Thoughts on my Itinerary???
Apr 24th, 2006 | 10:24 AM
#1
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Thoughts on my Itinerary???
Hello all,
I'm wondering if some of you with experience in Ireland could give a look at my plans, and give any recommendations, suggestions, realistic expectations.... I am going on my honeymoon to Ireland for a week. Its my first time, and my main goal is relaxing. We're planning on playing most of the activities by ear, not trying to see everything, just enjoy Ireland, the people and places. I haven't made reservations for anything except the last night, and I plan to make a reservation for our first night in Kinsale, then wing it thereafter. So, my here's my initial plan:
May 31 arrive in Shannon about noon, pick up our car and drive to Kinsale, spend 2 nights, enjoy some good food, and relax.
June 2 leave Kinsale, drive around the Ring of Kerry (thought of going to Skellig Michael), stay in Dingle
I'm wondering if some of you with experience in Ireland could give a look at my plans, and give any recommendations, suggestions, realistic expectations.... I am going on my honeymoon to Ireland for a week. Its my first time, and my main goal is relaxing. We're planning on playing most of the activities by ear, not trying to see everything, just enjoy Ireland, the people and places. I haven't made reservations for anything except the last night, and I plan to make a reservation for our first night in Kinsale, then wing it thereafter. So, my here's my initial plan:
May 31 arrive in Shannon about noon, pick up our car and drive to Kinsale, spend 2 nights, enjoy some good food, and relax.
June 2 leave Kinsale, drive around the Ring of Kerry (thought of going to Skellig Michael), stay in Dingle
Apr 24th, 2006 | 10:34 AM
#2
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cont. Sorry, I accidently posted! 
June 3 head for and stay in Clifden, (or somewhere in the vicinty of the cliffs of moher)
June 4 haven't decided whether to stay around the area or to stay on Inishmore, a friend of mine loved Inishmore and comes highly recommended, thought?
June 5 we'll eventually head for Glin Castle where we are staying our last night
June 6 Depart Shannon at 1pm
Any recommendations for these areas or other ideas are totally welcome. I figured if we kind of hit 3 main areas in the week it would be doable, but please let me know if its not! Thanks!!!
bryan
June 3 head for and stay in Clifden, (or somewhere in the vicinty of the cliffs of moher)
June 4 haven't decided whether to stay around the area or to stay on Inishmore, a friend of mine loved Inishmore and comes highly recommended, thought?
June 5 we'll eventually head for Glin Castle where we are staying our last night
June 6 Depart Shannon at 1pm
Any recommendations for these areas or other ideas are totally welcome. I figured if we kind of hit 3 main areas in the week it would be doable, but please let me know if its not! Thanks!!!
bryan
Apr 24th, 2006 | 08:29 PM
#5
Joined: Jun 2004
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June 2 - 5 is a bank holiday weekend. Make your reservations for that time period especially for Dingle.
June 2 going from Kinsale, doing Ring of Kerry and arriving in Dingle -- put it through a computer generated distance planner and you will see that it is an impossible day. http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/routes/ Don't be fooled by what that site says. This is a trip that should take two days not one. When are you going to see Dingle? You will arrive, sleep and depart. If you want to do the trip to Skellig Michael that lands on the island that takes most of the day. Just the Ring of Kerry from Killarney takes all day alone.
You would be wiser to either see the southwest or the Clifden/Connemara area. Not both.
June 2 going from Kinsale, doing Ring of Kerry and arriving in Dingle -- put it through a computer generated distance planner and you will see that it is an impossible day. http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/routes/ Don't be fooled by what that site says. This is a trip that should take two days not one. When are you going to see Dingle? You will arrive, sleep and depart. If you want to do the trip to Skellig Michael that lands on the island that takes most of the day. Just the Ring of Kerry from Killarney takes all day alone.
You would be wiser to either see the southwest or the Clifden/Connemara area. Not both.
