I posted my first Itinerary on 12/21 and had quite a bit of feedback---thank you! I think I've toned it down a tad...although it still looks like I'm seeing almost everything I wanted to the first time, so you tell me, seasoned travelers! Again, this is our honeymoon and our 1st trip to Ireland...late May/early June. <BR><BR>Day 1: Fly into Shannon. Arrive early morning, drive to the cliffs, stay in Doolin (lodging suggestions?).<BR><BR>Day 2: Aran Islands from Doolin, drive to Shannon, stay at Dromoland. (I read on Pat's site that most people see the Islands in 6 hours or less.....true? How long is the drive from Doolin to Shannon? I'm guessing a little less than 3 hours?) <BR><BR>Day 3: Day trip to Limerick &amp; Adare, back to Dromoland.<BR><BR>Day 4: Dingle Peninsula, stay in Killarney (Crystal Springs B&amp;B?)<BR><BR>Day 5: Ring of Kerry (or just the highlights), stay in Killarney<BR><BR>Day 6: Cork &amp; Blarney, stay in Kinsale(lodging suggestions?)<BR><BR>Day 7: Waterford, Kilkenney, stay in Kilkenney. (lodging suggestions?)<BR><BR>Day 8: Rock of Cashel (other day trip suggestions?), back to Kilkenney<BR><BR>Day 9: Co. Wicklow, drive to Dublin (or stay somewhere in Wicklow?)<BR><BR>Day 10: Dublin (lodging suggestions?)<BR><BR>Day 11: Dublin<BR><BR>Day 12: Depart from Dublin<BR><BR>Notes....I know that a lot of people favor Galway over Dublin...my future husband won't be so easily convinced. Is there a good spot to stay outside of Dublin so that we can spend more time exploring Co. Wicklow? Before, there was only one full day of my trip devoted to Dublin; there's now two---better? I only have 2 1-night stops--Doolin &amp; Kinsale--any way I can avoid that? Make a 2 night stop a 3-nighter? It seemed like I had to stop in Kinsale to break up the Killarney to Kilkenney route---is there a better place than Kinsale?<BR><BR>Again, thank you for your expertise and patience...I'm starting to feel the pressure of no reservations anywhere yet....with a little less than 5 months to go<BR><BR>Stephanie

Well, I've already got a revision to my own revision....how can I manage a night at the highly-recommended Greenmount house in Dingle? Only stay one night at Dromoland? Skip staying in Killarney and stay in Dingle instead?

Dear Stephanie,<BR><BR>Any chance you could get your husband to do Dublin on another trip?<BR><BR>I'd try to stay in the southwest quadrant of Ireland for your 1st trip.<BR><BR>The Aran View Hotel is a great country house in Doolin. Great Pubs in this town. Stay two nights if going to the Aran Islands.<BR><BR>Dingle is a must - take the Kilmer-Tarbet (? spelling - I'm at work right now) ferry and spend at least two nights (3 is better) in Dingle. It is a magical part of Ireland - the scenery is spectacular, with the Slea Head drive and beautiful beaches. The Small Bridge Pub for outstanding Trad Music, and stay at Heaton's Guest House. I could go on and on about Dingle....<BR><BR>Next I would spend a night in Killarney, see the Ross Castle and hike a little - Drive the upper part of the Ring of Kerry - not the whole thing. And/or stay in Kenmare.<BR><BR>Not sure of distances right now - Drive the Beara Penninsula - and stay at least two nights in Kinsale - Charming and colorful harbor town.<BR><BR>Drive up through Blarney and Adare and end your honeymoon at either the Adare Manor or Dromoland Castle.<BR><BR>Just some thoughts - hopes it helps. It really makes sense to park your bags and really get the feel of where you are - not just drive, drive, drive.<BR><BR>All the Best,<BR><BR>Nancy<BR><BR>e-mail me if you would like any other suggestions.<BR>

