Ireland trip in May - 10 days

Loelle · Veteran Member

Ireland trip in May - 10 days

Michele Erdvig · Host

Loelle,

Welcome to my forum! I had a look at your itinerary before you edited it but didn't have time to answer earlier. This one is much saner. I assume you will have two nights in each place, with one night in Dublin at the beginning and one at the end? Had you thought of getting a head start and staying your first two nights in Kilkenny and staying two nights in Dublin at the end of your trip instead?

Michele

Loelle · Veteran Member

Michele,

Thank you so much for replying to my post!

I actually had not thought of doing it that way (staying the last two nights in Dublin) - but that is because we had looked at a couple of forums on the Lonely Planet, and a couple people had said that the drive from Galway to Dublin can sometimes be pretty rough, maybe even take all day. I would hate to have to cut my time in Dublin short...besides Galway, I think that is what I would like to see most.

Maybe if we do decide to leave Dublin to the end, I can stay only one night at another stop to ensure that we would have a couple of days in Dublin.

Do you, or anyone for that matter :), have an opinion on which place they would cut down to a nights stay?

Thank you so much!!

CowboyCraic · Guru

Loelle,

Unless you are making quite a few stops along the way, it will not take you all day to travel from Galway to Dublin. You might consider turning in your rental car in Galway and taking the train into Dublin, as you will not be needing a vehicle in Dublin.

Also, in your itinerary, it shows one of your stops as Cork. I might suggest that you stay outside of Cork City. What is it that you wish to see in Cork? It can be a very difficult city to navigate in a vehicle.

If I were to cut a night, it would be Cork. Killarney and Galway both need at least two nights.

Slan Beo(Take Care),

Bit Devine

Loelle · Veteran Member

Thank you CowboyCraic!!

I think you are right - I am thinking I might just want to skip Cork City all together. This brings up a few questions though..

1. From Kilkenny to Killarney seems like a pretty long drive (on the map). Could anyone recommend a stop along the way? Or is this a do-able one day drive, possibly stopping along the way if we see something that strikes our fancy?

2. I like that idea about leaving the car in Galway - can anyone lead me to a site with information on the trains? We already reserved our rental car but I am pretty sure that we can change the reservation this far in advance.

3. And lastly, is it fairly easy to get a cab to the airport from Dublin city?

Seriously, you guys are so great and I really really appreciate and thank you for your input.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Loelle,

Killkenny to Killarney is about 3 and a half hour drive. That is without any stops and, of course, there will be stops. It is certainly doable. You could break it up with stops at the Rock of Cashel & Cahir Castle. That will make it a full day indeed. You might also consider taking the two days devoted to Cork and stay in Kinsale or Cobh.

Irish Rail will provide you with schedule information. As far as geting a cab to the airport in Dublin, it is quite easy. You can also take the bus but taxis to me are a better fit when hauling luggage. If you don't have lodgings in Dublin yet, might I suggest Abberly House? It is a great B&B close to Temple Bar and The Bitanical Gardens. The rate is one of the most reasonable you will find in Dublin. You should look to pre-booking your lodgings in both Dublin and Galway, as the best lodgings get grabbed up quickly.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Loelle · Veteran Member

I seriously dont know how to thank you enough - this is amazing information!!

It looks like we can't book the rail until right before we go...I assume this is ok, or does this fill up quick as well? I am really liking this idea, and currently trying to talk my boyfriend into changing the car rental so we can take the train.

I emailed the Abberly House - thank you for that link. We were looking into staying at hostels in most areas, but looking at the price comparisons for private rooms at hostels, it works out to be roughly the same amount of money. And of course I would rather stay at a B&B!!

Thank you also for the suggestions between Kilkenny and Killarney. I think by skipping Cork I would rather use the extra days to stay in Killarney or Galway, but I like the idea of stopping along the way and making it a days drive between the two. That would still give us two full days in Killarney, if I am mapping this out correctly.

I also understand that its lighter earlier and darker later in May. Is this correct?

Again, you guys are saving me here, thank you so much!!

Loelle · Veteran Member

Bummer - looks like there is not a drop off point in Galway for our rental car. I called Hertz and a nice Irish gentlemen said that the nearest one would be in Shannon. So, scratch that idea.

