as the fees and hassle just aren't worth it anymore!
I used to travel on RyanAir at least once a month, but I've converted to BA for most of 2009, as the fees and hassle just aren't worth it anymore!
Aug 19th, 2009, 12:31 AM
#33
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I also kissed the Blarney stone and really liked it - well worth the experience, and the castle/grounds are lovely.
I passed on the experience when I was a student because people said it wasn't worth it, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to try again.
I passed on the experience when I was a student because people said it wasn't worth it, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to try again.
Aug 19th, 2009, 12:40 AM
#34
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asalamy.. good point you made about Ryanair!
The (mandatory) online check-in procedures are explained here:
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/notic...ne_check-in-GB
OP can print boarding passes before leaving the US, since you can check in 15 days in advance (If applicable, be sure to have booked checked luggage online before you check-in and print BP).
The first-time traveller with Ryanair might also want to take a minute (or 10) to read carefully the restrictions on check-in deadlines, and maximum weight and measurements for checked and cabin luggage. You can expect that each regulation is enforced to the last kilo, so to speak. Meaning, that if you can check in 15 kilos, it means up to 15.0 kg, not 15.5 kg and a big smile (rather a big surcharge). Never ever assume that you can "get around" any restriction or regulation.
The (mandatory) online check-in procedures are explained here:
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/notic...ne_check-in-GB
OP can print boarding passes before leaving the US, since you can check in 15 days in advance (If applicable, be sure to have booked checked luggage online before you check-in and print BP).
The first-time traveller with Ryanair might also want to take a minute (or 10) to read carefully the restrictions on check-in deadlines, and maximum weight and measurements for checked and cabin luggage. You can expect that each regulation is enforced to the last kilo, so to speak. Meaning, that if you can check in 15 kilos, it means up to 15.0 kg, not 15.5 kg and a big smile (rather a big surcharge). Never ever assume that you can "get around" any restriction or regulation.
Aug 19th, 2009, 02:21 AM
#35
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Thanks all!
Yes, we have looked at a map!
We have removed Waterford from the itinerary
We booked with Aer Lingus through AAA.
Our trip looks more like this now:
Fly in to London. (17 hours in London until overnight train to Edinburgh) Big Bus walking tour to see the Changing of the guard, HRC, Tower of London, river cruise back to Westminster Pier for evensong at WM Abbey. Dinner, London Eye, overnight train to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh: Castle, Royal Mile, HRC and Ghost Walk on day 1. Highlands tour on day 2. Then flight via Aer Lingus to Dublin.
Dublin: City tour, and then we pick up the rental car the next morning. I have read that they can come to pick you up...but that driving in town is CRAZY...so we might be better off taking a cab to their location and then getting on the road. Any suggestions here? We did reserve an automatic as this will be our very first time driving on the left side of the road.
We have eliminated Waterford, so we are driving straight to Blarney. and then on to hotel on ROK for overnight.
Ring of Kerry the next day.
2 nights in Dingle, then drive to Cliffs of Moher before heading to Shannon airport for late flight to London.
I believe that Aer Lingus has many of the same fees and restrictions as Ryan Air, so I appreciate the tips and will see if we can check in before we leave. I have a small laptop that I was considering taking with me, but am afraid of the overweight charges! It just might not be worth it!
Thanks again for all of your help!!
Yes, we have looked at a map!
We have removed Waterford from the itinerary
We booked with Aer Lingus through AAA.
Our trip looks more like this now:
Fly in to London. (17 hours in London until overnight train to Edinburgh) Big Bus walking tour to see the Changing of the guard, HRC, Tower of London, river cruise back to Westminster Pier for evensong at WM Abbey. Dinner, London Eye, overnight train to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh: Castle, Royal Mile, HRC and Ghost Walk on day 1. Highlands tour on day 2. Then flight via Aer Lingus to Dublin.
Dublin: City tour, and then we pick up the rental car the next morning. I have read that they can come to pick you up...but that driving in town is CRAZY...so we might be better off taking a cab to their location and then getting on the road. Any suggestions here? We did reserve an automatic as this will be our very first time driving on the left side of the road.
We have eliminated Waterford, so we are driving straight to Blarney. and then on to hotel on ROK for overnight.
