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shashie50


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I must be a real push-over since I seem to lose every debate biggrin .

We relocated to Cashel instead of making it a day trip.  It does mean I will get to see the Rock of Cashel at night.  Forgot to go out last night, but tonight is a much milder night anyway.  We started out today with complete overcast, but the sun came out in the afternoon AND IT STAYED OUT.  We were shedding layers all day.  Saw Cahir Castle and the Swiss Cottage, and then drove out to Athassal Abbey.

Tomorrow we move on to Kinsale.  I was pushing for Dunmore East or Ardmore, but I've surrendered again.  Luckily, it is all beautiful -- I suppose that is why I give in so easily.  I prefer to do a bit of advance preparation, but I seem to be the only "planner" in the group.  A little bit of both schools may produce the best trip...

So, I have done no research on Kinsale, although of course I have heard a lot about it.  Any advice would be appreciated.

After 2 nights there, we want to BEGIN to head up toward Co. Meath / Newgrange, and then toward Dublin in preparation for our flight out next Friday (only 1 week left cry ).

I might also ask now about where to stay the night before we leave.  We want to check into a B&B on Thursday and return the car, and then take a taxi to the airport on Friday.  I know there are suggestions here that I could search for, but this notebook computer is just not as easy to use as the one at home.  Everything is SO TINY.

I have tried to type up notes as I go so I can actually follow through and do a trip report this time.  It will not measure up to others, but we have stayed with some wonderful people and have enjoyed every day and I'd like to share that.

Thanks for your help,
Marsha

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Marsha
Michele Erdvig


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Marsha,

Ah, the joys of traveling with others while winging it! wink When more alternatives come up you could always suggest flipping a coin. Then you would have a 50/50 chance of getting your way. But as you say, it is six of one and half a dozen of the other. Wherever you end up will most likely be great.

 I usually don't recommend Kinsale on weekends when it can be extremely crowded. Do you know where you are staying in Kinsale? A couple of my favorites are Woodlands & Rivermount. 

As for restaurants I thought Fishy Fishy was overrated, expensive and had small portions. Try Hobys, Dino's, Vista (pasta & pizza), Jim Edwards.

For your last night the Premier Inn at Dublin Airport has a great room rate of 69 euro plus a shuttle bus to and from the airport. Or did you want to be downtown Dublin?

Michele

 



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shashie50


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Both places look wonderful, of course! I will check with Woodlands House because we like to be able to walk -- maybe we will be lucky and there will be rooms for us. Thank you also for the restaurant recommendations. We have heard so much about the food in Kinsale, I am looking forward to it.

The Premier Inn at Dublin Airport sounds like just the thing we were looking for. Thank you again!

It is raining this morning, but maybe it will be a repeat of yesterday and the sun will be out soon. A girl can dream...

Marsha

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Marsha
Itallian Chauffeur


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I haven't been to Kinsale since summer of 2004, but I remember that the desserts at Gina's Cafe (a small little place, with outside seating) were to DIE for.  biggrin

I've eaten at the Blue Haven and the White Lady and had quite good meals, but that was in 2000 and 2003 ... hmm

Touring by Commitee is always ... INTERESTING ...aww

Bob



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Bob

Help Us to Help You.  The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Michele Erdvig


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Marsha,

Woodlands is just lovely. Nearby is Landfall House, which might suit you too.

Michele

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shashie50


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We were able to book into Woodlands, and were given a very warm welcome. It is beautiful!

Although it rained on us most of the drive here, it cleared into a sunny afternoon. After settling in, we drove down and spent the late afternoon walking around the town, doing a little shopping. Had a lovely meal at Jim Edwards Restaurant/Bar. Most shops close early on Saturday and will not be open tomorrow. Hoping that museums, sites like the forts, etc., will be.  I've made a list of the other restaurants, and I think I've earned a great dessert!

We think about going to sleep about the time things really get lively, so I am glad we are not right on the central streets, especially on a Saturday night!

I've read that the trip from Kinsale to Dublin takes 3.5 hours. Now, I know for sure that we can't drive it as fast as the locals do -- and we don't want to try -- but several sections of the limited-access highway have been completed, so a fair amount of distance can be covered quickly. Any thoughts on how long it might actually take us to make the drive?

Thanks for your help -- Marsha

-- Edited by shashie50 on Saturday 23rd of May 2009 04:56:14 PM

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Marsha
Michele Erdvig


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Marsha,

Glad to hear you got into Woodlands. Tell Valerie and Brian hello from me. I had a nice meal at Jim Edwards too. Charles Fort shoud be open on Sunday. It is worthwhile seeing. If you don't make any stops and don't get lost around Cork you should be able to get to Dublin in 3.5 - 4 hours. Depending on the way you go, there can be some tolls so have change handy.

You are going to owe us a trip report!

Michele



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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