A Month in Ireland!

Laoghaire · Senior Member

A Month in Ireland!

Auld Sod · Veteran Member

Helen, color me the appropriate GREEN with envy!

Have a wonderful time. We'll be arriving just as you're returning. ENJOY!

Chris

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Chris and Helen:

Actually, if I read your itineraries correctly, you will BOTH be in Dingle on May 24th!

Helen's plan is for the 24th and 25th and Chris shows that he plans to be there on his Day #4 and 5. Since you said Day #8 (Blarney, etc.) was Sunday, the 27th, I believe that means that Day #4 is the 23rd and #5 is the 24th

If I could move up MY schedule, I would be tempted to join both of you at the Small Bridge for a bite to eat, a brew or wee drop of the drink, a spot of music and a bit o' blarney. biggrin

I'll be following y'all. Should arrive Dublin around 8 PM on Tues, 19 June. But, it's not like I'm counting the days .... yawn

Bob

Oh, who am I kidding???
OF COURSE I'm counting the days!! biggrin

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 22:17, 2007-04-26

Auld Sod · Veteran Member

Bob, you are correct!

We will be in Dingle on the 23rd & 24th!
I've gone over this schedule so much, it's all becoming a blur. Kinda cries out for a drop o'the dew, doesn't it? hmm

Helen, just look for the Yank being sheparded from shop to shop by four blonde women, that'll be me. I'll have most of the bags so if you hear one of them yell "YA! Mule!", you'll know it's us... biggrin biggrin

We ought to stop in at Small Bridge and leave behind a "hello" marker for Bob, lol. Wonder if the publican would hold few euro for Bob's tab. Just as a thanks for all the great info.

-- Edited by Auld Sod at 08:27, 2007-04-27

YaYa · Guru

Helen,

I think you have a great trip planned. The longest I've stayed was 3 weeks and I still cried when we left.. When you get back let's plan a get togather all of us in the Seattle area.

Have a wonderful trip, Joan on Bainbridge

YaYa · Guru

I left out for in my last sentence. Wish I knew how to correct it once I've posted.

Dude · Guru

On your post, click on "Edit Post" and it will come up editable (did I just make up a word?) Only the posts you initiate will have "Edit Post" available.

YaYa · Guru

Thanks, Judy.

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Hello Again!

I just had a senior moment! I did my complete post on the itinerary, and hit the wrong button! Don't ask me how, but it's gone. So here I go again. But, the thought came to me just now, that on our last day in Ireland, I shall have a "senior moment" and forget to go home!! I could get so lucky, LOL.

Bob, How do you keep everyone's itineraries straight? You must have a detailed mind. I hereby appoint you our Official Tour Organizer! Keep track of us all, and remind us of those who will be traveling around the same time.

Chris, we arrive in Castlegregory (The Shores) on Thursday the 24th, in the afternoon, coming from Killarney. If it interests you and your "Brood", we could meet for a drink that night, or Friday. We shall be doing the Scuirid Archeological Tour around 10:30 am on Friday. If I am not too noisy, where are you staying, and what nights? Let's think about it.

Joan, I would love to meet in Seattle and have lunch when I return ( around June 16th). Are there others on IrelandYes that live in our area? Let's keep in touch via this site or my e-mail is hlearyo@comcast.net.

Now, to try to re-write the rest of the journey. Bear with me!

May 29: To Cong, via Ballyglunin Railway Station (The Quiet Man movie), Tuam, Ross Abbey, Corcomroe Abbey. Overnight at http://www.congbb.com
May 30: Explore ancient megalithic sites around Cong, Ashford Castle, "Quiet Man" movie sites, Cong Abbey. Overnight same
May 31, June 1,2: Connemara!! St. Patick's Well in the Maamturk Mts.. Roundstone, Omey Island Holy Well and monastic site, Killary Harbour Cruise or Inishbofin Island. Overnight at http://www.mallmorecountryhouse.com
June 3: To Achill Island via Kylemore Abbey, Lough Mohr (have done Doo Lough Pass twice), Westport. Overnight at http://www.bervieachill.com
June 4,5: Ceide' Fields, Belmullet Peninsula, Ballina area ancient sites, Rosserk Abbey; Explore Achill Island. Overnight same.
June 6: To Boyle; Ballymote and Ballinafad Castles, Boyle Abbey, St. Lassair's Well at Lough Meelagh, Lough Key Forest Park. Overnight http://www.rosdarrig.com Boyle
June 7: To Athlone, via Tulsk-Cruahan Ai Heritage Centre, Rathcroghan Mound (Late Bronze and Iron Age sites), Strokestown Famine Museum, Roscommon Castle. Over night at http://www.cornamaghhouse.com Athlone
June 8 Clonmacnoise via boat trip from Athlone, Shannonbridge Bog Railway. Overnight same
June 9; To Trim, via Hill of Uisneath (Pre-Celtic Times-Druids), Mullingar, Fore Abbey,Trim Castle. Overnight at http://www.highfieldguesthouse.com
June 10: To Portmarnock, via Kells, Hills of Tara and Slane, Four Knocks Passage Tomb, Mellifont Abbey, Monasterboice. Overnight at http://www.southlodgebb.com
June 11: Dublin, Malahide Castle. Overnight same
June 12: FAREWELL to Ireland!! Leaving my heart here and going to London/Paris for 4 days, then HOME!

