Southern ireland highlights

Bernie · Member

Southern ireland highlights

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bernie and Co,

Welcome to my forum! What a fun family trip you are planning. I realize that two days are usually taken up by travel and flights. How much time do you actually have in Ireland? Will you be using B&B vouchers? Sometimes those vouchers have your first night's stay already booked for you. Is that the case with your Sceptre Tours package?

Do you have any particular areas or sightseeing you are interested in?

Get back to me with a little more info and we will offer some suggestions for you.

Michele

Bernie · Member

we will be in Ireland for at least 9 nights our first/last nights would be booked-one in Shannon area the last in Dublin also we have 2 with friends a bit north of dublin. So 5 vouchers

are the b/b's in those voucher packages pretty good?

In the little bit of reading I have done we might like to see Galway area-Cliffs of Mohr-some great pubs-wondering about bunratty castle and a route to get us a lot of site seeing/history and back up to Dublin area. We don't mind being on the move everyday since we have such a short time-unless you think 2 days in one area is needed. I am open to all suggestions!

I have not actually booked with Sceptre yet so we can adjust to have all vouchers and the number of days.

Warm Regards,
Bernie

CowboyCraic · Guru

Bernie,

A Caveat with vouchers:

In May, you might actually find a better rate by booking the rooms yourself and not using vouchers at all. Most B&Bs limit the number of rooms they hold available for vouchers. As you are looking at booking three rooms, you may have some issues using the vouchers.

Are there family connections in Ireland? That would point you in a certain direction.

We look forwarded to helping you make this the best trip.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Bernie · Member

we will only need 2 rooms...I have been toying with the idea of booking air - car myself and going with the flow on accommodations....what can i expect price wise for a room 2 people in the average b&b?
thanks,
b

-- Edited by Bernie on Thursday 19th of March 2009 12:41:10 PM

CowboyCraic · Guru

Bernie,

A lot will depend on the area in which you choose to lodge. B&B's normally charge per person. Other than Gleeson's in Roscommon town, I am averaging 35 to 45 euro per night for B&B.

A few exceptional lodgings, Smarmore Castle, Loch Lein & Bunratty Lodge, are offering some excellent specials through Michele here at Irelandyes. You might look at those and see if they fall in with your plans.

I did the self-drive tour with B&B vouchers my first trip over. I came home with vouchers left over because in some places it was just easier to pay cash. In Dublin, should you desire to be at City centre instead of the suburbs, for example, you would either have to upgrade to a hotel package or pay your own lodgings.

I would suggest that you cost out the trip both ways, package and booking on your own. To determine which would be more cost effective. Continental and Aer Lingus have been running some great airfare deals lately. I was able to get a RT from Phoenix into Dublin and out of Shannon for $519, all fees included, for the first week in May on Continental.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Bernie · Member

thanks! I found $400.00 lax r/t dublin as well...here in us we are accustomed to b/b paying per room-
so 30 euros each is about 80.00 per night- the vouchers seem more reasonable prices, but if it's a hassle it won't be worth it.

thanks much
b

CowboyCraic · Guru

Bernie,

That is an excellent fare from LAX!

Since it is the blooming season, I would recommend that you look to an itinerary such as this:

Day 1 - Arrive Shannon - head to Dingle (Overnight two nights) I can recommend Blooming Wildflower Cottage
     Day 2 - Tour Dingle Peninsula
Day 3 - Head to Killarney - (Two Nights Lodging)
     Day 4 - Do Gap of Dunloe tour
Day 5 - Head to Kinsale (Two nights Lodging)
     Day 6 - Explore Beara Peninsula
Day 7 - Head to Wicklow area (two nights lodging)
     Day 8 - Explore Glendalough and Powerscourt
Day 9 - head to Dublin area to meet up with friends

An itinerary such as this would place you in the south where the blossoms will be incredible! Two nights lodging assure you have time to enjoy your surroundings.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bernie,

Good advice from Bit. And that airfare is great. Go for it! Using vouchers is restrictive. Check them out carefully before purchasing.

Michele

Bernie · Member

so it sounds as if it is fairly easy to get a place to stay without vouchers...great!
Any car rental company recommendations? I have researched a few and the prices vary
significantly. I know we need to get the insurance...who has the best rates these days?

Warm Regards,
Bernie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bernie,

It is very easy to find places to stay without using vouchers. Cash is king!

As for car rentals, it is like looking for airfares. Different companies and prices all over the map. I suggest you read my Car Rental page and follow the advice there. Most important is to shop around, read the fine print, add all the costs up for a grand total and compare the same type at each company.

Michele

youngka · Guru

Bernie ordering Michele's book is a great idea also. Combined with her web site, you can get a lot of information......youngka

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

I second Youngka's advice -- Michele's book is the best. biggrin

Bernie · Member

i do plan ordering the book! thanks both of you for the info so far! We are really looking forward
to experiencing all that is Ireland! As for the cash, is better to have euros or USD?
If we fly r/t dublin how is the road west toward Galway? Or maybe head south then around to the west?

Warm Regards,
Bernie

CowboyCraic · Guru

Bernie,

You can use your debit card to withdraw Euros from ATMs throughout Ireland. That is your best cash obtaining method.

If you can book into Shannon & out of Dublin, you are best off, as this would give you a horseshoe to travel instead of the backtracking at vacation's end to hook up with your friends.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Bernie · Member

found a great fare in to shannon out dublin...
thanks,
bernie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bernie,

As Bit said use a debit card or ATM card to get euros in Ireland. Take a look at my Money page for more info.

Into Shannon and out of Dublin. Perfect!

Michele