OH Thank you for saying that! Truth be told, I would kind of like to go it alone. I have always had this idea of how I would want the trip to go and I am not sure anyone else would be up (or down) for it.

That being said, I would like to put out what I think I want and see just how realistic that is, if you all could offer any thoughts.

It has always been my dream to experience the heart of Ireland. I want to meet the people of Ireland. I am interested in staying at a family owned esablishment (Inn, B&B, farmhouse,etc) and being able to walk town streets and visit with the locals. I am not really interested in busier towns like Dublin. I was looking more into the west coast. From reading some of the board, I am realizing that I don't know as much about Ireland as I thought I did (I am a little ashamed of that). So, I am hoping for some input here.

I am hoping to devote about two weeks to the trip. However, I don't want it to be a whirlwind. I would rather enjoy a few places than see most of them in a blur. I was thinking of maybe staying in only one or two different places and maybe taking short day trips to surround areas. I enjoy supporting local craftsman, artists, musicians and shops owners. I love castles but I don't think staying in one is for me.

I am an aspiring photographer and writer looking for a more relaxed atmosphere to inspire me to finish a book project. I swear I think I would be happy just walking down the street.

I hope this gives you all some idea of what I am looking for. I thank you in advance for any thoughts you can share with me!



-- Edited by luckylass at 15:08, 2008-07-11

Andi,

A bicycle is a great idea and I am rather fond of it. I have heard a lot of horror stories about learning to drive over there. I think it would be ideal to be able to ride the bicycle anywhere I wanted to go.

I took note of the towns you mentioned and will look into them!

This may be the dumb question but would I get a bike there or bring my own?

I have been to some of the places you have mentioned and wanted to suggest a nice B&B in Clifden -- Buttermilk Lodge - www.buttermilklodge.com. Patrick & Cathriona O'Toole, who own the B&B, are really nice and the rooms are quite comfortable and cute, breakfast is very filling and quite a variety of food to choose from. It was nice having coffee in the sitting room and reading after we had arrived. We loved walking around the town of Clifden, you will enjoy nice shops and places to eat lunch. We like to go to Off The Square Restaurant on Main Street - for lunch, tea, coffee, etc. We also like going to Malachy Kearns "Roundstone Music, Crafts & Fashion" in the town of Roundstone --- Roundstone www.bodhran.com. Very interesting shop plus you can see where Malachy creates the Bodhran. Right near is a very small, but unique shop, called Roundstone Ceramics. Rose is really nice and makes beautiful ceramic ear rings. Also, very nice high fired stoneware by Seamus Laffan. South of The Cliffs of Moher, there is a really neat Rock Shop www.therockshop.ie, with lots of beautiful items you can purchase made of Connemara marble. They also have a nice cafe, in the shop. If you need a place to stay near Galway, there is a nice B&B Southwest of Galway very near the ocean -- Conneely' B&B - in Kinvara www.kinvara.com/accommodation Look up Conneely B&B. Shiela is very nice and she, too, makes a wonderful breakfast with lots of extras. Have a really nice trip and be prepared to take lots of photos!! Youngka   Sorry you will have to cut and past these sites!

-- Edited by youngka at 21:54, 2008-07-11

I've made 3 cycling trips to Ireland; 2 alone and 1 with a group of 5 friends. I always took my own bike and recommend that if you want to do a serious bike tour, going from place to place. If you want to have a bike mainly for day trips, you can rent one.

In case you're interested, here is an itinerary from my last trip (2005). I wrote this itinerary for the friends I was travelling with, who had not been to Ireland before.

IRELAND ITINERARY


June 20 Arrive at Shannon airport. Ride, taxi or bus 13 miles to Ennis. Overnight in Ennis. Ennis is the main town of County Clare (pop. 15,000). There will be sightseeing availablea friary and museum--and restaurants and pubs. Ennis is a quaint town and a center for Irish music. Nearby are an important early monastery, Quin Abbey, Dromoland Castle and the Craggaunowen Project, a recreation of early Irish life.

