Draft Itinerary - SE Ireland

Ande · Veteran Member

Draft Itinerary - SE Ireland

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ande,

I'm glad you have your airfares. It probably doesn't matter who you fly on. Most airlines are about the same.

Your budget for B&Bs may be a bit optimistic since most of them start at 35 euro per person and go up from there. Now, on to your itinerary.

Day one, May 31 - Arrive Dublin, take it easy, take in a couple of attractions like Book of Kells, etc. * Fine. Look into Jurys Inn Christchurch or Bewley's Ballsbridge for low rates.

Day two- More siteseeing in Dublin, including Kil. Jail, St. Michan's, etc. * Fine.

Day 3- pick up rental car, head to Powerscourt and Glendalough. Would also like to drive by Johnstown Castle. Overnight somewhere in area. Arklow? Wicklow Town? Another town? * Johnstown Castle is near Wexford. I suggest you overnight there.

Day 4 - Kilkenny * From Wexford be sure to take the scenic R700 up to Kilkenny through Inistioge.

Day 5 - Drive down to Waterford, mom wants to go to crystal factory, return to Kilkenny for night. * Fine. You will probably have time for other sightseeing in the area.

Day 6, drive to Cappoquin (visit monastery) and Lismore (photograph castle), continue westward, stay overnight somewhere scenic along waterfront. Cobh? Kinsale? * I prefer Kinsale and there are more lodgings to choose from. Or if you are interested in Youghal I know a lovely B&B overlooking the river.

Day 7, drive to Blarney, visit castle. Start heading towards Shannon for last night. * Blarney Castle is touristy if you want to kiss the stone. I suggest an early start so you can beat the tour buses and the lines. The grounds are lovely especially when everything is blooming in the spring. Bunratty would make a good overnight.

I have some excellent places to stay on my "Lodgings" page. So go look around there to see what appeals. If you are interested in staying at Alcantra in Kilkenny you must mention my name. They are scaling back on doing B&B and are only taking repeat customers or people who have my book or mention my name.

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Ande,

Airfare is half the battle, really. You might also look at Abberley House in Dublin. I have stayed there a few times. It is comfortable and reasonable priced, especially for Dublin. In Wexford, I have enjoyed staying at the Blue Door, as it is in the heart of Wexford. If you've the time whilst down around Waterford, take a trip down to Hook's lighthouse. There are also some lovely gardens in Co Wexford that will be in bloom during your time there. One of my favorites is the JFK Aboretum. I would probably choose Rock of Cashel & Cahir Castle over Blarney Castle but Blarney is certainly a "must see" for a large majority of people.

Enjoy your adventure!

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Hi Ande,

Wanted to jump in here and suggest that your 30 Euros/pp per night is a little low, for sure. Husband and I shall be in Ireland for a month in May/June, and the BandBs that I have booked run from 36Euros to 60 Euros. Most seem to be around 38 to 40. I have looked at many a B&B on the internet--Guesthouses will run you about 5 Euros/pp more.

Have a great trip!

Helen

Ande · Veteran Member

Thanks Michele, Helen and Bit for your replies. I will be checking out those recommendations tonight! I know I'm optimistic about finding cheap lodging. Most places I've seen so far are around 35 pps per night. I'm just freaking out about how much more expensive things are given the weak dollar and the crazy aifare I paid. Last year I went to multiple countries in mainland Europe (Austria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, etc) for two weeks and I think that trip will come out cheaper in the end than my one week trip this year to Ireland.

Thanks again.
Ande

Ande · Veteran Member

Just a quick note to Bit regarding Cahir/Cashel over Blarney: I've been to those places on a previous trip and enjoyed them very much. I know Blarney is extra touristy, but it looks appealing nontheless. I just want to see the grounds and climb to the top. I won't be kissing the blarney stone! I probably have enough blarney as it is.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

The grounds at Blarney ARE tremendous! And the view from atop the castle is VERY photogenic. The last time we were there (in June of 2004) the Manor House was undergoing renovation. Dunno if they have opened it for tours since then, but it might be interesting, as well.

You can't be claustrophobic to climb the stairs to the top, and if you don't get in AHEAD of the tour buses, you can be stuck on those steep, tiny, winding stairs for a LONG, LONG time....

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 12:46, 2007-04-02

wojazz3 · Guru

Even if you don't kiss the stone, from what I can tell, you'll be in the line to kiss it. The stairs are quite narrow and I agree with Bob, you could wait for a very long time. I'm not a fan.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

I agree with Bob about the passageways in Blarney Castle being claustrophobic. There were a couple of places where I felt very uncomfortable. I did make it to the top and watched everyone kiss the stone. However, I have never felt the need to do so myself. I threw it a kiss instead!

Michele