Potential Itinerary
 

Happy New Year!

We are planning a 12-day honeymoon itinerary for January 2010 and would like some advice. We have decided on Ireland and possibly Scotland as well. We like a good mix of relaxation and sightseeing, but understand that the temperature will be about 45F during our visit. We're in the preliminary phases of planning and haven't made any definite decisions yet. Here's what we're looking at right now:

-- Day 1: Evening flight out of Washington DC.
-- Day 2: Arrive in Shannon, Ireland. Drive 1h 20m to Galway. Spend day in Galway. Overnight in Galway.
-- Day 3: Drive to Kerry, start driving tour of Southwestern Ireland (Ring of Kerry). Overnight along Ring.
-- Day 4: Ring of Kerry. Overnight
along Ring.
-- Day 5: Ring of Kerry. Overnight along Ring.
-- Day 6: Drive to Belfast through Dublin with a stop in Dublin for lunch and a pint of Guiness. Overnight in Belfast.
-- Day 7: Northern Ireland. Overnight in Belfast.
-- Day 8: Northern Ireland. Overnight in Belfast.
-- Day 9: Ferry from Belfast to Stanraer, Scotland. Overnight in ??, Scotland.
-- Days 10, 11, 12: Scotland.
-- Day 13: Fly home from Edinburgh, Scotland.

Here are our concerns: It might be less expensive to book a round-trip flight out of one location instead of flying into Ireland and out of Scotland. If we were to do such, where should we fly in/out of and in what order do you suggest we visit the different areas?

Also, we plan on renting a car from the airport when we fly in. Can we take the same car across the ferry to Scotland, then turn it in at the airport in Scotland? How reliable are the ferries in January?

Any thoughts on the flow of the intinerary? Too slow or too fast for a honeymoon? Good places to go for a honeymoon? Too much driving? Enough sights to see?

Thanks for any advice!

Kristen

The timing of this trip is my concern. Daylight hours will be very short and the roads are likely to be icy.

I'm sorry, but it's hard for me to see how you'll get "a good mix of relaxation and sightseeing" at this time of year.

hi k7,

brrrr - how much do you want to see? I suspect that there is a high risk of rain during part or all of your trip. frankly, both Ireland and Scotland are a lot more fun in summer. do you want your only memories of those countries to be misty ones? I would see a trip like that as being mainly a waste of money.

if you want proper winter weather, with the chance for some fun and sightseeing, why not Venice plus skiing in the Dolomites?

if you want sun, costa rica?

sorry to rain on your parade,

regards, ann

Well, we understand that Ireland/Scotland might be more comfortable to tour in the summer, but we're not necessarily looking for sun and a ton of outdoor activity. The idea of pubs with lit fireplaces, few tourists, green hills (which I hear are still green in the winter), and cozy bed and breakfasts have some appeal to us. And we figure most of our touring will be indoors or we'll just wear warm weather clothes... we're both from up north and so spending time outdoors in 45F weather doesn't sound awful to us. Also, since it's a honeymoon, it's not going to be super go-go-go... we don't plan on rushing out of the B&B or hotels before sunrise (8:45am), and we'll likely leave plenty of time for relaxed meals as well. If we get snowed in an extra day or two somewhere, we won't stress about it.

Thank you for the concern though! We can understand that this might not be the right trip for honeymooners looking for warm weather and lots of fun in the sun :)

As I said in your other post, Jan. is not a good time for Europe--especially northern Europe. You really should go south and save Europe for another time.

Hey, they sound like they know what the weather/conditions will be like. Give them a break. I hope some of the Irish experts will post with more information. Another Fodorite is currently planing his 'winter' trip to Scotland. I'd not hesitate to go either place in January. Yeah it's not the best time of year but it's a honeymoon and from the O.P.'s remarks I think they 'll do fine. It certainly sounds good to me.

I don't have that much experience with ireland, but I think your plan to drive from Kerry to Belfast is too ambitious. With just 12 days I'd spend the time in Ireland or Scotland. You really need several weeks to do both justice.

Thank you, historytraveler! I appreciate your response.