Stephanie<BR>I know lots of people recommend the tour-base approach to travelling – and it really IS the best way – but works best if you are focussing on one section of the country – like the west (Galway Connemara, and Mayo areas) or the Southwest (County Clare, Limerick, Dingle, Killarney and a bit of West Cork) or the east (Dublin, Meath, Wicklow)<BR>If you want to see as much of the country as you want to see it doesn’t make sense to spend hours driving BACK to where you’ve already been!!! As much as it is to your benefit to spend time in the same place for a few nights, it DOES NOT WORK if you are trying to see as much of the country as you want. So my number one piece of advice is choose between 2 types of trips – a relaxing, laid-back honeymoon in 2 or 3 romantic spots OR hit the road each day and see what you want to see!<BR>DAY 1: FLY INTO SHANNON. ARRIVE EARLY MORNING, DRIVE TO THE CLIFFS, STAY IN DOOLIN (LODGING SUGGESTIONS?).<BR>Face facts – this is your honeymoon. You’ve just spent weeks without sleeping properly…You are exhausted before you start. And now you’ve travelled all night (and lost 5 hours in jet;lag time). This is NOT a big sightseeing day!!!!! Pick up your car, drive to Doolin, check in to a B&amp;B, and TAKE A NAP! Then see the Cliffs when you wake up, and finish the evening with a meal and a bit of music at a pub! Go to bed EARLY!<BR><BR>DAY 2: ARAN ISLANDS FROM DOOLIN, DRIVE TO SHANNON, STAY AT DROMOLAND. (I READ ON PAT'S SITE THAT MOST PEOPLE SEE THE ISLANDS IN 6 HOURS OR LESS.....TRUE? HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE FROM DOOLIN TO SHANNON? I'M GUESSING A LITTLE LESS THAN 3 HOURS?) <BR>The drive is roughly 1 ½ hours, but don’t forget to factor in the time it takes for the ferry rides. You can take as much or as little time as you want – see http://www.doolinferries.com/ I’d limit my time here and get an early ferry back - so I could enjoy the ambience at Dromoland and splurge on a lovely dinner, and what will most likely be the wedding night you’ll want to remember!<BR><BR>DAY 3: DAY TRIP TO LIMERICK &amp; ADARE, BACK TO DROMOLAND.<BR>You’ll see more than enough of Adare on the trip through top Dingle tomorrow. IF you want to spend 2 days at Dromoland, I’d see Limerick and then go to Killaloe/Ballina area of Lough Derg (see Pat Preston’s daytrips book). OR – my choice – would be to check out of Dromoland and head for Dingle! Consider http://www.strandview.com/ on the north side of Dingle if you want to take in Limerick this morning. Then in the morning you will be fresh for the drive over the Conor Pass.<BR><BR>DAY 4: DINGLE PENINSULA, STAY IN KILLARNEY (CRYSTAL SPRINGS B&amp;B?)<BR>Dromoland to Dingle to Killarney is at least 150 miles. At the average travel rate of 30 miles an hour this is 5 hours driving without enjoying your trip at all! If you opted for staying in Castlegregory on Dingle peninsula last night, drive the pass, explore the island – it is really a beautiful place! Head for Killarney. My personal choice of places to stay in Killarney is Ross Castle Lodge (I’ll be there May 21st) http://killarneyb-and-b.com/RossPage1.htm<BR>

DAY 5: RING OF KERRY (OR JUST THE HIGHLIGHTS), STAY IN KILLARNEY<BR>The Ring of Kerry is a spectacular drive, but very time-consuming. Consider driving around the National Park, visiting Muckross estate and torc waterfall, Ross Castle. And maybe a jaunty ride through the Gap of Dunloe. A second night in Killarney .<BR><BR><BR>DAY 6: CORK &amp; BLARNEY, STAY IN KINSALE(LODGING SUGGESTIONS?)<BR>If your main reason for going to Kinsale is the enjoy its restaurants, consider instead driving from Killarney to Blarney and see the castle – don’t miss the grounds – they are lovely, IMHO much more worthwhile than standing in line to kiss the Blarneystone! Then drive to Cobh and see the Queenstown Story – an excellent presentation on emigration and a mild dose of Irish history. Then go to Midlton and stay at Ballymaloe House. Darina Allen is a world famous Irish chef and runs the fabulous Ballymaloe Cookerie Schools (someday I’m going to spend a day in a cooking class there!) If you like practical gardens, you have to see the Ballymaloe Cookerie School’s kitchen gardens! Eat dinner and spend the night at http://www.ballymaloe.com/ While this IS NOT inexpensive, if you have a budget you can easily include it if eliminated the second night at Dromoland!<BR><BR>DAY 7: WATERFORD, KILKENNEY, STAY IN KILKENNEY. (LODGING SUGGESTIONS?)<BR>If you take my advice and decide not to spend half your time driving back and forth so you can spend more than 1 night in one place, I’d change the next couple days. From Ballymaloe (or Cork area depending on where you want to stay) head for Lismore castle – the gardens are lovely, then to Caher to see the castle and maybe the Swiss Cottage, then to Rock of Cashel. Overnight in Cashel.<BR><BR>

