Hi Dude, We started our Ireland cycle in 2006 and each year we say maybe Yellowstone, Alaska, etc., and we always return to Ireland Since we will do the coast route from Clifden to Dublin-this May and half of June-- then cut back to the Shannon area, and since we have seen the SW for three trips, maybe we should explore the center area? as they say, too much to see, too little time!...
You and your granschildren have a wonderful trip and don't let them wear you out. Also, looking forward to your trip report when you return. I am really looking forward to getting Anchoress' jams, since you had mentioned her jam in one of your other postings -- I wrote her, and we have tentative plans to meet while we are in her area! This is why this site is so much fun.....I will finally get to meet Bit!. You and the Itallian Chauffeur have a good visit......
.Michele, I think the idea of pins sounds real neat...youngka

CowboyCraic · Guru

Home Again - Home Again

oceanblue · Veteran Member

Hi Bit and Michelle

I will be going to Ireland June 18th thru July 2nd. There are 8 of us, my second trip and everyone else's first trip. We are all family, my daughters 23 and 30 want to go horseback riding. Could you tell me where the best place to go out of the areas we will be staying in:

Avoca, Kinsale, Bantry, Dingle, Doolin, Galway and Dublin

I so wanted to do some of the North but being a first trip for most thought this might hit the highlights. I too have changed plans at least a dozen times. Still struggling on where to stay in Dublin last 2 nights. Would have preferred to skip Dublin but I thought the girls would have fun with shopping and nightlife and I would like to see the Book of Kells as well as Kilmainham Gaol. Want to stay around St Stephans Green, have reservations for Kilronan House but not sure that is what I want.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thank You

Barbara

Dude · Guru

Ah, Bit, I can sympathize. I am still working on the Granny and the Boys tour which was started in my brain several years ago. Like wedding plans, planning trips to Ireland takes as much time as you have. One more B&B response and I am set....famous words.

Have a wonderful, safe trip and we know we can trust you to give us a wonderful trip report when you return. Don't miss Thoor Ballylee when you are in the Coole Park area.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Yes, Yes,

Much like a wedding... The airfare is bought (airfare), invitations sent ( B&B requests) but everything else is susceptible to whim, weather and whatever comes my way.

The plans are already changing, as my friends in Roscommon have already set plans in motion for a ceili on my first night. That means that I must decide on staying there two days and then making the long drive for the Ferry or staying one night, the sixth, and overnighting on the 7th somewhere closer to Rossaveal. confuse

I intend to spend some time at Thoor Ballylee and will enjoy the solitude of Coole park, as well.

Barbara,

I found some excellent riding in both Doolin & Dingle. If I had to choose though, I would choose Dingle. Checkout Dingle Horseriding. THey would do a fine job, to be sure.

Slan Beo,

Bit

youngka · Guru

Bit, I am so glad your plans are falling in place. biggrin

I checked out several places you are staying and I hope we can make ONE MORE TRIP, after this one, so we can stay at a few of your suggestions! smile

It will be good to see you and eventho it is still awhile till we go -- safe trip, and visiting as you go along! confuse

youngka

Dude · Guru

I think I could spend a week at Coole Park--but maybe not; there's so much else to do.....

Neat that we are having get-togethers. Itallian Chauffeur and I have tentative plans to meet in Ennis on both our last nights in country. I'll be bringing him some of Anchoress' jams. The boys and I were going to the Traditional Irish Night then but that night was booked up so we opted for the penultimate night instead, leaving us free to meet up with IC.

Only one more trip, Youngka? biggrin

Won't each trip demand one more? I have so many backed up in the planning section of my brain that I'll have to live to be VERY old to get them all done.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bit,

That is fantastic that you found a good fare to take you back home to Ireland! I see that your itinerary is changing slightly as we talk. Is there something in Athenry that you particularly wanted to see or do?

Not too far from Coole Park is Kilmacduagh. Have you been there before? It is off the tourist track and quite interesting.

How fun that everyone is getting to meet up in Ireland this year. Maybe I should design a IrelandYes pin or something so people can recognize each other?