But, its comforting to know that we can make the drive ourselves. And it seems that there will be alot of hours of daylight, which will be nice.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Loelle,

You can book the train a few weeks in advance. You can do it from their website. There is a ton you can do from Killarney including the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. Everything is outlined very easily in my book.

Go to my Weather page and scroll down for sunrise/sunset times throughout the year as well as temperatures. In fact, take a spin around my site for important info you need to know before you go.

Sit down with a calendar to be sure you have everything figured out correctly. That way there will be no mistakes.

Michele

Loelle · Veteran Member

Thank you for the info. I think that i have a much better idea of what our trip will be looking like.

Lois

CowboyCraic · Guru

Loelle,

Unless you are locked into Hertz for a particular reason, ie mileage points, I would suggest that you check with Kemwel, there is a link here on Michele's site, or Autoeurope, which is their sister company. I have never had a bad experience using AutoEurope. I have never heard any complaint from anyone who has used Kemwel either. They are usually the most cost efficient and have the most upfront price quoting.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Loelle · Veteran Member

We are not locked into Hertz - I believe we can cancel at this point without a fee. I used Michele's handy link to Kemwel, and while its similar in price, I am not sure we get all the insurance with Hertz that we would get with Kemwel (my boyfriend did the reservation). I will have to try to talk him into changing it over, and I thank you for the info (and Michele).

I have been reading other topics and I am thinking it might be best to steer clear of:

Driving in Dublin
Visiting Limerick.

We were going to pass through Limerick on our way from Killarney to Galway, but I think that maybe we will find another route, perhaps one along the coast. Maybe a visit to Ennis?

Here is my proposed revised route:

Land in Dublin and drive that day to Kilkenny

From Kilkenny to Killarney with a stop in Tipperary along the way.

From Killarney to Galway

From Galway to Dublin.

Michele I want to tell you that you have a great site here! I have been perusing it (when I should be working, eek!) and it has so many great tips and so much information, thank you!!

In the few days since i have found this site I have a much clearer picture of this trip, its a comforting feeling!

CowboyCraic · Guru

Loelle,

Give serious consideration to Kemwel, as they are one of the most up front rental companies I have encountered in my travels to Ireland. Remember, smaller is better, especially on the lesser roads.

When driving from Killarney to Galway, you could look to taking the Killmer/Tarbert Ferry across the Shannon Estuary and then continuing your journey along the coast road. This would give you a chance to see the marvelous Clare coast, visit the Cliffs of Moher, perhaps take lunch in Doolin and wander down Fisher street, and then on through the Burren and into Galway. That would leave you a full Galway day to perhaps explore the Connemara, either on your own or on one of the many tours that are offered, or perhaps, venture out to Inis Mor for the day.

Driving in Dublin is not recommended. I am not sure how Dubliners themselves survive it! As for Limerick, despite a few good sites there, I would have to say that I routinely give it a wide berth, preferring the less gritty smaller towns and villages.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Loelle · Veteran Member

I think we are going to cancel the Hertz rental and go with Kemwel. It seems to give a nice amount of insurance with the rental as well. Do you usually get more than what is provided with the policy when you travel there?

I am loving these suggestions for the road to Galway, thank you! I did a quick search on the links you provided and I think this is right up our alley. I was looking for a way to work in the Cliffs of Moher and that whole area when we were around Galway, and I think this will be perfect.

As far as driving there, from what I have heard you get acclimated to driving on the left quickly. As far as the journey I have planned out so far, does anyone have an opinion on how 'hairy and scary' these roads are?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Loelle,

Thanks so much for your lovely comments about my website. I'm happy to hear you are enjoying it and are comforted by the thought that other veteran travelers are helping you out. Just think, you will be a veteran Ireland traveler when you return. Perhaps you will tell us how your trip went too. biggrin

If you read my complete Car Rental page you will find that CDW insurance has a deductible. You must determine if you want to go with that or reduce the amount you are liable for in an accident or theft to a lesser amount or zero. The additional insurance is called Super CDW. You purchase that directly from the car company on arrival in Ireland. If you have any questions call Kemwel. Give my Car page another read through. I know it is a lot to absorb all at once.

The Shannon Ferry is a good route between Kerry and Clare and breaks up the journey nicely. I think you will enjoy it. The roads are not that scary. Just take your patience and common sense with you. In fact your boyfriend will probably really enjoy it once he gets the hang of driving on the left.