We went to Scotland in mid Feb. one year, and it was cold, windy and snowed. Did we regret it? NO!!!! It was wonderful!!! So few people, but so much to see. We had to buy gloves, scarves and hats, and extra socks, but that was fine. We just did Edinburgh and then up around Aberdeenshire.

Scotland is my favorite place on Earth - but to travel there in winter -- by ferry -- for just 4 days -- really doesn't make sense. If You must go to Scotland (like if you've already booked your flight out of EDI) - then fly to either GLA or EDI.

No, you really can't rent a car in Ireland and drop it in Edinburgh - it would be like renting a car registered in Canada and dropping it in Mexico.

In fact - even renting a car in Ireland and dropping it in N. Ireland is problematic. Not impossible, but there would likely be high drop off charges.

2 weeks is barely enough time to see a major portion of Ireland/Northern Ireland - let alone adding a 3rd country. In the summer w/ loooooong days, I'd still recommend spending all your time in Ireland. But w/ the VERY short days and probably stormy weather -- even more so. You will not be able to travel fast or very far each day -- even in good weather.

Also your day 6 is really a problem - driving from ROK to Dublin to Belfast w/ lunch in Dublin -- not even doable IMO.

So what to do?? If Edinburgh is a "must" then fly there for 2 or 3 days from Shannon, Dublin or Belfast.

If you haven't booked your flights yet - I'd forget about Scotland this time (you have no idea how much it pains me to say that since I personally prefer Scotland to Ireland -- though I do enjoy Ireland too). You just can't cover that much territory in that much time -- especially in winter.

Winter in Ireland usually i sn;t very cold - so your temp may be right. But Scotland can be uch colder and substantial snow is possible. Also, it will be dark by 4pm and lots of places operate on shorter hours.

Separately, many car rental companies will NOT allow you to drive from Republic of Ireland into Scotland. (And if you're just in Edinburgh you don;t need a car anyway. And I don't know what you would see in the countryside in midwinter.)

Open jaw tickets - into shannon and out of Edinburgh or Glasgow should be very little more than RT to Shannon - and will save you the cost/time of getting back there.

I love both Ireland and Scotland - but in midsummer - not midwinter. Have you looked into what there is to see/do and open for what hours? (OUtdoor exploring in chilly rain or snow won't be a lot of fun.)

I think limiting our trip to Ireland/N. Ireland does make more sense. We're rethinking our route with removing Scotland and adding a few more days in Ireland. We'll probably spend a couple in Dublin, so that will cut out the day from ROK to Belfast. Does anyone have an opinion on whether Cork or Limerick are worth visiting? Preference on one over the other? We're trying to decide whether to fly into Cork or Shannon. Thanks!

I'd fly into Shannon, visit Galway as you mentioned but perhaps spend more time there. The larger towns/cities will have a good offering of museums and other indoor attractions. Then head to Kerry,then perhaps on to Killarney or Kenmare,then head up to Cashel with a possible stop there and into Dublin for a couple of days...lots of indoor stuff there. Get an open jaw ticket flying into Shannon and out of Dublin or reverse the itinerary.

A couple more suggestions. I'd get a map or better yet an atlas of Ireland and a guide book ( I like Footprint Ireland or Lonely Planet)then have a look at the places you've mentioned and the routing.

It's been too long since I've been to Limerick or Cork, so I don't feel comfortable making comments about either. Both are fairly large cities so will offer a number of visiting sites, restaurants etc. If you're looking for smaller, charming villages I'd suggest Adare for the Limerick area and Kinsale for Cork. You may want to have a mix.

