First trip to Ireland, 2 weeks,mom & son,questions++

shan · Member

First trip to Ireland, 2 weeks,mom & son,questions++

jsa92685 · Member

Shan,
I've not yet been to Ireland myself, but I'm planning a 17-day trip with my father for this coming September. Our route looks very similar to yours: landing in Dublin and heading straight to Kilkenny for a couple nights to start. Through lots of research on the subject, I've found that Glendalough (just south of Dublin; east of Kilkenny) is a must. We're stopping off on the drive from Dublin to Kilkenny. Also check out Blarney Castle for sure, although you can't spend the night in the castle. However, as for castles you can sleep in, I've done some ample research. While most are on the expensive side, I'd recommend this: The Castle in Castletownshend, in the southwestern region of Co. Cork. (http://www.castle-townshend.com/). Prices are very reasonable, and it's waterfront in a quaint, beautiful little town. We're considering stopping off for a night.
On another note: it's not a castle, but if you're up in the Connemara region, check out the Delphi Lodge. We're spending three nights in September and it's absolutely stunning. I've heard wonderful reviews. (http://www.delphilodge.ie/).
Lastly, if you're staying a night in Kilkenny, I'll pass along high praise from a friend of the Lawcus Farm Guest House in Stonyford, just outside Kilkenny town. (http://www.lawcusfarmguesthouse.com/).
According to most, making reservations for accomodations in August would be advisable. It's still "high" tourist season, and I've found that even booking for September is already filling up.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shannon,

Welcome to my forum! Not too many questions at all. That is how we learn.

First go to my Car Rental page and read the whole page. Since you live in Canada you will want to check with your Visa credit card to see if they will cover your CDW insurance on your car. In the US it is some MasterCards or Diners Club. Rent your car in advance and reserve an automatic as they are hard to come by in Ireland.

You are visiting Ireland in August, which is high season. Although it is possible to go without reservations I really don't recommend it. All the best places to stay will be booked already and you will be left with the leftovers. You may find yourselves staying way outside towns and cities or have to go to a nearby town if the one you want is booked up.

I recommend you make a firm itinerary and reservations for lodgings. Your time in Ireland is precious. You don't want to have to spend several hours a day searching for a place to stay. Instead you can spend your time having fun and sightseeing. Plan in advance so you are not stressed while on vacation.

Most castle hotels in Ireland are very expensive. Go to my Castle page and look at what is available. The Castle in Castletownshend is a low price for a reason: it is not the nicest place to stay. I had a look and it is not listed in my book. It is merely listed as a castle in Ireland and I think it has 2-stars. Some of the 5-star castle hotels in Ireland like Dromoland and Ashford are currently running sales. Look at their websites for special offers. You get what you pay for when it comes to castle hotels.

Get busy on an itinerary. August will be here before you know it.

Michele

shan · Member

Thank you both for such a quick response. How wonderful to have such help.
You spurred me on to spend another hour or so on the internet searching. It's very hard to get anything done around here if I get started surfing.
I checked out most of the castles ( Smarmore and Kinnitty looked good) and also had a look at the insurance article. Should I also get the extra CDW insurance that covers the deductable, I can't remember where I saw that??
I'm full of questions aren't I...?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shannon,

For car insurance you must decide if you will let your credit card cover the CDW or not. If not you need to purchase CDW. It has a deductible. If you do not want a deductible you can purchase Super CDW or use Insurance4CarHire instead.

Michele

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig at 17:52, 2008-06-01

shan · Member

Hello Michele, I have spent a lot of time since I last posted setting out an itinerary of sorts and making some bookings.
We fly into Dublin Aug 12th aroung 8:30 AM, pick up our rental car and hopefully head out without too much dificulty. Our 1st(12th) night is booked in Carlow at the Rectory, 2nd (13th)night in Bansha at Lismacue. I'm hoping to spend the next 3 (14-16th)night settled in and around Killarney(possibly the 3rd in Limerick?).
We are then booked 3 (17-19th)nights in Ballinsloe, 3(20-22nd) nights in Emlaghmore, Co Galway.and next 2((23-24th) nights in Mullingar and the last night, the 25th in Dublin.
The 3 nights around Killarney and 1 night in Dublin are not booked yet, suggestions??
I'll be checking out sights to see next, events for my son and I to enjoy and pubs to partake in..suggestions??
I'm pretty sure I read on your sight a recommendation for renting cars from Kemwal? and also the idea of getting Super CDW. My MC Card covers the CDW and I have requested a letter in writing from them.
Is there any good tips for gassing up your car, are the gas stations the same as in Canada? Thanks Shan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shan,

Go to my Lodgings page for recommendations on where to stay. Loch Lein in Killarney has a special for my readers of 60 euro per person and a free bottle of wine. Those who have stayed there have really enjoyed the luxury.

If you credit card covers CDW then you do not need Super CDW. Please read my Car Rental page for clarification. The petrol stations (gas) are standard. Be careful to fill with the appropriate gas. The unleaded and desiel pumps are similar but different colors.

Michele