Random questions on Ireland re not having a car
Jan 3rd, 2007, 09:30 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Random questions on Ireland re not having a car
Our daughter is going to be interning at a rape crisis network in Ireland from early February to early June. She'll be based in Galway but doing some traveling back and forth to Dublin. My husband is trying to convince me that I should visit her while she's there.
I've been to Ireland twice, most recently in late March of last year. Both times we rented a car, stayed in B&Bs, etc. This would be a very different trip. Obviously, my main focus would be to spend time with my daughter. But, of course, I would want to do some touristy stuff during the day while she's working. And I'd hope that she could take a day or two, over a weekend if nothing else, to do a bit of sightseeing with me.
Because money is somewhat of an issue right now, I'd want to do this trip as frugally as possible. I'd be staying with her. And I wouldn't rent a car. Both because of the cost and because I'm not a very adventurous driver. Having been there twice, I really can't see myself driving in Ireland!
From my research for the previous trips and what I've read on this board, I know that getting out into the countryside without a car is not easy. But is it immpossible? If I'm going to have to limit myself to Galway and/or Dublin, I don't feel that the time of year I go makes that much difference. But, if I can get out of the city a bit, I'd prefer to go a little later than we did last year. Perhaps after the trees have budded and some of the seasonal things have re-opened.
One of the things I'd really like to do is the castle banquet in Kinvarra (can't remember the name of the castle). Yes, I know they're terribly touristy. But we did the Bunratty one 25 years ago and I really enjoyed it. How difficult would it be to get from Galway to Kinvarra without a car? I know that they weren't open yet when we were there last March. But, obviously, it's not worth waiting until they're open if I can't get there anyway!
If I would happen to go when she's in Dublin, I'd really like to go back to Newgrange. And take her because she's never been. But, again, how difficult would it be without a car?
At this point, the whole thing is just conjecture. But I'd really appreciate any input that could help me make some decisions. Thanks!
I've been to Ireland twice, most recently in late March of last year. Both times we rented a car, stayed in B&Bs, etc. This would be a very different trip. Obviously, my main focus would be to spend time with my daughter. But, of course, I would want to do some touristy stuff during the day while she's working. And I'd hope that she could take a day or two, over a weekend if nothing else, to do a bit of sightseeing with me.
Because money is somewhat of an issue right now, I'd want to do this trip as frugally as possible. I'd be staying with her. And I wouldn't rent a car. Both because of the cost and because I'm not a very adventurous driver. Having been there twice, I really can't see myself driving in Ireland!
From my research for the previous trips and what I've read on this board, I know that getting out into the countryside without a car is not easy. But is it immpossible? If I'm going to have to limit myself to Galway and/or Dublin, I don't feel that the time of year I go makes that much difference. But, if I can get out of the city a bit, I'd prefer to go a little later than we did last year. Perhaps after the trees have budded and some of the seasonal things have re-opened.
One of the things I'd really like to do is the castle banquet in Kinvarra (can't remember the name of the castle). Yes, I know they're terribly touristy. But we did the Bunratty one 25 years ago and I really enjoyed it. How difficult would it be to get from Galway to Kinvarra without a car? I know that they weren't open yet when we were there last March. But, obviously, it's not worth waiting until they're open if I can't get there anyway!
If I would happen to go when she's in Dublin, I'd really like to go back to Newgrange. And take her because she's never been. But, again, how difficult would it be without a car?
At this point, the whole thing is just conjecture. But I'd really appreciate any input that could help me make some decisions. Thanks!
Jan 3rd, 2007, 09:47 AM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CAPH52, I've been to Ireland 8 times and only 2 times did I rent a car. I love train travel and trains got me to-from one city to another. I used buses a couple of times to get to smaller towns. I did use taxis a lot of the time which can get expensive. I believe NedsIreland does his trips with public transportation.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 09:56 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, chatham! It's good to know that it's possible to get around the country without a car. I knew I'd be able to take a bus from Shannon to Galway. But, since you mention taking buses to smaller towns, I'm guessing I might be able to do that to get from Galway to Kinvarra or Dublin to Newgrange?
Jan 3rd, 2007, 10:05 AM
#4
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've taken the bus to several places in Ireland. Some smaller locales might only have a stop in the morning and another in the evening, but that is perfect for daytrips. If you arrive in a town and you're not sure what to do, just stop in the tourist office, library or a hotel and ask a local...you never know what you'll find.
From Galway and Dublin there are formal daytrips to Connemara, Newgrange and several other sites, those are pretty easy.
