Yes! One more itinerary in need of help!
May 21st, 2007, 07:28 AM
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Yes! One more itinerary in need of help!
Hello, Ireland Fodorites! I'm back to Fodor's for some more great advice, this time for Ireland. (Last time it was Italy in May, 2001, and it was an amazing trip thanks to the advice I got here). Anyway, my husband and I will be traveling with another couple to celebrate our Irish heritage and our anniversaries (25 for us, 37 for our friends - she was a child bride!). Okay, so our anniversaries are in May, and we'll be traveling in October, but never mind. it's the thought that counts. Here's one possible itinerary and please, don't spare my feelings...
Oct.3- Leave NYC for DUB
Oct. 4- arrive am. in Dublin - stay overnight in or near Dublin for three nights, using Dublin as a hub for day trips and sightseeing. OR arrive Dublin, pick up rental car , sightsee Kells, Slane, Monasterboice, Newgrange, Hill of Tara, (NOT necessarily all of them, of course), staying overnight nearby, then stay two nights in/near Dublin for Trinity College, Book of Kells, museums, pub crawl...
Oct. 5-7 Dublin. with day trip to Glendalough
Oct. 7 in afternoon, after church, drive to Clonmacnoise (We're interested in early church sites, in case you've noticed!) Overnight in Athlone (Riverdale House)(would be interested in any suggestions for B&B's here and elsewhere!)
Oct. 8 Mon.- In am. Clonmacnoise, if we didn't get to it the day before. In afternoon, drive west and south to The Burren and Cliffs of Moher. My friend recently broke her ankle (osteoporosis), so we won't be hiking. Overnight nearby maybe Doolin for Trad. music or the Berry Lodge for the food.
Oct. 9 Tues- Okay, basically, from this point until we leave on Friday, Oct. 12 (from Shannon) here's what we'd like to do..so, how can we do it? HELP!
Ring of Kerry- especially the Skellig Experience, weather permitting, Dingle Peninsula, especially the Gallarus Oratory, Killarney National Park. I wouldn't mind staying in Kenmare or Dingle if possible, Shannon River Tour (optional, unless it's to die for). Lastly, I'd like to stay at castle, if possible, so I'm thinking maybe Dromoland on our last night?. What do you think?
Thank you for indulging me, I know this was long! I can't wait to here what you've got to say! Kathi
Oct.3- Leave NYC for DUB
Oct. 4- arrive am. in Dublin - stay overnight in or near Dublin for three nights, using Dublin as a hub for day trips and sightseeing. OR arrive Dublin, pick up rental car , sightsee Kells, Slane, Monasterboice, Newgrange, Hill of Tara, (NOT necessarily all of them, of course), staying overnight nearby, then stay two nights in/near Dublin for Trinity College, Book of Kells, museums, pub crawl...
Oct. 5-7 Dublin. with day trip to Glendalough
Oct. 7 in afternoon, after church, drive to Clonmacnoise (We're interested in early church sites, in case you've noticed!) Overnight in Athlone (Riverdale House)(would be interested in any suggestions for B&B's here and elsewhere!)
Oct. 8 Mon.- In am. Clonmacnoise, if we didn't get to it the day before. In afternoon, drive west and south to The Burren and Cliffs of Moher. My friend recently broke her ankle (osteoporosis), so we won't be hiking. Overnight nearby maybe Doolin for Trad. music or the Berry Lodge for the food.
Oct. 9 Tues- Okay, basically, from this point until we leave on Friday, Oct. 12 (from Shannon) here's what we'd like to do..so, how can we do it? HELP!
Ring of Kerry- especially the Skellig Experience, weather permitting, Dingle Peninsula, especially the Gallarus Oratory, Killarney National Park. I wouldn't mind staying in Kenmare or Dingle if possible, Shannon River Tour (optional, unless it's to die for). Lastly, I'd like to stay at castle, if possible, so I'm thinking maybe Dromoland on our last night?. What do you think?
