Another trip to Ireland ... in November

TxDevil · Veteran Member

Another trip to Ireland ... in November

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

Welcome to my new forum! I do indeed remember you and your mother and helping plan your trip in 2004. My condolences on the passing away of your mother. May she rest in peace.

How lovely that you are planning a special ceremony in Ireland. Another forum member recently scattered his uncle's ashes in Ireland. You can read the start of his trip report here: http://ireland.activeboard.com/index.spark?forumID=65127&p=3&topicID=11920570

I think that you may want to visit this site: http://www.ashes.ie/index.html They may be able to answer some of your questions and let you know of any technacalities you need to do before November.

You are correct that November is not an ideal time for visiting Ireland but as long as you know the realities of how to travel then you will be just fine. Days are very short. Especially if you have rain and overcast it will feel like the sun is disappearing around 4:30 - 5 pm. See sunset times on my weather page. This will mean less time sightseeing and driving around during the days. But you will be able to enjoy those cozy Irish pubs once darkenss falls. That will compensate for longer nights.

With only about a week in Ireland you will need to plan your itinerary carefully. Not everything will be open. I agree that doing a southern loop will be best. Are you also departing from Dublin?

If you can avoid vouchers you will most likely be better off. As you know, not all places take them. In November many B&Bs start closing up. That means even fewer choices. Generally, unless vouchers are a part of a fly/drive/voucher package they cost more than just paying cash as you go.

Let us know if we can help more as your trip progresses.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

You may also want to contact the Irish Embassy to find out if any special customs forms or other paperwork is necessary: http://www.irelandemb.org/

Michele

TxDevil · Veteran Member

I didn't realize that buying vouchers would be more expensive than paying cash.
I will take that into consideration. Thank you. I'm not doing a package deal, just paying for everything seperately. My mom and I found that to be cheaper for us, last time.
And yes, we are flying in/out of Dublin.
I've already been North and West - but I loved the West so much that I want to do that again. Going down south isn't that big of a deal to me. I've already found the part of Ireland that I love :) Maybe Aran Islands, this time?

The only reason why I regret having to do this in November is for my friend, but she says she doesn't mind cause she's not going to "go to Ireland". She's going cause I asked her and cause she's my best friend and she wants to be there for me. Ahh, true friendship.

And, I've seen the sites/companies/individuals that scatter your loved one's ashes for you. That's a lovely idea, but I just couldn't live with myself if I didn't do it myself. Whatever the cost for me to do it myself is what I'll pay.

I'm going with a friend this time, so I will be more than happy to soak up some pub time. Mom wasn't ever a drinker or a lover of pubs, so we didn't experience that.
Any small itinerary is welcome - we only need to stay our last night near Dublin. Nothing crazy, but I would like to show my friend the Cliffs of Moher and other beauties like that.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

I would check with the Irish Embassy because they will be able to give you the info you need. There may well be some customs forms you need to fill out. They will also be able to tell you whether permits are needed for the scattering. I am not sure about those points so you are wise to find out in advance.

It sounds like a true friend indeed accompanying you to Ireland. No matter the weather I know it will be a memorable trip.

Do check out how much the vouchers cost. Let me know and I will tell you if it will be cheaper to avoid them or not. Since the travel agents and others take a percentage and must make money, they are generally more expensive though.

For your last night near Dublin look at my "Lodgings" page and click through to Beechwood House in Malahide. Keep in mind that lodgings around Dublin are more expensive than those in the countryside.

Michele

YaYa · Guru

Dear Shawn,

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm an older lady who loves Ireland and I've told my children I'd love for them to take my ashes to The Burren and scatter them as it's close to Shannon airport. Then I want them to have a wonderful time and remember how much I loved Ireland. I think your mother will be with you.

Regards, Joan

CowboyCraic · Guru

Shawn,

Blessings to you and for the soul of your mam, as well. Blessings also for your friend, as she sounds like the best kind of support a person can have.

As for a trip to the Arans, November isn't the best of times to visit there. Perhaps you could save that for a late spring visit, for you will be back again. I had just finished listening to Geraldine MacGowan's "Galway" when I read this post, a song I am in the process of learning. It would be a very fitting tribute to your mam, as it is a loving tribute to Galway and its Bay.

