Deleting Dublin last minute... ideas for replacement?

jsarcher · Member

Deleting Dublin last minute... ideas for replacement?

Michele Erdvig · Host

jsarcher,

Welcome to my forum! May I ask what time of year you are visitng Ireland? What time is your flight?

I have a recommended B&B for Athlone on my "Lodgings" page. I have stayed at Highfield before and did not like it.

Michele

jsarcher · Member

Michele,
I've actually been posting here for a few months, with an itinerary approved by you! For some reason my account started itself brand new today.

We're leaving from Atlanta on Sept. 9 and returning on Sept. 27. We'll be staying in Kilkenny, Kinsale, Kenmare, Dingle, Lahinch, Leenane, Inishmor, and then the last two nights are undecided.

I'll check out what you suggested for Athlone. I found a couple other places in Trim that looked nice; Highfield is booked, incidentally.

Do you think it would be good to spend the last two nights in Athlone and Trim?

Michele Erdvig · Host

jsarcher,

Are you posting under the same user name? Because if there is a glitch on my forum I need to contact Activeboard to get it fixed. I scanned my board and saw a similar name jsa92685. The profile for both is the same but two different "user names" and two different email addresses. Now I feel like Sherlock Holmes!

You also had an avatar photo as jsa92685. Did you perhaps re-register with another name?

Back to your itinerary. You could certainly spend a night in Athlone if you want. Although the drive time from Galway to Athlone is only around two hours. I think I would want to be closer to the airport than Trim for an 11 am flight. It would be easy enough to continue on after Newgrange and Tara to an airport hotel or to Malahide for a much quicker commute to the airport in the morning.

Michele

jsarcher · Member

Michele, you make a very good Sherlock Holmes! Turns out I do, somehow, have two accounts. I must've forgotten that I'd ever created the first, and then turned around and created a second. Strange.

One more question: we'd planned to stay on Inis Mor for two nights, but the Man of Aran cottage is sadly booked. Would you give preference to The Aran Islands Hotel, Tigh Fitz, or Ard Einne?

CowboyCraic · Guru

Sad to hear that Man of Aran is booked. My second favorite on Inis Mor is Kelly House, which is just up the lane from Joe Watty's pub. Of the three that you have listed, I prefer Ard Einn because of its location and its view. Tigh Fitz is too close to the airstrip for my taste. The Aran Island Hotel is too impersonal for me. I like rubbing elbows with the native inhabitants.

Stephen & Mary, the Hosts of Kelly House are very welcoming. They run a Pony cart tour, as well. The breakfast is delicious and quite filling. The rooms are comfortable thoughnot overly large. They are only a ten minuute walk from the pier. You can also request that they have a pony & trap waiting for you.

I would also be reticent about an early airport commute from Trim. Why end your vacation on a tense note? Take a look at staying at the Beweley's Airport hotel. It will be a better note to end on in the long run.

Slan Beo, Bit

jsarcher · Member

Bit, thanks for the wealth of information! I'll begin checking out your tips at once. I was very sad to discover that Man of Aran was booked, as it looked absolutely enchanting. I'm sure it'll all work out, though.

-John

CowboyCraic · Guru

John,

I may be biased but all of Inis Mor is enchanting. I think you would enjoy the Kelly's B&B. They are great people. Perhaps you could see about lunch at Man of Aran or even a special dinner? They do offer both but you would have to check to see what they are offering whilst there. Maura Wolfe, the hostess at Man of Aran is an stellar Chef. She even cooked for a time for the Queen, herself. Also, at the base of Dun Aengus is a small tea house. After a hike up & down to Dun Aengus, a stop over for coffee or tea and one of their baked goods hits the spot! My favorite is their chocolate cake and a cuppa cocoa. biggrin

If you arrange a Pony & trap ride with Stephen or one of the others, make sure that they take you to the Seven Churches, as it is an often overlooked spot. Also, ask them to take you to some lesser traveled spots on Inis Mor. I, as a habit, rent a pony & trap for an entire day. I think that ran me 50 euro per person but it was well worth the extra time and attention.