Thanks, everyone who stuck with me to the very end. Any suggestions or added info will be greatly appreciated.

Helen

Dude · Guru

You can go to Clonmacnoise via boat from Atholone? I want to hear more about this!

Auld Sod · Veteran Member

Helen,

We're staying in Dingle at http://www.harbournightsguesthouse.com/ on the 23rd & 24th.

We'll get in there the afternoon of the 23rd after traveling down from Doolin via The Connor Pass. The 24th we're to try to see as much of the peninsula as allowable after the recent collapse of the drive. Then it's on to Tralee to meet other family members coming in from Germany.

That would be great to get together and have a drink but will we be near enough to each other? This being my first time in that area of the country, I'm pretty clueless to proximities. The map shows Castlegregory and Dingle on opposite sides of the peninsula.

A month in Ireland, how wonderful for you! I feel in love with the country on my first visit and always dreamed of an extended stay there. I've already told my wife to expect me to be job-hunting smile

while there and our daughter has informed us that she will be staying there if she meets Colin Farrell (or any similar looking Irishman).

Chris

-- Edited by Auld Sod at 14:38, 2007-04-27

Sidz · Guru

Hi Helen:

I will be interested to see a report when you return relating to Cong and all the Quiet Man connections there. One of our goals the last trip was to get to that area, but alas that fell by the way side. Next trip, however, it is on the map and I think it will be worth it, but anxious to hear if there is actually enough QMan activities still vibrant to make that component worthwhile (I do understand the village and area is wonderful). Enjoy! smile

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Helen --

Some people watch TV. I 'prowl' the Irish Travel Boards .... biggrin

Since I CAN'T spend weeks and months in Ireland PERSONALLY, I do so, vicariously, through the planning and trip reports of others.

Chris --

If you leave a few Euro with the staff at Small Bridge, you'll doubtless make them QUITE happy -- as, sadly, Dingle is NOT on my list, this trip... biggrin

But, if either of you do make it to Millstreet AND are fortunate enough to meet Sean Radley, please DO tell him that I sent you. After all the research I've pestered him with over the years, I could USE a wee bit of credit with himself. yawn

Any chance I'll hear how your trips went BEFORE I leave on 16 June????

Bob

I AM getting some great ideas on places to stay from Helen's post, though. I'll file them away for future use.

Auld Sod · Veteran Member

Bob,

Thats a shame about Dingle although it does save me from figuring out how to convince them to put a Gators Championship shirt up where it'll catch your eye! I'll raise a glass to you when we're there.

Do you mean Millstreet via The Butter Road? Is Sean the owner of a pub there? I've gotten my hands on an Ordnance Map and am trying to check out the route you described for me. If we make it that way, Sean will be sure to know that you've sent us!....Does he know you as (que ominous music) "The Italian Chauffeur"? wink

I plan on posting the trip details as soon as I'm able. As we get back June 3rd, it should be here before you go. Hopefully, I'll give you a few laughs to start your trip off.

Chris

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Chris --

As far as I know, NO ONE in Ireland would know me by my screen name. Sean is a special-ed teacher (due very shortly to retire) at one of the schools in Millstreet. That's his 'Day Job', though.

What he IS, in reality, is the semi-offical Greeter, Town Historian, Museum Keeper, Archival Photographer / Videographer / Annals and Recordkeeper, et,. etc... for Millstreet and MOST of North Cork. If you go to www.millstreet.ie (a website he helped create), you'll get a grasp of just how omni-talented and busy he is.