Apr 25th, 2006 | 07:42 AM
#7
Joined: Jan 2003
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Hi Bryan:
Ireland looks small when you count the miles but travel is slow and your itinerary looks way too busy for someone looking to relax. This is a driving itinerary, not a relaxing one. I agree with Irish Eyes and yesiree and would really pull back a lot. A few thoughts:
The first days drive is not terribly long but the further west you are in the States, the worse the jet lag. The most direct route to Kinsale sends you right through Cork City, something I would avoid like the plague. It's very easy to get lost so circumvent it if you can. I prefer not to be driving for more than 2 hours but if your young and crazy, you can probably do it. Get out of the car a lot. If you've never driven on the left side of the road before, your formally happy and suddenly screaming new wife will probably help keep you awake. Being the passenger is much worse than being the driver as things pass on the left dangerously close to the car. Don't have that first pint until you get to Kinsale.
I completely agree that Kinsale, and the RoK onto Dingle is too much especially with all the beauty that there is to see in the area. Slow down here. Skellig Michael if you do the full hike to the top makes up most of the day. To start in Kinsale and get there in time for the boat would be a rush.
Clifden really is not a good idea. Way too far. Inishmor is also lovely, but it takes time. I would not try to do it.
If you are going to spend the money to stay at a castle, spend some time there. You don't want to get in late and leave early the next morning. Consider the option of making Glin your 1st night. You'll have a short drive, time to perhaps take a quick nap and enjoy the place. Keep in mind, if your plane lands at noon, you probably won't be on the road until about 1:30. It's probaly no more than an hour to Glin and at least 3 to Kinsale provided you don't get lost or your wife runs screaming from the car and you have to chase her across the Irish countyside. You could get up late the next morning and head to Dingle or Kinsale.
Take Irish Eyes advice on booking rooms, especially in popular areas. That weekend is a busy weekend.
My choice would be to slow down a lot and focus on Co. Clare and Kerry perhaps and leave Kinsale out but I don't think that's what you have in mind.
Here are some options. Since you aren't there very long you may benefit from 1 night stays in most places. Pack light so you aren't dragging to many bags around. These are 1 night stay options:
Glin, Dingle, Kenmare, Kinsale, Kinsale, Co. Clare.
Doolin, Glin, Dingle, Kenmare, Kinsale, Co Clare.
Kinsale, Kinsale, Kenmare, Dingle, Glin, Co. Clare.
OK, just a few possibilities. BTW, we'll be in Dingle on the 1st of June also.
Hope this helps, perhaps we'll pass on the road.
Bill
Ireland looks small when you count the miles but travel is slow and your itinerary looks way too busy for someone looking to relax. This is a driving itinerary, not a relaxing one. I agree with Irish Eyes and yesiree and would really pull back a lot. A few thoughts:
The first days drive is not terribly long but the further west you are in the States, the worse the jet lag. The most direct route to Kinsale sends you right through Cork City, something I would avoid like the plague. It's very easy to get lost so circumvent it if you can. I prefer not to be driving for more than 2 hours but if your young and crazy, you can probably do it. Get out of the car a lot. If you've never driven on the left side of the road before, your formally happy and suddenly screaming new wife will probably help keep you awake. Being the passenger is much worse than being the driver as things pass on the left dangerously close to the car. Don't have that first pint until you get to Kinsale.
I completely agree that Kinsale, and the RoK onto Dingle is too much especially with all the beauty that there is to see in the area. Slow down here. Skellig Michael if you do the full hike to the top makes up most of the day. To start in Kinsale and get there in time for the boat would be a rush.
Clifden really is not a good idea. Way too far. Inishmor is also lovely, but it takes time. I would not try to do it.
If you are going to spend the money to stay at a castle, spend some time there. You don't want to get in late and leave early the next morning. Consider the option of making Glin your 1st night. You'll have a short drive, time to perhaps take a quick nap and enjoy the place. Keep in mind, if your plane lands at noon, you probably won't be on the road until about 1:30. It's probaly no more than an hour to Glin and at least 3 to Kinsale provided you don't get lost or your wife runs screaming from the car and you have to chase her across the Irish countyside. You could get up late the next morning and head to Dingle or Kinsale.
Take Irish Eyes advice on booking rooms, especially in popular areas. That weekend is a busy weekend.
My choice would be to slow down a lot and focus on Co. Clare and Kerry perhaps and leave Kinsale out but I don't think that's what you have in mind.
