Book ahead of time or on the fly??

Shawn · Senior Member

Book ahead of time or on the fly??

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Unless you are flying to the Arans, it is best to keep your plans fluid, as the ferry IS weather dependant.

Don't know about the ferry to the Blaskets as I've never been.

The Skellig Michael trip is VERY weather dependant.

http://www.skelligislands.com/

http://www.moorings.ie/Skelligs/Skelligs-Michael-Rocks.aspx

http://www.skelligstrips.com/about.html

Booking for both Bunratty banquets are recommended.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

Glad to hear everything is coming together for your trip.

I don't know of a regularly scheduled boat service that goes from Dingle to the Skelligs. It is always possible to charter a boat but that would cost a lot more.

As Bob has advised, book your banquet or trad night well in advance. They fill up quickly. Your B&B host will most likely be able to make your reservation if you email them.

Michele

Shawn · Senior Member

Ok. I figured that would be the deal. We're still trying to decide between the banquet and the trad night....leaning towards trad night maybe?? From what I've read it seems there is more dancing in the trad night, which appeals to my wife.

CowboyCraic · Guru

I would definitely choose the Trad night over the Castle dinner. I have done both. I found that the Trad dinner was much more down to earth and comfortable. I also enjoyed the food more at the Trad show.

Slan Beo, Bit

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Bit, I was going to ask Michele that very question, but now don't have to bother her! Trad night it is! (We're not filling our scant time in Ireland with typically "touristy" things, but thought it might be fun to do at least one such thing while in Bunratty.)

CowboyCraic · Guru

Rebecca,

As I wander, camera in hand, through Ireland, I normally make it a point to avoid most touristy areas. I have really enjoyed the Corn Barn as a way to end a trip. I find that it sets the tone for my next returning.

Slan Beo, Bit

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

As it happens, we are spending our last two nights (sigh) at the Bunratty Lodge -- and I thought it might be fun to head down the road to the Corn Barn. Thanks for all your good advice.

Shawn · Senior Member

rebeccaf wrote:

As it happens, we are spending our last two nights (sigh) at the Bunratty Lodge -- and I thought it might be fun to head down the road to the Corn Barn. Thanks for all your good advice.

Good to hear. I've always thought that the bunratty stuff seemed kind of cheezy and fake. But, since we're flying out of Shannon, I guess we'll give the corn barn a shot.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

Have you been to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park before? It is definitely not fake. It is a genuine castle that has been restored and furnished. The cottages in the folk park are real cottages and depict the way people lived from a humble fisherman to a country doctor. They are furnished authentically. It gives you pause when you see a one room cabin that a whole family of 10 lived in way back when. Makes you wonder why everyone today needs a McMansion.

Irish Night is well done. You usually get a choice of entrees: Irish stew, vegetarian pasta or salmon. The salmon is excellent. There is plenty of dancing, music and singing, along with audience participation on stage. It's a fun night.

Michele

Shawn · Senior Member

Michele,

No I haven't been. I think I just had some terrible vision of Medevil Times or something biggrin

I'm sure we'll have a great time...and Trad Night it is.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

Definitely not Medieval Times. Let us know what you think after you have been.

Michele