Three friends and I have purchased roundtrip air from Chicago to Shannon for mid-June of next year. We will spend 12 nights in Ireland and are very excited because it is our first trip! We will be renting a car and want to see beautiful scenery, picturesque towns, and castles. We look forward to pubs and music in the evenings. Here is my idea for a very preliminary itinerary, and I'm looking for feedback on whether or not it is overly ambitious for the time we have:
Day 1: Arrive at Shannon in the morning/spend 2 nights in Ennis Day 3: Drive to Galway. Stay 2 nights. Day 5: Drive (ferry?) to Dingle. Stay 2 nights. Day 7: Drive to Kenmare. Stay 2 nights. Day 9: Drive to Kinsale. Stay 1 night. Day 10: Drive to Kilkenny. Stay 2 nights. Day 12: ???? Day 13: Leave for Chicago from Shannon @ 12:45p.m.
Once I get the itinerary set, then I will be looking for B&B recommendations. Thanks for any advice you may have.
Welcome to my forum! I know you are looking forward to your trip with friends. I think your itinerary looks very good. You have mostly two-night stays with just a couple of single nights.
I would suggest staying in Bunratty your last night. As I mentioned on another post, Bunratty Lodge has just lowered their rates: http://www.bunrattylodge.com/ They have a triple room with two bathrooms. Perfect for getting ready for your flight on time. If interested you should book soon because the triple room is very popular.
For other B&Bs take a look at my Lodgings page or check the listings in my book.
Let me know if you have any other questions as your trip comes together.
Michele! Thanks so much mentioning Bunratty Lodge. We were going to stay at the airport hotel, again, our last night. Instead, I wrote and got a reservation for Bunratty Lodge instead. Nice corresponding with Mary -- wish we had know about her before and perhaps could have stayed more than one night -- next trip Youngka
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Living in Oregon, like to travel, love going to Europe, Alaska and maybe one day China.
I am delighted to hear you have reservations at Bunratty Lodge. It is so much nicer than the airport hotel and only a 10 minute drive to the airport. Ask Mary for directions because it is a straight shot from her B&B.