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Should 2 sisters take a tour or drive themselves around Ireland?
Hi-
My sister and I are hoping to go to Ireland in July for about 2 weeks or maybe a little less. We are in our 20's and have traveled to Europe several times before. However, we usually stick to one or two cities and travel by train between them. From what I have researched so far, it looks like I would like to be able to travel throughout Ireland and see a lot of the country. I was wondering what people thought about taking an escorted tour (only because it might be easier and safer?) or driving ourselves around the country. Again, this would really be the first time we would be in a car out in the middle of an unknown place. But, I am very wary of taking a tour because I know you have a very limited time in certain places and I would like to be in control of where we go and what we do. I guess I really would like to know what you all think about the ease and safety of 2 younger girls traveling around Ireland alone. I just happened upon a tour that looked very interesting. If you wouldn't mind telling me what you think of it, I would really appreciate that. If you think we should travel on our own, is there any place we should make sure to put on our list? Thank you so so much for your help! :0) Joanna CIE tours: Day 1: Depart for Ireland Day 2: Dublin Arrival & Tour Day 3: 6th Century Glendalough & Abbey Tavern Day 4: Blarney Castle & Killarney Day 5: Dingle Peninsula Tour Day 6: Foynes & Bunratty Ceili Day 7: Cliffs of Moher & Galway Bay Day 8: Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Day 9: Knock Shrine & Belleek Day 10: Derry & Giant's Causeway Day 11: Ulster American Folk Park & Cabra Castle Stay Day 12: Return Home |
Will either or both of you have experience driving a shift car? Most of the cars I've rented in Europe and in the U.K. do not have automatic transmission, which of course is the norm in the States. You'll be driving on the left side of the road, so you'll have that to remember also.
That being said, if I were going to Ireland, I'd probably drive because I think it's more fun. You can stay as long as you want when you're enjoying something and leave when a place or event begins to pall. I haven't taken trains in Ireland, so I can't address that. Another possibility is to go on your own and to take day tours. |
Oops! I forgot to say that I can't think of a place in the universe that would be safer for you than Ireland.
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no, neither of us know how to drive stick. is it impossible to find automatic transmission in a rental car? that could be a major problem i guess.
i'm glad to hear its realy safe! any suggestions on where to visit? and any idea what the weather might be like in july? Thanks so much! |
Hi,
I had to respond, because a friend and I drove around Ireland--20 years ago!--and had a great time and still talk about our driving experiences all these years later! (no, we did not have any accidents, just one parking ticket!) It was easy and very safe and you have the opportunity to take side roads and make discoveries. Ok, it does depend a bit on how adventurous you are, since you have to adjust to driving on the other side of the CAR and ROAD. After picking up our car at the airport, I drove around the parking lot for a while until I felt comfortable. Yes, you can probably rent an automatic, but it may cost more; at least 20 years ago it was twice as expensive, but this may have changed, so check it out. However, I had never driven a stick shift, but had one lesson before traveling and picked it up ok after my practice run in the airport parking lot! On the other hand, you may enjoy an escorted tour if you like to meet other travelers. It sounds like you are covering a lot on your trip. I have to put in a word for the town of Cork, which I loved. But you will probably enjoy wherever you go. I don't know what the weather will be like in July, specifically, but you can be sure it will rain at least some of the time; even if the sun is out morning when you go out in the morning, bring an umbrella, hat, raincoat! And make sure you have your camera ready to photograph the resulting rainbows! Enjoy! |
yes, i just checked the hertz website, just to see and it seems like automatic transmission is about three times as expensive. but i guess we'll just have to deal with that. thanks so far for all of the help! sounds like ireland is a fantastic choice!!!!
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Renting a car is definitely the best way to see rural Ireland. However, a car with automatic transmission will cost you big bucks. I did a quick price check with Auto Europe, a consolidator I've used and many people recommend, and found that renting a Toyota Corolla for two weeks in July will cost $230 (stick) and $650 (automatic).