I think your itinerary will work out well for your trip.

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Loelle,

either I am blessed with Faery Luck or the cowboy hat clues people in and they avoid me. I have never taken out extra insurance nor have I needed the insurance which came with the rental, ****knock on wood****. That being said, many folk on this forum have used a supplementary insurance. I am sure that someone will chime in with the name of the company.

Other than getting used to the Roundabouts, I found that adjusting to the roadways there was quite easy. People seem to be far less aggravated whilst driving there. You do have to be alert for many things whilst driving there though, sheep, cattle, farm equipment, bicycles, dogs, pedestrians, big Lorries and tour buses come to mind. You must be a far more vigilant driver over there than you are at home. We tend to zone out here, somewhat, whilst driving. Oh, I think somewhere there must be an unwriitten law that every stone wall must be camoflauged with shrubbery, so be careful as you drive not to squeeze too far over to your left. To be sure, there are some roads, such as Connors Pass, which are not for the faint of heart, with their narrowness and hairpin curves. That being said, the views are spectacular!

The Ferry & Coast drive makes for a very full day, but a pleasant one,between Killarney and Galway. Breaking it up with stops at the Cliffs, lunch in Doolin and throughout the Burren will make it seem easier. For lodging in Galway, check out St. Martin's B&B. It is well situated to town centre and yet is in a quiet neighborhood. It is one of my favorites and, for the longest while, sort of an insider secret. They have a website now, so everyone will be beating a path to their door, I am afraid. Whilst in Galway, make sure that you make time for Standun in Spiddal. It is one of my favorite Crafts centres.

What are your dates again?

Slan Beo,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Loelle,

The extra insurance Bit is referring to is Insurance4CarHire. Check to see if it something of interest for your trip.

Be sure to check out my Lodgings page for good places to stay.

Michele

Dude · Guru

I believe Bit is referring to insurance4carhire. If memory serves me (and it doesn't, usually) we paid about $100 for a year's Super CDW coverage which covers the CDW deductible and also things like tyres and glass which aren't usually covered by CDW. Several of us on this forum have purchased the insurance, but fortunately no one that I know of has actually had to file a claim. Bit's luck must be contagious. Personally, it was worth every penny for the peace of mind. Plus I had two sisters sharing the cost!

Another choice for the Galway area is Caladhgearr Thatch Cottage in Spiddal. It's a charming little thatched cottage (go figure!) with only three rooms, all on the ground floor (this won't be as important to you young folks as it was to us Senior Members). Maureen doesn't have a website but you can go to Town and Country Homes site and look in Co. Galway, Spiddal Connemara and hers is the first one on the list.

Loelle · Veteran Member

Michele -

Do you think it would be in my best interest to wait for your 2008 book for my trip? And thank you for the info on the insurance, we will definitely check that out, if for nothing else, for peace of mind!

I am looking at the lodging places and will do more research on that when I get your book, and when I can sit my boyfriend down to decide whats in our price range, etc. And I would love to share my experience, so I will be sure to post when I get back!

Bit - thank you for even more helpful hints! I hope your good luck rubs off on us! I emailed the St Martins B&B and received an email back asking me to call them. Since its already almost 11pm there right now, I will wait until tomorrow. I am liking the location and the prices!! Also, I detailed my rough itinerary below...

Dude- Also thank you for the tips on the insurance and places to stay. I will certainly look into them. And trust me, I am a big fan of sleep so I understand the need for peace and quiet. If i dont rest well I am a mess the next day! Quiet would be a huge bonus for us. So! Here is my rough outline for our trip now:

Three Days: we will be in London. We fly into Dublin and arrive at 9am on the 20th. From there we are driving straight to Kilkenny.

Two Days - Kilkenny. I found on Michele's site a walking tour that looks phenomenal (I believe its from Irish Fireside - I listen to their Ireland podcasts all the time for hints as well.)

One Day- drive to Killarney via Tipperary (Rock of Cashel and the beautiful library being my main focus)

Three Days: Killarney Leave for the drive to Galway, and now the Shannon Ferry and Cliffs of Moher, along with the other suggestions :) (very very excited about this!)