Thank you for indulging me, I know this was long! I can't wait to here what you've got to say! Kathi
May 21st, 2007, 04:44 PM
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Hi Ksaras,
Your trip ideas sound terrific. My 25th wedding anniversary is in 3 weeks so congratulations to all of us!
Two nights in Dublin should be enough to see what you hope to see. My family loved Dublin. Or at least the kids and I did, DH, not so much. It's busy and crowded.
So, from Shannon you can head down to either Dingle or Kenmare for 2 nights. I'd choose one. If you take the boat to Skellig it will be weather dependent and involves a lot of walking. We took my 75 year old MIL a year before she had hip surgery. She did fine and it was the highlight of her trip. You can find that report under my earlier fodors name, McShane.
If by Skellig Experience you mean the museum, it's somewhat interesting. We did love the drive on the ROK and especially liked visiting Derrynane House.
For the boat you can call ahead to reserve from Dingle or Kenmare if the weather looks like it will be all right. We stayed in Kenmare and got up early for the trip to Skellig. It was very doable as off season the ROK had little traffic.
That's all you have time for - too bad you can't add a few more days!
Your trip ideas sound terrific. My 25th wedding anniversary is in 3 weeks so congratulations to all of us!
Two nights in Dublin should be enough to see what you hope to see. My family loved Dublin. Or at least the kids and I did, DH, not so much. It's busy and crowded.
So, from Shannon you can head down to either Dingle or Kenmare for 2 nights. I'd choose one. If you take the boat to Skellig it will be weather dependent and involves a lot of walking. We took my 75 year old MIL a year before she had hip surgery. She did fine and it was the highlight of her trip. You can find that report under my earlier fodors name, McShane.
If by Skellig Experience you mean the museum, it's somewhat interesting. We did love the drive on the ROK and especially liked visiting Derrynane House.
For the boat you can call ahead to reserve from Dingle or Kenmare if the weather looks like it will be all right. We stayed in Kenmare and got up early for the trip to Skellig. It was very doable as off season the ROK had little traffic.
That's all you have time for - too bad you can't add a few more days!
May 21st, 2007, 05:15 PM
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Thanks rosetravels! Congratulations to you too! I wish we had more time, too, but we have to take what we can get! By Skellig Experience, I really meant the boat trip, which I know is weather dependent. I just would really like to do both Dingle and RoK. But should we skip KNP? and , I've reposted but can't find it now. Where did it go? What did I do wrong? What a newbie!!
May 22nd, 2007, 06:16 PM
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Hi Ksaras,
I saw that you'd reposted with a new title but since I replied to this, it popped it up higher.
So. Killarny - we drove through several times but never stopped. I'm sure I'll be taken to task but there you have it. I'm from the northwest, it looked a bit like home, I prefer the windswept peninsulas.
I'm glad to hear you'll be trying for the boat trip - it is a fabulous experience. The birds are fascinating and I loved imagining the island as one of a string of monastaries adding vitality to the world in a unique way many centuries ago.
I can relate to the lack of time: we're going to Vancouver BC for 1 night for our 25th. Ah well.
Your trip:
I'd focus on Dingle and the ROK for your remaining days. What is special about Ireland is the slow pace of being in a town, going to the pub, experiencing the lifestyle. The sights can be interesting but it's really the way people life that makes the visit.
Tuesday - take the ferry across the Shannon, Dingle
Wednesday - Skellig Michael, drive the ROK to Kenmare, stay in Kenmare
Thursday - depends on the time of your flight on Friday. You will probably need to head towards Shannon.
Others may have advice on B&B's - there are many options in Dingle and Kenmare.
I saw that you'd reposted with a new title but since I replied to this, it popped it up higher.
So. Killarny - we drove through several times but never stopped. I'm sure I'll be taken to task but there you have it. I'm from the northwest, it looked a bit like home, I prefer the windswept peninsulas.