Slan Beo, Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

John,

Looks like things are working out. Bewley's has some very good rates. Some friends of mine recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport and said it was fine. Both have airport shuttles.

Michele

jsarcher · Member

Michele or Bit (or anyone),

What do you know of the Pier House on Inis Mor as a B&B? It's looking like it may be the only place that has availability for both nights that we'd need. I haven't really seen it reviewed on the forum, so I was wondering if anyone had some experience or had heard good/bad about it.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Though I have not stayed at Pier House, I have eaten in their restaurant. If their lodgings are anywhere close to their food then you will be delighted!

It is strange that you are having such a difficult time finding lodgings on Inis Mor in September. Are you traveling to Inis Mor during September 12 - 15, which is the dates for the Inter-Islands Football competition? This year, Inis Mor is hosting the competition. That is the only thing I can think of that would book up the Island lodgings.

You will be in for a very unique experience that weekend. If you want peace and quiet, you might want to look at possibly rerouting your trip and going to Inis Mor off weekend.

Bright Blessings, Bit

jsarcher · Member

Bit, let me just tell you how grateful I am for all of your generous help! I'm walking blind through all of this, as it is my first time.

I went ahead and booked at the Pier House earlier this afternoon. BUT, not even an hour later I got a call from Stephen at Kelly House informing me that they did, in fact, have vacancy for my father and I at their home for the same dates. Is it worth my while to cancel at the Pier House and reschedule for Kelly House? I'm pretty confident you'll say YES, but I just wanted reassurance.

CowboyCraic · Guru

I would definitely choose thee Kelly's over the Pier House but that is because I am familiar with them. I also like the proximity to Joe Watty's. biggrin

Pier House does give you easy access to Kilronan and the shops at the Pier. It also commands a great view. That being said, I would still choose Stephen & Mary.

I am glad that I can be of help. In case you hadn't guessed by now, Inis Mor is one of my favorite spots. biggrin

Slan Beo, Bit

jsarcher · Member

Alrighty. I had prepared an itinerary for the upcoming trip, but then I decided to overhaul our accomodations list to save some money. I've tweaked the itinerary a bit, taking nights away from Galway and dedicating them to Inis Mor (as per Bit's prodding... and we're not city folk, anyway). I also deleted Dublin from the trip, as my cousin just returned from Ireland and, being aware of our tastes, warned us to avoid it. I'd appreciate any of the experts who could spare enough time to read this giving me some feedback, whether or not it's doable, too slow, too fast, or whatever.

Accomodations:
Kilkenny (2 nights) -- Lawcus Farm Guest House B&B
Kinsale (2 nights) -- Woodlands House B&B
Kenmare (3 nights) -- Lissyclearig Thatched Cottage B&B
Dingle (2 nights) -- Heaton's Guest House B&B
Doolin (1 night) -- Atlantic View B&B
Leenaun (3 nights) -- Delphi Lodge Guest Cottage (self-catering)
Inis Mor (2 nights) -- Pier House B&B
Athlone (1 night) -- Cornamagh House B&B
Swords (1 night) -- Bewley's Dublin Airport Hotel (self-catering)

Itinerary: (take a deep breath...)

September 9 Fly from Richmond, Virginia to Atlanta, Georgia for connection to Dublin. Take red-eye flight from Atlanta to Dublin.

September 10 Arrive in Dublin at approx. 9:30am. Secure rental car, drive from Dublin airport to Glendalough for lunch and afternoon exploring. Depart Glendalough and drive to Lawcus Farm B&B outside Kilkenny town. After settling at B&B, possibly do dinner in Kilkenny town. Return for early bedtime.

September 11 Wake early, have breakfast at Lawcus Farm, and then drive to Kells Priory for a visit. Depart Kells Priory and drive to Inistioge for lunch and some afternoon exploring. Return to B&B later in the afternoon, and then continue on into Kilkenny town for shopping, castle visit, and eventually dinner and then evening pub entertainment. We were torn between Inistioge and Waterford, but chose Inistioge because of its quaintness and the Woodstock Arboretum. Good choice?