Train routes are limited in Ireland. The bus will give you more options. |
I have been to Ireland 7 times (with #8 looming in one week) in the past seven years. -- I mention this to establish my credentials. --
Here are some observations: 1) Yes, you CAN rent automatics in Ireland, but they are more expensive. 2) The trouble with tours, like the one from CIE (a good company, by the way) is they should be called "The Green Blur Trough The Bus Window" Tour. In all my trips to Ireland (each trip averaging 8-16 days)I still have not seen everything on that CIE itinerary! And, IMHO, NOBODY should try to see that much, in that number of days. 3)Bar none, the BEST way to see/experience Ireland is by car. If you can not or will not drive there, you can hire a driver (expensive), travel by train (limited destinations), or by bus between larger destinations, or any combination. Once situated in a location, you can opt to sign on to take any number of smaller, more personable, day tours. Ireland outside of the bigger cities (Dublin, Belfast, Limmerick, Cork)is infinitely safer than almost any country, and even the urban areas are safer than most. Yes, there IS crime, and some of it IS violent, but with reasonable common sense, Ireland is probably as safe (or safer) than your own home town. There is a CLASSIC 'Single Girl Touring Ireland Alone' thread in the archives here. I'll try to find the link for you, or just do a SEARCH for CRAZY MINA. It's a great read and should be quite informative, as well. Bob |
OK, here's Mina's:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34373959 You can also do a SEARCH for TOURING IRELAND WITHOUT A CAR. There are a few good posts that I remember seeing that might be helpful. Bob |
We just returned from Dublin. Second trip to Ireland this year. We rented an automatic....about 20 euros more for the day. This trip we were only in Dublin for a week & only rented for a car for a day trip. Last May we rented a car for three weeks.
The cost for an automatic was about 15% higher. Ireland is very safe....and the people are so open & friendly. I would discourage a tour....go with the flow. So many of our marvelous memories are about the spontaneous adventures of the Irish....we'd go into one shop & they would suggest a pub or restaurant or church or beach.... You'd miss all the fun!! Go & have a blast....see where the road takes you!!!!!!!! |
We have rented a car in the UK several times (Scotland, not Ireland). We usually decide to pay the extra $$ and rent automatic. I figure that I am dealing with enough trying to negotiate driving on the other side in an unfamiliar location without trying to shift with the other hand in an unaccustomed gear shift pattern! Just wait for the roundabouts (I'm assuming they're in Ireland)!! Worth it, though.
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Definitely rent the automatic and see Ireland by car, but do not try to follow the CIE tour. Itallian_Chauffer's Green Blur description is right on. You will get a lot of photo ops, but you will only being seeing sites and NOT the country.
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You can tell the tourists driving near Shannon airport, because windshield wipers will be going on a sunny day. They've turned them on with their left hand when they meant to hit turn signal. Another tricky thing is remembering to glance the correct way when pulling onto a roadway; you make that quick last glance to the left, but the traffic in the near lane comes from the right. We had jetlag from overnight flight when we picked up our car, so that added to the confusion of it all. That said, my goodness yes take the car and meander where the road takes you (and may the wind be at your back.)
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Yikes!! The tour itinerary sounds ambitious! My personal feeling is that you are better off on your own as long as you are reasonably comfortable driving. An automatic just might be worth the extra euros.
We have driven the length and breadth of Ireland, and it was a WONDERFUL experience. Yes, we did have a flat tire, were delayed by sheep being driven down the road, and we drove into a ditch (a passing country bus stopped and the men aboard got off and lifted the car back onto the road), but it was all part of the experience - a wonderful experience. In my opinion, Ireland does not lend itself to the hurry, hurry of a tour. It is a lovely, leisurely culture, with lovely, beautiful scenery -- best enjoyed at your own pace. If there are a few mishaps along the way -- so be it... We did take a train on one trip to Ireland, but felt limited. A car is better. We've explored Donegal, County Clare, the Dingle Peninsula, Dublin, and places in between. The Irish people are wonderful, warm, friendly people - and I think you are as safe there as anywhere. My vote is drive, take your time, and enjoy. If you don't see everything on your first trip -- well, Ireland has been there for many years; you can always return. |
jhg - Hi. My situation is much like yours. In May, my 19 year old sister and I (I'm 23 - well, 24 on Sunday) are going to Ireland for 10 days. Neither of us have been to Europe. We considered an organized tour on a bus, which would be easier planning wise, don't have to worry about logistics of getting from place to place - things are all worked out by someone else. But my sister and I both decided that we wanted to have more freedom to see what we were most interested in, to spend as much time as we want in certain places. We decided to go with renting a car, we wanted the flexibility that it allows. The two of us are excited to get in the car and see what happens.