I'm glad to hear you'll be trying for the boat trip - it is a fabulous experience. The birds are fascinating and I loved imagining the island as one of a string of monastaries adding vitality to the world in a unique way many centuries ago.
I can relate to the lack of time: we're going to Vancouver BC for 1 night for our 25th. Ah well.
Your trip:
I'd focus on Dingle and the ROK for your remaining days. What is special about Ireland is the slow pace of being in a town, going to the pub, experiencing the lifestyle. The sights can be interesting but it's really the way people life that makes the visit.
Tuesday - take the ferry across the Shannon, Dingle
Wednesday - Skellig Michael, drive the ROK to Kenmare, stay in Kenmare
Thursday - depends on the time of your flight on Friday. You will probably need to head towards Shannon.
Others may have advice on B&B's - there are many options in Dingle and Kenmare.
May 23rd, 2007, 07:05 AM
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Hi rosetravels! Thanks for finding me! I was going to ask where you were going for your anniversary. Vancouver sounds great! I'm sure you'll enjoy every minute with your DH. We're from Northeast Pa. My DH and I both love the coasts of ANYWHERE. Just add water and serve! So Killarney sounds like it may have to wait, or at least get a drive by. Maybe on Thursday, we may consider KNP. That's a great tip about the ferry. I hadn't realized there was one, but it sounds like it should economize the driving. Also, how do I access your your reports? I would love to read about your trip with your 75 yo MIL! Sounds amazing!
May 23rd, 2007, 09:00 AM
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Kathi,
The Killmer/Tarbert ferry is a great way to shave time off your drive, www.shannonferries.com, with the added bonus of giving you time on the water.
I wouldn't bother with a car in Dublin at all. There are several quality companies through which you can book tours to NewGrange and Glendalough that will also encompass the smaller sites along the way, http://www.overthetoptours.com/ or www.newgrangetours.com. The hop-on/off open top bus tour of Dublin is well worth the price and allows you to spend time at the sites without rush or worry, http://www.irishcitytours.com/.
In Dingle, if you need a place to stay, I would suggest the Wildflower Cottage, http://wildflower-cottage.com/. I have never had an unpleasant moment whilst staying there. It is right in the middle of town and yet it sits on the Bay with lovely views from your room. If you haven't yet booked lodgings in Dublin, I would suggest Abberley House, http://www.abberleyhouse.ie/. It is very economical by Dublin standards, the rooms are comfortable and clean, the breakfasts are delicious and it is close to city centre. In Kenmare, you could check out RiverVille House, http://www.rivervillehousekenmare.com/index.htm; Annagry House, http://www.inkenmare.com/; or Virginia's GUesthouse, http://www.virginias-guesthouse.com/. Annagry is a ten minute walk on a well lit pathway from town centre. Virginia's is located in the Town Cnetre. RiverVille has wireless internet access and is about 5 - 10 minutes from Town Centre.
Slan Beo,
Bit Devine
The Killmer/Tarbert ferry is a great way to shave time off your drive, www.shannonferries.com, with the added bonus of giving you time on the water.
I wouldn't bother with a car in Dublin at all. There are several quality companies through which you can book tours to NewGrange and Glendalough that will also encompass the smaller sites along the way, http://www.overthetoptours.com/ or www.newgrangetours.com. The hop-on/off open top bus tour of Dublin is well worth the price and allows you to spend time at the sites without rush or worry, http://www.irishcitytours.com/.
In Dingle, if you need a place to stay, I would suggest the Wildflower Cottage, http://wildflower-cottage.com/. I have never had an unpleasant moment whilst staying there. It is right in the middle of town and yet it sits on the Bay with lovely views from your room. If you haven't yet booked lodgings in Dublin, I would suggest Abberley House, http://www.abberleyhouse.ie/. It is very economical by Dublin standards, the rooms are comfortable and clean, the breakfasts are delicious and it is close to city centre. In Kenmare, you could check out RiverVille House, http://www.rivervillehousekenmare.com/index.htm; Annagry House, http://www.inkenmare.com/; or Virginia's GUesthouse, http://www.virginias-guesthouse.com/. Annagry is a ten minute walk on a well lit pathway from town centre. Virginia's is located in the Town Cnetre. RiverVille has wireless internet access and is about 5 - 10 minutes from Town Centre.