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Barbara,

Welcome to my forum! There are a few horseback riding centers in Dingle. Bit has kindly given one to you but take a look at Long's too. There is another but it does not have a website. In Co. Wicklow there is a good listing here: http://visitwicklow.ie/equestrian/index.htm

For suggestions of places to stay take a look at my Lodgings page. Shop around in Dublin because there are a lot of specials right now.

I think you are wise to not try to do everything when you have eight people along. Try to spend a couple of days in each place as it will make for a better paced trip.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Michele,

I think "IrelandYes! Irrregulars" pins would be just the rage! Everyone would want one! biggrin

As to Athenry, I have always enjoyed a walk along her streets. I also enjoy spending time in the Heritage center.

I could spend hours at Kilmacduagh Monastery. There is a special quality to the silence there. The Round tower is an architectural wonder, what with its height and its cant.

At the moment, the Faeries seem to be winning the struggle, with only Keady & Inis Mor set in stone. I am not one for extremely long drives, as they become even more extended with my penchant for chasing down hidden ruins and frequent stops for photography. biggrin

I am sure it will all suss out before I leave.

Slan agus Barrogs, mo chara, Bit

-- Edited by CowboyCraic on Monday 30th of March 2009 01:04:01 AM

-- Edited by CowboyCraic on Monday 30th of March 2009 01:04:22 AM

youngka · Guru

Hi Dude, We started our Ireland cycle in 2006 and each year we say maybe Yellowstone, Alaska, etc., and we always return to Ireland Since we will do the coast route from Clifden to Dublin-this May and half of June-- then cut back to the Shannon area, and since we have seen the SW for three trips, maybe we should explore the center area? as they say, too much to see, too little time!...
You and your granschildren have a wonderful trip and don't let them wear you out. Also, looking forward to your trip report when you return. I am really looking forward to getting Anchoress' jams, since you had mentioned her jam in one of your other postings -- I wrote her, and we have tentative plans to meet while we are in her area! This is why this site is so much fun.....I will finally get to meet Bit!. You and the Itallian Chauffeur have a good visit......
.Michele, I think the idea of pins sounds real neat...youngka

-- Edited by youngka on Monday 30th of March 2009 02:07:52 AM

Green Dragon · Guru

Good for you, Bit! I'm jealous! :) Even though the airfares are fantabulous right now, I just started a new job, therefore no vacation time saved up :OP

Have a wonderful time, and drink a pint for me!

Anchoress · Guru

Was in Ardara last week; we have many friends there too and it is only a few miles away; mail me if maybe we can meet? anchoresscj at yahoo dot com

Dude; let me know re jams needed in good time:) We will be in full production by then thankfully.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Anchoress,

I would love to put another name with a face! I will send you an email as I get closer to departing. biggrin

Slan agus Barrogs,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bit,

How is the trip coming along?

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Ah, the faeries have taken over it seems. They dance in my dreams each night and offer up more enticements!

I know for sure that I have the first two days locked in Keady, as well as the two days on Inis Mor (for the moment) with Karen. The days in between, I am not committing to anything solid for the moment. My friends in Roscommon want me to come there and have planned a ceili for my first night. I have friends in Sion Mills that want me to come there enroute to Ardara. I guess Ardara is solid, as well, as I have plans to meet up with a friend there and hike the slieve league area.

It is a blessing and a curse, a wonderful curse, mind you, to have so many friends! confuse

So it stands:

May 2 & 3 Keady

*exploring the family roots & the hidden treasures of Armagh.

May 4 & 5 Ardara

* Slieve League Cliffs and possibly Malin Head with my hiking buddy on May 5

May 6 - Five Oaks Ranch for a Horseback morning enroute to ?????

May 7 - Depends on where I am

May 8 & 9 Inis Mor

* explore Inis Mor with Karen & Dave

May 10 - I am booked into Athenry but the Faeries are pulling me towards Killaloe

May 11 - Bunratty

May 12 - Depart Shannon for Phoenix

I have just about decided to travel from Ardara to Westport & then overnight close to the Harbour on the 7th.

It is vastly easier to help someone else plot their travels, as you surely know.

I will have it solidified soon. I hate leaving loose ends!

Slan Agus Barrogs, Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bit,

Ah, those fairies can play havoc with plans. But they can offer some strong enticements. I know you will sort it out and yet leave some "wiggle room" too. Have fun with the plans.

