Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Shannon to Dublin, and then a B&B

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Shannon to Dublin, and then a B&B

I have a Delta airline credit I need to use up by the end of May and I want to use it for Ireland. I only have a week for my holiday. Delta only flies into Shannon. I'm on crutches and traveling alone with one piece of luggage, so I want to stay one place when I get there (trying to keep it at $75 a night). I'd be perfectly happy staying in a handicapped-accessible B&B close to the water where I can just talk to people and absorb some of the Irish culture, and take an occasional taxi trip into central Dublin. I don't care about shopping and tons of restaurants. I'm very much into genealogy and history, and I'd be happier spending my time in a library or the courthouse than in antique or craft shops. So, bottom line, how do I get from Shannon to Dublin with my crutches and my luggage, and what's a good B&B or guest house in south Dublin on the water that still has accessibility to central Dublin? And how "crutch-friendly" is Dublin for visitors? Thanks for any help. I've been studing my family history for several years and visiting the home of my Irish ancestors is a dream come true for me.

Egads, I'm the original poster. I just found out that Delta DOES fly to Dublin, which makes things much easier. Now I just have to find a B&B or guest house to stay in South Dublin with a water view that is handicapped-accessible. And pardon my abysmal geography knowledge, but is the Ring of Kerry coach trip a day trip from Dublin? Thanks again. Sorry for the confusion.

Hi Swan: I'll be flying Delta in May also, and yes, they do go into Dublin, but I believe that they stop in Shannon on the way. The trip back is the opposite. I've never stayed on the south side of Dublin. I just went to the Town and Country website which, though not complete, lists enormous numbers of B&Bs. They only listed one handicapped accessible B&B in the entire Dublin area. It was on the north side in Swords. It did not have a view of the sea. The Ring of Kerry is not close to Dublin. It's on the opposite side of the country. It's a legnthy bus or train ride and would require an overnight on either end of the coach trip. Sadly, I haven't paid a great deal of attention to handicapped-accessibility in Dublin, or other areas. SiobhanP is a resident and can probably give you some good information there. She knows her city very well. Good luck. We may pass on the trip. Bill

Hello Swan51 Just saw this post...getting ready to leave work as we have Good Friday off! I have a nice B&B in Blackrock called Idrone house 011-353-1-288-2330. Give a ring to make sure they are in the village but I think this is the right one my friend stays in for business over here. Blackrock has plenty of cafes/restaurants and pubs just outside this B&B. Its a quick walk (or in your case crutch) to the Dart station (train). The beach is not walkable there but take it 2 stops to Dun Laoghaire there is a lovely pier. ALso further stops down south are Dalkey which is a lovely village. ALso from Dublin your mobility may be difficult but there is a geanological society on Kildare street. I am not sure if they are the kind that look up your family name for a fee. There is also an archives/library on Kildare street as well that gives records etc. I belive you book times there and requests for specific infror and records. I will try to see thename next time I pass and Post again. The National Museum is also at the top of Kildare street and Worth a visit. I love all the viking style gold jewellery and trinkets. Blackrock has plenty of cafes/restaurants and pubs just outside this B&B. Taxi's are fairly easy to get to these days and there is also a bus from Blackrock that might drop you closer to some things. The hop on/off bus would be good for you to get to museum sites and the book of kells. At the end of the day you can relaxin the village in Blackrock. If you have any specific questions on access with crutches and transport post them and I will make a few calls around for you.

Thanks for all your help and advice. I've decided to so stay at Glandore House in Dun Laoghaire (I love that name)for my whole trip and take occasional day trips to the countryside.

Swan51...if you have your heart set on Killarney/Ring of Kerry, Irish Rail does long one day tours to many areas including the Ring of Kerry. I am taking one next month because I've heard good things about them. Here's the site: http://www.irishrail.ie/breaks_and_trips/RailTours.asp

Wow, Thanks Amy! Great site. I hope the $100 for the day trip to Ring of Kerry is worth it, cause I'm going for it, as well as the half-day trip to Wicklow. This planning was getting to be a drag for a while but now it's fun :)

I'm doing the Antrim Coast tour next month. I think if you factor in all the train fares, entry fees or whatever, plus not having the hassle of driving yourself, it will be worth it. I have friends in Dublin who often recommend these to people who visit if they are going to stay based in Dublin for an extended period of time. Please post back how you like it. I think I'll be over there the same time as you. I always think that planning is the best part of the trip sometimes! Strange, but true.