B&B in west/southwest Ireland

CowboyCraic · Guru

RE: B&B in west/southwest Ireland

meredith · Veteran Member

Rebecca,

When we were planning our itinerary (first timers), on Bit's advice we cut Doolin back from 2 nights to 1. The music was the main reason we had planned 2 nights there. We're glad we only stayed the single night. Apart from it's proximity to the Cliffs of Moher, we found there wasn't a lot else to do. It was an ideal place to stop enroute from Galway to Dingle, which had been highly recommended by friends. We spent 4 nights there and we weren't disappointed. The Dingle Peninsula is wonderful-beautiful scenery and amazing ruins. You can do as much or as little as you wish.
Have fun planning!

Regards, Meredith

youngka · Guru

Sorry, but what is the site for Shores? I have tried to find it and can't hmm

THANKS, youngka

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Here you go, Youngka -- enjoy!

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Okay -- it would help if I included the link, right? idea

http://www.shorescountryhouse.com

Sidz · Guru

There are three pubs in Doolin -- all with music -- and Gus O'Connors has music 365 days a year. You can be certain of that pub offering for sure.

Here is a "mighty" session from O'Connors.

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-- Edited by Sidz at 17:30, 2008-11-19

youngka · Guru

THANKS Rebecca! youngka biggrin

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Well, it's becoming more real. Our agent is working on finding flights that suit our hoped for trips there and back (Shannon). She has asked me a question that I'd appreciate help with: she wants to know if we want standard auto insurance or the super (no deductible). I understand there's quite a price difference. Do most folk go with the standard and hope for the best?

Dude · Guru

Rebecca, I took the Kemwel CDW and then went to insurance4carhire.com and got their Super CDW for about $100 for a year's coverage. No deductible and it covers glass, tires, etc. Worth it to me for the peace of mind.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rebecca,

Please take a look at my Car Rental page as it will tell you all the ins and outs of renting a car and explain the insurance. If it were me I would want complete coverage either as Dude suggested, purchasing the max insurance or through Master Rental insurance still provided by some (very few) MasterCards or the insurance through Diners Club.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Youngka,

Lovely to see your smiling face on the forum!

Michele

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Michelle (or others), before I book our accommodation reservations, I wanted to double-check to see if you think my hoped-for itinerary is doable: fly into Shannon direct from US, pick up rental car, drive to Kenmare for three nights at the Sallyport; drive to Castlegregory for three nights at the Shores CountryHouse; drive to Bunratty Lodge for one night before flight home. Do you know the hosts of the Sallyport and the Shores well enough to advise whether or not I should ask them for suggestions of how to spend our days there? I don't want to be a pushy American!

youngka · Guru

Hi Michele, My husband put my picture on this site. I never can figure out directions!! Have a good year EVERYONE! Youngka

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rebecca,

Go for it! Just take the route I told you about to Kenmare on your first jet-lagged day.

The Arthurs at Sallyport are lovely. You will probably meet Janie and/or Helen (they are sisters-in-law). Either one of them will be most happy to help plan your daily activities. They really know their little corner of the world and everything there is to see and do.

Annette at The Shores is equally knowledgable about Dingle and will be delighted to help you. Since she also cooks the gourmet dinners and breakfast it is best to ask for advice at times other than when she is cooking. Perhaps after breakfast or in the afternoon when you arrive.

None of the B&B hosts will think you are a pushy American. They are in the hospitality business and help their guests all the time.

Michele

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

I'm so happy to hear that! (Yes, we plan to take your recommended driving route.) And thanks again for everything you do for us all, Michelle.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rebecca,

I am always happy to help. I hope your trip is fantastic. You will have to let us know all about it when you return.

Michele

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Michele, Do you know -- do the owners of Sallyport take vacation during January perhaps? I've made two inquiries for reservations there, and haven't heard back. I'll keep trying, of course, but no need to bug them if they aren't there! I've heard back from Mary at Bunratty and Annette at the Shores -- both sound so very nice and are already suggesting things we should do and see.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rebecca,

It is very possible that the Arthurs have gone on vacation. Give it a few weeks and then contact them again. It is early in the year and plenty of time for your reservations. Glad to hear Mary and Annette have some good suggestions for you. They are both tops.

Michele

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Got my answer from Sallyport and we're booked. So that settles everything -- except for waiting for the adventure to begin!

youngka · Guru

Rebecca, now the fun begins. Enjoy your time in Ireland, you won't want to leave. April will be here before you know it!! Have fun!! Youngka

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rebecca,

I am delighted to hear you got in at Sallyport House. It is one of my all time favorites. Don't eat big dinners because breakfast there is amazing.

Now you will have to begin the count down to your trip.

Michele

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Michele, I mentioned your mapping service to Michael, and he'd like to ask your help with mapping our drive from Shannon Airport to Sallyport, Sallyport to Shores, and Shores to Bunratty Lodge. I've tried several free routing services on line, and none of them will give me your suggested Cork Road route to Kenmare. So...do I put a check for $20 in the mail to you? It's little to pay for the peace of mind for jet-lagged travelers/first-time Ireland drivers.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rebecca,

Sorry for not answering sooner. I have been at my niece's funeral. Yes, you can send me a check for $20 to:

Michele Erdvig
P.O. Box 862194
Marietta GA 30062

Please either include or email me your sightseeing and overnight stays for each day so that I can route you properly.

For instance:

Day 3: Westport: Day trip to Achill Island, Atlantic Drive, Deserted Village

The dates for each day will be helpful so I can know if it is a weekend or what might be on in the area.

There is a big difference between dealing with a computer data base and a real human who has been there and actually driven on the roads.

Michele

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

I am sorry to hear of your loss, Michele.

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

...and the check is in today's mail.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Thanks Rebecca. I will look for your info in the mail.

Michele

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Michele, just wanted to make sure you had received my check and note re driving directions. I'm in no rush (well, I am -- but April is still a way off!) -- but since the check hasn't yet cleared the bank, I thought I'd ask. confuse

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rebecca,

Sorry! I did receive your check. I recently painted and redecorated my office and am still pulling things out of boxes so am disorganized at the moment. However, I have your check and letter on my desk where I can see it marked "MAP" in big letters.

Thanks for the reminder and I will get with it.

Michele

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Again, there's no rush -- just wanted to make certain it found its way to you. Enjoy the redecorating!

My latest Ireland of the Welcomes arrived this week -- I just finished reading about Easter celebrations there -- since we'll be there over that weekend. I've made a note on our travel plans that all pubs are closed on Good Friday.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rebecca,

Many restaurants are closed on GF also.

Michele