You can take a bus from Galway to Kinvarra, but you may have to stay the night in Kinvarra, but that could be a great outing.
If you make the commitment to NOT sit in your daughters flat watching TV (and I'll tell you, some fo those Irish shows are pretty addictive), then you'll be set for adventure and will have an amazing new experience. Public transportation forces you to interact a bit more, and that can really enhance your experience.
From Galway and Dublin there are formal daytrips to Connemara, Newgrange and several other sites, those are pretty easy.
You can take a bus from Galway to Kinvarra, but you may have to stay the night in Kinvarra, but that could be a great outing.
If you make the commitment to NOT sit in your daughters flat watching TV (and I'll tell you, some fo those Irish shows are pretty addictive), then you'll be set for adventure and will have an amazing new experience. Public transportation forces you to interact a bit more, and that can really enhance your experience.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 10:16 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you, yesiree! Your post was not only interesting and helpful, it's giving me the desire to get out there and be adventurous! Sounds like some day trips on my own could be quite fun!
Jan 3rd, 2007, 11:58 AM
#6
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If your daughter is resourceful enough to take on work at a rape crisis centre outside her home country, I'm sure she can manage to do some preliminary research for your visit!
The main provider of scheduled bus services is Bus Eireann. You can investigate routes and timetables on their website: http://www.buseireann.ie/site/home/
I admire your daughter's choice of intern project. Tell her that I wish her success, both for herself and those she will be helping.
The main provider of scheduled bus services is Bus Eireann. You can investigate routes and timetables on their website: http://www.buseireann.ie/site/home/
I admire your daughter's choice of intern project. Tell her that I wish her success, both for herself and those she will be helping.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 01:46 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you very much, Padraig. Both for your help and for your good wishes for my daughter.
She's a certified rape crisis counselor and has lead several educational work shops at school. Over the summer she volunteered with the YWCA's rape crisis/advocacy program and will be doing so again this month. She's also a counselor advocate on her campus. So she's had a lot of experience.
Her school is big on a semester abroad. But her counselors agreed that it made far more sense for her to do this sort of internship in Ireland than to take the same psychology classes that she could take at her own school.
Our biggest concern is that, because she's doing this rather than a more conventional school program, she may feel somewhat isolated. We don't know whether she's likely to be working with many people near her own age. Which is why my husband really wants me to visit during her stay.
She's a certified rape crisis counselor and has lead several educational work shops at school. Over the summer she volunteered with the YWCA's rape crisis/advocacy program and will be doing so again this month. She's also a counselor advocate on her campus. So she's had a lot of experience.
Her school is big on a semester abroad. But her counselors agreed that it made far more sense for her to do this sort of internship in Ireland than to take the same psychology classes that she could take at her own school.
Our biggest concern is that, because she's doing this rather than a more conventional school program, she may feel somewhat isolated. We don't know whether she's likely to be working with many people near her own age. Which is why my husband really wants me to visit during her stay.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 02:42 PM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have visited Ireland about a dozen times since '98 and I use BusEireann as my main mode of transport, although one time I took CityLink: Dublin airport to Galway Tourist Office. http://www.citylink.ie
There are bus daytrips from Galway's Bus & Train Station but only in Summer months. I'm not sure when summer skeds go into effect, But you may find some private tour operators to Doolin & the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, maybe to Croagh Padraig or to Cong ('Quiet Man' village). There is regularly scheduled service to Knock Shrine and to Westport
If you're in Galway the last week of May (May 21-28) I would definitely recommend at least one daytrip to Ennis where the Spring Music & Dance festival (Fleadh Nua) will be in full swing. BusEireann has pretty frequent service between those 2-cities.
Of course, your daughter will probably be 'making the calls.'
There are bus daytrips from Galway's Bus & Train Station but only in Summer months. I'm not sure when summer skeds go into effect, But you may find some private tour operators to Doolin & the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, maybe to Croagh Padraig or to Cong ('Quiet Man' village). There is regularly scheduled service to Knock Shrine and to Westport
If you're in Galway the last week of May (May 21-28) I would definitely recommend at least one daytrip to Ennis where the Spring Music & Dance festival (Fleadh Nua) will be in full swing. BusEireann has pretty frequent service between those 2-cities.
Of course, your daughter will probably be 'making the calls.'
Jan 3rd, 2007, 03:27 PM
#9
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CAPH52, I suggest you take a look at this page: http://tinyurl.com/y8sfbl
It has a lot of listed bus day tours from Galway.