Here are some options. Since you aren't there very long you may benefit from 1 night stays in most places. Pack light so you aren't dragging to many bags around. These are 1 night stay options:
Glin, Dingle, Kenmare, Kinsale, Kinsale, Co. Clare.
Doolin, Glin, Dingle, Kenmare, Kinsale, Co Clare.
Kinsale, Kinsale, Kenmare, Dingle, Glin, Co. Clare.
OK, just a few possibilities. BTW, we'll be in Dingle on the 1st of June also.
Hope this helps, perhaps we'll pass on the road.
Bill
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Apr 25th, 2006 | 10:04 AM
#8
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WOW! Irisheyes and wojazz3: This has been INCREDIBLY helpful! I am so glad that asked for advice. I'd really appreciate a little more dialogue in the next few days, since I'm going to have to basically re-work my original itinerary! I had heard that Kinsale was a wonderful small, quaint place with wonderful food, so I figured that would be good for an opener. I'm wondering if that jaunt is spreading my little week a bit too far???
I think I would ideally like to stay 2 nights in 2 locations, 1 night, and then the 1 night at Glin castle (which is already booked, but good idea wojazz3.) I like the idea about 1 night stays, but think my fiance would be served to move around a bit less. I am resolved that we will go back to Ireland, so I'm trying to fight not wanting to see everything this time. If you were in my shoes, what would you see/do, or where would you stay?
We'd like to shop a bit, maybe hike or bike a bit, see some beautiful country, meet nice people, enjoy some music and drink some guiness. Cliffs of Moher, the burren, and Skellig Michael are a couple of things I did want to see, but I'm not totally attached to Skellig Michael.
How about:
First 2 nights: Dingle
Second 2 nights: Doolin?
1 night on Inishmor
last night at Glin Castle?
Or:
First 2 nights: Doolin/Ennis?
1 night: Inishmor
2 nights: Dingle
last night Glin Castle
(by the way wojazz3, my attachment to Inishmor is from a friend who loved it. If others aren't as pro-inishmor, I'll cut it.
Since its apparently a bank holiday, are there areas that I should avoid for the sake of sanity? Thanks again for all the counsel. Who knows Bill, maybe we'll be in Dingle at the same time. Where are you staying, or any recommendations on B&Bs?
bryan
I had heard that Kinsale was a wonderful small, quaint place with wonderful food, so I figured that would be good for an opener. I'm wondering if that jaunt is spreading my little week a bit too far???I think I would ideally like to stay 2 nights in 2 locations, 1 night, and then the 1 night at Glin castle (which is already booked, but good idea wojazz3.) I like the idea about 1 night stays, but think my fiance would be served to move around a bit less. I am resolved that we will go back to Ireland, so I'm trying to fight not wanting to see everything this time. If you were in my shoes, what would you see/do, or where would you stay?
We'd like to shop a bit, maybe hike or bike a bit, see some beautiful country, meet nice people, enjoy some music and drink some guiness. Cliffs of Moher, the burren, and Skellig Michael are a couple of things I did want to see, but I'm not totally attached to Skellig Michael.
How about:
First 2 nights: Dingle
Second 2 nights: Doolin?
1 night on Inishmor
last night at Glin Castle?
Or:
First 2 nights: Doolin/Ennis?
1 night: Inishmor
2 nights: Dingle
last night Glin Castle
(by the way wojazz3, my attachment to Inishmor is from a friend who loved it. If others aren't as pro-inishmor, I'll cut it.
Since its apparently a bank holiday, are there areas that I should avoid for the sake of sanity? Thanks again for all the counsel. Who knows Bill, maybe we'll be in Dingle at the same time. Where are you staying, or any recommendations on B&Bs?
bryan
Apr 25th, 2006 | 01:12 PM
#9
Joined: Jan 2003
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Hi Bryan:
Inishmor is beautiful and a slice of the past. Inishman and Inisheer even more so. Dun Aengus, rising at the cliff edge is forboding structure and a testement to the fact that there were engineers of great prowess many centuries ago. Life is much slower on the Arans, the only cars belong to locals so getting around is either on foot, on a bicycle or by minibus operated by local entrepreneurs. I highly recommend an overnight there as the days are much more crowded, but the evenings are very peaceful. Definitely have reservations though it's possible that the boats from Doolin won't run if the weather is bad. Wind is the biggest problem. You can fly from Inverin (west of Galway) in about 10 minutes but the drive there is lengthy from Doolin. A nice drive though.