Some of our family are a bit concerned about the two of us young women traveling by ourselves but I think we'll be fine. We'll be smart, use common sense, stay together especially after dark as we head out of a pub etc. Also, about renting cars - automatics are available and they are more expensive. Since my sister is only 19 I will be the one doing the driving and I decided what with having to think about driving on the left on unfamiliar roads that I wanted to go with an automatic. Just makes things a little easier for me. (BTW - just a little info about us renting...I just confirmed an 8 day rental with Dan Dooley - the smallest car size, an automatic for $240.) Anyway, this is just what we felt was best for us. You and your sister will have to decide what will be the best for you two. :) |
If you're flying into Dublin, check out http://www.paddywagontours.com
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i just want to put in a word for renting a car. My sister and I always do, and many of our fondest memories are from our time in the car. You just have to be careful to pull over if you get to laughing too hard.
I haven't visited Ireland yet, but we were in England and Wales in 2001 and had a ball squeezing past oncoming drivers on narrow country roads, with stone fences coming right up to the edge. A sharp intake of my breath told my sister she was too close to the stone wall. Gosh, it was fun! Easy for me to say, hun? She was the one doing the driving. If you rent a car, before you leave the rental agency, have a checklist ready to go through to make sure you know how and have tried: To put the car in reverse (this is a famous shared embarrassment of Fodorites) Turn on the headlights and the windshield wiper Open the cap to the gas tank. I hope you are able to go and that you have a marvelous time. |
thank you all so so much for all of your help!
i think you have convinced me to rent a car and spend a little extra for the automatic transmission. i was thinking that the tour i mentioned in the first post probably stopped at all of the important places? but it sounds like some of you disagree? does anyone have any suggestions about a route or itinerary? again, thanks again so much. you all sound like we made the right choice! :0) joanna |
And yet another vote (if you still need it!) to getting in a car and driving. That 'green blur' tour is just that!
I have trip report from both times I've been to Ireland, both driving, here, as well as my planned trip for 2006 summer: http://www.greendragonartist.com/BItripreports.htm I don't like tour busses -- they never stop where I want to stop, or go too quickly (or slowly) through other spots. CHoose your own path! I am not much of a shopper, and tour busses tend to stay where the most money can be spent - touristy gift shops. I prefer touring the ancient sites, abbeys and castles, and will take an hour or more just exploring a place. Safe, safe, safe, safe, safe! I am from Miami, so I know unsafe when I see it. I never even felt unsafe in Dublin at night. It's a wonderful place, and you WON'T get to meet the people if you're encased in a tour bus :) |
Rent a car(pay extra for the automatic).Ireland is just about 300 miles long and 175 miles wide so 2 weeks would be fairly good to see most of it.Better still would be to spend the two weeks in the southern half (do the northern half next time you come) or vice versa.Donegal is the most beautiful county in Ireland with spectacular mountains and beaches. Dont miss Dingle, Ring of Beara, Connemara, County Kilkenny with its wonderfully maintained medieval city, try to get out to the Aran Islands for one day and rent a bike for a total chill out. The Skelligs off Valentia are amazing. Tory Island off the Donegal coast. As in any part of the world, when in Ireland keep your wits about you and use common sense regarding your personal safety. Do not hitch-hike. The weather is so unpredictable. It should be about 18-20 degrees at least but bring warm sweaters and wind cheaters.(Its 11degrees here today). Have a wonderful holiday and come back again!