As you head to Dublin two possible overnight stops would be either Cashel (small, charming with its famous Rock of Cashel) or Kilkenny, Ireland's medieval city, with lots to see/do.

hi again, kT

your problem is that the weather in January, especially in western Ireland [like Cornwall, where I live, but more so] may be such that your won't be able to see the sights you are going to. for example, the ring of Kerry involves virtually no indoor touring - it is entirely scenery.

a much better plan for this time of year would be dublin and Edinburgh, or Edinburgh and Glasgow. then if you have some rainy days, [inevitable that time of year, IMHO] you will have plenty to occupy you.

there are plenty of threads about the delights of Edinburgh on this forum.

regards, ann

historytraveler, thank you for the suggestions!! we are interested in some of the smaller towns as opposed to larger cities, so we will be sure to look into these. kilkenny looks right up our ally. my FI is a huge history buff.

annhig, i appreciate your input on the sightseeing. we decided to just stick to ireland/northern ireland, but add a few days in dublin. i was thinking about shortening the "scenic" days out west/southwest, so this seems like pretty good justification to do so.

our main purpose for spending time out west/southwest right after we arrive is to just relax in a not-so-busy place. not a lot of driving, not a whole lot of sightseeing. we're going to be exhausted from just being done with the wedding and also jetlag, so this time is really built in for us to chill out, sleep late, enjoy each other's company, and eat well in some pretty places, even if we can't see too much...

after several itinerary revisions over the past few days, we're thinking at this point, fly into shannon, then maybe 3 days or so out west/southwest, then a day to travel up to dublin (perhaps stay in cork or kilkenny), 3 days or so in dublin, then 3 days or so in belfast. it seems to be more expensive to fly home from belfast, so we'll probably drive back to dublin the day before we leave and fly out through there.

many helpful posts!! thank you everyone for your help.

hi k7,

I forgot to mention that Cork is quite an interesting city, woith lovely scenery around it if you have some days where you can see it.

remember what they say about the west of Ireland, amongst other places - if you can't see the hills, it's raining, if you can see them, it's about to.

regards, ann

Hi K,

>..understand that the temperature will be about 45F during our visit....<

If you check www.weather.com, you'll find the HIGHS for this month in Edinburgh will be about 43.

Shannon won't be quite as warm.

((I))

k....One thing to remember despite some of the negative comments about the weather affecting your trip, when touring/sightseeing by car you will be inside the vehicle and most rental cars have heaters.:)

I just went to www.ireland.com to checked on current weather conditions.

For this coming week the highs range as follows:

Galway 37-46
Dublin 38-43
Kerry 45-49

From sunny days to cloudy to light rain.

A couple of websites that might be helpful:

www.ireland.com
www.taaireland.com
www.townandcountry.ie
www.familyhomes.ie ( B&B's)
www.irelandtravel.ie
www.ni-tourism.com

ummm, I'll write more later, but I can't even imagine ignoring the weather because you'll be in the car. Ireland is not best enjoyed through the windshield of a Nissan Micra.

Galway to Kerry will take ups most of the daylight. Sun is up around 8 and sets between 4 and 430. Sure you can make it, but you are talking about nonstop driving if you want to make it to Kerry in the daylight. Put in a sytop in between, maybe Doolin and catch some music at Gus O'Connors. I'll have more to say later. I've traveled Ireland at that time a few times. It's different, but can be enjoyed.

Bill

Thanks again everyone for the suggestions on places to visit and the itinerary structure! historytraveler, thanks again ;)

Quick question on driving... I'm using www.AAroadwatch.ie to estimate driving times between two places. It says, for example, that Kerry to Belfast is 6.5 hrs, but janisj suggests undoable in one day... also, wojazz3 says galway to kerry will take up most of the daylight (~7 hrs), but AAroadwatch indicates it's a 3hr drive... am I missing something? Is this a bad site to use? Or are y'all just factoring in weather? I understand that the roads aren't main highways like in the States, but even still, I would expect the AAroadwatch to be somewhat accurate. ??

Also, any suggestions for great pubs w/Irish music in western/southwestern ireland, Dublin, and Belfast?

Thanks again!
Kristen

You're right in saying that the website is somewhat accurate, but driving times always seem to tbe underestimated. For aaroadwatch, I's add about another 50%, at least and remember that they do not factor comfrot stops,meal stops, picture-taking stops or even the occasional road accident into consideration. One of the biggest mistakes first timers make is in not allowing enough travel time between places. AARoadwatch is IMO one of the better map sites.