Ring of Kerry the next day.
2 nights in Dingle, then drive to Cliffs of Moher before heading to Shannon airport for late flight to London.
I believe that Aer Lingus has many of the same fees and restrictions as Ryan Air, so I appreciate the tips and will see if we can check in before we leave. I have a small laptop that I was considering taking with me, but am afraid of the overweight charges! It just might not be worth it!
Thanks again for all of your help!!
Aug 19th, 2009, 03:56 AM
#36
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You must tell us how you get on.
I am exhausted at the very thought of your trip but I am 30 years older than you.
On the first day, I think that I would fall asleep over my dinner plate ;-)
I hope that you are getting a sleeper to Edinburgh.
I am exhausted at the very thought of your trip but I am 30 years older than you.
On the first day, I think that I would fall asleep over my dinner plate ;-)
I hope that you are getting a sleeper to Edinburgh.
Aug 19th, 2009, 04:25 AM
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Aer Lingus charges for checked bags. you need to book them online before hand to save on charges. You can book seats online too, for a small fee if you want to be sure you ca sit together. Carry on is limited to a single piece and a weight limit of 6kg I believe. I have seen to sets of dimensions for the carry on, one being the standard carry-on sizes the other a much smaller 46x35x23 cm. I'll leave you to work that out in inches 
.
For our flight to Cork next week I am assuming the smaller size and weight is correct as I don't want to have to check my camera gear. My camera rucksack meets the larger size requirements but weighs a lot even when empty.
.For our flight to Cork next week I am assuming the smaller size and weight is correct as I don't want to have to check my camera gear. My camera rucksack meets the larger size requirements but weighs a lot even when empty.
Aug 19th, 2009, 05:39 AM
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"Aer Lingus charges for checked bags"
For anyone who happens to read this who's flying transatlantic with them and then flying interEuropean also with them: At least as of this past June, Aer Lingus allows two bags, free, on transatlantic flights. If you're then flying within Europe, you can link the flights and they won't charge for the bags on those flights either. But I don't think this is something you can do online. You need to call and talk to them.
I learned this purely by chance. We flew Aer Lingus from ORD to Dublin. When I later booked tickets from Dublin to BNC, I had to call because purchasing the tickets set off the fraud warning on my credit card. The person I spoke with told me about linking the flights to get free baggage and I was able to do it aqain when I purchased tickets from Edinburgh back to Dublin at the end of our trip.
For anyone who happens to read this who's flying transatlantic with them and then flying interEuropean also with them: At least as of this past June, Aer Lingus allows two bags, free, on transatlantic flights. If you're then flying within Europe, you can link the flights and they won't charge for the bags on those flights either. But I don't think this is something you can do online. You need to call and talk to them.
I learned this purely by chance. We flew Aer Lingus from ORD to Dublin. When I later booked tickets from Dublin to BNC, I had to call because purchasing the tickets set off the fraud warning on my credit card. The person I spoke with told me about linking the flights to get free baggage and I was able to do it aqain when I purchased tickets from Edinburgh back to Dublin at the end of our trip.
Aug 19th, 2009, 05:45 AM
#39
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Aer Lingus is pretty much precise on their max allowances for luggage:
http://tinyurl.com/n5shqw
Never seen one of those smaller frames for cabin luggage.. only the standard 56/45/25.
The allowance got raised from 6 to 10 kg.
Check your "Travel Advisory" which you should have received automatically by e-mail after booking.
You only pay for seats if you pre-book them. Usually, you will still find more than enough seats together when you do the online check-in early, i.e. 30hrs before departure.
IME, flights to ORK usually don't get as full as those to DUB. And Cork airport is much smaller, nicer, and extremely easy to navigate.
http://tinyurl.com/n5shqw
Never seen one of those smaller frames for cabin luggage.. only the standard 56/45/25.
The allowance got raised from 6 to 10 kg.
Check your "Travel Advisory" which you should have received automatically by e-mail after booking.
You only pay for seats if you pre-book them. Usually, you will still find more than enough seats together when you do the online check-in early, i.e. 30hrs before departure.
IME, flights to ORK usually don't get as full as those to DUB. And Cork airport is much smaller, nicer, and extremely easy to navigate.