If you really want to go to Inishmor, then you should go. It is incredibly peacful. We took an early morning stroll, spoke with some horses that were happy to eat from our hands as they leaned hungrily over one of the myriad of stone fences on the island. You might want to watch the fakeumentary "Man of Aran" just to get you in the mood. You can stay in the Man of Aran cottage in rooms are available. It's hard not to be pro Inishmor, you just have to make the time to schedule it. Your new version of itineraries would work.
I don't think that Kinsale is worth a journey, but if you are near it, it's a nice town. Dingle is an equally good option and much closer.
You can certainly spend two nights in Doolin, but Doolin itself has little to do during the day. I've heard some say that the Cliffs of Moher can be missed, but I disagree. Also, the road down to Loophead is beautiful. The geology of the Burren area and Inishmore and much of Co Clare are quite similar, so you can get a feeling of both by visiting one.
I might consider stripping a night from Doolin and adding it to Co. Kerry, perhaps Kenmare. Killarney National Park is beautiful and the Gap of Dunloe tour would provide a different view of some Irish scenery. The Gap tour takes most of a day.
In Doolin, I've stayed at the Atlantic View http://www.doolinferries.com/atlanticview.html which is owned by the people that own the largest ferry company to the Arans, so that could help. The Seaview in Doolin is beautiful too and is right in the center of town. There is a room at the Atlantic View that looks out at both the cliffs and the Aran islands. The breakfast room does also. There are two Atlantic Views. One is on the Cliffs of Moher road, the other down near the pier in Doolin. The one near the pier is the one I'm talking about.
I'll be staying at the Shores in Castlegregory which is on the north side of the peninsula, not in the town of Doolin. Easily the most luxurious B&B that I have stayed in. Great breakfasts and she prepares amazing evening meals if you reserve ahead. Annette is wonderful.
Although it's a bank holiday weekend, crowds won't be terrible. If you can visit the Cliffs of Moher in the evening instead of the middle of the day, your experience will be exponentially improved. The cliffs are tour bus central midday and a photographers paradise in the evening. If the weather is clear, it's really a must.
For some useless ramblings on Ireland, here are the links to my webpages that are travelogues of three of my trips:
http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_ireland_2005_1/
http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_ireland_2003/
http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_ireland_2002/index.htm
There are a couple of nice evening shots of the Cliffs from my last visit (the 2005 version).
Bill
Inishmor is beautiful and a slice of the past. Inishman and Inisheer even more so. Dun Aengus, rising at the cliff edge is forboding structure and a testement to the fact that there were engineers of great prowess many centuries ago. Life is much slower on the Arans, the only cars belong to locals so getting around is either on foot, on a bicycle or by minibus operated by local entrepreneurs. I highly recommend an overnight there as the days are much more crowded, but the evenings are very peaceful. Definitely have reservations though it's possible that the boats from Doolin won't run if the weather is bad. Wind is the biggest problem. You can fly from Inverin (west of Galway) in about 10 minutes but the drive there is lengthy from Doolin. A nice drive though.
If you really want to go to Inishmor, then you should go. It is incredibly peacful. We took an early morning stroll, spoke with some horses that were happy to eat from our hands as they leaned hungrily over one of the myriad of stone fences on the island. You might want to watch the fakeumentary "Man of Aran" just to get you in the mood. You can stay in the Man of Aran cottage in rooms are available. It's hard not to be pro Inishmor, you just have to make the time to schedule it. Your new version of itineraries would work.
I don't think that Kinsale is worth a journey, but if you are near it, it's a nice town. Dingle is an equally good option and much closer.
You can certainly spend two nights in Doolin, but Doolin itself has little to do during the day. I've heard some say that the Cliffs of Moher can be missed, but I disagree. Also, the road down to Loophead is beautiful. The geology of the Burren area and Inishmore and much of Co Clare are quite similar, so you can get a feeling of both by visiting one.