June 21 Ennis to Kinvarra on the Clare coast. 24 miles. Accommodation in the Burren View Farmhouse, 3 miles from Kinvarra village. This is a nice ride, and can include some stops, or not, depending on energy levels. Kinvarra is a very beautiful little village on the coast. Our B&B is actually on the Doorus Peninsula, a particularly scenic location. Doorus is also an important location in the history of the Irish Revival, a literary movement headed by the poet Yeats in the early 1900s.

June 22 Burren loop trip. Accommodation at Burren View Farmhouse. Up to 50 miles. This can be a very full day of sightseeing on the Burren. The Burren is a unique natural limestone landscape. There are ancient stone dolmens from the Iron Age, evocative ancient Christian and castle ruins, unusual plants and flowers. There is an interesting perfumery using Burren plants which would be fun, and an indoor exhibit called The Burren Exposure to choose from.

June 23 - Kinvara to Galway City (pop 55,000). 27 miles. A pretty ride along the Clare coast. We will take in a forest park called Coole Park, the past home of Lady Gregory. Lady Gregory was a good friend of Yeats, and lots of literary types hung out there. The home is in ruins, but the park is meant to be beautiful. We will also go by Thoor Ballylee, a castle haunt of Yeats. Well have some time to hang out in Galway City. the last 10-12 miles of the ride into Galway City will be less than pleasant, because well be on a main highway. This is about the only unpleasant riding of our entire trip.

June 24 day in Galway City. Galway City is meant to be one of the youngest, most vibrant cities in Europe. The robust Irish economy has brought alot of young people here. The old part of the city is very quaint and interesting, and there should be plenty to see and do, including shopping.

June 25 Galway to Roundstone. About 50 miles. Accommodation in Rushlake House with the Nee family in Roundstone. The ride is north past Lough Corrib to Oughterard, passing a few old castles, then turn west. The road travels through beautiful mountain scenery, then turns south to Roundstone on the coast. This is the heart of Connemara country, near the Twelve Ben Mountains. Parts of Connemara are in the Gaeltachtwhere Irish is the main language, and signs will be in Irish only.

June 26 Roundstone to Leenane. 40 miles. Leenane was the location for filming of the movie The Field, starring Richard Harris. The days riding choices include a loop ride along the coast, taking in a couple fishing villages and Irelands most beautiful beach. Some time can on a beach if the weathers good, and either a route through Clifden (capital of Connemara) or a ride through the Inagh Valley past the Twelve Ben Mountains, both are totally spectacular. Kylemore Abbey, a particularly wonderful abbey among forested hills by a lake, is on route. Very beautiful and a major sightseeing destination. Leenane is a very small village.

June 27 Leenane to Westport (pop. 4,250). 30 miles. Lodging in Cedar Lodge, Westport. This ride covers one of Irelands most scenic roads, from Leenane via Lough Doo and Delphi to Louisberg and Westport. It passes Croagh Patrick, Irelands highest mountain, and a pilgrimage destination for devout Catholics. Westport is West Irelands only planned town, laid out in a grid in the English style. It should be lively at night.

June 28 Westport to Cong (pop 200). 38 miles. Lodging in Hazel Grove, Cong. Todays ride will be on the east side of Lough Mask, a more fertile, gentle region compared to Connemara in Western Mayo and Galway. Cong is a quaint village on the edge of the lough. John Waynes movie The Quiet Man was filmed here, and a fair bit of tourism revolves around that. Sightseeing includes Cong Abbey, the exterior of Ashleigh Castle (now a fancy hotel off-limits to non-guests), a trip on the lake, and various ancient monuments. Cong is situated between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib, a beautiful location.

June 29 Cong to Rossaveal. 32 miles. Ferry to Inishmaan. Accommodations at An Dun on Inishmman. A sauna is available. Aa ferry leaves Rossaveal at about 6:00 pm. The ferry ride to Inishmann is 40 minutes. Inishmaan is likely to be pretty quiet at night. The Arans are in the Gaeltacht (Irish language is main language). The crossing can be rough. Prepare the barf bags.