part 3<BR><BR> DAY 8: ROCK OF CASHEL (OTHER DAY TRIP SUGGESTIONS?), BACK TO KILKENNEY<BR>Although Kilkenny is definitely a quainter and more picturesque town, I’d stay in Waterford, simply because its an easier trip to Co.Wicklow the next day from Waterford. So my recommendation would be to drive from Cashel to Kilkenny, spend the majority of the day there, then go to Waterford late in the afternoon factory closes around 6pm…you need an hour or so to do the tour so if you get there by 4 you’ll be fine – more time if you are planning to do some shopping. One bit of unsolicited advice – the same prices for Waterford no matter where you find it, so buy it wherever you see what you want…BUT by far prettier crystal is made by a craftsman in Dingle and also in Kinsale ( the one thing I WOULD go to Kinsale for) - see http://www.kinsalecrystal.ie/deep.htm for an explanation! Or http://www.dinglecrystal.ie/<BR><BR>DAY 9: CO. WICKLOW, DRIVE TO DUBLIN (OR STAY SOMEWHERE IN WICKLOW?)<BR>Wicklow is know as the Garden center of Ireland. It has some fantastic gradens (email me if you want more info on gardens). From Waterford drive to Avoca. I’m going to be staying at http://www.sheepwalk.com/ when I am in the area on May 25th and 26th! You’ll want to see Glendalough and Powerscourt gardens.<BR><BR>DAY 10: DUBLIN (LODGING SUGGESTIONS?)<BR>Ballsbridge area! Lovel;y suburbs of Dublin…you can take the DART train for an easy commute to downtown Dublin (Dublin is notoriously difficult to drive in) My 1st choice for lodging would be http://www.premierguesthouses.com/glenogra.htm if cost isn’t an issue! Since cost usually is an issue for me, I usually stay in town at http://www.townhouseofdublin.com/ If you stay at the Townhouse, consider turning in your car after visiting in Wicklow – you’ll save 2 days car rental! You can catch a bus from the airport where you return the car, The Townhouse is about a block from the Busarus main bus station in Dublin<BR><BR>DAY 11: DUBLIN<BR>I really loved Dublin, despite the comments of others that Galway was a better destination. Although I loved both, I really enjoyed a 6 day stay in the Dublin area a couple years ago.<BR>DAY 12: DEPART FROM DUBLIN<BR><BR>One piece of further advice – PACK LIGHT!!! There is nothing worse than tugging a ton of things you wear once each. Consider a “travel wardrobe” that you can rinse out in a sink or have laundered as you travel. I usually just bring 3 days worth of clothes for ANY length trip (you’re in different places with different people they don’t know you wore the same thing 2 days ago!_) Use a good packing guide like http://www.oratory.com/onebag/pack_list.html<BR><BR>Congratulation on your upcoming marriage!<BR> kathy<BR>

Stephanie, Did Ireland for the first time last March. LOVED IT! You did why I did. You have something planned for everyday with a drive involved. Distances are further than you think, because the roads are so poor. Every county has a sign when you enter it telling you how many people have died on their roads in the last 3 years. The roads are very narrow, and it's hard to make good time. Don't let this keep you from seeing what you want to, but be prepared for many anxious driving experiences. By the end of the trip we celebrated that we were able to return the rental car with both side view mirrors! Have a great time!