It has a lot of listed bus day tours from Galway.
Jan 5th, 2007, 07:19 AM
#13
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CAPH52
Congratulations on having such a wonderful daughter, I admire her sense of adventure, and you must be very proud of her work.
Dont worry about transport here, we have good provincial buses that will take you most places you want to visit, the only restriction will be the time you might like to spend in each place, you will have to stick to bus timetables, but i'm sure that wont be a huge problem for you.
Good luck on your travels, and I hope you have a wonderful time, and take home warm memories of Ireland
Lucie x
Congratulations on having such a wonderful daughter, I admire her sense of adventure, and you must be very proud of her work.
Dont worry about transport here, we have good provincial buses that will take you most places you want to visit, the only restriction will be the time you might like to spend in each place, you will have to stick to bus timetables, but i'm sure that wont be a huge problem for you.
Good luck on your travels, and I hope you have a wonderful time, and take home warm memories of Ireland
Lucie x
Jan 5th, 2007, 07:56 PM
#14
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can't remember if you made it to the Arans on your last trip, but there are a couple of very reasonable day-trips out of Galway that take you by bus from Eyrie Square to the airport or the ferry in Ross'veal, then out to Inis Mor that return you to Galway.
If you do a search on this board using "ARAN ISLANDS", I remember posting all the details as to rates, times and the location of the bus stop, as well as links.
I'll look around for it, too and post a link, if I find it.
Bob
If you do a search on this board using "ARAN ISLANDS", I remember posting all the details as to rates, times and the location of the bus stop, as well as links.
I'll look around for it, too and post a link, if I find it.
Bob
Jan 5th, 2007, 08:01 PM
#15
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK, so it's probably not as helpful as it could be, but ...
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34734003
Bob
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34734003
Bob
Jan 7th, 2007, 07:37 PM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, Lucie. I <b>am</b> very proud of my daughter!
I appreciate your info on the buses. And your kind wishes for my trip. I can't begin to imagine visiting Ireland and <b>not</b> taking home warm memories. Yours is such a fun and welcoming country!
Bob, thanks very much for the link re the Aran Islands. We didn't get there last year. Mostly because of the weather and time constraints. I'm very much hoping that I will get to this time.
But I'm now leaning back towards the idea of going over my spring break from school. That would mean going at the same time of year we went last time. But I realized that if I go later, I could only take a week off. If I go in late March, I can take a week off and add it to the week I <b>have</b> to take for spring break. And that would, of course, give me a total of two weeks for the trip.
Unfortunately, when we were there last year it rained --hard-- the entire time we were in Galway. Which wouldn't have made for a pleasant trip to the islands. I wonder what the odds are that the weather will be any different this year?
I appreciate your info on the buses. And your kind wishes for my trip. I can't begin to imagine visiting Ireland and <b>not</b> taking home warm memories. Yours is such a fun and welcoming country!
Bob, thanks very much for the link re the Aran Islands. We didn't get there last year. Mostly because of the weather and time constraints. I'm very much hoping that I will get to this time.
But I'm now leaning back towards the idea of going over my spring break from school. That would mean going at the same time of year we went last time. But I realized that if I go later, I could only take a week off. If I go in late March, I can take a week off and add it to the week I <b>have</b> to take for spring break. And that would, of course, give me a total of two weeks for the trip.
Unfortunately, when we were there last year it rained --hard-- the entire time we were in Galway. Which wouldn't have made for a pleasant trip to the islands. I wonder what the odds are that the weather will be any different this year?
Jan 21st, 2007, 01:30 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As an intern she will definately have time off. She is learning but they will not burn them out as its important especially in that area to make sure they do not burn out or go away exhausted with a negative experience.
Also she will not be on her own. One thing I really like about living here in Ireland is at work it does not matter how old you are people socialise and are friendly. I felt there was more of a divide in age groups mixing when I worked in New York. That may have changed but people also will see her as coming on her own and invite her along to things. My best friends here after 11 years I all met through work and are a important part of my life now. People were curious when I moved over and lots of people offered me a helping hand and invites at the weekends. She3 will be fine and she also by law will not be working more than 35-40 hours a week so she should have 2 days in a row off.
If you get to Dublin (via bus or train) you can sign up for yours of newgrange and a bus will leave from O'Connell street I think. Check out the tourist office on Suffolk street in Dublin or on the web you should be able to pre book this.