June 30 Day on Inishmaan. One more night on Inishmaan at An Dun. Options include walking on Inishmaan, or riding on Inishmaan, Inishmore or both. Inishmaan is only 5k long and 3k wide. The main sight is a huge stone fort from the Iron Age. Cycles can be taken on the ferry to the island, although walking is easier than cycling if you have a road bike as the lanes are quite rough. The ferries do not take cars.

July 1 - Ferry to Doolin, ride to Miltown Malbay. 25 miles. Lodging at An Gleann, Miltown Malbay. Ferry over to Doolin is about 30 minutes. A ferry leaves at 10:00. There is excellent opportunity for walking exploration around Doolin and the Cliffs. Cliffs of Moher are Europes highest cliffs and a major tourist draw. Miltown Malbay is on the coast, and its a scenic ride with good opportunities for pubs and music in Miltown if desired.

July 2 return to Ennis. About 25-30 miles.
There are a couple pleasant routes to take across the Burren from Miltown to Ennis. Some ruins, and the village of Kilfenora with interesting high crosses are among the sites.

July 3 Prepare to leave. Pack bikes, etc. I think there are enough opportunities for activities in and around Ennis that we will find plenty to do if we have extra time.

July 4 Goodbye to Ireland.

Wow! I am overwhelemed by all the suggestions you guys have given. Andi that bike tour sounds amazing! I am a little afraid to actually bike all of that solo but it may be something I can overcome for the sake of getting around at my own pace in my own time.

Sidz, a little town/village in West Ireland is exactly what I am looking for. It doesn't really matter how much I get to see mile/distance wise as long as I can bask in the culture for a while. I like the sound of very little tourists. I want to be around more locals than tourists. If that means to public transport thats fine.

Is there one city that makes a good home base? With places to go nearby that I could travel by bike and then return for the night?

What I am trying to do is spend most of my time out and about. I don't want to spend too much time going from city to city or filling my day with too much to see and not enough time. I'd like to see some farmhouses, gardens, cliffs, the coast and possibly a castle (not a must though).

I am not sure is any of you are into Nora Roberts but I love the towns she describes in her Irish series books...

If you're serious about staying in a very small place, one of my favorites is Cong. There is beautiful bike riding in every direction, an evocative old ruined abbey in the town, scenic walks by the river, the amazing grounds and garden of Ashford Castle to explore, and it's very friendly. There is also a falconry where you can learn about trained falcons. Nearby Loughs Corrib and Mask are beautiful.

You could get your feet wet on bicycle touring by taking an overnight 2-day bike tour to Westport, Galway or Clifden and back. You wouldn't have to carry much stuff and you could ride there and come back the next day. There are alot of loop trips you could do this way for 2-3-4 days.

luckylass,

I agree with Andi about Cong. There are so many little towns that might fit the bill in the west:

Ballyvaughan
Kinvara
Oughterard
Roundstone
Clifden

If you want a really out of the way experience Achill Island might fit the bill. The Bervie Guesthouse right on the beach would be a wonderful place to stay put.

Personally, I would rent a car and then rent bikes for riding when the weather permits.

Have fun choosing the right place.

Michele

luckylass,

We are happy to help. Let us know if you have any other questions.

Michele

Luckylass, Hi! We really liked the Connemara Region, but mainly were in Clifden and Roundstone. I love Clifden, cute little town with nice shops and places to eat and then fun to drive to Roundstone, which I mentioned several places to go and see. I enjoyed the canals in Westport, and it is nice to take a drive, from Clifden to Tully Cross to see the thatched roof cottages, and the restaurant across the street is wonderful! Drive from there to the ocean where there was one ruin we saw and a very friendly farmer  !  The Kylemore Abby sure is pretty, we just were not in that area at the right time for a tour.  There is a museum - can't remember the name, but folks will tell you where it is, if you are interested.  You have gotten so much feed back from everyone and good places to go and lots of different things to do.  You will be just fine and once your in Ireland you will know your timeframes and love it!  Youngka

With 2 weeks and a car you could easily cover everything you specify. Bit's idea of 2 bases is great.