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hi everyone-
my sister and i really want to thank you so much for all the help so far. we have been trying to put together some kind of route and we were hoping you might be able to help us figure out where we have gone right and where we have gone wrong. we're mostly just guessing here. any suggestions about what else to see or what to leave out would be great! arrive in shannon, stay 2 nights drive through limerick and the cliffs of moher stay 2 nights in galway and see connemara drive through westport, sligo, belleek, donegal (stay 2 nights somewhere here?) drive to derry and stay 2 nights. see the giants causeway drive through belfast and stay 2 nights in dublin drive through waterford, kilkenny stay 2 nights in cork. see the blarney castle and kindale. drive through killarney and kenmare stay 2 nights in dingle drive to shannon and depart. we are so very open to any suggestions or changes, as we really have no idea if any of that makes sense. thanks so much! joanna |
I just got back from Ireland and we rented a car. I think absolutely you should drive yourselves and absolutely you will be safe. I also think you should rent an automatic because you're not going to want to have to deal with driving manual on top of driving the left side and the narrow roads and so on.
Lastly, definitely get the Ordnance survey (I think I spelled it wrong) Road Atlas. Absulutely priceless! Easy to use, great detail, and the same price as a foldout map (13$ roughly). I picked mine up at the TI in Kinsale but I'm sure they have them all over. Hertz is the most expensive car company so I wouldn't go with them. I used auto europe. I had a 15% discount (5% for no reason, 5% corporate though they never confirmed who I worked for and another 5% if I paid the deposit up front). It was $150US for 3-days including insurance for a compact automatic. Trust me, you don't want bigger than a compact and I'm 6"3. They did get us for another $8 per day for the added driver and $50 prepaid gas which meant we had to turn it in empty (which thankfully we pretty much pulled off). Gas is expensive as hell there but the car didn't seem to guzzle too fast. I think I filled it up once and added another quarter the last day. Just be sure to double check what time they close the day you want to return it at the lcoation. Enjoy yourselves. And don't be intimidated either. I'm a sucky driver and I managed. |
It's an ambitious itinerary, but doable. You're young, so you have the resilience -- at least you are staying in each place more than one night! Otherwise it would be all a 'gree blur' tour :)
You say you are going to Limerick and Cliffs of Moher? Those are in opposite directions from Shannon, though certainly not impossible. If you like unusual natural spots, I'd skip Limerick and take the day for exploring The Burren, or the Aran Islands, which are both near the Cliffs of Moher :) You've a couple of very long driving days, such as Galway to Donegal, Derry to Dublin, and Dublin to Cork (very long!) Remember that the roads there don't allow much more than 35mph -- that's not a speed limit, its as fast as you CAN go on those roads! :) So the mileage from Dublin to Cork is 160 miles -- which will be 4.5-5 hours. Do you really want to drive that much in one day? My recommendation for that would be to stay in Kilkenny those two nights, and then go to Killarney/Dingle from there. Remember, you're young -- you can always come back to Ireland again, and explore those areas you missed this time! :) |
my son (19) and i went to Ireland last jun and rented a car... here are a few things i learned (both here from helpful Fodorites, and by experience)
-Go for the additional expense of an automatic - one less thing to think about. -Have your navigator continually remind you to "stay left, stay left" -Drive around the parking lot a few times, figure out the knobs/switches/reverse.. the good thing is that you will probably arrive at Shannon early in the morning so not much traffic to deal with right away. -Stay more than one night in each place so you can enjoy where you are, not think about the place you need to be later. -You may want to think about flying into Shannon and out of Dublin.. if you want to make a big sweep and not have to backtrack. -Driving there isnt as difficult as some think. You'll get a laugh when reading the speed limit signs.. many places its impossible to go as fast as they suggest. -The car you rent will be tiny.. and the roads just a wee bit tinier! have a blast! k |
oh.. wanted to share our itin with you.. if you follow it on a map, you'll see its kinda a sweep.. (we did all this in 6 nights.. too much moving around.. and 830miles of driving.. but i think it would have been perfect in 2weeks)
arrive Shannon.. visit Burren, Cliffs of Mohr night 1 Lisdoonvarna. night 2 Castlegregory - Dingle Peninsula night 3 Kinsale - a fave. (there is lots btw Dingle and Kinsale) night 4 Cahir - hung out at Cashel night 5 Athlone - check out Clonmacnois night 6 Malahide (near DUB) Howth is very pretty coastal town. like i said.. much too much for the time we had.. but will be going back to spend more leisure time someday. |
A long-time resident and tour organizer in Ireland, I agree that the automatic car is a good idea for a newbie. There's nothing like wandering along the roads in a car to encounter the wonderful serendipitous events that befall you in Ireland. However, driving times in the country tend to be longer than a map suggests, so driving can be tiring.