Michele

rebeccaf · Veteran Member

Dear Michele, Bit, and Youngka -- We're off tomorrow morning via Chicago, due to arrive Shannon at 5:30 am Wednesday. It's hard to believe that, after all these months of planning and watching this Forum, we're finally off. Thank you all for giving such good advice -- it's been priceless! I'll check in again in a couple of weeks.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Rebecca, Safe Travels, mo chara,

May your journey be all that you hoped it would be.

Safe Journey there and safe home again,

Slan Agus Bennacht,

Bit

-- Edited by CowboyCraic on Monday 6th of April 2009 04:48:55 PM

CowboyCraic · Guru

The Faeries must be happy with me!

I just contacted Kemwel because I had found a better rate with another rental company, Dollar. Will was extremely helpful. He double checked my Dollar rental and advised me that the Dollar rental was for a manual even though I had specifically requested an automatic. He then looked over my Kemwel rental and asked why I had chosen to use Avis. When I advised him that Avis was the company Kemwel had chosen for me and was one of the reasons I was shopping around, he did some checking within Kemwel and came up with a much better rate, $428.58 vs. $653.87, using autoeurope instead of Avis. I have a huge problem with Avis so I am greatly relieved. biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

THe Faeries, I hope, have settled on a route for me....of course, I well know that there will be deviations and detours as I go along. It is their way after all biggrin

May 2 - Arrive Dublin - Head to Keady (Two Nights Lodging - Dundrum House) - this will be a meandering route, as I have certain areas that I need to photograph for a book project.

        *Michele, is there an easier way to get to Fore from the Dublin airport than going through Navan? The prospective publishers asked for some Fore photos

May 3 - Explore Keady & Armagh -

May 4 - Head to Ardara, Co. Donegal (Two nights Lodging - Inis Failin)  via Cullybackey (Family Roots) & Sion Mills (Lunch with friends)

May 5 - Explore Slieve League and points North - possibly meet up with Anchoress

May 6 Head to Westport (Over night - Linden Hall ) via Ballyshannon and a stop at the Five Oaks Ranch for a bit of horseback time biggrin

May 7 - Head to Roscommon (Overnight - Gleeson's Townhouse) - Dinner with friends and then the seissun at Doorly's

May 8 - head to Rossaveel to grab the ferry to Inis Mor (Two nights lodging - Man of Aran Cottage) - finally meeting up with Youngka!!! biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin Inis Mor will not be the same after we are done!

May 9 - Explore Inis Mor

May 10 - Head to Bunratty (Two Nights Lodging - Bunratty Lodge) - enroute stopping at Coole Park and Thoor Ballylee

    * The Faeries have told me that a certain Goldilocks will be in the vicinity. Perhaps our paths will cross - biggrin biggrin

May 11 - Explore Loop Head

May 12 - Depart for Phoenix cry

Two back to back overnights but they make for a less hectic day in the long run. I will enjoy my time at Five Oaks much more without worrying about the drive to Roscommon afterwards.

My focus this trip is two pronged. My primary focus is in getting the photos necessary to complete my book project. Secondly but certainly of no lesser importance, I am tracing family roots in Keady &, if I can work it in, Fenagh.

Slan Beo, mo charas,

Bit

Keany · Veteran Member

Bit,

I have an interesting Kemwel story. Well, as interesting as you can get when talking about rental cars.

I've been researching different companies and getting all sorts of different rates, with Kemwel being the highest. I called them about their price matching and talked to Brad. After much discussion, he told me the best he could do for a manual was $594.29. I thought I had found a better rate on AutoEurope, so he told me Kemwel could not do better and advised me to go through AutoEurope. I have to say he didn't seem like a very enthusiastic representative.

I went on the AutoEurope site and started booking, but then it seemed that I would be charged all sorts of fees at the airport, such that I could not be sure that the price was actually lower.

So I called back Kemwel. This time talked to Eddy, who offered me the same car for $424.25!

Moral of the story, I guess, is to keep checking.

Erin

-- Edited by Keany on Wednesday 8th of April 2009 02:19:08 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bit,

The story keeps changing! Those tricky fairies. wink

I see that you have two nights at Bunratty Lodge now. Yeah! Goldilocks will be there. Finally a meet up. biggrin

As you know Navan can be very congested with traffic. You can go to Fore a couple of different ways.