Perhaps a train to Galway from Dublin might be yor best bet and then renting a car whilst on the West coast. It would save a bit of money for you. I am not a huge fan of lodging vouchers, as they don't guarantee you lodgings just that the lodgings will be paid for should they have availability. As Michele pointed out, November there will be even less choices. You would be better served to book them yourself. We will gladly help you out in finding the best places.

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit

TxDevil · Veteran Member

Ok, so I have a few questions.

This is my very tentative itinerary:

November 8: Arrive in Dublin 8:35am, get rental and get out of Dublin (haha) heading South.
November 9:
November 10:
November 11: Stay in Bunratty - cliffs of moher
November 12: Stay night in Galway
November 13: Stay night in Galway
November 14: Wake up in Galway - scatter mom's ashes - drive to Dublin
November 15: Fly back home at 10:35am.

The nights of the 8th, 9th and 10th are really up in the air.
I was thinking maybe Kilkenny, Cork, Tipperary, Killarney ... anything??
I don't really want to do any green blur again - except on the drive from Galway to Dublin on our last day. Just want to take it easy. Somewhere fun for two single 30 year old women who are into loud music. haha.

Is there maybe somewhere outside of Dublin that I should rent a car - like take a bus or a train to? I keep hearing how much of a nightmare it is to drive in Dublin. Any suggestions would be heard and considered - and greatly appreciated.

Sidz · Guru

What you have planned seems easilly done, it's just too bad that you are flying in and out of Dublin instead of Shannon. Everything you are doing is on the west coast, and your plan is to immediately get out of Dublin as quickly as you can (which is a great strategy, in my humble opinion smile

), so you certainly are going out of your way. I guess that is where you received the best ticket for the trip, or perhaps where you are coming from does not fly into Shannon. I know those routes have changed a lot in recent times.

Have a wonderful trip!

-- Edited by Sidz at 09:58, 2007-07-12

TxDevil · Veteran Member

I am using my frequent flyer miles to get me and a friend to Ireland, and for some reason they aren't allowing a reward ticket to Shannon. I'd much rather just stay on the West side and the west side only, but American Airlines thinks differently.

Does anyone prefer any of those cities over the other? (Kilkenny, Cork, Tipperary, Killarney)
My friend said that she wants to kiss the Blarney Stone ... I'll go there, but my lips aren't touching that stone. haha. Just trying to decide which towns to stay in and which have the better scenery/activities.

Thanks again.

CowboyCraic · Guru

I am a huge fan of Kilkenny, both as a base and a wonderful city to explore in its own right. There is a wonderful walking tour provided by Corey from Irish Fireside, http://www.knockahopple.com/downloadkilkenny.html. From Kilkenny, you vcan day trip to Waterford, Blarney and Cashel or Cahir. Whilst in Kilkenny, you can visit Jerpoint Abbey. If you stay in Kilkenny, check out Lawcus Farm Guesthouse

I am split on Killarney because I love Killarney National Park but hate the overcrowded feeling. I would probably stay in Kenmare over Killarney or possibly on the outskirts of Kilarney instead of town centre.

I won't even go near the Blarney stone because of the crowds. The Gardens are pretty but are best seen in the mid spring to earky summer.

I would recommend Cobh over Cork, as it is a much prettier town and Cork is easily accessible from there. Cork City is hard to navigate, with a maze of one way streets and, at least the last time I was there in July 2006, a lot of road construction and detours.

I hope this helps,

Slan Beo,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

I agree completely with Bit about Kilkenny. It is a city you will enjoy exploring. The drive from Dublin only takes about 2 hours. Perfect for your first couple of days.

Your friend is so kind to accompany you on your trip that you must give in to the request to see Blarney Castle. Kissing the stone is touristy but many just can't go to Ireland without doing it. If you get in an early start you might even squeeze in the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle on the way to Blarney. Then you could overnight in Blarney and do the castle in the morning.

Michele

Sidz · Guru

I agree on Kilkenny, a wonderful town with much to see. The area around Killarney is stunning, but I don't like staying there because of the traffic and congestion. But you need to go there to see Ross Castle, the lakes, and some of the wonderful areas on the drive from Killarney to Kenmare. Just spectacular.

