Off the beaten path must sees?

Goldenlover · Member

Off the beaten path must sees?

Sidz · Guru

You sound like you have a fine plan, but I would not schedule one of my days or nights to be spent Limerick, a town that offers little -- in my humble opinion -- and is certainly not in keeping with the wonderful theme of the rest of your trip. If you are flying out of Shannon, I would instead opt for a relaxing stay around Bunratty or Ennis for that last evening.

I've somehow found myself in Limerick three times over the years, and each time afterward wondered why I messed with it. Seems to me to simply be a rather dirty industrial town (see: http://www.limerickindependent.com/local-news/local-news/limerick-slips-further-down-the-%91dirty-towns%92-league-table/) with limited charm, and as the fourth-largest city in Ireland, you can expect some traffic issues if you are there at certain times of the day.

We first went there years ago to see King John's Castle, but that ended up being disappointing for sure. Overpriced, anything but authentic in its presentation, and basically not up to the ambiance of other castles you find in remote areas.

Some might enjoy Limerick, but it is not my cup o' Irish tea for sure. yawn

-- Edited by Sidz on Friday 17th of April 2009 11:40:09 AM

Andi · Senior Member

I think having a whole week in Ballyvaughan area is a great idea! One thing I suggest, although it may seem obvious, is that you be flexible enough to pick the best weather days to be on the Burren. Many people don't take time to really enjoy the special environment, and to really view it you need to have a good day and walk around. If you're active, renting a bike to ride through some of the backroads of the Burren is wonderful.

Not really off the beaten track, but less visited places I like, are Coole Park and Thoor Ballylee, a forest park and castle associated with the poet Yeats. Also, the round tower and celtic cross at Kilmacdaugh is usually very quiet, and it's a beautiful drive along a quiet road to get there. Dysert O'dea, a castle set up for touring through and seeing medieval life, also seems to receive less visitors than some other places, and is very nice.

If so inclined, look into visiting Inishmaan Island, instead of or in addition to Inishmore. Inishmaan is still very traditional, and you'll see very few tourists. We spent 2 nights there, and felt almost like locals. It's another place for which you really need good weather.

yesiree · Guru

Your list is off to a good start. Here are some of my favorites in Clare and Limerick:

Quinn Abbey
Portumna Castle
Loch Derg Drive
Thoor Ballylee
Coole Park
Walking the Burren
Burren Perfumery
Loop Head Peninsula
Driving the Shannon Estuary (Clare & Limerick via the ferry)
Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Askeaton Castle and Abbey
Knockpatrick Gardens (if they know you're coming Brian and Helen will have fresh scones ready)
Killaloe - Brian Boru Fort & Five Counties Lookout (up the hill from the Graves of the Leinstermen)
Tuamgraney - a handful of shops

There are so many other treasures I'm missing, but you'll have so much to choose from. FYI - I would suggest filling several of your days with sites near Ballyvaughan rather than a string of longer daytrips.

Safe travels.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Goldenlover,

Corey has pretty much covered it all. I will mention that I love Loop Head and its remotness. Also check out Kilmacduagh monastery too. Clare Abbey near Ennis is worth a look.

Michele

WCOMALLEY · Veteran Member

My two favorite "must sees" are Dysert O'Dea south of Corofin and Corcomroe Abbey just east of Ballyvaughan. Both are great photo ops and completely free of charge! The docks at Mountshannon and the Lough Derg drive to Killaloe are great; I have to include Knappogue Castle as well. It is hard to limit oneself,there are so many. WC

yesiree · Guru

Dysert O'Dea is another interesting stop, but I'd suggest doing some homework before you go...there are a lot of building remnants there and having some background will help out. In high season, you can stop at O'Dea Castle to get loads of info.

Corcomroe is very close to Ballyvaughan and would be easy to catch as you're heading out or coming home for the day.

BTW - it's Lough Derg not Loch Derg...I must have been using my Scottish accent when I typed that ;)

Michele Erdvig · Host

Goldenlover,

As you see, there will be no shortage of interesting things to see and do in the area. Aillwee Cave even has a birds of prey center if you are interested in falconry.

Michele

Goldenlover · Member

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the great replies! And my apologies for the post and run - I have been ridiculously busy trying to get ready.

Sidz, we were originally going to spend our "free" night in Waterford, since that's not included on our tour. But when I was booking everything back in January, I didn't think it'd be wise to book a night there not knowing if the factory would be open. And since I've got ancestors from Limerick (really Abbeyfeale), I thought it'd be a good opportunity to check out the area. But you're not the first person I've heard that from!

Thanks again everyone, and I can't promise I won't have a couple more questions before Saturday!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Goldenlover,

Let us know if you have any other questions before departure. In Abbeyfeale try Park Lodge: http://www.parklodge.ie/

Michele