First Timer 12 Day Itinerary

Meg · Member

First Timer 12 Day Itinerary

CowboyCraic · Guru

Meg,

Welcome to the Forum. Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary, as well. Let' s see what I can help you with on your itinerary. You certainly have been doing your homework!

Day 1 Fly into Dublin Depending on when you arrive in Dublin, you could leave your luggage at the hotel and catch one of the Open Top Hop-on/Off Bus Tours to see some of the main sites

Day 2 Dublin bus tour to tara? Mary Gibbons has the best tour IMHO

Day 3 Drive to Kilkenny via wicklow mountains (visit glendalough enroute)

Day 4--Kilkenny

Day 5 Drive to Rock of Cashel and on to Killarney

Day 6 Killarney ROK

Day 7 DriveDinglePeninsula and up to Doolin via Ferry (this may be a little ambitious smile ) Definitely overly ambitious - I would suggest lodging either in Dingle or, since its your anniversary trip, at the Shores (Bill's favorite) in CastleGregory
Day 8 Second Night on Dingle Peninsula

Day 9 Drive to Galway take the Killimer/Tarbert Ferry, and then follow the coast road, stopping at the Cliffs of Moher, Lunch in Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, or wherever catches your eye, drive through the Burren and into Galway

Day 10 Galway

Day 11 Drive to Bunratty

Day 12 Fly out of Shannon

If you haven't yet booked lodgings, start now, as August is a busy time. Two nights in each area will give you time to relax and absorb what you are experiencing. Doolin in August is crazed with tourists. You will find excellent Trad in Galway to make up for not staying in Doolin. Doolin is where I usually suggest folks stop for lunch and a stroll but it can get hectic there during high season, parking is atrocious as is navigating Fisher street down toward the Pier.

This will give you a good start. I am sur ethe rest will have other great pointers for you!

Slan Beo (Take Care).

Bit Devine

Michele Erdvig · Host

Meg,

If you wanted to slow down a bit you might consider skippig the Galway portion of your trip. Then you could settle in to Kenmare for a couple of nights and a couple in Dingle.

Michele

Meg · Member

Thank you both for responding so quickly! It has occured to me that the places I've picked to stay are high tourist areas and I would like to find one that will be a little more relaxing. I can easily make the Doolin portion a day trip. I was somewhat set on the Galway portion in order to drive into the Connemara area for a day. I was also considering staying at Cregg Castle in Corrandulla instead of in Galway. Any thoughts on that? Or if you think that skipping that area and staying around Dingle would be best, can you recommend any less touristy towns? My husband and I are small towners and aren't used to a lot of people so we may need a break from the crowds.

Ireland is the one place in the world I've always wanted to visit and I don't know when and if I'll ever have a chance to go back. I had originally been planning to try to see as much as possible in 12 days, including Northern Ireland because my grandfather's parents are from Armagh, but after reading your posts I decided to slow down so I could better appreciate what I do see. So thank you all for that advice! My grandmother's parents are from Kilkenny so I'm glad i was able to include that in my trip.

Bit, thanks for the tip about The Shores. I will look into that.

And Michele thanks for the tip on Kenmare, I had read in another post that it was one of your favorite small towns.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Meg,

There are many smaller towns around Galway, Oughterard and the Waterfall lodge would be my first choice. You could also look to Spiddal which is just up above & west of Galway. Spiddal or Roundstone would be a good base for Connemara but either would make a longish drive from Dingle.

It is good that you will be able to visit Kilkenny. To give yourself more time in Kilkenny, you might consider changing things up thusly:

Day 1 & 2 - Dublin
Day 3-5 - Kilkenny
Day 6-8- Kenmare
Day 9 & 10 Dingle Peninsula
Day 11 - Bunratty

I understand the pull for Co. Armagh, for that is where my ancestors also called home. However, without doing some major refiguring, it is best to leave that for another time, as it might also be best to leave Galway and Connemara, as well. I know it seems like this is your one and only chance, but once you visit the first time, you will understand why there are those of us who insist that there is no way you can NOT go back again....and again....and again biggrin

I hope you have luck with the Shores, as I think it would be a great place to celebrate your anniversary. I have only heard the best of comments from other forum members.