Have you considered a 'hybrid' trip? As the summer is very busy on the roads, I recommend this to many first-timers as a good way to acclimate to Ireland without too much stress: Fly to Shannon; take the everyday bus outside the terminal to the town of <b>Ennis</b>; stay there 2 nights at a B&B or hotel such as the Temple Gate; explore the town, take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, recover from jet lag. Then bus up to <b>Galway</b>, staying in a Salthill B&B or splurge at the Radisson SAS hotel. Two or three nights there with a day tour by one of the Connemara tour companies - you can go around Connemara and Mayo, nobody glued to a steering wheel having to miss the scenery. Then from Galway, train to Dublin, a city I avoid driving in....significant crime such as car break-ins, plus horrendous traffic deters me, and I'm from Boston. From Dub you could rent a car for a couple of days and travel to the North, or take a day bus trip to Glendalough and Wicklow mountains - there are many nice day tours from the Dub Tourist office that aren't regimented and give you plenty of time to wander around the parklands, etc. Mount Usher Gardens is another good place to visit. Bus or train down to <b>Cork</b>, pick up a car and tour Kinsale, Blarney, etc. then head through West Cork (fabulous), and drive over the mountains from Glengariff to Kenmare (not difficult unless it's foggy). If time permits see Killarney Lakes and parkland, Dingle peninsula, then up through Adare (many nice B&B's there). A great last-night stop is Bunratty village, with many great B&B's on Low Road behind Bunratty castle (I love Dunaree & Bunratty Villa). You could take in the Medieval banquet or country dance show, browse the woolen mill shops, or find Mac's pub in the historic village and have a few final pints. In the AM, drop the car back in Shannon & head home, but you will be back! Enjoy the trip. |
One last tip I wanted to pass on regarding rental car, no matter what the country: Be SURE TO FILL UP THE GAS TANK before turning the car into the rental agency. You will not believe the amount you'll be billed for that tank of gas if the rental agency fills the tank!
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Dear Joanna,
My husband and I have been going to Ireland 2-3 times a yr for the last ten yrs. I have driven myself to many places alone - yes, most cars are not automatic - but they are always available if you request ahead of time. Driving on the left is no big deal -- just remember to yield to your right on the round-abouts and you should be fine. GO FOR IT - It's beautiful and you will find the Irish people to be very friendly. Have fun - we will be there in May - can't wait! Cara |
It's only March. You have lots of time to learn to drive a stick. Not only will you save money but it will be a good life skill.
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i just wanted to thank everyone so much for all of the incredibly valuable information so far. it has been so helpful!!!!
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I agree in principle with carefreecelt. You can do a number of one day tours from the Galway Bus/rail station; you can do others from Cork City (Ring of Kerry, Killarney, etc.); and more from Dublin (Glendalough, for example).
