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Post Info TOPIC: Returning to Ireland - Itinerary Comments Requested
Ande


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Returning to Ireland - Itinerary Comments Requested
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Hello Michele and everyone,

After a long absence, I'm returning to Ireland for what will be my 4th trip.  I was last there in 2007.  I know there has been some growth and changes in the roads since then!  I would be most grateful for comments about my proposed itinerary.  Please keep in mind that I like to cover a lot of ground and do not object to longer drives.

My previous three trips have all been in June.  Due to the schedule of my travel companion, we are going August 30.  I'm a bit freaked out about the prospect of crowds. I've already found that so many b&bs are already booked up!

My preferred airport is Shannon, but the price difference between Dublin and Shannon was $700!  I got my round trip ticket for $703 to Dublin. As much as I prefer Shannon and how much better Shannon would fit my itinerary, I could not pay that much more for the privilege.

Aug. 30 International flight from USA

Aug. 31 Arrive Dublin, drive immediately to Galway.  No, I don't sleep on planes, but I've done this amount of driving on a first day and more.  It looks like there is now a fast motorway nearly the whole duration of the trip, yes?

Spend rest of day meandering in Galway city.

Sept. 1 - Connemara.  Return to Galway for overnight.

Sept. 2 - Visit Burren and Cliffs of Moher en route to Killarney.  I've been to the Cliffs several times, but my friend has not.  This time, I want to take a boat to see them from the ocean.  Any boat operator recommendations?

Sept. 3 - Explore Killarney area or maybe go to Mizen Head or Beara.  Return to Killarney for overnight.

Sept. 4 - Ring of Kerry.  Overnight in Portmagee.

Sept. 5 - Boat trip to Skelling Michael (this has been secured).  Overnight in Portmagee.

Sept. 6 - To be determined and then drive to Dublin for final night.

Sept. 7 - Fly home

My original itinerary had us staying in Dingle town for two nights instead of Killarney, but it turns out that is the weekend of the Dingle Marathon.  Yikes!  I am grateful to a b&b owner who mentioned this when she said she was full.  It would have been terribly disappointing to show up and not have access to Slea Head and have to deal with extra mobs of people.

 

Thanks in advance for any comments!

 



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Michele Erdvig


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How nice to have you back again on the forum Ande. It's been almost 10 years since your last trip! That is quite a price difference between Shannon and Dublin. But you got a very good low airfare.

The highway between Dublin and Galway is pretty speedy nowadays. Be sure to have a few euro for tolls before departing. And don't forget your M50 toll.


Cliffs of Moher Cruise: http://www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com/

 

Your itinerary looks good. Let us know if you have any more questions.



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Michele Erdvig


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Oh, one more thought. The boats to the Skelligs don't go in bad weather or rough conditions. Have a back-up plan in case that happens.

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Green Dragon


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I was about to mention the same thing about Skelligs. I've tried to go three times, and each time the weather confounded us. Good luck! You travel like I do - I'm sure you'll have a brilliant time. I highly recommend Beara, especially if you've never been. Beautifully unspoiled! We stopped at a random forest, climbed the hill, played hide-and-seek with a young deer, and when we reached the top of the hill, it was clear of trees - and had two stone circles. We loved it.



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Ande


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Thanks for the responses, Michele and Green Dragon. I had no idea about the M 50 toll business. Very peculiar! I appreciate the heads up!

We are going to will the weather to be good to us and allow the trip to Skellig Michael. In the event of cancellation though, we will find something else to do.

I have never been to Beara, so I appreciate the endorsement.

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Green Dragon


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I enjoyed hiking up the end of Valentia Island to see the Skelligs in the misty, windy distance when we were cancelled once... it's a fantastic view. Valentia island itself is fun to explore.

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Michele Erdvig


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There is a great viewpoint that you can either hike to or drive up to at Fogher Cliffs on Valentia Island. My husband saw a puffin up there.



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Ande


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Thanks for the tip. I would love to see a puffin. I'm hoping puffins delay their seasonal departure so I can see some.

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