I might consider stripping a night from Doolin and adding it to Co. Kerry, perhaps Kenmare. Killarney National Park is beautiful and the Gap of Dunloe tour would provide a different view of some Irish scenery. The Gap tour takes most of a day.
In Doolin, I've stayed at the Atlantic View http://www.doolinferries.com/atlanticview.html which is owned by the people that own the largest ferry company to the Arans, so that could help. The Seaview in Doolin is beautiful too and is right in the center of town. There is a room at the Atlantic View that looks out at both the cliffs and the Aran islands. The breakfast room does also. There are two Atlantic Views. One is on the Cliffs of Moher road, the other down near the pier in Doolin. The one near the pier is the one I'm talking about.
I'll be staying at the Shores in Castlegregory which is on the north side of the peninsula, not in the town of Doolin. Easily the most luxurious B&B that I have stayed in. Great breakfasts and she prepares amazing evening meals if you reserve ahead. Annette is wonderful.
Although it's a bank holiday weekend, crowds won't be terrible. If you can visit the Cliffs of Moher in the evening instead of the middle of the day, your experience will be exponentially improved. The cliffs are tour bus central midday and a photographers paradise in the evening. If the weather is clear, it's really a must.
For some useless ramblings on Ireland, here are the links to my webpages that are travelogues of three of my trips:
http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_ireland_2005_1/
http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_ireland_2003/
http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_ireland_2002/index.htm
There are a couple of nice evening shots of the Cliffs from my last visit (the 2005 version).
Bill
Apr 25th, 2006 | 01:13 PM
#10
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Apr 25th, 2006 | 02:26 PM
#11
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 525
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First 2 (1)nights: Doolin/Ennis?
1 night: Inishmor
2 (3)nights: Dingle
last night Glin Castle
I like this choice because the last day puts you closer to Glin Castle so you can get there early and enjoy the grounds/castle- plus your first day you can enjoy one of the most awesome Irish sights...the Cliff of Moher.
I would agree with above suggestion to spend one night in Doolin...that way if boat trip to Inishmoor gets cancelled you could spend another day in Doolin as a back up and explore the Burren or coastal towns. (we enjoyed all 3 pubs...would go to which ever is closer, get there early and find a seat close to the music). I also like the suggestion to go later to the cliffs when the busses have gone.
I would add the other day to Dingle. Dingle is a nice little harbor town, easy to walk, nice restaurants (I suggest The Half Door), great pubs with music (we liked Murphy's and O'Flaherty's) and one of our favorite drives...Slea Head Loop.
You could spend the extra day in Dingle doing a daytrip to explore Killarney National Park...very beautiful! Great scenery, walks, and sights to tour. We liked tours of Ross Castle, Muckross House & Abbey, and driving in park--Moll's Gap and Ladies View...this year we are looking forward to doing the Gap of Dunloe. Did not enjoy driving through Killarney.
Cliffs of Moher, Slea Head Loop, and Killarney National Park were the hightlights of our June trip a few years ago...they are also sights that I felt that were worth a second look on a family trip we will take this June.
Doolin vs Ennis...we stayed in both on our trip. I prefer Doolin because of proximity to the cliffs, small, could walk to the pubs, and it was a great stroll back to our B&B after closing the pub...a dark quiet peaceful, I'm in Ireland kinda feeling...hard to explain but very memorable.
(we also chose to return with our family to Doolin)
50 days 5 hours 34 min. until we leave for Ireland!
1 night: Inishmor
2 (3)nights: Dingle
last night Glin Castle
I like this choice because the last day puts you closer to Glin Castle so you can get there early and enjoy the grounds/castle- plus your first day you can enjoy one of the most awesome Irish sights...the Cliff of Moher.
I would agree with above suggestion to spend one night in Doolin...that way if boat trip to Inishmoor gets cancelled you could spend another day in Doolin as a back up and explore the Burren or coastal towns. (we enjoyed all 3 pubs...would go to which ever is closer, get there early and find a seat close to the music). I also like the suggestion to go later to the cliffs when the busses have gone.