My 2-sisters and 2-first cousins rented a Volvo (automatic); and I have hitch-hiked a ride to Carne Golf links in Belmullet, County Mayo with a pair of couples from Texas in a Mercedes Van that was automatic. Aside from the fact that many rental companies won't rent to a 75-yrar old, I enjoy travelling on BusEireann. The Irish are a curious lot: they all ask where your people are from. It's a good way to strike up a conversation (you don't get when you're driving) and sometimes they can steer you in a direction you never thought to go. Italian_Chauffer mentioned my name in the same sentence as the Queens Hotel in Ennis. The Queen's puts out an excellent Carvery lunch and it is next door to Cruise's Restaurant & Pub BUT they advise people at check-in that it has 3 night clubs on the property and it can be very noisy. The one time I stayed there, I asked for the room on the Abbey Street side, far end. There was some noise when Cruise's closed but that's about all. Our most recent Ireland trip we stayed at Rose Cottage B&B in Ennis. I thought the Temple Gate was getting just too expensive. |
Thanks so much for all of your help so far. We have come up with a plan and we were hoping you could let us know what you think. here it is (it's been changed several times)
-arrive in shannon (rent an automatic car!!! practice practice practice in the parking lot) -stay 2 nights in ennis-see the cliffs of moher, the burren, the aran islands? probably stay at the old ground hotel -stay 3 nights in galway and see connemara, mayo, cong (westport, sligo, belleek?) would you all recommend staying in galway or in salthill? -stay 2 nights in dublin-should we stay in dublin or trim or dun laoghaire? im a little concerned about driving in the city. -stay 2 nights in kilkenny-see waterford, cashel, cahir (or should we stay 1 night in kilkenny and 1 night in waterford?) -stay 2 nights in kinsale. see cork, glangarrif, blarney (or should we stay somewhere else during this time?) -drive through kenmare and killarney, stay 2 nights in dingle -spend our last night at the bunratty villa, go to a banquet or traditional irish night and go to the castle and the folk park before heading to the airport. truly any suggestions would be appreciated. i have about 10 travel books in my den and am getting a bit overwhelmed. thanks thanks thanks again so much for your help! :0) joanna |
Overall, a good plan.
-Ennis: a crowded town, lots of traffic. Old Ground is nice, but above the town is the Woodstock hotel, quiet area and I found the staff very helpful; has a pool & health club; also Auburn Lodge, slightly out of town, is nice. Temple Gate is right in town center but could be noisy. Try Knox Bar & Restaurant. -Galway: for hotels, Radisson SAS on Lough Atalia is very central; for a more traditional place the Ardilaun House on Taylor's Hill, between the city and Salthill; avoid the Great Southern or anything near Eyre Square - construction is ongoing and noisy. In Salthill there are great B&B's right on the ocean, such as the excellent Sunrise Lodge; or along the coast road: Mandalay House or the Connemara Coast Hotel are within close range of town. -Dublin: places like Dun Laoghaire, Sandycove or Killiney are all on the south side and on the DART train route; much easier to leave the car & hop on train into Dub. Traffic is scary, and a time-waster. Try Fitzpatrick Castle hotel, Killiney. South side of Dub to Bray in Wicklow is a beautiful coastal area. -Killkenny: I'd opt for 2 nights there vs Waterford - more to see & do, especially the design centre and castle. Waterford could be skipped & saved for another trip. -See Blarney on the way to Kinsale, or spend one night there or in Cork and one in Kinsale (not that big a town), then drive along the coast road to Glengariff. Blarney itself is a nice village, with the castle and woolen mills (busy tourist stop) & great B&B's such as Ashlee Lodge and the White House. Cork has B&B's along the Western Road that leads to Kinsale, such as Garnish House. Also Lancaster Lodge is an excellent guest house (more like a hotel), with Cafe Paradiso -superb vegetarian restaurant - right across the street. The wonderful <b>English Market</b> in Cork City is something to see. -The Kenmare/Killarney/Dingle trip might be a tad ambitious for one day, if you're driving from Kinsale. You might stop one night in Kenmare & then 1 night in Dingle after seeing Killarney. Coast of West Cork is stunning; driving can be slow. Kenmare: O'Donnabhain's or Virginia's Guest Houses; Park Hotel or Landsdown Arms. Dingle: Heaton's (outstanding B&B with gourmet breakfast), or Benner's hotel (old style right in town). While in Dingle don't miss Dingle Crystal, and Lisbeth Mulcahy weaver's shop; on the peninsula, Louis Mulcahy's pottery is incredible. -The Bunratty Villa - terrific choice ....Jack & Jackie are great & their bucolic view of the cow pasture is a lovely way to end your trip. You will love Ireland! |