With 2 weeks and a bike you could travel to all these places, but not from 2 bases without overnighting elsewhere.

With 2 weeks, a car and a rental bike you drive to selected places with the bike and ride around, using 2 bases.

With public transport, I'm not positive that all the nooks and crannies are accessible, but with planning many are.

You could glean alot by getting ahold of a guidebook or 2. Two that I like are Lonely Planet and Rough Guide.

Kinvara
Lahinch
Ballyvaughn
Cong
Roundstone
Clifden
Oughterard
Achill Islands (you may mean Aran Islands, although there is an Achill Island as well)

With a rental bike you could tour most of the Burren from Ballyvaughn, Kinvara or Lahinch (Lahinch not so easily) with day trips.

You would have several nice cycles through Connemara territory from Cong, Roundstone, Oughterard or Clifden. You can also take, or rent a bike to go to the Aran Islands. Cars are not allowed on the ferries.

Have a great trip!

Dice,

Actually either and both are doable. Achill could be a part of your Connemara experience. If you base in Co. Clare the first week, you can do a daytrip to Inis Mor, the largest of the Arans. There is a Ferry which departs from Doolin. It stops on Inis Oirr and you can choose to disembark and catch the next ferry over to Inis Mor, giving you time to explore two islands. You can rent a bicycle on both of the islands to make your exploration more fun.

With two weeks, you will have plenty of time to do both regions without feeling rushed.

There is another option, which you might consider. Paddywagon Tours offers a Jump on/off tour which allows you to stay in any one of their stops for as long as you want and then rejoining the tour. The tour route doesn't include the Connemara region. However, one of the stop points is Galway and you could do day tours from there to give you a Connemara taste. The Jump on/off tour price doesn't include lodgings. However, they can set them up for you and are very reasonable. They offer quite a few tours. I have taken the 6 day North tour and, although I was the eldest by a long shot, thoroughly enjoyed myself. It is a very economical way to see Ireland.

Slan Beo,

Bit

-- Edited by CowboyCraic at 23:19, 2008-07-18

Dice,

I am not a huge fan of organized tours myself. However, I really enjoyed the Paddywagon tour. I think that was because it was a small group. It was also nice to be able to sit back and see the country instead of being at the wheel and all that it entails. You  are the perfect age for a Paddywagon tour. They do make frequent stops and were very accomodating wih my "oh stop, please, I want to capture that....." and I never once heard any of the other folk grumble.

As for car rental, I don't know of any rental company that will rent out a vehicle without a major credit card.  What was you plan for carrying money whilst there? The safest is to utilize ATMs and withdraw funds either off your debit or a credit card. Carrying a large amount of cash is not advisable.

I would ask a favor of you, clear your mind of all that you have idealized Ireland to be. Go instead with an open heart & an open mind. Otherwise, you might find yourself somewhat disappointed.  The real Ireland is different than that in Books and films. It has its own magic and a special uniqueness that you have to experience firsthand. It is in connecting with her people that you will start to understand her better. That is why you will often see me stating that a minimum of two days in one place is preferrable.

When you are ready post a tentative itinerary. We will help you make this the best of trips. It may not be Nora Roberts perfect  but it will be as close as reality will allow.

Slan Beo,  Bit

Thanks to you both Andi and Bit! I hadn't really set a date yet. I am going to be going back to school in Jan. I thought I may be able to fit the trip in before I go but I see that many places close during the winter months. I will more than likely wait and try to go during the winter and spring break. March isn't peak season is it? If I go on a break from school, I may only be there one week...

Bit,

It looks like I'll have May 30th through June 22nd off. Maybe the second week in June 2009 would be ideal?

I would still have to do only one week though. I have to switch dorm rooms for the summer semester so some of that time off, I would be moving...

Now to decide where to go and what to do with a week. I am thinking that I should stay in one place and venture out and about on day trips by bike. I'll more than likely be traveling lightly anyways due to just leaving school. I plan to be mobil enough to get around by bike or on foot if needed.

Thoughts?