Slan Beo,
Bit Devine
May 23rd, 2007, 09:39 AM
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Thanks, CowboyCraic. Wow!! I can't wait to check out all those websites. Thanks for the Dublin hotel tip. I'm having trouble finding one that's reasonable but close.
Also, I was leaning toward Virginia's Guesthouse, it got a good review in Ireland for Dummies. The Wildflower Cottage looks great, and is on the water too! Thanks so much!!
Also, I was leaning toward Virginia's Guesthouse, it got a good review in Ireland for Dummies. The Wildflower Cottage looks great, and is on the water too! Thanks so much!!
May 23rd, 2007, 11:18 AM
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Kathi,
Glad to be of help. Wildflower is a great little place that I am surprised but grateful, more people don't know exists. Virginia's is one of my hands down favorites. Abberley is another rare find. I enjoyed the accommodations, not fancy but comfortable and clean, and the food was delicious.
Dublin is not a city that I frequent often but I kno wthat it is a draw for many, which is why I "fell on the sword" and explored the different tours there. The NewGrange Tour for which I provided a link is run by Mary Gibbons and is the best run in my opinion. There are a maximum of twenty passengers, the narrative on the tour is thorough and not dry or campy and you also visit the River Boyne, Hill of Tara, and village of Slane.
October is a wonderful month in which to explore Ireland. I usually aim for the North country in the fall but Glendalough and the ROK will have fall foliage, as well.
I was remiss before but comgratulations on your anniversaries! My parents celebrated their 45th on St Patrick's day this year. For an anniversary celebration, I am almost tempted to send you to Killarney and the Loch Lein Country House, http://www.irish-hotel.net/lochlein/. It is a remarkable place.
I just reread your post. I would suggest the Cliffs of Moher Cruise out of Doolin, http://www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com/, as a way for all of youu to enjoy the Cliffs experience without wearing out your friend.
Slan Beo,
Bit
Glad to be of help. Wildflower is a great little place that I am surprised but grateful, more people don't know exists. Virginia's is one of my hands down favorites. Abberley is another rare find. I enjoyed the accommodations, not fancy but comfortable and clean, and the food was delicious.
Dublin is not a city that I frequent often but I kno wthat it is a draw for many, which is why I "fell on the sword" and explored the different tours there. The NewGrange Tour for which I provided a link is run by Mary Gibbons and is the best run in my opinion. There are a maximum of twenty passengers, the narrative on the tour is thorough and not dry or campy and you also visit the River Boyne, Hill of Tara, and village of Slane.
October is a wonderful month in which to explore Ireland. I usually aim for the North country in the fall but Glendalough and the ROK will have fall foliage, as well.
I was remiss before but comgratulations on your anniversaries! My parents celebrated their 45th on St Patrick's day this year. For an anniversary celebration, I am almost tempted to send you to Killarney and the Loch Lein Country House, http://www.irish-hotel.net/lochlein/. It is a remarkable place.
I just reread your post. I would suggest the Cliffs of Moher Cruise out of Doolin, http://www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com/, as a way for all of youu to enjoy the Cliffs experience without wearing out your friend.
Slan Beo,
Bit
May 23rd, 2007, 12:44 PM
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Bit,
First of all, congratulations to your parents! They are heroes! I hope they celebrate many more together. And secondly, I know you're trying to help, but please, no more good suggestions just yet! I was just about to drop the Cliffs of Moher cruise, thinking it was too much, and I have to trim so much, and then you send me the link and I find out that the cruise is only about an hour. That's doable, I think, so THANK YOU. But then, you really mess me up and send me the link to Loch Lien Country House, which of course, just happens to be on the water too! just when I was really getting used to staying in Kenmare, because of all the great reviews on this board. OH! What a happy dilema!