-- Edited by Sidz at 10:44, 2007-07-13

TxDevil · Veteran Member

I think I've revised our plans a bit. Taking most of what everyone said into consideration. Much appreciated.

Nov 8: Dublin (mainly cause I thought I should at least experience Dublin, before knocking it - plus I'd like to see the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery - along with Kilmainham Gaol)
Nov 9: Kilkenny
Nov 10: Cobh
Nov 11: Bunratty (chosing to stop here after seeing Cliffs, and before the drive to Galway)
Nov 12: Galway
Nov 13: Galway
Nov 14: Dublin
Nov 15: fly home :(

Considering staying at the Premier Suites near St. Stephen's Green - AirCoach drops off and picks up right in front of the hotel for the airport. Picking up/dropping off car in Dublin (not airport) - and experiencing Dublin on foot/tram.

Thoughts?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

You will probably want to take the hop-on hop-off bus tour of Dublin. Stay on for the complete tour for an overview of the city and then do your sightseeing. You can substitute Old Middleton Distillery (on the way to Cobh) for Jameson if you run out of Dublin sightseeing time.

You are backtracking by going from Cobh to the Cliffs and then back to Bunratty. It would make more sense to do the cliffs on the way to Galway the next day.

Were you stopping in Bunratty for the banquet? Iit is only a bit over 2 hours drive from Cobh to Bunratty (depending on traffic). You could easily continue on to the cliffs and overnight in Doolin or somewhere along the coast.

I mentioned in your other post to check on Jury's Inn Christchurch and Bewley's Ballsbridge for low hotel rates.

Michele

TxDevil · Veteran Member

Maybe I didn't word it right ... haha. I think I meant that on our way to Galway we would stop at the Cliffs. The only reason why I chose to pick Bunratty was because I've been there before and it's a stopping point between Cobh and Galway. I actually don't have a desire to do the banquet. I've heard that it is similar to our Medievel Times here in the States, and I've done that about 4 times. Plus, I'd like to experience a little more of County Clare than we were able to last time (it was St. Paddy's day when we were there last time - nothing was open).

It's so mind boggling more so than my first trip.

How long is the hop on/off tour in Dublin? We thought about doing this backpacker's pubcrawl at 8pm that first night. Hope we won't be too tired. I'm also doing all the driving (again). And, I'd really like to do the Jameson one since I'm partial TO Jameson. And the only real reason that I'd like to do the Guinness tour - is the Gravity Bar.

I appreciate your feedback every time it's given.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

The hopper bus takes about 1 1/2 hours. Then you can get on and off wherever you want. The Old Middleton Distillery is Jameson: http://www.cork-guide.ie/attractions/jhc.htm

Since it only takes a little over 2 hours to get from Cobh to Bunratty, had you thought of staying in Doolin on the coast of Clare instead? That is only another 1 1/2 hours from Bunratty and puts you closer to Galway.

Michele

TxDevil · Veteran Member

Oh yea, I think I remember reading somewhere that Old Middleton is actually where they make Jameson. You're so smart, Michele. :)

And, I may have a look at where to stay in Doolin or the Clare coast(per your lodgings page). That seems more logical. My mind gets wrapped up in all this planning - I forget to take the feasible way half the time. Thanks.

Sidz · Guru

Agree with Michele's idea of Doolin, which is a lovely little town with three great places for traditional music. I stayed at the Daly House once, and it was great:

http://www.dalys-house.com/doolin.aspx

It is an easy walk down the hill to Gus O'Connor Pub, one of the best music scenes in that part of Ireland.

-- Edited by Sidz at 13:39, 2007-07-16

TxDevil · Veteran Member

Revised the itinerary a smidge. I got a free upgrade to business class with my airmiles, and we have "full" beds on the plane. Popping some Tylenol PM and plan to get about 4 or 5 hours of sleep on the 8 hour flight (usually means no jet lag, for me)

Arrive Nov 8 - Dublin - Premier Suites; Hop-on/Hop-off and some small pub activities.

