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mrsmac


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Newbie with trip questions
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Hello all! How lucky am I to find such a wonderful site? There's loads of information on here...I spent almost all day yesterday just looking around. It's because of you that I didn't any housework done! For that I say thanksbiggrin

I know you guys can help so I'll start with some info about us before I ask away...

My hubby and I are returning to Ireland in May for 9 nights. This is our second trip, and we would really appreciate some help and guidance.

We loved doing the B&B/self drive, so we're repeating that. However we have learned from our first trip that we tried to see SO much, (and it was all wonderful), but we want to slow down and savor it this time.  

We'd want to "park" it for 2-3 nights in some good spots for day trips, and after a long day of sightseeing, park the car and walk everywhere, (PUBS!! and FOOD!!).

We are flying in and out of Shannon this time, and have booked 2 nights in Doolin first so we can go for the day to the Aran Islands. (Any advice on which island(s) to see?-we are thinking of renting bikes)

So we have 7 nights left, and I'm just going to throw out some areas where we'd like to spend some time or things we'd like to see. Maybe you can help with the route and if you can recommend B&B's that are within walking distance to food and pubs?

Rock Of Cashel
Beara Penninsula
Killarney/Kenmare/Ring of Kerry
Kinsale(been there and loved it, but realize we might not have time to fit this in)

For the last night we'd like to book in advance near the Shannon airport, (other than Doolin since we start off there). Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance, and I'm excited to hear from all of you!
Karen




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noshot9


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I think Doolin is a good place to start.  From there, I would spend 2-3 nights in Kenmare.  You can do day trips to Beara Peninsula,, Ring of Kerry and Killarney.  You might also like to spend some time in Dingle if you can work it in.

The last night I would stay at Bunratty Lodge.  You could also do the Folk Park and Castle thing that day in Bunratty.  It is about 15-20 drive from there to Shannon Airport.

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Michele Erdvig


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Karen,

Welcome to my forum! I am glad to hear you are enjoying all the info here. Hey, you can always dust next week. wink 

It sounds like you learned the realities of traveling around Ireland on your first trip. Having home bases for a couple of nights makes for a better trip in most cases. 

I agree with noshot9 that Kenmare would make a great base. It is my favorite small town in Ireland. On your way back up to Shannon you could have a night or two in Cashel. With Doolin, Kenmare, Cashel and your last night in Bunratty, that will fill your time nicely.

I would choose Inishmore as there is more to do and see there. 

Take a look at my Lodgings page for places to stay.

What else did you do on your first trip?

Michele



-- Edited by Michele Erdvig on Tuesday 24th of March 2009 10:28:37 PM

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mrsmac


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Hello noshot9 and Michele!

Thanks to you both. Your ideas make sense, so I will look more closely at your lodging info.

Michele-you asked about our first trip. Somewhere in this house is a journal, but I'll have to go by memory for now smile.gif

We flew into Dublin and out of Shannon, and these are some places we visited:

Glendalough
Wicklow Mts.
Ardmore
Blarney Castle
Cork
Cobh
Kinsale
Dingle Peninsula
Cliffs
Galway
Slea Head
Clifden
Westport
Ennis

That's a pretty quick summary. I know what you all are thinking..."Green Blur"!! LOL!

Our favorite part of the trip were the people we met along the way. and 75 degrees every day didn't hurt either! Do you think we'll have a lucky repeat??

Thanks again for all the help and guidance. Now we can complete our route and find some great B&B's to have some fun!

Karen

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Michele Erdvig


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Karen,

You covered a lot of ground on your first trip. When you get back from your second you will have to let us know which mode of travel you prefered - fast or slower.

Look at Joy's Rockside in Cashel and Sallyport in Kenmare. Both walking distance to town.

Michele

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mrsmac


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Hello Michele,

Yes, we did cover lots of stuff on the first time around. We were there 10 days and had about 1200 miles on the car. We enjoy road trips though, so it really was wonderful!

Would you happen to have any information on where we could rent a sailboat for the day?

Also, any lovely tea places to sit and have homemade scones with fresh whipped cream that you can recommend near the areas we are going to? It's all about the food for me!

I'll be sure to check in after the trip too.

Thanks again,
Karen


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Michele Erdvig


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Karen, 

If you want a fancy tea I suggest the Park Hotel in Kenmare. For a little cafe try Jam in Kenmare. In Cashel try the Cashel Palace Hotel. If you are passing through Adare then Adare Manor. 

Sailing: http://www.staroutdoors.ie/

Michele

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mrsmac


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Hello Michele,

Sorry to be just getting back to you-I have been away.

I emailed the folks at Star Outdoors to find out about renting a sailboat. I appreciate the link!

And thanks for helping me find the tea/scones I so love!! I am getting so excited about our trip. We can't wait to get back to Ireland!

Have a lovely day and thanks so much for the help!
Karen

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Michele Erdvig


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Karen,

Always happy to help. Just thinking about those Irish scones is making me hungry.

Michele

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