Betsyp

Hi all - I have picked up so many tips just reading the board - even if I wasn't going to Ireland, I'd still feel as if I were there.

This is my basic plan; I would appreciate any feedback. I refused to take a group tour, so I really had to get creative on this trip. I wanted to hire a car/driver for the duration (approx. 11 days), but it was too expensive, whatwith having to pay for the drivers expenses. What I think I will end up doing is using car/driver on a per diem basis, except for the last leg of my trip from Dingle to Connemara to Shannon area (where I am using Discover Ireland's car/driver. By that point in my trip, I won't mind paying for the car/driver the last few days). Further explanation below:

Day 1 - arrive Shannon airport/bus to Cork -cab to Ballymaloe (in Shanagarry). Rest of the day to recuperate and enjoy the grounds. I thought about flying into Dublin and taking the train to Cork, but the bus from Shannon is cheaper and the travel time is about the same. This will be a long traveling day, but it has to be done and I'll get it out of the way.

Day 2 - car/driver to Kinsale (with stop at Cobh. I am a Titanic buff, so besides the Queenstown Experience, I may do the Titanic tour. Don't know if that's worth it or if it's just cheesy, but I need to do it, time permitting.

As for the car/driver, I would use the local company, which is probably cheaper than using 1 2 Travel. The woman I s/w there said the price is based on 8 hours touring, whether you need the car/driver for that long or not, and $361.00 was just out of my price range. It appears that most of the local companies charge by the hour, which is what I need, since I can't guarantee that I would need a driver for the whole day. Plus, I wouldn't have to pay the driver's expenses. Ok, nuff boring stuff.

After Cobh, onto Kinsale. Spend the rest of the day exploring the town.

Day 3 - Charles Fort in the a.m. On to Baltimore (using another local company, arranged for by my B&B, the Pier House), stopping at Clonakilty, Castletownshend, Crookhaven, Skibereen - not necessarily all of these places. In fact, probably just a couple to get a feel for the area. Clonakilty is a definite, not sure about the others.

Rest of day: check out Baltimore (staying at Casey's)

Day 4: Ferry to Cape Clear or Sherkin Island (?); explore Mizen Head peninsula - again, using local cab company - heading towards Kenmare, via Beara Peninsula; explore Kenmare *Staying 2 nights Shelburne Lodge.

Day 5 - Killarney National Park area; back to Kenmare

Day 6 - Kenmare to Dingle (part of ROK? *given the mixed reviews of the ring, not sure of the best route) * yet another local car company **2 nights at The Shores

Day 7 - Sciurid Archaelogical tours; explore Dingle (town)

Day 8 (using Discover Ireland car/driver) Dingle to Connemara (another long day, I know, but the owner recommended some nice stops along the way - including Moran's Oyster Cottage and Dunguaire Castle, Burren, Cliffs of Moher) **2 nights at Ballynahinch

Day 9 - explore Connemara; cruise on Killary Harbor -Connemara National Park; Kylemore Abbey

Day 10 - travel to Echo Lodge, in Ballingarry - relax on grounds.

Day 11 - transfer to Shannon airport

Of course, this is subject to change, but I wouldn't think I'd have to do too much tinkering.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!!

chatham

Hi, Betsyp, this sounds much better then hiring a driver for the whole trip. Remember I told you this is the way I've done it. I think you are going to have a great time. Wish I could come along. If we don't hear from you before you leave, be sure to let us know how it went. Joan

Betsyp

That's right, Joan! I remember you did recommend a car/driver. I know it's going to be more expensive than a group tour, but I wanted to see Ireland my way.

I'm sure I will have other questions before I leave, but I definitely will post a trip report when I get back. It will be wonderful reliving the beautiful memories I am sure to have.

Survfan

Betsyp:

I actually returned from Ireland about 2 and a half weeks ago and had a blast. I did not hit alot of the places that you are planning to visit but did hit some and this is my imput:

You mention that you are planning a visit to Killarney National Park which I took a run in one afternoon it was awsome! I am a marathon runner and it is always a goal of mine when I go away to run someplace new at least once! Now I have never been to Kenmare but I would stay in Killarney overnight. If you stay in Killarney you have easy access to the park, Ross Castle, The Muckross Estate, and the town of Killarney with lots of shopping and dining. I know people say Killarney is to touristy and in many parts yes but I do think there is something to be said for the place and think it is worth a stay. If you do end up staying there I stayed in B&B most the way but found a good deal on a Monday at the Great Southern Hotel right near the center of town and recommend them!