September 12 Wake early, have breakfast at Lawcus farm, and then drive to Cashel for a visit to the Rock of Cashel and lunch. After departing Cashel, drive South a bit and stop at Cahir to pay a visit to CahirCastle. Then drive to the Woodland House B&B in Kinsale. Explore Kinsale for the afternoon, and do dinner and evening pub entertainment in Kinsale town.

September 13 Wake early, eat at B&B, and then drive to Blarney Castle. Visit the castle and explore the area, and then have lunch in the area before driving to Cobh. Explore Cobh for the afternoon, and then return to Kinsale via ferry. Have dinner locally in Kinsale and enjoy evening pub(s).

September 14 Wake early, eat breakfast at B&B, and then drive the coastal route toward Kenmare, stopping in Inishannon and Courtmacsherry along the way. Drive to Lissyclearig Thatched Cottage B&B in Kenmare. Spend the rest of the afternoon/evening in Kenmare, dine locally, and enjoy pub scene before bedtime.

September 15 Wake early, eat breakfast at the B&B, and then dawdle around Kenmare for the morning shopping, seeing sights, etc. After exploring the town, drive to Glen Inchaquin Park for a walk and some scenery. Afterward, return to B&B to settle for awhile, and then perhaps take a cruise with Seafari or rent a sailboat on Kenmare Bay with Star Sailing (suggestions?). Have dinner in Kenmare and visit pubs afterward before bedtime. Any other ideas for how to spend a day in or near Kenmare? Is Glen Inchaquin Park really so great?

September 16 Wake early and eat breakfast at the B&B, and then travel to Killarney. If weather permits, go on Gap of Dunloe bus/horse/boat tour. Either continue exploring Killarney throughout the afternoon and stay for dinner, or return to Kenmare for dinner. Anyone done the Gap of Dunloe tour? Worth it?

September 17 Wake early, eat a final breakfast at Lissyclearig B&B, and then drive straight to Dingle. Have lunch and explore Dingle area before checking into the Emlagh Heatons Guest House B&B. Putt around town until dinner in Dingle town, and then afterward watch the sunset at the lighthouse before checking out the pubs.

September 18 Wake early and eat breakfast at the B&B before heading out for a walk on the beach and harbor. In the later morning take a pony ride around the beaches and/or countryside trails before having lunch locally in Dingle. In the afternoon, do the Slea Head drive from Dingle town out to the peninsulas tip, and reach the Dumore Head. Take plenty of time to wander the peninsula and take in the scenery. Late in the afternoon, return to Dingle town and have dinner/visit pubs before bedtime. It's a toss-up between a pony ride and taking a boat out to visit Fungi. I've never ridden a horse and my father doesn't care for them, so maybe we'll visit Fungi. Is that a good use of our time?

September 19 Wake very early, eat a quick breakfast, and then drive to Doolin, stopping in Tarbert near the ferry for lunch. After settling at the Atlantic View B&B in Doolin, go on an afternoon romp at the Cliffs of Moher. Allow plenty of time for this. Return later in the afternoon to Doolin for a walk. Have dinner before doing the pubs. Would it be worthwhile for us to visit Bunratty Folk Park and Castle on the drive from Dingle to Doolin? Then, I could either see the Cliffs of Moher later than afternoon after arriving in Doolin, or I could see them on the morning of the 20th before departing for Leenaun.

September 20 Wake and do breakfast at B&B in Doolin. Explore the Burren area in the morning, and then after lunch hit the road for the Delphi Lodge in Leenaun, Galway. After settling at the B&B, go on a walk in the countryside before heading into Leenaun town for dinner. Possible visit pub(s).