Nov 9 - Get taxi to rental car place, get out of Dublin fast - and head to Kilkenny (My friend always giggles at this town name - reference to South Park (ugh)). Staying at Laragh House. She says we can check in early, so that will be a plus since the daylight hours are so few. See all the castles and cathedrals.

Nov 10 - This is where I'm undecided. I was going to book in Cobh, but I really couldn't find a b&b that really stood out. We want to do the Blarney Castle - but generally want to stay away from Cork City, if possible. The only thing really drawing me to Cobh was the water. Should we stay near Blarney since we are traveling to Doolin the next morning? Or any other city near the Castle? If so - lodging suggestions?

Nov 11 - Drive out to the Cliffs of Moher and see The Burren. Then check-in at Daly's House in Doolin. Settle in and walk around town .. etc.

Nov 12 & 13 - Galway; Park House Hotel. Get a tattoo. Hang out and shop.

Nov 14 - Scatter mom's ashes before the drive back to Dublin. Drop off rental car. Take taxi back to Premier Suites. Last minute souvenir touristy shopping. Bed.

Nov 15 - wake up too early, hop on bus to airport and cry on the plane.

Nov 16 - hop online and book next trip. ;)

YaYa · Guru

Shawn,

1997 I stayed in Christy's Hotel and now it is The Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel. It's attached to the gift shop and has it's own pub and there is another on the grounds. It was a comfortable hotel and what I liked was the elevator. We could see Blarney Castle at night when it was lit up. All and all I enjoyed wandering in the Castle gardens and the village. It was the end of Oct. and beginning of Nov. Now that was 1997 so not sure what it is now. Check trip advisor.

Joan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

Your itinerary looks good and fits well with all your plans. I would suggest staying in Blarney. It is a bit north of Cork City so you can avoid city traffic and just enjoy the village. I highly recommend Blarney Vale House. Anne is such a charming and cheerful host. Rooms are very comfortable and well-kept. www.blarneyvale.com This plan will give you a head-start on your drive the next day since you will already be north of the city.

I hope you got a "midweek special" at Park House Hotel? If you did and it includes dinner you are in for a treat. They have wonderful food. Great hotel and location for Galway (just off Eyre Square).

How nice about the upgrade to business. Instead of Tylenol PM I always get the free champagne and it does the trick too! wink

Michele

TxDevil · Veteran Member

Michele - actually, I did not get the mid-week special. It was a tad more expensive for the special - 60 more Euro. I didn't think dinner was worth 60 Euro, so I opted to pay just for the nightly rate.

Thanks for the input about Blarney. I just really sat down and started thinking about why I was wanting to stay in Cobh so bad ... and I couldn't come up with anything but the water. And it seemed kind of pointless to come in from Kilkenny and do a day trip north to the Castle and then the next day go north anyway. I'm impulsive and don't always think logically when I'm excited.

I've emailed Anne at Blarney Vale, and am just waiting to hear back. Once I do ... my whole itinerary is done!! Yay.

Thanks again.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

I hope you get into Blarney Vale. If she is closed let me know as I have another recommendation or two.

Michele

TxDevil · Veteran Member

Anne emailed me back, and she said that she is closed for November, due to redecorating.

Yes, please recommend another place.
Thanks

Sidz · Guru

If this place is open, it is nice and the location tremendous.

http://www.meadowbankblarney.com/

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

Too bad Blarney Vale is closed. But B&Bs do have to remodel on occassion.

Try Killarney House: http://www.killarneyhouseblarney.com/ or Ashlee Lodge: http://www.ashleelodge.com/

Michele

TxDevil · Veteran Member

Leaving tomorrow morning!!!

Will update with a trip report when I return on the 19th.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

I hope you and your friend have a wonderful trip to Ireland. I will be thinking of you as you sprinkle your mother's ashes in Galway Bay. I just lost someone close to me and know how difficult and emotional a time it can be. We are wishing you the best.

I remember when you and your mother were planning your first trip to Ireland. I think it is lovely that she is returning again to the place that she loved. You are a wonderful daughter to be doing this for her. May she rest in peace in beautiful Ireland.

Bon Voyage! We will await your return to hear how it all went.

Michele

Sidz · Guru

Have a wonderful trip! Take care.