Hi jhg,
I think you'll have a great trip to Ireland. I rented a car five or six years ago and second the suggestions to get an automatic and drive around the parking lot a few times before getting on the road. I rented from EuopCar and got some kind discount or special. A small car is better because so many of the roads are quite narrow. Staying on the left side of the road was not as hard for me as having the steering wheel on the right and all the space beside me on the left; I really felt disoriented for a while. I clipped a lot of bushes and fully expected to smash into a couple of walls on those narrow roads before I returned the car, but I adjusted to the space after a couple of days by constantly using the rear and side view mirrors. Driving from the Cork airport the first day, I came around a curve and saw a lovely old church and pulled over to park. I drove right over the curb onto the sidewalk and missed a tree by inches. I looked around to see if anyone noticed but no one paid any attention. Probably thought "an American just come from the airport." Someone suggested the Beara and it is definitely worthwhile. I also like carefreecelt's suggestion of mixing public transportation/day tours with renting a car. Might give you a break. Have fun planning. |
thanks so much carefreecelt!!! i will look into all of your suggestions, they are very much appreciated!
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what do you think of these hotels?
ennis-old ground hotel galway-marless house dublin-not sure yet... something in dun laoghire? kilkenny-butler court or berkeley house? or something else? cork-garnish house or lancaster lodge? or something else? kinsale-gallery bed and breakfast kenmare-the lodge dingle-greenmount bunratty villa we want places that are nice, but not too expensive. maybe around $100 per night or less if possible? |
-- best meal we had in Ireland was at the White House in Kinsale!
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well, unfortuantely the old ground hotel is not available for our dates and the marless house in galway isnt either. so i wrote to a few of the other places you all suggested, and am waiting for a reply.
i could really use some suggestions on where to stay outside of dublin, in cork and also, im now confused about our last night in bunratty. should we stay at bunratty villa, bunratty woods, bunratty lodge, dunaree or headley court? are any of them within walking distance if we wanted to to go the banquet or the traditional irish night? planning for 9 different hotel stays is hard!!!!! |
I'm a little confused ...
You are planning on flying in/out of Shannon? If you haven't yet bought your tickets, seriously consider an into Shannon, out of Dublin and save a Day of travel returning to where you came from. Generally no more expensive and also, most rental cars don't charge a 'drop off' penalty, either. ALSO -- I like the over-all spread of your newest itinerary (other than the returning to Shannon part), BUT ... SURELY, you aren't planning to do that route, in that order??? Doesn't look to be the best use of your time, to me. Also, since both of you are in your 20's I based my recommendations on the assumption that you would prefer somewhat livelier evening than older people (such as myself). Also, again, what is it that the two of you WANT to see and do? Look at scenery, explore ancient ruins, mingle with the locals, or ... ? Bob |
Hi jhg
My sister and I rented a car and traveled around Ireland for 10 days in 2003. We were a little bit older than you and your sister (47 and 49!) but we adapted very easily to driving on the left. In the beginning one of us acted as the guardian of the left side of the car. We rented an automatic from Sixt rental car company and they were very forgiving of some minor starches. We reserved well in advance on their web site. I do not remember the automatic being much more than the stick. We picked up the car after a 10 hour flight, and I immediately drove across the country to Galway, piece of Cake. When looking at a map, figure twice as long as you think it should take. Word of warning! Drive as little as possible in Dublin. If you must take the car into the city, park it in a garage and walk or take the bus. My sister and I had such a wonderful time in 2003, that we went back for 11 days in 2004, again renting a car from Sixt. Have fun! |
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