Shannon or Dublin

disneon · Member

Shannon or Dublin

CowboyCraic · Guru

First off:

Failte! Welcome to the Forums!

I use Shannon almost exclusively simply because it is much easier to navigate in and around. It is less of a hassle getting out on to the roadways and much easier to find the rental desks and return areas.

You say that you will have ten days but not what time of year. If you could let us know what time frame we are looking at, we can better assist you in making your trip a success.

My rule of thumb is two nights minimum in any give location. Your last night should be as close to your departure point as possible. In the case of the Shannon airport, the best choice, in my opinion, would be Bunratty and more specifically, Bunratty Lodge. I love Mary Browne's brown bread!

Perhaps, depending on the time of year,

Dingle 3 nights
Kenmare or Killarney 2 nights
Doolin 1 night
Galway 3 nights
Bunratty the Final night

That would cover the Southwest and the West.

Distances seem short in Ireland. However, the roads are such that they do not make for quick travel. You will average 30 - 35 mph on most roads.

Looking Forward to Helping You Plan your adventure!

Slan Beo (Take Care), Bit

stewh · Guru

Yes, Shannon is much more user-friendly. Dublin Airport is under major construction and traffic in the area can be quite a problem. As Bit suggests, I would use Shannon and concentrate on the Southwest. You will save a lot of time by skipping Dublin; save the city for another trip.
Stewart

Sidz · Guru

Another thumbs up for Shannon over Dublin. Not even a debate on that one.

Michele Erdvig · Host

disneon,

It is no contest. SHANNON! After 35 years of using both I always choose Shannon if I can. Unfortunately for me Delta's flight schedules have changed and I have to go into Dublin lately. Every time I land I dream of landing in Shannon instead.

Michele

disneon · Member

Thanks to everyone that responded. All of your feedback is very helpful. To answer Bit's question, we are planning our trip for May 2009. I appreciate how you broke it down as to several nights in most locations - I'd hate to pack and unpack everyday. I don't want to be rushed to head to our next destination - I'd like to really have time to explore each area we visit.

CowboyCraic · Guru

May is a fabulous time to be going! Everything will be blooming and the crowds will not be too heavy. I am looking at mid may to be there myself.

With that in mind, you could actually drop the Doolin overnight and add an extra night to Killarney or Kenmare. Killarney National Park will be fantabulous at that time!

That would give you three nights in Dingle, Killarney and Galway. More than enough time to settle in and get to know an area.

When you come up from Killarney to Galway, catch the Killimer/Tarbert Ferry and take the coast road North. This will take you to the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin for a stroll, into the Burren and up into Galway. It is the better part of a day when taking this route but you will have a great day of beautiful scenery, lovely villages and towns and a plethora of ancient ruins and round towers.

If you take along a guide book, make sure it is Michele's. She is very detailed and it will serve you well.

For lodging,

Dingle: Blooming Wildflower Cottage (at town centre and on the Harbour)
Killarney: Loch Lein (I think they are still offering a special rate for Michele's forum members)
Kenmare: Annagry House
Galway: St Martins Guesthouse (15 minute stroll to city centre)
Bunratty: Bunratty Lodge (Mary's Brown bread is to die for)

Sign up for Aerlingus' email newsletter, as they are starting to project ahead for next year. I just got word of an airfare sale that runs November through the end of April, so a May fare sale shouldn't be too far of a stretch.

Checkout Michele's Kemwel link for auto rental, as it is a stellar company from which to rent.

Slan Beo (Take Care), Bit

-- Edited by CowboyCraic at 15:43, 2008-09-12

disneon · Member

Thanks so much for your help, Bit. I admit I was very overwhelmed when I started looking at all the information on Ireland, but you have made it so much easier! I love the idea of three nights in each location and I really appreciate your suggestions for places to stay. Now I just need to do my homework and find the places we want to visit in each area. Thanks!

Michele Erdvig · Host

disneon,

Loch Lein's special offer is good for 2008. I will know near the end of the year if they will extend it into 2009. If they do, jump at it. You won't regret it.

Also, take a look at my Lodgings page for other good places to stay. The planning is half the fun of the trip.

Michele