The first time I actually met Sean, we had taken my father-in-law to Millstreet in 2000, to see the place where HIS father was born and raised. I had contacted Sean to gain access to the Museum. He welcomed us, took 'VIP' pictures (which still reside on a bulletin board in the Museum) and declared my father-in-law as an 'Honorary Citizen of Millstreet'. My father-in-law was 81 at the time. Today, FIL is 89 and far too frail to travel, but if anyone so much as mentions Ireland, Millstreet or traveling anywhere, he gets a huge grin on his face and regales them with tales of that afternoon!

When we brought my wife's brother to Millstreet, in '06, the 'Mayor' (actually, some sort of Senior County Council Member) stopped by to have Sean take a digital photo to send off to some newspaper. Sean insisted that he also pose for a few shots with the 'newly arrived VIP's from America'. The 'Mayor', though obviously quite busy, was only too happy to comply. I don't know that Sean has any 'OFFICIAL' standing, but everyone knows, admires and respects him.

Here's a link to a LENGTHY Trip Report covering that 2005 visit, if you are so inclined .... http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34679685

I've actually only driven the Butter Road just to the Top of Mushera and back, never having covered the FULL route and we DO have links to the area -- my wife's Grandfather was born about 1/2 up that worthy, rugged mountain -- so I MAY be a tad predjudiced. I truly believe that area is God's Country, both figuratively AND literally.

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 20:35, 2007-04-27

Michele Erdvig · Host

Helen,

Just a note about Tudor Lodge. It has been bought and sold more times than I can count. The last time I stopped by it was being run by Eastern Europeans and had gone downhill a bit. I heard that it was recently sold again. I don't know how the new owners are treating the place. You will have to let us know how it is doing now.

Otherwise it sounds like a fabulous trip. We will wait with baited breath till you are back and telling us of your adventures.

Michele

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Hi Michele,

Not a very promising post from you! Oh, well, it's getting a little late to change, so will stick with Jane and Chris. Will cross my fingers, and will surely let you know about Tudor Lodge. If we were staying any longer, I think I would be getting on the internet and booking elsewhere.

By the way, as long as I am posting, I was going to let you know what a smart thing I did with Your book. Others have probably done it, but have not seen it posted. I took the areas out of the book that we were staying in, Killarney, Dingle, Achill, etc. and made them into a smaller book. The binding makes it so easy, just had Ed bring home a smaller plastic binding ringlet to enclose it. I am also taking books on the ancient monuments, this cuts down a little on the weight.

Only 16 days to go, but who"s counting!

Helen

maureencol · Member

Helen,

If you are going to be going from Mullingar to the Hill of Tara, if you have time you might want to stop by Loughcrew. It has the burial cairns and you can get the key to one of them and go inside. There are some great carvings. They are similar to Newgrange but on a much smaller scale. When we went, there was no one else around. You can get the key from the Napers at the visitor center. You have to leave a 20E deposit. http://www.loughcrew.com/cairns.html

Enjoy!

Maureen

Marie · Guru

Hi, Helen, Chris and Bob:

Reading about the serendipitous dates, I realized that we will also be in Dingle on May 24th! We are staying at the Tower View B & B in Dingle Town!

Marie

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Now I'm DEFINITELY begining to get a serious case of DINGLE ENVY! furious

Bob

Dude · Guru

I found the cruise from Athlone to Clonmacnoise and it looks terrific. We would have to leave our B&B in Ballymurray fairly early but sounds like it would be worth it. Has anyone else ever taken this cruise? Perhaps we could wait to book until Helen gets home and gives us her opinion as to whether it is worthwhile. Particularly is it worth the 4 hours, what is the cost and is it worth that, and how hard is the dock to find for us faery-led Okies? Don't want to get up early and then miss the sailing because we are lost.

Auld Sod · Veteran Member

Bob, in looking at the Ordnance Map, I see a "third class road" coming out of Headford (on the map but "Headfort" in the index) north of Glenfesk and east of Killarney. This goes around and about & ends in Millstreet. Could this be The Butter Road? BTW, just joking about you being known by your screen name. My over-active imagination had me knocking at a door, a peep hole sliding open and me saying "The Italian Chauffeur sent me" wink

We'll be coming into Dingle from Doolin on the 23rd, so I figure that won't be a good day to drive Slea Head. We will probably do it on the 24th. Anyone have any thoughts on how long driving around Slea Head might take? We'll take our time and not miss anything but maybe there'll be chance to all get together in Dingle for a bite or a drink after the drive?

20 days to go!

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Hi Marie and Chris,

Sounds like we could (tenatively) meet in Dingle town in the late afternoon (early evening?) on May 24th, after everyone has done their touring. It's a thought, and I am game for it, if it appeals to all. We could call it "The Dingle IrelandYes Group!". I believe aprilmay will also be in town, as we are both booked into The Shores.