Stephanie:<BR><BR>Kathy's suggestions are good. I agree with:<BR><BR>Don't spend an extra day to see Limerick at this point. You can catch it on the way to Dingle. If you do stay on the north coast of Dingle, I will over ride her suggestion for Strandhill B&amp;B with &quot;The Shores&quot; http://shores.main-page.com/<BR>This is the most comfortable B&amp;B that I've ever stayed at. I enjoyed it more than The Ashford Castle. The owner, Annette, is great and the breakfasts are fantstic. I believe AA giveds it 5 stars. It costs no more than any other B&amp;B.<BR><BR>If you spend a few days around the Killarney area, another place to stay is around Kenmare. We stayed at a guesthouse between Kenmare and Sneem called Tahilla Cove Guest House. http://www.tahillacove.com/<BR>This is a guesthouse, so it is more expemsive than a B&amp;B, but it's a wonderful place and quite romantic. The owners are very good about helping you find the out of the way places. The rooms at Tahilla are more private than most B&amp;Bs and even hotels, especially if you ask for a room that is not in the main building. They have patios that you can sit out on and enjoy the view of the bay (river).<BR><BR>Generally, slow down as much as you can and have some fun.<BR><BR>Bill

If you can take another suggestion or two about lodging along your itinerary.<BR><BR>We ran roughly the reverse of your planned route in May, starting in Dublin, where we have family. We mixed B&amp;B's and small family hotels (less than 20 rooms) along the way. I thought Kathy had some great suggestions. When you get to the Cork area and locate that Queenstown exhibit in Cobh (just east side of Cork), right next door is a small Hotel right on the water called Jacob's Ladder that we enjoyed very much. By staying in a rear facing room on the ground floor, we essentially had our own dock over the harbor and despite being small, the restaurant in the hotel has a gourmet personality to it, despite being totally casual. We'll definately stay there again, the next time we're in the area, as they weren't out of line with our B&amp;B budget.<BR><BR>Also, we liked the small hotel/guesthouse called &quot;Legends&quot; in Cashel. It's not in a historic building but they have a little restaurant as well, and were nice folks. Best thing here was that we could kick back on the bed in a clean, comfortable room, open the curtains and because we were in the back of the hotel (most rooms here are), had a full, unobstructed view of the Rock of Cashel, lit up at night, that filled the entire picture window. We really lucked out there, that one of the other spots in town had &quot;lost&quot; us, despite several checks ahead of time. We were a walk-in at Legends and we got a great room.<BR><BR>Good luck,<BR>It's a great place, Ireland

Hi Stephanie,<BR><BR>A quick note on your itinerary.<BR><BR>Arriving at Shannon going to Doolin and back to Dromoland is a bit of a backtrack.<BR><BR>You may want to consider staying at Dromoland upon arrival - perhaps visiting Limerick (not the most interesting place in the world), having lunch in Adare, perhaps visiting Bunratty park and castle.<BR><BR>On day two head for Doolin and perhaps do the Aran Islands.<BR><BR>On day three do the Burren and Cliffs of Moher before taking the ferry over to the Dingle Penninsula and continue on with your tour.<BR><BR>This eliminates the backtracking, but includes all of the sites/areas you are currently considering.<BR><BR>Consider doing the Lakes area of the Ring of Kerry and skip the rest.<BR><BR>For me the Trinity Lodge in the heart of Dublin is the best (quality/price/location) place to stay. However, I would turn in the rental car upon arrival in Dublin - it is really a burden in this congested city. And, there are tons of things to see/do in the city center.<BR><BR>Have a great honeymoon.

We were looking forward to a nice day in &quot;quaint and picturesque&quot; Kilkeny. We drove two hours over many backroads to get there. Needless to say we were disappointed to find a traffic nightmare and not very interesting shops and pubs. Just my opinion of course, but I would not go out of my way to spend time here.

Kilkenny is far more than just traffic.It has a castle,a round tower,a cathedral,art galleries and numerous other interesting features.Look up Kilkenny in google.com or the search box here for details.A few weeks ago I saw Tiger Woods playing golf at Mount Juliet which is not far from the city.