I would add the other day to Dingle. Dingle is a nice little harbor town, easy to walk, nice restaurants (I suggest The Half Door), great pubs with music (we liked Murphy's and O'Flaherty's) and one of our favorite drives...Slea Head Loop.
You could spend the extra day in Dingle doing a daytrip to explore Killarney National Park...very beautiful! Great scenery, walks, and sights to tour. We liked tours of Ross Castle, Muckross House & Abbey, and driving in park--Moll's Gap and Ladies View...this year we are looking forward to doing the Gap of Dunloe. Did not enjoy driving through Killarney.
Cliffs of Moher, Slea Head Loop, and Killarney National Park were the hightlights of our June trip a few years ago...they are also sights that I felt that were worth a second look on a family trip we will take this June.
Doolin vs Ennis...we stayed in both on our trip. I prefer Doolin because of proximity to the cliffs, small, could walk to the pubs, and it was a great stroll back to our B&B after closing the pub...a dark quiet peaceful, I'm in Ireland kinda feeling...hard to explain but very memorable.
(we also chose to return with our family to Doolin)
50 days 5 hours 34 min. until we leave for Ireland!
Apr 28th, 2006 | 10:35 AM
#15
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 989
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We just returned from a fantastic trip to Ireland, and I would highly suggest you consider the Ring of Beara. This was one of the true highlights of our trip, and (from what I understand) a bit less crowded than the ROK. The drive is truly stunning, and a stay in Kenmare would give you a perfect starting point.
From Kenmare you can also visit the Gap of Dunloe (previously mentioned, and absolutely beautiful as well) and Killarney National Park.
We stayed at the Seanua B&B in Kenmare, and it was perfect. The family is actually selling the house, but in June they may not be gone yet.
From Kenmare you can also visit the Gap of Dunloe (previously mentioned, and absolutely beautiful as well) and Killarney National Park.
We stayed at the Seanua B&B in Kenmare, and it was perfect. The family is actually selling the house, but in June they may not be gone yet.
Apr 29th, 2006 | 05:10 PM
#17
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 525
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NJSusan and PT...
46 days 3 hours and counting!
yes, we are leaving on the 15th...from Boston, Shannon arrival on the 16th @ 6am
we are hitting the ground running, thru the Burren, short look around Cong and 1st night in Westport (we do have a bit of an advantage, we will have an Irish driver!)
very exciting!
PT...remember...stay on the left!
46 days 3 hours and counting!
yes, we are leaving on the 15th...from Boston, Shannon arrival on the 16th @ 6am
we are hitting the ground running, thru the Burren, short look around Cong and 1st night in Westport (we do have a bit of an advantage, we will have an Irish driver!)
very exciting!
PT...remember...stay on the left!
May 8th, 2006 | 01:06 PM
#18
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
O.k., I've been giving this a LOT of thought, and finally had a day to work on some planning. I think I'm leaning towards:
1st night in Doolin
2nd on Inishmore
next two days either in Castlegregory (The Shores looked GREAT wojazz3, I'm enquiring to openings now,) if they are booked we'll go to Dingle.
1 night in Kenmare (to be decided during our time in Dingle)
then last night in Glin
Thanks for all the input and suggestions! I'm trying to get some reservations now to fit this itinerary, so sending enquiries. Let me know if you have any recommendations on B&B's in these areas!
Thanks!
bryan
1st night in Doolin
2nd on Inishmore
next two days either in Castlegregory (The Shores looked GREAT wojazz3, I'm enquiring to openings now,) if they are booked we'll go to Dingle.
1 night in Kenmare (to be decided during our time in Dingle)
then last night in Glin
Thanks for all the input and suggestions! I'm trying to get some reservations now to fit this itinerary, so sending enquiries. Let me know if you have any recommendations on B&B's in these areas!
Thanks!
bryan
May 9th, 2006 | 05:01 PM
#19
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Oh my goodness what a romantic honeymoon! Your changes have made this an absolutely perfect trip. You'll be relaxed, see beautiful places and not spend too much time in the car (those Irish roads can strain the best of marriages!) I do hope the weather permits your trip to Inishmor because that would be truly special.