Maureen, a few years ago (can't remember which trip), DH and I stopped at Loughcrew. We didn't know anything about getting a key from the nearby house, there was no centre at that time. Just parked (alone!) in the parking lot, and proceded to climb. About halfway up, the midges were so bad, we turned around! I am still kicking myself. Between the climb and the dratted creatures, we were defeated. I do have it on our itinerary this time, but as a ?, it will depend how DH is doing with his back and legs. I do hate to leave him in the car, while I have all the fun!

Bob, can't change your trip dates? It would sure be fun to meet you, and "pick" your brains!

Helen

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Helen -- Sadly, since my wife's a teacher and the Grandchildren have their birthdays in early June, there's no chance of changing dates. I agree it would be fun, seeing as how many are congregating, but trust me -- the 'PICKINGS' would be pretty slim ... biggrin

Chris -- From Castleisland, the N23, south to Killarney and then the N72, east to Rathmore. Just past the Catholic Church (on the RH side), veer right onto the R582 toward Millstreet. Just PAST town center (the Square) there is a right hand turn, south east that should indicate Blarney and/or Rylane. They MAY have possibly added signposting, now that it has been resurfaced. If you stop in the Square, you'll see the Wallis Arms on the north side of the street. There is a tourist information / map placard mounted on a pole on the sidewalk that you can refer to. Hope that helps.

As much as I love the area AND the scenery along Mushera, you may want to seriously consider driving the N22 route, instead, particularly if you find that Opel Zafira to be as cramped as I think you will. You COULD "DO" Millstreet and part of the Butter Road as a daytrip, instead of as part of the en-route to Blarney and Midelton, though.
Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 17:04, 2007-04-29

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

To all:

Just saw this on FODORS and thought you would all want to know:

Author: CaymanSue
Date: 04/29/2007, 01:34 pm

We drove the Slea Head on April 18. The "new" road was paved and caused no inconvenience at all.

Sounds like you should all be Good To Go!

Bob

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Hi Dude,

I e-mailed Michael at www.vikingtours@ireland.com, and this is the reply;
Hi Helen,
Sailing times can be different every day depending on group bookings etc. so contact me closer to the time for schedules. The charge is 20Euros/hd return and the cruise is a 4 1/2 hour round trip which includes a 1 1/2 hour stopover at the monastic site. I do not necessarily go to Clonmacnoise every day as I require a group booking to make it worthwhile.
Thanking you for your inquiry. Regards, Michael @ 00353(O)86 2621136

I e-mailed him on April 23rd.

What I shall do is call him around the end of May from Achill Island. Will report back.

Helen

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Helen --

Just stumbled across this site and thought you might be interested. Seven stone circles and a stone row, all associated with cairns, and access is free and unrestrictedIt's called Beaghmore Stone Circles and is located East of Omagh, so it MIGHT be too far afield???

www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=2949

Further in, I also found this site which has interesting pictures, but doesn't seem to have been updated in a while:

www.an-creagan.com/

Bob

Dude · Guru

Helen, I have emailed the sisters to see if they are interested in the Viking cruise so we'll see what they say. It would be easy enough to put in or take out of the schedule, depending on whether Michael is sailing to Clonmacnoise on our day there. If not, we'll just drive ourselves, but the river cruise sounds so tempting. Thank you for putting me on to it.

Auld Sod · Veteran Member

Thanks Bob, for both pieces of info! Good to hear that Slea Head will be all set.

Your directions have been cut and pasted into the side copy of all the great tips and ideas I've found here.

Looks like we'll do the N22 on the Blarney/Midleton trip. The Cashel/Waterford trip has been moved to later in the week and I'll consider your advice!

Thanks again!

yesiree · Guru

Everyone's going to Dingle! I won't be there in May though.

Here's another vote for a stop at Loughcrew...older than Newgrange, great views...FYI - there is a bit of a hike to the main tomb...not bad, but uphill. Stop will take 1-2 hours depending on how you hit the tour schedule...and definitely go with the guides inside the tomb - we went and there were only 4 of us on the tour. The guide then sat and talked with us for 20 minutes after the tour. It was extremely interesting.

I really like all the unique sites you added to your itinerary...you've been doing your homework! You'll love Askeaton & Anthony Sheehy's tours...there are a few other sites in town the tourist office and Anthony can point you to. The town isn't necessarily remarkable, but it's real and the personalities there make it very special.