I know it will be winter, but the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places on earth, don't bypass it.

My comment was in response to what you wrote. You didn't ask about driving Kerry to Belfast -- you asked about Kerry to Dublin for lunch and Dublin to Belfast. That is a whole different animal.

But even for a straight through dash to Belfast you have to count on at least 8 hours. Maybe more if it is stormy. And in Jan. you won't have 8 hours of daylight.

hi again, K7,

I'm still worried that you have quite unrealistic expectations of Ireland in January.

vis:the whole point of your trip is to see the countryside but the likekihood of your doing so in January is remote. it will be cold and wet. the Dingle peninsular? - yes, it's stunning - but you won't see it. you will see mist and rain. and if by any chance the does sun shine, it will be cold.

as for Kerry to Belfast in a day - WHY??? a much better plan would be lunch in Dublin, followed by the rest of the day in...DUBLIN.

there are reasons why the south of Ireland is not flooded with tourists in January. or rather one reason. THE WEATHER.

please, please rethink. you have oodles of time.

regards, ann

Well, Let me put my 2 cents in. I've been to Ireland on many different trips and have traveled by car, bus, train and plane. I would fly into Dublin and spend some time here. Catch a morning train to Belfast and spend a few days. You can either go by bus down the western coast to Galway or catch a train back to Dublin and another train to Galway. From Galway you can go by bus to Cork. Cork is a very pleasant city and its sister city called Cobh was the last stop of the Titanic and the city is marked with all kinds of Titanic sites. You can easily do everything you want without a car. You can buy a combination bus/train pass upon arrival that makes it pretty affordable. If you decide you want to rent a car to do the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula, you can easily rent it for a day on-line. Good luck.

We've only been to Ireland and Scotland in the spring, each time having "unusually good" weather...but I think your trip will be delightful. In fact, ever since I read the comments from people who had stayed in our rental cottage on Skye, I have been fantasizing about being there in winter. (I'm just a bit afraid of that single-track hillside road if the weather's icy...) In Ireland you are unlikely to have to deal with snow and ice, so as long as you are prepared for the possibility of a lot of rain, you'll be fine, IMO.

Like the other posters we have found AA to be good for directions, but perhaps understating the time a bit. If it says 3 hours, I'd plan for 4.

If I had to choose between the two I would choose Dingle over the Ring of Kerry. Perhaps you can station yourself to be within driving distance of Dingle and see how the weather is when you first arrive? If you spend your first couple of nights in Killarney or Kenmare then you will have a variety of things to choose from, and if the weather looks fine one morning, you can make the drive.

I think the rest of your plan sounds fine (drive towards Dublin, breaking your journey up in Cork, then a few days in Dublin, and a few days in Belfast). If you're looking for alternatives to Cork, we thought Kinsale was lovely. But Cork is a fine place to stop as well.

I know it's a long way away, but don't forget to come back and let us know how everything worked out!

I'm just back from visiting my folks in Galway for Christmas and on 26 December we had the most beautiful drive through deserted Connemara. It was cold but crisp and made me resolve to tour the west all year round and not just in the summer. So I think if the weather plays ball you could have a glorious time.

I find the AA to be pretty accurate but bear in mind that if you want to see scenery and not just get from A to B you will generally choose a longer route than the AA route which sticks to main roads.

If you are looking for inspiration on places to stay, and want something nice for your honeymoon, check out the Blue Book (they have a website so you should find on google). It's a select list of nice places with character. We stayed in one last year, Newforge House (near Lurgan and Moira in Northern Ireland, about 30/40 minutes from Armagh and from Belfast) and thouroughly enjoyed it. We went there for a weekend break (we live in Dublin). It's pretty much in the middle of nowhere but might be a nice place to break up a drive from the south to Belfast.

jane

A P.S., for what it's worth: a friend just got back from two weeks in Ireland and Paris - he said Ireland was warmer and they really enjoyed it. Their itinerary included Dublin, County Waterford, and County Cork.

Thanks again to everyone for comments on the itinerary! Much appreciated. Will check out the links y'all posted for places to stay. :)