Three Days: (Not sure about these days yet) Galway - Dublin. (Trinity College, St Patricks, Jameson Distillery and Guiness Factory among the list of must-sees in Dublin.) Leave early the 30th to come home (sad face)

(Edited by Michele at request of poster)

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig at 03:24, 2008-02-26

CowboyCraic · Guru

Loelle,

I am sure that Doni & Mary appreciate your courtesy in waiting until it is morning there! biggrin

I hope that you will be able to get in to St. Martin's. It is a great location for walking to town centre and some great pubs with Trad music.

If you end up with three nights in Dublin at the end, have a look at Mary Gibbons NewGrange Tour. With all the controversy surrounding Tara right now, it might be your last best chance to see the heritage areas as they have been for centuries.

The Walking tour of Kilkenny is among the best. No, the boys at Irish Fireside haven't paid me a cent to make such a statement. Although I am willing to talk, LOL biggrin

One of my favorite B&Bs is actually located just outside of Kilkenny. Lawcus Farms Guesthouse is a rare treat. Whilst in Kilkenny, make time for Jerpoint Abbey. It is phennomenal.

Since you are coming over from London and arriving early, you will have time enroute to Kilkenny to take in Glendalough, should you so desire. The gardens will be lovely that time of May.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Loelle,

Your itinerary looks good. As Bit suggested you could go down to Powerscourt and Glendalough and cut across the mountains to Kilkenny. Another gem nearby is Kells Priory near Callan.

From Galway you can do Connemara and the Aran Islands. Both are separate all day trips.

Since you are leaving in May I suggest getting my 2007 book right now. It will really help with the planning. It is not changing greatly and you can get any updates right here on the forum.

Michele

Loelle · Veteran Member

I was able to get ahold of the Abberly House and they do have room for those dates in Dublin. I am making sure that my boyfriend will be ok with the price/place and I should be booking it soon!

I have tried to call the St Martin's B&B and I am having some trouble getting through, but I will keep trying to call.

I am very very interested in the Lawcus Farms guesthouse, that place looks beautiful.

Thank you for the hints!!

CowboyCraic · Guru

Loelle,

No thanks are needed but appreciated, all the same. I just want make sure that you have the best possible time whilst in Ireland.

Glad to hear that Abberley House has availability. You will not find a better quality for that price and location. Dublin is a bit on the expensive side.

Keep trying with St. Martin's, I think you will be happy with them. Again great location and great price. I have found that in Ireland, with proper research and guidance, I can have my cake and eat it, too. That is I can find excellent lodgings at low prices.

Lawcus Farms is an experience all to its own. Though I have stayed within Kilkenny on a few occassions, I am very keen on Lawcus Farms and again, the price is quite reasonable without skimping on comforts and quality of service.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Loelle,

Lawcus Farm does look nice. I will be stopping by to see it next time I am in the area. If you need something closer in to the city try Alcantra or Laragh House. Both are very nice.

Michele

Loelle · Veteran Member

I called Lawcus Farms and spoke with Mark, what a lovely gentleman. He was so sweet to me. It looks like we are going to book it for our stay in Kilkenny! I am going to call him next week ( I have opened a special checking account for this trip - I want to book everything with this account so I have to wait for my checkcard...I am very impatient!)

Abberly House also has room and I am pretty sure we will be booking there as well.

I still cant get ahold of St Martins...I will try next week and see if I can get through to them. If not, I will look into Michele's suggestions for Galway, thought at a quick glance I think they might be a little more than we want to spend per night. We shall see though!

Has anyone stayed at Friars Glen in Killarney? It seems to be within our budget and it looks lovely...

I think by next week we will have all of our lodging booked, assuming they dont get swiped from under me before then. I am so excited and relieved. THANK YOU all SO much, again.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Loelle,

Friar's Glen is very nice and I highly recommend it.

Michele

Loelle · Veteran Member

Well ladies - color me relieved and excited!!

I have reservations at Lawcus Farms guesthouse for Kilkenny,

Friars Glen for Killarney

and St Martins B&B for Galway!!

I havent booked Dublin yet, but I am pretty sure we are going to go with Abberley house...cant beat that location!!

So, thank you thank you thank you again!!!

Loelle · Veteran Member

PS - just booked Abberly, so we are all set!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Loelle,

Glad to hear your trip is good to go. Tell Mary at Friar's Glen that I sent you. We will look forward to hearing back when you return.

Michele

Loelle · Veteran Member

I will certainly let her know. And I will be sure to type up a full report of our trip.

thank you again to everyone.