Itenerary Help Please

allie4155 · Newbie

Itenerary Help Please

Michele Erdvig · Host

Allie,

Welcome to the forum! Since you are new here I will mention that very few people get an itinerary right on the first try. It takes work and dedication to settle on an itinerary that will work for your trip.

Ballybunion is one of Ireland's most prestigious golf courses. People book tee times there many months and even a year in advance. I suggest you contact them to even see if it is possible to golf there. If not, there are plenty of good golf courses around Ireland. Make Ballybunion your first priority.

Once you know about Ballybunion come back to the forum and we will try to set you on the right path for your trip.

Michele

P.S. Harvey's is not the best location for Dublin. The area is not recommended for walking around at night.

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig at 19:47, 2007-02-20

allie4155 · Newbie

Are there any golf courses you would recommend besides Ballybunion? (Where you do not need your handicap?) I looked into the Ring of Kerry course, is that any good? We a trying to fit in a round anywhere between Dublin and Shannon. Thanks!

Allie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Allie,

I am not a golfer so you will hav to choose your own courses. Take a look at this website: http://www.gui.ie/

Michele

allie4155 · Newbie

Ok, so some changes to the itenerary. I know it is a little rushed but trying to see Ireland before we start trying to have children (then no trips for awhile

).

May 14th and May 15th - Dublin - Open bus tour, still deciding where to stay

May 16th - Powerscourt to Glendough to Kilkenny, night in Kilkenny

May 17th - Kilkenny for the morning, to Cashel, (Cahir if there is time), night near Blarney

May 18th - Blarney Castle, onto Kenmore, Gap of Dunloe or Muckross House (jaunting car to Torc Waterfall and Muckross Abby), night in Kenmare

May 19th - Gap of Dunloe or Muckross House (jaunting car to Torc Waterfall and Muckross Abby) - Killarny, night in Kenmore again

May 20th - Golf Ring of Kerry, drive to Dingle, explore town, night Emlagh Lodge

May 21st - Dingle Pennisula, (Slea Head Drive and Conners pass if time), night Emlagh Lodge

May 22nd - Drive to Cliffs of Moher via ferry. Afternoon drive to Bunratty, night in Bunratty Lodge.

May 23rd - Fly home

Is there anything that I am not considering that would affect the schedule besides the rain.

GARYVOL · Veteran Member

Hi Allie

I typically lurk around on the forum, but figure I’ll chime in on this.May 16th - Pick up rental - Powercourt, Glendalough to Kinkenny - Make sure you have enough daylight to get to Kilkenny. We took Wicklow Gap and waited until morning for the trip towards Kilkenny. We were advised not to do it at dusk.

Blarney Castle ???. Can you skip it and go directly to Kenmare or Killarney. Probably have more stuff to do around their. Agadoe Heights in Killarney would be a great spot to view a sunset if you can get their in time. Lets see what Michelle advises along with the others. Stick with Michele’s forum, you are in good hands here.

-gary

Michele Erdvig · Host

Allie,

Your itinerary is doable. However, I note that most of what you want to do on May 18 & 19 is in Killarney. It would make more sense to stay in Killarney than Kenmare. The Gap of Dunloe tour takes most of the day. There are some lovely golf courses in the Killarney area.

If you do stay in Killarney take a look at a special offer by Loch Lein Country House just for my readers: http://www.irelandyes.com/specials.html It may be of interest to you.

The good news is that in May daylight lasts quite long. However, I still would recommend early starts on most days to fit in all that sightseeing.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

OK, I've been poking about visiting Blarney Castle for years, but I'd never made the trip to the top so this year I gave in and did it. All of my criticisms about it were correct IMO. Cahir is much more interesting and though I can't comment much on the gardens since it was February, there was nothing terribly impressive about the grounds. I walked right by the silly rock and didn't kiss it. I can't imagine the interest in it. It really is just part of the wall. It's a steep climb up the stairs and I would think it would be very difficult for people with any mobility issues. On a crowded day it would be excrutiating to visit. The castle itself is mainly in ruins and basically prospers by spectacularly good marketing. It is, without a doubt, Ireland's biggest tourist trap.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

You're right that Blarney Castle is just a ruined tower castle. However the grounds are lovely in the spring when the trees and flowers are blooming. Last time I went to the top of the castle I felt very claustrophobic in a couple of areas. It was a relief to get to the top. I have never kissed that stone or felt the urge to. Instead I blew it a kiss. What great press it gets. I wish I could get that kind of word-of-mouth for my book. I would be a millionaire!

But then I would retire, so maybe not such a good idea after all.

I had to smile at all the people at Blarney Castle who were looking for the stone at ground level. When they found out it was at the top of the castle they were looking for the escalator! One good thing is you can work off breakfast on all those stairs.

Give me Cahir Castle any time.

Michele

allie4155 · Newbie

We leave tomorrow and I am so excited!! Quick question - we are staying at Jury's Inn at Christchurch after we land in Dublin. I was hoping to take the bus to the hotel. Are the buses well marked to where they are going? Thanks!!

yesiree · Guru

I'd suggest taking the AirLink Shuttle or Air Coach (slightly nicer, and a few euros more) from the airport to city centre. They cost a bit more than the regular city buses, but they will get you there twice as fast AND they're set up to drop off at the major hotels.

Otherwise, the airport information desk will be able to give you the exact numbers of the buses that will take you to city centre. Finding the right bus won't be too hard... knowing where to get off can be a bit tricky. Be sure to ask the driver for help.

-- Edited by yesiree at 23:04, 2007-05-12

Michele Erdvig · Host

Allie,

Corey is right on the buses. I hope you have a wonderful trip to Ireland. Do let us know how it goes for you.

Michele