I emailed the hotel, of course, to check availability. Thanks again!
First of all, congratulations to your parents! They are heroes! I hope they celebrate many more together. And secondly, I know you're trying to help, but please, no more good suggestions just yet! I was just about to drop the Cliffs of Moher cruise, thinking it was too much, and I have to trim so much, and then you send me the link and I find out that the cruise is only about an hour. That's doable, I think, so THANK YOU. But then, you really mess me up and send me the link to Loch Lien Country House, which of course, just happens to be on the water too! just when I was really getting used to staying in Kenmare, because of all the great reviews on this board. OH! What a happy dilema!
I emailed the hotel, of course, to check availability. Thanks again!
May 23rd, 2007, 01:31 PM
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Kathi,
Sorry to be the devil in the mix. I think Loch Lein is a fabulous choice for an anniversary celebration stay. Kenmare always wins out over Killarney for me as a rule but Loch Lein was bumped to the top of my special occassions list.
The Cliffs cruise is a must, don't cut that! You will find it to be a memorable point in your trip. There is something both humbling and uplifting in seeing the cliffs rising up from the sea, knowing that their depth below is just as stellar. THe seabirds in their nests on the cliffs are more visible from the water than they are from the top.
I try to stay on or near the water most everyhwere I go. My most favorite place in all of Ireland is on Inis Mor, on one of its coastal edges looking out towards Connemara. I think in a previous life I must have been tied to the sea for I am a desert girl who only comes alive truly when I smell the sea.
Since I have bedeviled you enough as it is, I will not even start on Ring of Beara over Ring of Kerry. It is enough that you will be in Ireland and where ever you go it will be magical and memorable.
Slan Beo,
Bit
Sorry to be the devil in the mix. I think Loch Lein is a fabulous choice for an anniversary celebration stay. Kenmare always wins out over Killarney for me as a rule but Loch Lein was bumped to the top of my special occassions list.
The Cliffs cruise is a must, don't cut that! You will find it to be a memorable point in your trip. There is something both humbling and uplifting in seeing the cliffs rising up from the sea, knowing that their depth below is just as stellar. THe seabirds in their nests on the cliffs are more visible from the water than they are from the top.
I try to stay on or near the water most everyhwere I go. My most favorite place in all of Ireland is on Inis Mor, on one of its coastal edges looking out towards Connemara. I think in a previous life I must have been tied to the sea for I am a desert girl who only comes alive truly when I smell the sea.
Since I have bedeviled you enough as it is, I will not even start on Ring of Beara over Ring of Kerry. It is enough that you will be in Ireland and where ever you go it will be magical and memorable.
Slan Beo,
Bit
May 23rd, 2007, 01:39 PM
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Bit,
I thank you for your advice. I would probably be very interested to go to the Ring of Beara, but my friend's husband (and I) really want to try to go to Skellig Michael on the RoK. Maybe if the weather is poor and there aren't any boats going, we may change our minds and try to get over there. But it is farther east, and we will have a time crunch. I'm the one who posted about AA Ireland travel times, in case you havn'et already figured that out. How much farther is RofB from Dingle, than RoK? Thanks, Kathi
I thank you for your advice. I would probably be very interested to go to the Ring of Beara, but my friend's husband (and I) really want to try to go to Skellig Michael on the RoK. Maybe if the weather is poor and there aren't any boats going, we may change our minds and try to get over there. But it is farther east, and we will have a time crunch. I'm the one who posted about AA Ireland travel times, in case you havn'et already figured that out. How much farther is RofB from Dingle, than RoK? Thanks, Kathi
May 23rd, 2007, 02:16 PM
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Kathi,
If the goal is Skellig Michael, forget Beara. Skellig Michael is not to be missed in my opinion. Beara is also too far from Dingle to make it a day trip, if that was what you were thinking. You will be quite pleased with ROK and doing the Dingle peninsula. I love the Beara because it is less crowded. However, in October, the crowds will not be as much of a concern as in July, which is when I am usually over.
