Rate my route !

bonald · Member

Rate my route !

stewh · Guru

Looks like a nice pace, bonald. My wife and I enjoy the freedom and independance that self-catering affords, no better place than Kenmare.
The town of Shannon is not really much of anything. If you want to spend your last 2 nights near Shannon Airport I would suggest Ennis, plenty of good pubs with music and very easy to get to the airport. Have a great trip!
Stewart

-- Edited by stewh on Saturday 2nd of May 2009 07:48:54 AM

noshot9 · Veteran Member

Looks good. I might spend my last two nights in Bunratty. Bunratty Lodge is a nice B & B and is about 10 - 15 minutes from Shannon Airport. In Bunratty you have the Bunratty Castle, the Medival Banquet or the other activity. I believe it is called the Heritage Night, which takes place in the Barn. The Folk Park to tour and the Woolen Mills Shopping. Some good pubs are also available and excellent dining at the RED DOOR.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I agree that the pacing seems ADMIRABLY thought out. I'm glad to see that you are avoiding the temptation to 'Try To See It ALL'. biggrin

Just a quick thought (or TWO), though:

I would EITHER reverse the order of Glendalough and Kilkenney. They are relatively close to each other, yet it seems a bit of 'backtracking'. OR, since you mention trying to keep the budget reduced, drop the night in Glendalough -- and ADD it into Kilkenney.

You don't mention what day of the week these are, but many B&Bs offer 'Three Night Specials'. Likewise, some Self-Catering offer Weekend or Mid-Week Specials, (though they probably WON'T during July cry ).

I also agree with the others that either Ennis, or Bunratty offer better options rather than Shannon. I BELIEVE that Michele has some discounts available for lodging in Bunratty. Check her 'Lodgings' and 'Specials' pages.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

boland,

Welcome to my forum. Glad to hear you are enjoying it. You have received some very good info from everyone. Heed Bob's advice about Glendalough first then Kilkenny. If you like gardens then see Powerscourt on your way there. It is one of Ireland's best.

Stay tuned about Bunratty Lodge as Mary is considering some other specials.

Do you have your self-catering yet for Kenmare? I know a great place if you need a suggestion.

I would rate your itinerary a 9 if you will change the Glendalough/Kilkenny order.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

Another vote for switching Glendalough and Kilkenny.

On the Ennis/Bunratty debate, as a town, I much prefer Ennis. For lodging though, Bunratty has many more and better choices. Bunratty Lodge is certainly one of the most comfortable you could stay in.

Ennis is a real town, with a nice old "medieval" towncenter, shops and real pubs with real music in them. The traditional music scene in Ennis is very strong and you can usually find great music in a couple of pubs around town. On the downside, the only B&B in Ennis that I have really liked is the Lakeside Lodge, which is outside of town (http://www.lakeside.ie/)

Bunratty is a B&B village grown up around tourism. I'm not knocking the shows because they are good and interesting. You will inevitably though, end up nestled right next to Marcia from Des Moines at most of those events. These events can be a lot of fun, but even if you stay in Bunratty, I'd suggest and evening in Ennis.

Bill

WCOMALLEY · Veteran Member

I agree with Bill. There are a ton of small places to stay in the immediate area. You can find a reasonable B&B where you can sneak out to have drinks and dinner and trad music and still be close to catch that flight out of SNN the next day. The Lakeside is a such a place. We stayed there in Oct 2007, very quiet and handy to everything. Across the lake from the B&B is Killone Abbey; pastoral and picture-perfect and one of my favorite memories from the Old Sod. WC

-- Edited by WCOMALLEY on Monday 4th of May 2009 09:20:24 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

boland,

Depends on what you are looking for on your last two nights. If you are going to do the castle banquet or Irish Night then being nearby is a plus. If you want more of a pub scene then Ennis will please you. Although there are a few pubs in the Bunratty area.

The self-catering place that I really like is Doire Farm Cottages about a 10 minute drive to Kenmare set in the peaceful countryside. The cottages are squeeky clean and cute as can be. Anne Randals is a gem and will make your stay something to remember.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

Again, not knocking the entertainment in Bunratty. It can be quite good. If you have two nights though, perhaps split them between, Ennis and Bunratty.

Bill