Just getting started...Ireland in October

decaturdawg · Member

Just getting started...Ireland in October

wojazz3 · Guru

Hi decaturdawg;

I'll answer the questions in a different order than you asked them.

I am making the assumption that you are traveling from overseas (despite the use of anticlockwise).

Most folks would suggest that making the first day the long day on an overseas trip after an overnight flight is a pretty dangerous idea. Looking at your 1st day agenda I would suggest that you are putting way too much into it. My suggestion is, that if you go this direction, you go no further than Cahir or Cashel. That has been my first day before and most will be very tired after the long flight. The other option is to go in the other direction as you suggest.

The issue with traveling to the Arans from Doolin is a little sticky. If the weather is bad or merely windy, the boats won't go. If the Aran Islands are as important as you say, probably need to be in Co Galway.

The ferries don't actually leave from Galway, but rather Rossaveal. You can catch a bus to the ferries and sail from there. On a calm day, it is a beautiful boat ride, about an hour as I remember. The other option is the fly from the small airport at Inverin. The flight lasts ten minutes, it's a nice short thrill and as a group of 4, I believe you would get a discount. You could stay in Galway the 1st night and then fly or cruise over the next day.

Another suggestion for the Inishmore (another assumption on my part) is to stay the evening. You could see a bit of Galway and then catch a ride to the island. After the boats leave in the afternoon and evening, Inishmore is one of the most peaceful places on earth. Just the locals and a handful of tourists. You can get a tour of the island from a local driver for about E10 which is well worth it and he'll drop you off at the B&B also. Likely, you can arrange to have him pick you up the next morning on the same tab.

It's a little hard to make a lot of comments on other days of the itinerary when it seems clear to me that day one would have to be replanned but I'll give you some thoughts in the hopes that it might help in planning.

With that in mind, the second day is way to busy. You could perhaps drive through those towns, but not actually spen any time in them. Kinsale is a lovely town, but somewhat similar to Dingle in it's flavor, so if you are looking for a fishing village, Dingle may be your choice since you have already spent some time there.

The Beara Peninsula is a full day tour so that should take care of a day.

I'm not sure where you would find enough time for a Gap of Dunloe tour in this schedule. I have driven the Gap of Dunloe in the off season, but I'm not sure if this is off season enough. There was snow on the mountains when I did it. What you have scheduled on Friday is a full day in itself without adding anything.

The Blaskets are a lovely trip but weather can be an issue here also. There is nothing on Great Blasket in the form of food or much shelter. It is really stuuning on a sunny day but again, involves a boat ride that could get cancelled. If there is anyone with sea sickness issues, both Aran and Balsket could bring those issues forward.

If you stuck with your original plan, Dingle to Doolin via Loophead to catch the morning ferry would be impossible.

Generally, I think you are trying to do a bit too much. Slow down and experience Ireland as opposed to just seeing it.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Decaturdawg,

Welcome to my forum. Bill has given you some solid advice for your trip. Had you thought of going to Galway first? You could spend two days there and do the Aran Islands on your second day. Depending on how you feel on your first day, you could see the Cliffs of Moher on your drive to Galway. Or you could drive straight there.

Now it is time to pare down your list. In October the days are getting short. You will not fit in everything. I would cross off Loop Head, Beara (much as it pains me to do so), and the Gap of Dunloe. It is possible to drive through the gap if single track roads do not frighten you. But I would approach it from Moll's Gap as opposed to Kate Kearney's Cottage as the jarveys there discourage people from driving the road telling everyone that cars are not allowed (even though people live in the gap!).

Time to go back to the drawing board to rethink your itinerary.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

I'm with Michele. I think starting in Galway would be easier.

Bill

stewh · Guru

Hello decaturdawg,
You have plenty of time to plan a great trip. Be sure to check out Michele's site carefully; there is a wealth of very practical information on many aspects of Irish travel. I would not advise driving from Shannon to Dungarvan if you are flying from North America; without any stops it is probably a 3 hour drive. It would be better to plan a long drive after a good night's sleep. http://www.aaireland.ie/routes/ will give a good idea of routes and distances.

Bill gives good advice about travelling to Inishmore. We took the ferry from Rossaveal in May a few years ago and (typically) it was far from calm, an exciting ride. I think next time we'll try the short flight. The advice to take a more relaxed pace is very wise. You don't have to fit in a lot of sights to enjoy Ireland, it is an easy place to enjoy. Have a great trip.
Stewart

decaturdawg · Member

I knew I'd get some great advice from this group! Thank you for the helpful information. I've been perusing the site for weeks and it's been a great planning source.

Bill, you are correct we are flying from the US. I am pretty used to the trip (my company has an office in Germany) and muscling through the first day to get acclimated, but I think it will be a challenge for my parents. I don't want to put them in a situation where they hit a wall and just need to be off their feet/rest awhile. You, Stewart and Michele are convincing me to go west first. The Galway decision is an important one to get plans in motion and your advice is very insightful. I like the idea of flying to the Aran Islands and doing so gives us some time flexibilty as well. I was trying to convince myself that Doolin would be okay, but you've reinforced my gut about going from the Galway area this time of year.

I will skip Gap of Dunloe (ouch) and Loophead. I will still try to find a way to fit in Beara or maybe Mizen as a compromise. Back to the drawing board. I'll be back with refinements

Kind regards,
Terry

wojazz3 · Guru

I'm a huge fan of the Mizen Peninsula. It's probably the original cause of my addiction. Here is the website for flying to the Arans:

http://www.aerarannislands.ie/

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Terry,

Your parents will thank you for thinking of them on their first couple of days. I traveled to Ireland with my mother (in her 70s) and it took her a few days to get into the swing of things. Once they get aclimated you can speed up your trip a little.

Thanks Bill for the link.

Michele