1. Head toward Navan on the N3, then branch off to Trim on the R154. Continue on to Athboy and take the R395 toward Fore and some little unclassified roads there.

2. Take the N4 to Mullingar & the R394 north through Crookedwood to Fore.

What is your arrival time? Sometimes there is congestion around Mullingar too. The first route is more country roads.

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Go Raibh Mil Maith Agat, mo chara

Crookedwood! I had forgotten about Crookedwood and the stone church! I will have to grab my map and map out both routes. Going through Crookedwood will take me past Lough Derravaragh, if memory serves. Uisneagh Hill is in the other direction, is it not?

I was hoping to avoid either Navan or Mullingar but Saturdays are usually not as congested in Mullingar. I don't think they have the Farmer's market on Saturday, so it should be all well and good.

Wooohooo! I had hoped we would overlap. biggrin

Erin,

It does help to keep checking back. Interesting that your rental cost is only $4 less than mine and I booked an automatic. Usually Automatics are quite a bit more. I always pay the extra though I can drive stick. It is one less thing on which I haveto concentrate.

Slan Beo, Bit

youngka · Guru

Bit, I agree about the shifting. We wanted to get an automatic and were shocked that it was so much more money! For our car for 6 weeks, stick shift, was $ 59 /day including insurances/CDW/theft/fire -- midsize manual trans.Opal Vectra or simiilar. How does this measure up to other people who have rented cars? blankstare

youngka

christymae2 · Newbie

Sorry to bust in on this thread but I have a rental question. My hubby and I will be making our first (hopefully not last) trip in May. We are taking a rental for 10 days and have booked for 241.53 (euro) total. This is with the damage waiver but not the super CDW for an automatic tiny little car. The booking is with Enterprise and was by far the lowest we found which actually made me nervous. Does this seem too good to be true? Are we missing something? We plan on buying the Car Hire Excess Insurance.

Help, why so inexpensive? Someone please tell me it is just a great deal.....

Fotobug · Veteran Member

Hi Christymae,

It certainly sounds like a good rate - especially if it includes "everything." (Are "taxes and fees" included?)

We have a party of 4 so had to get a larger vehicle and we need extra drivers - that really added to the cost. :( I got so exasperated trying to dig up all the fine print and track down extra driver fees, airport fees, taxes, etc. that I finally just went with Dan Dooley who at least would give us a firm total that included all those little add-ons.

But really, your quote is pretty consistent with what we are paying, adjusting for the different size and given the extras we added on, so hopefully you just got a great deal!

Barb

youngka · Guru

Barb, what do/did they charge for extra drivers with your plan? I think our plan is $8.00 per day. youngka

Fotobug · Veteran Member

youngka wrote:

Barb, what do/did they charge for extra drivers with your plan? I think our plan is $8.00 per day. youngka

That sounds about the same for us, Youngka. I recall roughly $90 each (and I don't have the itemized breakdown with me here) for 11 days. But with 4 of us we added TWO extra drivers so the cost went up dramatically. Three drivers is not strictly necessary, of course, but it will be a convenience and allow for various configurations of activities. 2 like to hike, 2 like to shop, 2 love gardens, e.g. ... and they are all different pairs! So we decided to just bite the bullet and allow for the flexibility rather than regretting it later.

youngka · Guru

Barb, you will be glad you spent the money.....we never paid for me to drive; however, my husband sure could have enjoyed a break from it. With your people wanting to go different directions, at certain times, you will get your monies worth by the end of the trip. Too bad it is so expensive! Have a good trip when you do go (by the way, when are you leaving?) - you all will love every place you go and see driving between stops.....youngka

Fotobug · Veteran Member

We leave May 12 so we're getting down to serious planning. We'll be in Dublin a few nights before we pick up the car and head south and west. Can't wait!

Love your new atavar. :)

Barb

youngka · Guru

Barb, Thanks for the comment about the atavar! I will get another picture of me later....We leave May 1st. Can hardly wait! We are lucky to be retired and won't come home til June 14th! I have wanted to stay 6 months, but my husband thinks it is too long???? Have a great time! youngka