Slan Beo,

Bit

yesiree · Guru

You've still got a busy itinerary, but it's reasonable. Don't worry if you decide to cut Kenmare, Dingle or Conemarra. Each is so spectacular in its own right, that missing one of them will be made up by the extra time spent elsewhere.

Since you have a family ties to Kilkenny, I wouldn't cut that. Staying outside of Kilkenny town will put you in some beautiful countryside, yet close to the sites in town. If you plan to stay outside of town, look near Bennettsbridge, Kells, Inistioge and Thomastown (actually, most places outside of Kilkenny will be great options).

Dublin to Kilkenny via the Wicklow Mountains and Glendolough will take up your day, so you won't have much time in Kilkenny...skipping the Wicklow detour give you more time in Kilkenny as would adjusting the schedule to accomodate another night there (I'd suggest one or the other).

And be sure to take a copy of my Walking Kilkenny Tour http://irishfireside.com/downloads/downloadkilkenny.html.

Good luck.

-- Edited by yesiree at 15:38, 2007-04-25

Meg · Member

Thank you all SO much!

Bit and Michele, I think I will take your advice and skip Galway this time around and hope to return some day.

So my new Itinerary

Day 1 Fly into Dublin
Day 2 Dublin bus tour to tara
Day 3 Drive to Kilkenny via wicklow mountains (visit glendalough enroute)
Day 4 -Kilkenny
Day 5 - Kilkenny
Day 6 Drive to Rock of Cashel and on to Kilarney
Day 7 Kilarney ROK
Day 8 Dingle Peninsula - not sure where to stay here yet
Day 9 Dingle Peninsula
Day 10 Drive to Bunratty
Day 11 Bunratty Day trip to Cliffs
Day 12 Fly out of Shannon

Does that sound ok?

Thank you Corey for suggesting to stay outside of Kilkenny City. Only one problem. All the places you suggested look spectacular! How will I ever decide which one to stay in? I have some hard decisions to make.

Thank you all for taking the time to help me out. I'm going to thank you again and again because there is no way I could thank you enough for taking some of the stress out of planning this trip. THANK YOU! This site is a godsend.

yesiree · Guru

Hopefully, someone can come through with some B&B suggestions for outside of Kilkenny and that will help narrow down the search. I've stayed at Danville House, but it is closer to town and was perfectly average (I'd recommend it, but it didn't stand out).

I think you will be very happy with your new, improved itinerary. Now you can dig in to the locations you've selected and not be as worried about getting from place to place. Plus, you've got all 2 and 3 night stays, that will make for a wonderfully relaxed trip that allows you to really explore.

Do you have any additional family information? Were they from Kilkenny town or Kilkenny county? It's exciting to think you might be visiting a place where a ancestors used to trod.

wojazz3 · Guru

That's an excellent itinerary. Just a couple of suggestions:

At that time of year, Killarney will be very crowded. I'd choose Kenmare. The sites you are looking to see can easily be enjoyed from Kenmare. Even Kenmare will be somewhat crowded, but Killarney will be over the top.

The same would hold true for Bunratty. Bunratty is really a B&B village with a tourist mecca thrown in. Don't get me wrong, there are some good things to see in and around Bunratty, but it would be very crowded in August. By the way, the B&Bs tend to be very good there as the competition is fierce. Michele has some excellent suggestions there. None-the-less, I would lean towrads Ennis which is a real town and the town center in quite nice. A trip to the Cliffs from there is quite easy.

The Shores is fabulous by the way.

Hope this helps!

Bill

Meg · Member

A relaxed trip is best for someone like me. I would be stressed about getting to my next destination on time if my schedule was too packed. It would be hard to enjoy the site if I was busy thinking about getting to the next one. Plus I'm one of those maddening chronically late people so giving myself more time is a good plan.

