1st trip to Ireland! 7 nights flying in and out of Dublin

Wajirl · Member

1st trip to Ireland! 7 nights flying in and out of Dublin

Michele Erdvig · Host

Wajirl,

Welcome to my forum! I'm happy you have learned a lot even before your first post.

Celiac disease is very prevelent in Ireland. You will find that supermarkets have gluten free items. What is important is to let your accommodations know in advance what you need so they can have the proper foods on hand for your breakfast. I even know of a B&B in Dingle that caters to celiacs.

I generally advise people to only drive for 2 hours or less upon arrival day unless they have two drivers to split the time behind the wheel. Getting from Dublin to the west coast will probably take 4 hours.

Try for a few 2-night stays interspersed with one nighters. You only have 7 days. If you give two to Dublin that leaves 5 for the countryside. Get a map, your calendar and list of "must sees". Then sit down with the family to make a plan. Let us know what you decide on and we will help you refine your itinerary.

For castles have a look at my Castle Hotels page. For car rentals look at my Car Rental page. As for how much insurance you need, only you know. If you get in an accident can you afford a 1,000 euro deductible? If not you need CDW and Super CDW (or use a credit card that covers you instead). Take a look at several car rental sites to see what cars are available and pricing.

Get busy planning because April will be here soon.

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Wajirl,

I will second the welcome! I ahve a friend with whom I frequently travel who has Celiac disease. She is also a frequent traveler to Ireland. As Michele has said, Celiac is prevalent in Ireland.

I am including some links that I have bookmarked to help Celiac travelers have their best Ireland vacation possible.

http://www.findarestaurant.ie/List_Restaurants_By_Coeliac%20Friendly.htm

http://www.ireland-guide.com/search/restaurant.php?aArrQlt%5B65%5D%5B%5D=715&aArrQlt%5B15%5D%5B%5D=211&s=Coeliac%20Friendly

There is also a Celiac group & forum based in Ireland which you might want to check out to answer some of your questions:

http://www.coeliac.ie/webboards/index.php

I look forward to helping you plan your Holidays.

Slan Beo (Take Care), Bit

Wajirl · Member

Thanks so much! I'm glued to the internet trying to figure it all out. This really helps. Hopefully soon the dust will start to settle and I'll start seeing the right path. Sounds like the celiac/gluten thing may be easier than I thought.

I'll be back! Thanks again.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Wajirl,

Always glad to offer advice. Let us know if you have more questions.

Michele

Wajirl · Member

Hello! I'm back finally after doing so much research my head is spinning! I may be more confused than when I started. I would love some feedback on a couple of options.

My husband is in more of a relaxing mood I think, and would like to keep it as simple as possible, prefers to only stay and concentrate on one place in the western part, even if it means just seeing one area. Not sure I agree...there is so much I want to see!

So...flying into Dublin Sunday April 19th and back out of Dublin the following Sunday morning.

Option 1
Rent car and drive to Galway (not sure where to stay) for a couple of days.
Drive to Killarney for a couple of days (Loch Lein Country Hotel), back to Dublin for Thursday night, giving us Friday and Sat in Dublin.

Option 2
Rent car and drive to Killarney, staying at Loch Lein for 4 nights and just concentrate on Dingle and Killarney. Back to Dublin Thursday night staying somewhere downtown.

Loch Lein Country Hotel sounds wonderful, and gets great reviews. They also can deal with my gluten free issues, which is so nice. Is there plenty to do and see if we do decide to stay in Killarney the 4 days?

If choosing only one area, would 4 days in Galway be better than 4 in Killarney/ Dingle?

Any advice would be welcome. We do plan on going back, but one never knows!

If you have must sees in either area or "don't bother" places, I would love to know what you think. Also, if you have a favorite route for an interesting drive back to Dublin, I would appreciate ideas for that too.

Thanks so much. I'm so glad to have found such a great site and helpful folks!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Wajirl,

You really can't go wrong with 4 days in Killarney. And since Loch Lein will work with your gluten-free diet, that is a definite plus. Their restaurant serves lovely dinners too.

There is plenty to do and see from Killarney. In fact if you had two weeks there would still be lots to see in the area. Plus the rhododendrons at Muckross Gardens are usually in full bloom around mid-April. They are fabulous and big as houses. Actually they are considered weeds in Kerry.

The most direct route from Killarney to Dublin would be through Limerick. However, if you want to make it a long sightseeing day you can go to Cahir and Cashel, making stops at Cahir Castle and Rock of Cashel.

Michele

Wajirl · Member

Thanks for the help Michelle and Bit (esp for the celiac tips).

At this point, driving to Killarney from Dublin airport starting out about 6 or 7am. Thanks for the suggestion of Cahir Castle and Rock of Cashel on the way.

Is it feasible to take a different route back to Dublin by way of the South? Maybe through Cork or a stop on the South coast? Not sure on the must-see meter what would be best priority. Not sure on the time driving not taking the more direct route.

Is Bantry a good day trip from our home base of Killarney?

If you had to prioritize the best of the best for the 4 nights, three full days in Killarney, what would be your top choices? Dingle (any words of wisdom?) Ring of Kerry? Gap of Dunloe? Any old Abbys to see? Ross Castle?

We are staying near Stephen's Green in Dublin for the last 3 nights, 2 full days. I think one day we'll see Dublin sights, but want a day trip like maybe the Wicklow? (We'll have turned in the car, so it will be a tour).

I don't think I should have started a new job as a tax preparer AND try and plan a trip to Ireland, but am happy to have this site to learn so much.

Thanks!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Wajirl,

I suggest you take it easy on the long drive to Killarney from Dublin on arrival day. Take frequent breaks and walk around in the fresh air to get used to Irish time. If you can share the driving, do so. The drive will take about 6 hours total. Stopping at Cashel and Cahir will break up the trip and give you time outside the car. However, it will add to the travel time. If you find yourselves extremely tired it might be best to park in a safe place and have a nap before proceeding.

I usually don't recommend driving more than a couple of hours on your first day. But since that is what you want to do, take my advice about how to do it. You might want to book dinner on that night at Loch Lein so you don't have to go out once you arrive.

For your time in Killarney: Dingle, Gap of Dunloe and doing the Killarney area (Muckross, Cherry Tree Walk, Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, etc. would be my choices. Try Muckross Abbey and Aghadoe in the Killarney area.

On the day you drive to Dublin from Killarney you could certainly drive to Cork and up through Kilkenny. Maybe stop for the castle there. And Blarney Castle is on the route if you must kiss the stone!

Good luck with your new job.

Michele