Best driving tour

Sidz · Guru

Best driving tour

Dude · Guru

Sidz, how much time do you expect to have? That will make a big difference in what we can come up with.

How nice of you to do this; I would hope my in-laws would care that much about me when I'm 80!

Sidz · Guru

Perhaps 8-10 day range. Would love to do two weeks, but not sure we'll be able to do that. I have travelled quite a bit on the west coast, but am wide open to any ideas throughout the country.

It will hopefully be a special time for him. He has been constantly looking at maps and reading books on Ireland since we first talked to him about this, and I think it is giving him something to look forward to for sure. smile

Thanks.

Dude · Guru

Sidz, I think if it were me I'd ask Dad-in-law to list the things he would like to see and do, then he can prioritize them and you can go from there. That's how my sisters and I ended up with the itinerary we settled on, totally surprising me as I would never have come up with it on my own.

Perhaps you can focus in on areas where there won't be tons of tourists (nothing quite as charming as a group of Girl Guides from England swarming everywhere and stealing the thatch from the cottages). Northern Ireland and Donegal come to mind; maybe some time on Achill Island. I know the drive from Westport, around Killary Harbour and into Connemara is just lovely and no strain unless you decide to climb Croagh Patrick!

Sidz · Guru

Interesting you mention Donegal, as I have not been there and that is high on the list. After he does more research on his end, we shall see if it will be high on his!

I just wanted to list this subject on the Forum, thinking that someone else may have recently faced a similar situation. I would be interested in seeing how they dealt with the issue of one of the travellers not being able to do much walking.

We'll make it work, whatever we decide.

YaYa · Guru

Sidz,

I don't do alot of walking. I find a bench, rock, chair or look out the window of the car and I have really enjoyed Ireland. I love people watching and talking. I'll do a little walking using my cane and when I'm tired I'll find a place to rest and tell the young people to come back when they are ready. He'll be fine.

Good Luck, Joan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sidz,

I also agree that your FIL should tell you what he is interested in seeing. Once he makes his "must see" list it will be much easier to plan out the trip and route. Some of the things on his list may not be mobility impaired friendly and we can let you know about them.

You may also want to take along one of those folding canes that unfolds into a little seat. That may make resting when necessary easier. Accommodations will have to be found that either have ground-floor rooms or an elevator. You may want to consider a self-catering cottage. From it you could do day trips and short forays, returning when needed for rest. It also gives you more room since they have a living room, kitchen, dining and bedrooms. With self-catering you can come and go as you please. Only downside is you must cook your own breakfast!

I'm sure as the trip progresses you will get much more input. Is it planned for next year?

Michele

Sidz · Guru

Probably next March. That seems to be the best time that I have to be away for that amount of time. As we get closer to things he really wants to see, I'll share his thoughts and see if anyone can provide some first-hand experience of those areas -- which I know you and many others can! biggrin

Thanks.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sidz,

The airlines always have good deals during the winter months. Be sure to check frequently with your airlines of choice. Better yet, sign up for their newsletters. They will inform you of any specials first.

Let us know when we can help. I know you will have fun planning this very special trip.

Michele