Ask away if you have any questions in Dublin
Also she will not be on her own. One thing I really like about living here in Ireland is at work it does not matter how old you are people socialise and are friendly. I felt there was more of a divide in age groups mixing when I worked in New York. That may have changed but people also will see her as coming on her own and invite her along to things. My best friends here after 11 years I all met through work and are a important part of my life now. People were curious when I moved over and lots of people offered me a helping hand and invites at the weekends. She3 will be fine and she also by law will not be working more than 35-40 hours a week so she should have 2 days in a row off.
If you get to Dublin (via bus or train) you can sign up for yours of newgrange and a bus will leave from O'Connell street I think. Check out the tourist office on Suffolk street in Dublin or on the web you should be able to pre book this.
Ask away if you have any questions in Dublin
Jan 21st, 2007, 09:11 AM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you anchoress and Siobhan. It's very encouraging to hear that she'll likely socialize with her coworkers, no matter their ages. That's certainly what we'd hoped for. And her experience with the agencies she's trained and volunteered with here is that people who do that sort of work tend to be very warm and giving people. And they seem to enjoy having a good time. I suspect that's a necessity when you are faced with grim situations in your work.
It's also looking like she'll be living in Galway with either other students or young working people. So that should also really help her.
We live in the Chicago suburbs. In the fall of 2004 she went off to college in Massachusetts knowing no one there. And she's done just fine. She loves it and has made friends I feel sure she'll have for life. So I have no doubts about her ability to adapt and do well.
But, we're her parents, and this is a less "structured" situation. So, of course, we worry! And, hey, if my husband's worry gives me an excuse to visit her in Ireland....
We know now that she'll be starting in Galway February 12th. But everything else is still up in the air! We're hoping that, this week, she'll be finding out where she'll be living. And that she'll finally be able to buy her plane tickets!
Meanwhile, I've already bought mine! I'd been watching flights. And when the first one I had my eye on filled, I decided I'd better go for it. I'm going to be flying in and out of Dublin. We still don't know whether she'll be in Galway or Dublin at that particular time. And I got a better deal on a Dublin flight.
So it's very likely that we'll spend at least a day or two in Dublin on one end or the other. It's been mentioned that she will be going back and forth to Dublin some. But, at this point, we have no idea whether these will be overnight trips. And whether she will be provided with somewhere to stay.
If I/we do wind up having to find somewhere to stay in Dublin at some point during my visit, how late do you think I can leave it? I'll be in Ireland from March 21 to April 3. So it's not the busiest time. But I always seem to read that you really need to book ahead in Dublin.
I've been reading some of the other threads about Dublin. I've noticed several recommendations for the hop on/off tour. Does that run year round? Am I likely to find many tours, etc., (the tour to Newgrange, the literary pub crawl, etc.) closed for the season in Dublin that time of year?
If I have any more Dublin questions, I will definitely keep you in mind, Siobhan. Thanks for the offer!
It's also looking like she'll be living in Galway with either other students or young working people. So that should also really help her.
We live in the Chicago suburbs. In the fall of 2004 she went off to college in Massachusetts knowing no one there. And she's done just fine. She loves it and has made friends I feel sure she'll have for life. So I have no doubts about her ability to adapt and do well.
But, we're her parents, and this is a less "structured" situation. So, of course, we worry! And, hey, if my husband's worry gives me an excuse to visit her in Ireland....
We know now that she'll be starting in Galway February 12th. But everything else is still up in the air! We're hoping that, this week, she'll be finding out where she'll be living. And that she'll finally be able to buy her plane tickets!
Meanwhile, I've already bought mine! I'd been watching flights. And when the first one I had my eye on filled, I decided I'd better go for it. I'm going to be flying in and out of Dublin. We still don't know whether she'll be in Galway or Dublin at that particular time. And I got a better deal on a Dublin flight.
So it's very likely that we'll spend at least a day or two in Dublin on one end or the other. It's been mentioned that she will be going back and forth to Dublin some. But, at this point, we have no idea whether these will be overnight trips. And whether she will be provided with somewhere to stay.
If I/we do wind up having to find somewhere to stay in Dublin at some point during my visit, how late do you think I can leave it? I'll be in Ireland from March 21 to April 3. So it's not the busiest time. But I always seem to read that you really need to book ahead in Dublin.
I've been reading some of the other threads about Dublin. I've noticed several recommendations for the hop on/off tour. Does that run year round? Am I likely to find many tours, etc., (the tour to Newgrange, the literary pub crawl, etc.) closed for the season in Dublin that time of year?
If I have any more Dublin questions, I will definitely keep you in mind, Siobhan. Thanks for the offer!
