Richard,

There are some excellent B&Bs in Belfast that are easy on the Pocketbook. I have always had an enjoyable stay at Parkview Lodge. It is just about a mile off of City Centre in Belfast. I think their rates are about 23 sterling per person, inclusive of breakfast. There is quite a lot to do in Belfast itself. To be sure, a black taxi tour is in order.  Then there is the International Rose Garden and the St. Patrick Interprative Centre. Those two together will take up a day.

You could certainly stay in Enniskillen over Donegal Town. Donegal Town is a bit bigger and closer to the Slieve League Cliffs. However, if your interest is in sites around Enniskillen then I would suggest staying at DrumCoo House or Tirconaill Lodge. Of the two, Tir Conaill, on the Sligo road, would be the best suited for the places you wish to see. 

You can certainly use the Courtyard Irish Cottages as a 3 or 4 day stop and do Dingle as a day trip. As for the routing, I flipped two. It should be Kenmare, Kinsale and then Cobh. Kinsale and Cobh could both be done as day trips from a central self catering spot such as Castle Townshend. You could also add a day to Kenmare and Cobh and not stay in Kinsale. The advantage to breaking them up is that from Kinsale, you can do the Mizen Head drive or the Beara Peninsula one day and spend the day exploring Kinsale on the other. Then either on to Cobh or perhaps Wexford Town. Kenmare is a great base from which to take the Gap of Dunloe Tour and explore Killarney National Park and Killarney itself without suffering the larger crowds. Cobh itself is well worth a day of exploring with the second spent exploring the area in and around Cork City or perhaps venturing over into Co. Wexford and visit the Hook lighthouse.

Galway as a destination has always been encouraged because of its cultural mix. That being said, I find Galway a lovely city but with far too much hustle & bustle. It is definitely a gathering spot for the young, college age set. I average about 4-5 hours at city centre there before I have had more than my fill and have headed for my car and wider spaces. I suggested that you do it as a day trip because you truly seem disappointed to be missing Strokestown.

As to the two day stays in most areas, it was the only way that I could give you most of what you seemed to want and not wear out either you or your wife. Three days are preferrable but ,unless you are adding days to your trip or can whittle some of your must-sees, may not be probable.

The trick with having a central base and day-tripping out is to treat it like the hub of a wheel and make a loop each of the days. That way there is no backtracking per se and you see a lot of the surrounding country.

I am curious as to why the focus on National Trust Houses? That is not the normal focus for someone covering as much territory as you want to cover.

Again, nothing is set in stone. I hope that what I have done is given you a good foundation for building a fabulous but relaxing vacation.

Karen,

Glad to hear that you were able to get into Croughmore. I knew it would be a good fit for you. I haven't gotten a good enough feel for Richard yet and so am not sure that it is the best place for him.

Slan Beo,

Bit

-- Edited by CowboyCraic at 17:13, 2007-08-23

Bit,

Thanks so much for the additional comments.

I could add a couple of days to the trip.  What was holding me back was both cost and primarily the car.  Some rental agencies seems to limit the car rental to 28 days - 4 weeks or 30 days.  Am I correct on this.

About the national trust homes, I thought it would be nice to see a a few of the stately homes and gardens since I will be seeing so many stone fortresses and abbey ruins and villages over the 4 weeks -  alittle variety is all. 

Should I being trying to fit in lunch or tea at Ashford Castle or Dromoland Castle?  I was thinking that the landscaping and common areas of the castle would be interesting.  I realize that these are now tourist facilities but at one time the homes of the aristocracy and the architecture and common area space is probably still an accurate depiction of what the families enjoyed as "home".

Is one night and 1 1/2 days of sightseeing in Belfast enough, then heading up to the Giants for the night?  Or should I be looking around Belfast for two full days?

Thanks again,

Richard

Richard,

I often book a car rental for 31 days through Kemwel. The car company is always Europcar. If you try to book directly with Europcar for 31 days you can't do it. You would have to do two back-to-back rentals. But with Kemwel - no problem.

Michele

Thanks again Bit.
I received a reply from Auto Europe after sending them an email.  They said the rate info. will not be available for a few weeks.

Richard

Hi everyone. Wow! I must say this thread has sucked me in like an afternoon soap opera! How fun, everyone trying to help Richard out, I am truly enjoying reading this, and also learning a lot and making mental notes for my own trip to Ireland next May.

Now, what compelled me to reply to the post was I think Strokestown is an absolute must!!! I cannot stress enough how I feel it should not be missed. I visited Ireland for the first time in May of 2005 and our first stop out of Dublin was Strokestown, I cannot tell you how that completely set my perspective straight in the way I viewed the country on the rest of my 2 week trip. I feel it is a treasure that cannot be missed.

There...whew, ok I feel better now.

:)

Kellijo
Welcome to the Forum. I have been using it for about 1.5 years, and have made 3 trips to Ireland and I am still learning!! Everyone has been so helpful. In March 2008 we are going to try staying a two new self catering places that were recommended on this site. Good luck, and if I ever get to the Eastern shore, I will try the place you mentioned.
Youngka

Thanks for info, Bit, My memory is terrible, but Roscommon does sound familiar. I should have written, I think, when commenting on KelliJo's comment about the town of Strokestown--- I wasn't sure where it was until she mentioned Dublin. I am going to have to look up Roscommon again. My best bet is to carry my MAP around cuz I keep forgetting where places are. Thanks again! Youngka

youngka,

If it is the Kemwel site that you clicked through to from my car rental page it would include accident insurance if you choose the inclusive rate. However, I highly recommend you read my entire Car Rental page before booking a car. It will explain about CDW, Super CDW, deductibles, etc. Some credit cards still cover CDW in Ireland and if yours does you will have to make a decision as to whether to use it or purchase the car company's insurance plan.

Michele