Before joining a Rick Steves tour in Dublin in Sept., we want to visit relatives who live in Charleville, Co. Cork. We fly into Dublin and don’t want to rent a car. We’re looking for suggestions on what to do between Dublin and Charleville using public transportation as much as possible, and where to stay? The Steves tour includes Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt Gardens, Rock of Cashel, Kinsale, Killarney, Dingle, etc., so we want to see a different part of Ireland while on our own.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Look at the rail and bus routes. www.irishrail.ie and buseirean.ie Not sure where Charleville falls on the routes but this is a good place to start

Thanks for the information. I found that Charleville is a stop on the railway route to Cork leaving from Dublin Hueston station. It is between Limerick Junction (near Tipperary) and Mallow. That's easy. Now any suggestions on where we should spend our first night in Dublin in order to catch the train the next day? Thanks

You can try the newly opened Comfort in in Smothfield. Its open a few months and was than 100 euro a few months back when I checked it out. ALso there is a Luas Tram stop at the bottom of the square that is 2 stops from Heuston Station. What is your price range?

Thanks. Since we only want a place to spend 1 night before catching the train, we would like a place that is clean and convenient. I'm not sure what a reasonable rate would be in Dublin, but 100 euro sounds ok. Thanks for all the information. When we return to Dublin, we plan on staying at the Harding Hotel, Copper Alley Fishambel, which is where our tour starts. Thanks for all the information.

Its brand new there is a good tead pub on the corner and a small supermarket below. The whole area is new. I know they had a 79 euro special recently. Do try it as it jusst opened and will be clean and new and is a short 2 stops on the tram to the station. I lived in this area for years. Oh and the Jameson tour is just across the square. As well there is a nice Cafe called Christophers in Duck alley across the way and beside Jameson tour that has breakfast and lunch. Nice salads and hot food kinda modern carvery style.

Thanks for all the information. You've been a big help. We've decided to go from Dublin to Cobh and spend 3 nights. We can take the train from there to see my relatives in Charleville. Now I'm looking for recommendations on a place to stay in Cobh.

You can check with Tearmann's B&B, http://www.tearmanncobh.com/, if being just outside of Cobh isn't an issue. Bernadette Maddox is a marvelous hostess and the house, set on its own grounds, is fantastic.

If you want to be in Cobh proper then try Amberleigh House, http://www.amberleigh.ie/. The have their own car park and are just a few minutes stroll from Town Centre. It is set on its own 2 acres and has some fabulous gardens. The O'Sullivans are terrific and they take excellent care of their guests.

Enjoy your adventure!

Slan Beo,

Bit Devine