Second, I have a friend who lives in Cork City and while staying there I drove to Kinsale and Cobh. Cobh was nice we visited the Cathederal and the exhibits on the Titanic at the vistors center. Kinsale was a bit more touristy but the seafood was great! I recommend the White House Resturant the Salmon was excellent. But if you are in the area Kinsale and Cobh are def both worth a visit. I did not visit the other places you mentioned so I am afraid that I will not be much help there.

Good Luck! Have a blast!

Betsyp

Hi Survan

I read your trip report - sounded like you had a blast, and I enjoyed reading it!

I've thought long and hard about the Killarney issue, but when it came right down to it, I didn't want to give up a night in Kenmare (definitely wanted to stay at least 2 nights there) and I couldn't add one more night to my itinerary. Fortunately, Kenmare isn't all that far from Killarney - I can still enjoy most of a full day at the Park. I'm really looking forward to that; I've heard the lakes are just spectacular and I love the water.

Thanks for the tips on Kinsale and Cobh, especially the restaurant. Yum! I love seafood and, fortunately, I adore any form of potato. The Irish are my new best friends for loving that spud so much!

Betsy

Jackie

I recently returned from Ireland and visited some of the towns you're planning on seeing. I had a couple of reactions to your itinerary.

The first reaction was to staying at the Shores. I had read a couple of excellent reviews of it here and considered staying there. When I looked at the map, I decided it was best to find a place closer to the town of Dingle. We did go past the Shores. It is on the otherside of the Connors Pass Road, not one you'd want to travel on more than once. Maybe with the personal driver it won't matter, but I think it could limit how often you go into Dingle.

Secondly, I thought having a personal driver would be an excellent (but expensive) way to see Ireland. As an alterative to driving, we had talked about taking busses between the main towns we visited (Dingle, Kinsale, Cashel, Dublin). In hindsight, I wished I'd researched it a little more.

On my first visit to Ireland, we drove from Dingle to Clifden with an overnight stay in Doolin. Yes, indeed, you will have a very long time in the car. My recollection of the Connemara area is mainly of Kylemore Abbey. I remember thinking at the time that it was the most beautiful sight in all of Ireland.

Enjoy you trip!

Betsyp

Hi Jackie!

The fact that the Shores isn't particularly close to Dingle (town) concerned me at first, but truthfully, I am a very light sleeper and prefer peace and quiet at night. I definitely would like to experience Dingle pub life, but I could always take a cab (expensive, true enough) back to the Shores.

As long as there is nice scenery along the way, and I can get out to stretch my legs - have a nice lunch, explore some little towns on the way - I'm ok with the long drive from Dingle to the Connemara area. LOL I really have little choice if I want to do that, so............Kylemore Abbey looks lovely - I'm looking forward to exploring Connemara National Park and getting out onto the water at Killary Harbor.

Some people on Trip Advisor thought that my itinerary was too busy, that I'd be spending too much time in the car. I came up with something of an alternative. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this:

I would skip the ROK and the Mizen peninsula on the way to Kenmare. Then, I would do Beara the next full day and, on the way to the Dingle Peninsula, do Killarney National Park. Would that work?

Thanks!

Jackie

Betsy,

I agree with the folks at tripadvisor that you're spending too much time in the car. But, if this is the trip that you want to do, go for it.

I think the most important thing you can do is remain flexible. If moving about becomes than you bargained for, then change your itinerary.

I just posted my pictures on worldisround.com if you would like to take a look. The Dingle pictures came out the best. You can find them by searching under: jackiebost

Betsyp

Hi Jackie

I appreciate your tips, but I'm not sure how I would avoid spending time in the car. I've read and re-read the posts on this board, and I have allocated 2 nights each in Kenmare, Dingle and the Connemara area, which most posters have advocated. Driving is going to be unavoidable - I've tried to include some of the must sees. Isn't the point of visiting Ireland to absorb and soak in the gorgeous scenery? I assume that when people talk about driving such and such peninsula (or whatever beautiful road), they do stop and enjoy the view.

I really do appreciate your help, but if you could give specifics on where you think I've gone wrong in my itinerary, that would be great.

If anyone else has suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them.

Thanks!