Now that my itinerary is set I just have to book accomodations. Yeah right, just. And rent a car and, and, and.... so many things to plan and I'm a terrible planner! But I am set on doing this right. I'm thinking The Shores would be nice to stay at for the Dingle portion. And for outside of Kilkenny I would like a less modern place to stay. Time to do some research.

I don't have any more family info myself but I know others in my family do. Both sides of my family are very interested in their Irish heritage. I'll have to make some phone calls. I know that my grandfather on my dad's side was doing research on it before he passed away and that my aunt on my mom's side has been making a scrapbook. She managed to trace one family line back to the 1700's. I have no idea how she did it.

Meg

CowboyCraic · Guru

Meg & Corey,

Being the Horse gal that I am, I loved Pomadora House. It is located in Freshford on the back road between Kilkenny and Cashel. The added benefit for you, especially, here is that Priscilla is very knowledgeable in Co. Kilkenny genealogy. Even if that weren't a bonus, she is a true delight in her own right! Breakfast was delicious and she took good care not to get any of those deadly mushrooms anywhere near my plate or utensils. I have nejoyed a two night stay at Lawcus Farmhouse, as well. It might be a bit rustic for some people's tastes, but I am a country girl who likes historic houses. Give it a look see, you might find it to your liking.

If you need a bit of help tracing your genealogy before you go over, this site should be helpful.

You should really consider Kenmare over Killarney, especially at that time of year. Killarney will be over the top crowded with tourists and tour buses. I would probably opt for Kenmare and doing the Beara peninsula over Killarney and the ROK. I think the scenery is far more breathtaking on Beara. You can still see some of Killarney as you drive between Killarney and Kenmare.

In Dublin, check with Abberley House for a room. They are of good quality, in a good location and quite affordable, especially for Dublin.

That should get you started in your planning! weirdface

Slan Beo,

Bit

Meg · Member

Thanks for the tips Bill! I will definitely look into your suggestions. I don't mind a little crowding but I don't want my whole trip to be in crowded locations. Since so many people are suggesting Kenmare I will try to plan going there instead of Killarney. I keep forgetting that Ireland is not a large country so you can make short trips into the cities from the small towns. My husband will especially appreciate your advice. He hates crowds!

Meg

Meg · Member

Bit, Thank you for the B&B advice. We are all for a stay in a rustic historic house. I've found it hard to find any sites on them. Every site boasts luxury lodgings. I can experience a luxury hotel at home but I can only experience a historic Irish house in Ireland. Thank you for the link to the genealogy site too! It is important to me.

Thank you all!

YaYa · Guru

Meg,

You might want to get Micheles newest book, it gives so much information and she has a great list for accommodations. I've used one of her books for 2 of my 8 trips and found them both very helpful. Kenmare and Dingle have many nice places to stay. I've always had problems in Dublin because it's so expensive. Have a great trip.

Joan

Meg · Member

Thanks Joan. I did e-mail Michele about ordering her book. I'm hoping I can send her a money order. I'm one of those people who are afraid to order things online with my credit card. I hope the fact that I live in Canada is not a problem. I understand that postal rates will be higher but I am definitely willing to pay them for her book!

Meg

CowboyCraic · Guru

Meg,

If you like old, historic type buildings, Lawcus might be a great fit. Book mark this site, for future trip plannings. It has numerous lodgings of a historical nature.

Where abouts in Canada are you located?

Slan Beo,

Bit

Meg · Member

Bit,

Thanks for the link. I don't know what I would do without the people on this forum!

I'm in Bonnyville, Alberta. Are you in Canada as well?

Meg

CowboyCraic · Guru

Meg,

My father's family settled in Ontario, Richmond hill when he was a boy and now they are up in Barrie. Alberta is on my list of must visits. I have a standing offer of a place to stay just outside of Calgary so I might have to look at that during the Stampede! biggrin

I am delighted that we are proving useful here on the site.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Meg · Member

Bit,

Definitely get to the Stampede. It's a lot of fun. If you like horses and rodeos Alberta is a great place to go. Most of my family lives in Red Deer and many of them do barrel racing, bull riding, and roping. I've never done any of it but it's fun to watch!

