between Doolin and Dublin

Kris · Member

between Doolin and Dublin

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Your plan looks very relaxed and that's not a bad thing.
If you find time on your hands, consider some of the nearby sites:
www.shannonregiontourism.ie
The drive from Bunratty to Doolin is 40.8 miles and should take about an hour to an hour and a half. See the route planner section of www.aaroadwatch.ie for directions and milesage. Ignore their travel time figures and instead, divide total miles driven by 30 or 35 (as in MPH). There's not much to see or do in Doolin (other than the three pubs), and the nearby Cliffs of Moher are best/ least crowded in late afternoon or early evening, so if you feel like a bit of a drive, you could explore the Burren, en route.
A good 'breakpoint' on the 27th would be Cashel (as in 'The Rock of Cashel', Hore Abbey) and / or Cahir (as in Cahir castle, Swiss Cottage). They are actually only a few miles apart so you could possibly visit both.
Are you planning to get rid of the car as soon as you get to Dublin? You should -- traffic and parking are horrific and they have EXCELLENT mass transit options.

Bob

Dude · Guru

Athlone would be another good midway stop. In that area are Lough Ree, Clonmacnoise, and the Bog Railroad."Between" Bunratty and Doolin also consider Thoor Ballylee, Coole Park and Dunguaire Castle on your way to the Burren.

I commend you for making a solid plan for a brief visit and not trying to cram in too much.

Kris · Member

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I plan to drop the car at the airport outside Dublin and take a bus to our hotel.

Would you recommend staying overnight near Cashell? I'm looking for accommodations on the 27th and we could see all the nearby sights on the evening of the 26th and the morning of the 27th before heading to Dublin.

Kris

Kris · Member

It's always so tempting to try to cram in everything! I certainly hope this is not my only trip to Ireland, because, eventually, I want to see it all!

Thanks, Kris

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Michele recommends Joy's Rockside in Cashel. You can peruse other options in her accommodation section.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kris,

I like Bob's suggestion of Cashel. There is much to do and see in the area and it would make a good partway to Dublin point. Joy's Rockside is excellent and right at the foot of the Rock of Cashel. If you are up for something a bit different try Dualla House, a working sheep farm a few miles from Cashel. The B&B is an old manor house type experience. If you prefer a very modern and up to date small hotel try Bailey's of Cashel. There are many good accommodation choices there.

Michele

Kris · Member

I wasn't able to book Joy's, they were full, but I did book Dualla House. I'm looking forward to seeing it. Thanks to all of you for your help. Kris

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kris,

I'm glad to hear you will be staying at Dualla House. It will be a unique experience for you. Ask if you can watch the sheep being rounded up by the dogs. If they offer you tea and scones in front of the fire, by all means indulge. Tell Mairead I sent you. And do let us know how it goes.

Michele