September 21 Wake early and go fishing after breakfast in the lake beside the lodge. Enjoy a leisurely morning. Drive to Letterfrack for lunch and a visit to Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy a walk through the town, and then drive to Clifden to explore the rest of the afternoon and eventually have dinner. Following dinner and a possible quick pub visit, drive back to the lodge in Leenaun for bedtime.

September 22 Wake up, have breakfast, and make the 10:30 departure time of the Killary Cruise through the Killary fjord on a catamaran yacht. Cruise lasts 90 minutes. Afterward, drive up to Westport, Mayo for lunch and an afternoon of shopping and walking. Later in the day, drive back to Leenaun for dinner and possible rowing on the lake beside the lodge and/or pub. The 3 days in Leenaun at the Lodge seem to be the slowest of the trip. We might need the days to rest, but I'd bet there's some good walking/driving to be done there.

September 23 Wake up, grab breakfast at B&B, and drive to Rossaveel to catch the noon departure for the ferry to Inis Mor. Check into the Pier House Hotel and then rent a horse carriage for an island tour. Return to town and visit shops before eating dinner and going to pubs.

September 24 Wake up, eat breakfast at Pier House, and explore the island for the day. Perhaps rent bicycles. Try to do lunch or dinner at Man of Aran Cottage. Enjoy another night of Inis Mor pubs.

September 25 Wake up very early and eat breakfast at Pier House before catching the 8:30am ferry back to the mainland at Rossaveal. Drive through Galway city on the way to Athlone, possibly stopping at Athenry for a visit. Arrive at Cornamagh House B&B (Athlone) in the afternoon, check in, and then make visit to Clonmacnoise nearby. Devote plenty of time to this. Afterward, eat dinner in Athlone.

September 26 Eat breakfast at B&B in Athlone, and then drive toward Trim, stopping along the way at any town that seems interesting. Visit the town of Trim, and the castle in Trim. Then visit Newgrange before finally heading to Swords at night to our accommodation at Bewleys Dublin Airport Hotel. I think we'll want to have dinner in or near Trim before driving to Bewley's. I'd like to spend as little of the evening as possible at an airport hotel, so I'm thinking we'll make a fairly late arrival there. That way, we can sleep on the plane all the next day!

September 27 Wake up early and get to Dublin airport for 11am flight back to America.

-- Edited by jsarcher at 18:33, 2008-08-13

Michele Erdvig · Host

John,

It looks good. I suggest you tweak your itinerary when you are there. For instance if the weather does not cooperate for Woodstock Gardens then do Waterford instead. You have options that way.

FYI, Inishannon is not on the coastal route. It is inland. But there is plenty to do and see along the coast. If the weather is good the beach at Inchydoney is wonderful. The little towns of Union Hall and Glandore are picturesque. Drombeg Stone Circle is certainly worth a stop. You might even stop to see Bantry House and Gardens, depending on how time is going.

Some other things in Kenmare are Reenagross Park (walks along the Kenmare River) and the Druid's Circle. Not far from Loughinchiquin is Derreen Gardens near Lauragh.

If you are taking a tour of the Gap of Dunloe you should note that they depart around 10 pm from Killarney. Look at Dero's Tours. In good weather it is spectacular.

Where are you staying in Dingle? Heaton's or Emlagh House?

If neither you or your father are horseback riders you will better off taking the cruise in Dingle.

You could certainly route yourselves to Bunratty and then to Doolin. In that case you would not take the ferry but go through Limerick.

I know you are looking forward to your trip and counting down the days. You will have to let us all know how it went. biggrin

Michele

jsarcher · Member

Michele, thanks again for all of your help. This forum is a lifesaver. I'm just hoping a hurricane doesn't bog down on Atlanta when we're trying to fly out in September... 'twould be my luck! I'm printing out your last post and taking it with us on the trip, so we'll have all of your suggestions right at our fingertips!

And I'll definately drop by with a review of the trip and some (1000's, probably) pictures.

Michele Erdvig · Host

John,

The more photos the better! We love photos and trip reports. Many post theirs on Flickr.

Michele