On behalf of Michele and her loyal minnions (AKA IrelandYes Irregulars    ) welcome to Michele's forum and thanks for joining.

You don't have a lot of planning time so I'll STRONGLY advise that you peruse Michele's various topics, such as Accommodations, Money, etc. ...

The links are at the bottom of the Main Page.

I missed spending MY 25th in reland,but my wife and I have celebrated our 30th AND 35th Anniversaries there.  Can't think of a better place.

Tell us what interests you -- Ruins, Architecture, Scenic Beauty, Culture and Heritage, if you plan to Self-Drive, use Public Transport, or take Tours and what time frame -- 1 week, 10 days, two weeks, etc. and we'll be happy to help you make the most of your trip.

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Friday 8th of May 2009 01:42:58 PM

I'll try to get you started.

Firstly, you should definitely read through :  http://www.irelandyes.com/irelandguide.html

That will give you a good starting point for your planning.  Most First Timer's GROSSLY over-schedule, planning to 'Flit About' from one attraction to the next, with an over-night stay in a different town every night.  Michele calls that 'The Green BlurTour'.  It's an apt phrase, as you will end up experiencing Ireland as one long, green blur, just beyond the window ...      .

Experience has taught most of us that the BEST way to experience Ireland is to SLOW DOWN and NOT try to 'See It All'.  This June will mark my ELEVENTH visit, over the last ten years -- and I STILL haven't seen everything! 

Given the short lead-time, I would suggest that you chose a quadrant -- either the SouthWest -- Cork, Kerry and Clare, or the West -- Clare, Galway and Mayo.  With 10 days, including travel, you will only have eight days on the ground -- and, the first day will be reduced by having just endured an over-night flight.

General recommendation is to limit your first day driving to about 2-2.5 hours -- MAX -- particularly if this is your first Right Hand Drive experience.  Travel in Ireland tends to be much slower paced than in the US -- a combination of narrow, unfamiliar roads, RH drive cars (and TRAFFIC) and the near impossibility of driving very far before spotting an absolutely INCREDIBLE vista, that DEMANDS that you stop, savour and snap a photo or two.. 

In the US a distance of 100 miles can reasonable be covered under two hours.  In Ireland, you will often be hard-pressed to cover that much in three hours.  There ARE exceptions, of course, but Michele's Rule of Thumb is to divide the total miles by 35 (as in, 35 miles per hour).  As a First Timer, 30 might actually be more realistic.

Most veteran Ireland visitors prefer to spend at least 2 nights in each destination, whenever possible.

Sample for SW:

Day 1-3: Arrive SNN between 6-9 AM.  Figure on it taking about 2 hours to collect luggage, clear custons, pick up rental car and start driving.  SNN is a good airport to 'ease into' the RH Drive / Ireland highway experience.  Drive past Bunratty and around Limerick and follow the signs to Killarney.  Stop in Adare for a rest and to admire the pictur postcard village complete with thatched roof cottages.  Spend 3 nights in Killarney, or Kenmare.  Explore as much, or as little of Bearra, The Ring of Kerry, Gap of Dunloe, the National Park, Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms, and Ross Castle.

Day4&5:  Drive to Dingle and spend two nights, enjoying the town and all the wonders of the Slea Head Drive.

Day 7&8: Drive via conor Pass through Tralee and Listowel and take the Ferry across the Shannon from Tarbert to Killimer and then drive along the Clare coast to the Cliffs of Moher.  Stop in Doolin then continue on to Ennis, spending your last two nights.

This is just a rough, initial suggestion, to get you started...

Bob

Looks to be awesome. I'm feeling fortunate enough that we will be in Westport during the Westport Music Festival in August.

Hi CV,

Disclaimer: we are leaving Monday for our first Irish trip so I know not what I'm talking about! 

At first glance the rental car/voucher package seemed the way to go for us, too.  But after getting input from others, then comparing the total costs, seeing how many B&B's did not accept vouchers, and realizing that we would be paying more to the "middle man" that the hosts don't get (and apparently there is often a significant delay waiting for their reimbursement) we decided to book it all separately on our own.

We have booked ahead even this early in the season since I don't deal very well with uncertainty.  We've had great experiences booking directly with the hosts and were able to get some bargains for staying 3 nights.

The largest downside I see so far is having to have cash on hand to pay for them.  Using vouchers, you pay the agency up front with a credit card and you're done.  The B&B's we've found either do not accept credit cards at all, or strongly prefer cash.  Can't blame them since the fees take money out of their pockets. 

I look forward to being able to report more from real experience in a couple of weeks!

Barb

-- Edited by Fotobug on Saturday 9th of May 2009 09:29:12 AM

CV,

Vouchers limit where you can stay in Ireland. I liken it to using frequent flyer miles. Let's say a B&B has 5 rooms. They may give one or even two to people using vouchers, but not all. On weekends or during festivals they many not take voucher-using guests at all. So it all depends on your wants and needs.

MIchele