18 days SE IRE too much?

Geographer · Member

18 days SE IRE too much?

Carrie K · Veteran Member

Good luck John! I have nothing to add to help you, but I'm glad you asked about Michele's book. I'm planning our June trip, and am very torn between buying now and waiting till March. I mainly want it for B&B recommendations, although I'll gladly take all the other information in it! I don't know whether it's important to start making reservations now for June, or if it can wait till after the next edition comes out. Any advice you might be able to provide would be very helpful, Michele! Thank you!

Michele Erdvig · Host

John,

Welcome to my forum! I am glad you are enjoying it so far.

My 2008 book will not be changing greatly. All the new fully-reviewed lodging additions are in the 2007 edition as "Quck Picks". Feel free to order the 2007 edition. Besides, you can always get any updates right here.

Eighteen days in Ireland will be wonderful. Since your goal is to relax at a slower pace I think it will be perfect. The SW will not be overcrowded in May unless there is something special going on in a certain town. I think you should put the SW on your radar screen. Kenmare is my favorite small town. And of course Dingle is always a hit with its wonderful scenery.

When you are ready, why don't you post a proposed itinerary and I will take a look?

Michele

P.S. Carrie, You will probably want to start the reservations by March.

Geographer · Member

Michele....Looking forward to your book. Below is first run of our itinerary. While our purpose is to explore Ireland, we are interested in staying in town as a base most nights. Ive tried to keep driving distance under 80 miles between stops, except Kenmare to Dungarvan. Can't wait to read your thoughts!!!

May
8 Depart USA
9 Arrive London / Dublin
10 Dublin
11 Dublin
12 Dublin
13 Kilkenny
14 Limerick
15 Limerick (Cliffs of Moher)
16 Kenmare / Dingle
17 Kenmare
18 Kenmare (Ring of Kerry)
19 Dungarvan
20 Dungarvan
21 Wexford (Waterford Crystal... part of one day)
22 Wicklow (Garden Festival)
23 Dublin (Bruce Springsteen @ RDS Arena)
24 London
25 Fly home to find house a mess from in laws watching children.

Thanks!!! John

Michele Erdvig · Host

John,

I had a real laugh when I read day 25! But lets get to the others first. Unless you have plans to see every museum in Dublin you might want to stay there on 9, 10 & 11. That will give you another day to spend elsewhere.

Most people stay in a more scenic spot than Limerick. Is there a specific reason for staying there?

What are you planning for two nights in Dungarvan?

Your route is rather unique. Had you thought of going south from Dublin and doing the SE then proceeding to the SW and W, before heading back to Dublin? Is it because of the Wicklow Garden Festival?

Michele

Geographer · Member

Michele, I was thinking the same about Dublin No specific reason for counterclockwise trip. We can very easily modify the rotation. An extra day exploring the Wicklow Mnts might be good after feasting and drinking in Dublin for a few days.

No specific reason for staying in Limerick or Dungarvan other than a base for exploring. Maybe we should take advantage of the new rates at Bunratty Lodge instead of Limerick. And/or Cork instead of Dungarvan?

Ive read lots of good about Kilkenny. Do you recommend two nights here?

John

Michele Erdvig · Host

John,

Perhaps Kinsale might suit you for the Cork area. It is a charming town but I do not recommend it on weekends. Too crowded with the Cork City crowd. I like Co. Wicklow very much. You may want to put Powerscourt on your short list.

Bunratty would be a good base for Limerick/Clare. Then you could do a banquet or Irish night if that appeals. Or you could opt to stay on the coast.

Kilkenny is my favorite city in Ireland. There is much to do there and in the surounding areas.

Keep tweaking your itinerary. It will come out right.

Michele

Dude · Guru

Every time I see your subject line, John, I start mentally shouting at the computer, "No, 18 months would not be too much time anywhere in Ireland!" If I weren't so fond of my stay-at-home husband, 18 years wouldn't be enough! Ah....

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dude,

I had the same reaction. I am still kicking myself for not buying that little cottage in Dingle for 500 pounds thirty years ago!

Michele