Meg

wojazz3 · Guru

Just as a note, Cregg Castle is long gone as a place to stay. The Castle is either sold or in the process of being sold. Haven't actually heard if it has gone through.

Bill

yesiree · Guru

Okay, I'm sold on Lawcus Farmhouse. It looks great.

Meg, I like your attitude about staying in a "real" place. Many older places have things luxury can't buy.

You're planning will pay off. One area you'll want to stay organized on is documenting your correspondence with B&Bs. 99% of the time things go fine, but in case something goes wrong, it helps to have backup.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

That's too bad about Cregg, Bill, though I can't say that I'm suprised. When I stayed there back in April of 1999, they had just turned down an offer for over a million. I imagine they 'settled' for quite a bit more!

THAT would-be buyer wanted to make it into a hotel, so who knows ...

MEG: You might want to consider the Gap of Dunloe Tour, in lieu of the ROK drive. BOTH will be incredibly crowded in August, but the trip through the GAP is magical AND neither one of you has to do the driving. biggrin

You can walk, or do a jaunting car, followed by the boat ride through the lakes.
Tour Info: www.derostours.com/rates.html

If you have your hearts set on the ROK, try to get an early (9AM) start, as the BIG tour buses usually start out about 10 and you really don't want to get stuck BEHIND them!

Bob

Meg · Member

I'm completely sold on Lawcus too. It looks like what I picture in my mind when I think of Ireland.

I'm sorry to hear about Cregg Castle, it looked like a relaxing and fun place to stay. Thanks for telling us about it Bill.

Thanks for the advice Bob. I'm not sure which way to go but if I choose ROK I will definitely get an early start. Thanks!

Meg

Meg · Member

Ok everyone, here is the latest copy of my itinerary. Fine tuned thanks to help provided by all of you.

Day 1 Fly into Dublin
Day 2 Dublin bus tour to tara
Day 3 Drive to Kells via wicklow mountains (visit glendalough enroute)
Day 4 Kells visit Kilkenny
Day 5 - Kells
Day 6 Drive to Rock of Cashel and on to Kenmare
Day 7 Kenmare ROK or Gap of Dunloe
Day 8 CastleGregory
Day 9 CastleGregory - explore Peninsula
Day 10 Drive to Bunratty
Day 11 Bunratty Day trip to Cliffs
Day 12 Fly out of Shannon

I was feeling so overwhelmed when I started planning but thanks to all of your help the stress factor nearly disappeared. I actually had fun planning this itinerary! I'm not sure it's finished yet but it is well on it's way. Thanks All!

Meg

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

This is MUCH improved over your first draft. smile

It's still busy (not a bad thing), but it certainly isn't frentic...

I think you'll enjoy this trip a LOT more than you would have, the first one.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Meg,

Things are looking good! May I suggest doing the Beara Peninsula instead of the Ring of Kerry? The tour buses don't go to Beara. You will find spectacular scenery, Healy Pass, waterfalls, gardens and so much more. It will be getting away from the crowds. I actually think Beara is just as scenic if not more so than the ROK.

If you want a very special place to stay in Kenmare then try Sallyport House. Perfect for you honeymooners. In Bunratty either Bunratty Lodge or Headley Court are my favorites. Bunratty Lodge has a romantic queen room with four-poster bed. Go to my "lodgings" page to click through to them all.

Michele

Meg · Member

Thanks Bob and Michele. I think I will do the Beara Peninsula instead. The Ring of Kerry would be nice to see but I think that I would appreciate the sites less when there aren't as many people around.

I have another question. My husband would like to do a day of fishing so I was thinking of adding a day to our trip. Any suggestions on where to add this day? Also, what are the fishing regulations for tourists in Ireland?

Thanks Again,
Meg

Michele Erdvig · Host

Meg,

What sort of fishing are you interested in? You might want to check these links:

www.srfb.ie

http://www.wrfb.ie/

Michele