My wife and I will be in Ireland (driving) for 2 weeks next May. 3 days will be spent in Dublin and the rest in the of The Republic of Ireland (not too far north). We would like some places to stay that we could venture out from and see interesting things reasonably nearby. 3 to five locations should allow us to see a lot without changing B&B's too often. We like being off the beaten track and visiting with locals in local pubs (I have Irish ancestry). Thanks for any help you can give. Henry and Frances Ford
You have come to a friendly place for advice, to be sure!
With a name like Henry Ford, you should swing through Ballinascarthy, which is where the Father and Grandfather of Henry Ford were born. They have a great sculpture there in honor of the Ford Family.
Looking forward to helping you have a fabulous trip. To begin with, make a list of the top things you want to see or do. That will give us a better direction. Also, definitely take a look at Michele's book, as it whas served many an Irish traveler well.
Slan Beo, Bit
Ford Millenium Sculpture, Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork
That was quite a welcome from Bit who supplied you with a great photo. Thanks Bit!
It is an excellent idea to base in several places for multiple-night stays. That will allow you to relax, do day trips and return each evening to a place you are comfortable with. Be sure to look at my "Lodgings" page for suggestions of where to stay. Plus it is fun just looking at the accommodation websites.
Some places that make good bases are Kilkenny, Killarney/Kenmare, Doolin/Ballyvaughan, Galway/Salthill/Oughterard/Clifden. Take a look at my Sightseeing page and my Top 10 List too.
Let us know if you have any other specific questions. Looking forward to helping with your trip.
Not sure if my reply was just to Bit or was a posting but I will thank him again. I know my grandmother wast Irish (Payne) but I didn't know the Ford side of the family might be Irish too. We will want to see the more beautiful areas of Ireland. Kilkenny, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Doolin, Killarney/Kenmare, the Galway area, County Cork, perhaps the Burren, Cobh. We may have to leave some things out but would like to make our stays most time effective. I know I'm probably omiting something great. So if some of these are not easily matched with others, those are the ones we would want to leave out.
The gentleman in the picture is my performing partner. He has an afinity for all ford motor products so he had to be in the picture.
With two weeks, you should be able to hit all of your high spots. You didn't say but I will base the following on arriving and departing from Dublin:
Day 1- 3 Dublin - upon arrival, take ground transportation to your Dublin lodgings. If an early arrival, you should be able to stow your luggage where ever you book in, use day one to get the lay of Dublin, take an Open-top Bus tour which will orient you and allow you to learn a bit about Dublin. You can Hop-on/off at any attractions you wish to explore.
Day two, take advantage of Mary Gibbons' NewGrange Tour. You shant be disappointed.
Day 3 - 4 Kilkenny
Day 4 - 6 head toward Kinsale, you can make Cobh your lunch stop and meander point
Day 6 - 8 Kenmare or Killarney
Day 8 - 10 Dingle
Day 10- 13 Galway
Night of the 13th day, stay at a Dublin airport hotel for ease of departure. This type of pace would allow you to hit your high points and still hit your high points.
Most of the Paynes I know of originated in Co. Down, in Dromore Parish, and in Belfast. A large number of Paynes migrated to Dundee, Scotland in the midst of the Famine. As I said before, the Ford family line is in Co. Cork.
The itinerary suggestion is just to give your mind a direction. If you were to book your arrival flight into Dublin and your departure out of Shannon, it would give you more time on the West coast and avoid the Dublin return.
Thanks so much for a beautifully mapped out plan. We will fill in the details. We think we just discovered my wife has Irish ancestry too. Her family name is Wayne. Is that Irish? How do you pronounce "Slan Beo"?
I have not seen it as a common genealogical surname in Ireland. Wayne or, in Old English, Wain has its roots in England and in Wales.
It is possible that her ancestors came over as part of the "British Colonization" of Ireland. However, I couldn't tell you which counties they might have settled. What was her mother's maiden name?
Slan Beo is pronounced s'lawn bay-o. Slan is also the way to say good bye, so long, etc.
You have a chance to hear a good bit of Irish in the Dingle & Galway areas.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I have been under the weahr.
My wife has just recently discovered the Wayne name and hasn't yet gotten any further. She was thrilled to find that part of the family accidentally. Thanks again Henry and Frances