Thanks to Alan, he is correct about the Gold display. It is less visited so you can take your time in admiring the display which is unbelievable.
Slan Beo,
Bit
If the goal is Skellig Michael, forget Beara. Skellig Michael is not to be missed in my opinion. Beara is also too far from Dingle to make it a day trip, if that was what you were thinking. You will be quite pleased with ROK and doing the Dingle peninsula. I love the Beara because it is less crowded. However, in October, the crowds will not be as much of a concern as in July, which is when I am usually over.
Thanks to Alan, he is correct about the Gold display. It is less visited so you can take your time in admiring the display which is unbelievable.
Slan Beo,
Bit
May 23rd, 2007, 02:27 PM
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Hi to Alan,
Thanks for the tip. My friend (the husband) (I wonder if there's an abbreviation for my friend's husband, like MFH?) had mentioned wanting to go to the Natural Museum. His wife says he has a knack for finding 'nuggets" (no pun intended, yeah,right!) in any museum he goes to. I'll bet he'd love to see that! (He also happened to be a geologist in another job life.)
And Bit, thanks, I think we'll stick with the Skelligs and pray for good weather.
Kathi
Thanks for the tip. My friend (the husband) (I wonder if there's an abbreviation for my friend's husband, like MFH?) had mentioned wanting to go to the Natural Museum. His wife says he has a knack for finding 'nuggets" (no pun intended, yeah,right!) in any museum he goes to. I'll bet he'd love to see that! (He also happened to be a geologist in another job life.)
And Bit, thanks, I think we'll stick with the Skelligs and pray for good weather.
Kathi
May 23rd, 2007, 02:40 PM
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Kathi,
Your friend's husband will enjoy looking at this site, http://www.museum.ie/, as will you. Be forewarned that you may not be able to drag him away from there for a full day.
I will also hold good thoughts for the proper weather conditions for you in October.
Slan Beo,
Bit
Your friend's husband will enjoy looking at this site, http://www.museum.ie/, as will you. Be forewarned that you may not be able to drag him away from there for a full day.
I will also hold good thoughts for the proper weather conditions for you in October.
Slan Beo,
Bit
May 23rd, 2007, 02:46 PM
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Dear Bit,
Didn't I mention no more helpful suggestions, especially around dinner time! (My poor children will be glad when I'm done with this trip. Too bad that won't be until Oct.!) I really had to drag myself away to tell you that I had to drag myself away, so I can finish dinner. Thanks for the link!
Kathi
Didn't I mention no more helpful suggestions, especially around dinner time! (My poor children will be glad when I'm done with this trip. Too bad that won't be until Oct.!) I really had to drag myself away to tell you that I had to drag myself away, so I can finish dinner. Thanks for the link!
Kathi
May 23rd, 2007, 03:43 PM
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Kathi,
THere is no cure for Irish Fever, you know. It can only be eased by a stay on teh emerald isle. THe symptoms will return once you leave, sometimes even as soon as you board the plane to return to the states!
Depending on the age of your children, you could give them Ice cream sundaes for dinner, which would maake them happy and give you more time to plan, LOL.
Enjoy your dinner!
Slan Beo,
Bit
THere is no cure for Irish Fever, you know. It can only be eased by a stay on teh emerald isle. THe symptoms will return once you leave, sometimes even as soon as you board the plane to return to the states!
Depending on the age of your children, you could give them Ice cream sundaes for dinner, which would maake them happy and give you more time to plan, LOL.
Enjoy your dinner!
Slan Beo,
Bit