Stephanie - My wife and I spent ten days in Ireland this summer. We are middle aged and enjoy nature and hiking though we spent some time in the larger cities during our stay. I'm sure you are getting a multitide of suggestions for your ititnerary so I thought I would throw my two cents in along with the others. Pack lightly, bring raingear, and layer. Wear comfortable shoes. If you enjoy the outdoors, visit the Beara peninsula where we etablished our home base. The Beara has not yet been discovered by the generic tourist sect and therefore is not that crowded, is blessed with some of the best hiking and biking trails in the country, and the scenery is beyond description. If you are of the adventurous variety, rent the smallest stick shift vehicle possible, you'll save a lot of money versus the larger automatics. Plus you can get to a lot of places you normally wouldn't be able to when the roads start getting really narrow - and those roads lead to some treasured places few see. Try not to cram a lot into one visit - assume that you will return. When you narrow your itinerary down to one that's doable try to remember you are on your honeymoon and want to make the trip a memorable one. Rushing promotes anxiety no matter how you look at it. You may see a little bit more with a thick itinerary but it won't stick in there real long. If you're able to go slow and relax during your stay I'm pretty sure it will be more enjoyable in both short and long term. I know that one's going to be easier said than done. We'll that's my two cents. Hope you have a great honeymoon and an equally great life together. Good Luck!

Stephanie,<BR><BR>You have the makings of a wonderful, memorable trip. Try to relax, your trip will fall into place.<BR><BR>Might I suggest that you consider an overnight on one of the Aran Islands. (Is it Inishmore you're considering?) Most tourists &quot;do&quot; the island in a day, but by slowing down it'll give you some insurance against possible rain (a very real possibility in the west of Eire), along with a chance to expeience the island when it's quieter. <BR><BR>Kilmurvey House is a fine accommodation, featuring good food, and it's located a short stroll from the island's premier attraction, the spectacular Dun Aengus. <BR><BR>Another must-do is dinner at the nearby Man of Aran restaurant and B &amp; B. You needn't stay there to dine, and it's house on a lovely thatched-roof cottage. <BR><BR>Lastly, consider reading J. M. Synge's classic The Aran Islands before your trip. Though written about a century ago, it remains one of the finest works about the Aran Islands.<BR><BR>A couple concluding notes:<BR><BR>If possible, try to leave a minimum of two overnights for Dingle. You'll want a full day to tour Slea Head at a leisurely pace. Perhaps part of day two could be a short boat ride out from Slea Head to the Blasket Islands. A walk around the Great Blasket on a sunny day is a memorable day, to be sure. <BR><BR>As regards dining, Beginnish, located in Dingle town, remains one of the Republic's best restaurants outside of Dublin.<BR><BR>Looking for a nice place to stay in Wicklow? Consider Derrybawn House. It's beautifully situated, a short-drive (or better yet, a healthy walk) from Glendalough. The house was built in 1780, and while the service can be a bit reserved, the rooms are just lovely, perfect for a honeymoon.<BR><BR>Best of luck.

<BR>Just in case you add Killarney back in, I can give you a personal recommendation for Crystal Springs. We stayed there in 2000, and loved it so much, that it was the first place we booked for trip #2 this April. <BR><BR>Good luck, and try to pare back some of your plans - Relax and give yourself room to be spontaneous.

Stephanie,<BR><BR>Just a couple of suggestions:<BR><BR>1. I agree with a previous poster about staying overnight on Inishmore and also consider checking out at least one of the other two islands. Inishmore tends to be a big tourist destination and is the most crowded between 11-5:00. At 5:00 the last ferry leaves for the mainland so the island fgets very peaceful and quiet and if you go out to the pubs, you have a chance of meeting some very friendly and fun locals. <BR><BR>2. Keep Kilkenny on your itinerary--lots to see and do--castles, churches, shops, etc.<BR><BR>3. I stayed at a pub in Doolin--I'm going to check my stuff because I can't remember which one it was--one of the two in the northern part of Doolin--it was great and very convenient!<BR><BR><BR>