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drfuchter


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Yes, another itinerary question!
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Hello Michele and everyone. New traveler to the Eire here with a couple of questions. I am heading over there for 12 nights in September. I plan on flying into Dublin, grabbing the car and driving to Kilkenny, or maybe Kinsale if I can make it (unlikely after reading here). 

I fly out of Manchester, UK (flying on a free ticket) and after 9 nights in Ireland was going to ferry accross to Wales and spend 3 nights in Northern Wales to see some castles, snowdonia, etc. staying in Llandudno (not the Wales forum I know but has anyone else done similar?).

This is my planned, but ever changing schedule:

9/17 - Arrive Dublin 9am, drive to Kilkenny or Kinsale
9/18 - Kenmare (See Muckross on way)
9/19 - Ring of Kerry, sleep Dingle
9/20 - Dingle
9/21 - Galway (Moher on way)
9/22 - Galway (or N. Ireland)
9/23 - Dublin
9/24 - Dublin
9/25 - Dublin
9/26 - Wales
9/27 - Wales
9/28 - Wales
9/29 - Fly home cry (from Manchester) 

Also, a friend who has been said one night is plenty for Galway and wasn't too impressed (opinions are subjective I know). However this is the week of the Oysterfest and was looking into that, but the official events seem sort of black tie (of which I will not have) and expensive. Plus I would have to rearrange the schedule to be there on the weekend which would make it a longer transfer to Wales since I won't be coming from Dublin.

And I'd really like to go north and see Bushmill's distillery (sort of a pilgramage for me, lol), but I'm not sure if it's worth the drive up there for mainly one sight. Of course would sneak in the giant's causeway and a couple smaller things too, but that is the main reason. Is this feasible.

Sorry for the length of this post! Thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

Thanks all,

Jeff



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Michele Erdvig


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Jeff, 

Welcome to my forum. You are traveling from Manchester to Dublin. Can I assume that you will arrive in Dublin rested and not off a transatlantic flight (perhaps a connection)? What is your arrival time in Dublin? 

Because you are spending three nights in Dublin that cuts down your time for the rest of the island. Since I need some more info, I will just say at this point that you would be better off choosing either the north or the SW. Doing both in such a short time and covering such distances will mean a lot of time in the car. You are renting a car? 

Both the north and SW are beautiful. 

Michele

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig on Friday 31st of July 2009 04:08:27 PM

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drfuchter


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Hi Michelle! Thanks for replying. I am flying into Dublin from Nashville, TN so no I will not be rested. Which is why I mentioned, after reading here, that I may not make it to Kinsale from Dublin.

I kind of thought that by going north I may be biting off more than I can chew in 9 days. Is 3 nights too many for Dublin? I was just thinking I will be driving from probably Galway and get in late afternoon and then have 2 full days there before the third I ferry over to Wales. I could cut a day off of the Wales side, but didn't want to be too rushed as I fly out early the third day from Manchester. I am looking into flying back from Dublin also, but since I am using miles and flying free, threre was not a seat available last I checked. But I keep calling!

And yes, I am renting a car when i land in Dublin and driving to my first destination from there.

Thanks for your advice!

Jeff

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Michele Erdvig


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Jeff,

On your first day consider staying in Kilkenny. It is about a two hour drive from Dublin (depending on traffic). There is much to do and see in the city and surrounds. Maybe a walking tour of the city will perk you up.

Perhaps you should skip Kinsale and spend a few days in the SW. Killarney is a good base for it. As for Galway, it is a good base for seeing some of the west but I don't think you have time to do it justice. I am not enchanted with Galway City lately. Too much urban sprawl and very busy. But it all depends on what you like.

Three days is not too much for Dublin. I was just looking at it in conjunction with the rest of your itinerary. You will be spending a third of your trip there. Again, personal choice.

Michele



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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mv4men


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Bushmills worth the trip or not.
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Hi Jeff,

Here's wishing you a great time in Ireland and I hope the weather is kind to you - which it has not really been over the past few weeks. Concerning your questions if it is worth it just to go to Bushmills my answer would honestly be no. It is too far to be worth the effort. <br>
And to be honest I find the Bushmills experience has become far too touristy over  recent years. I have been there on several occasions over the past 20 years, the last time being last summer. Frankly I was disappointed. 20 years ago it was just a little local man and ourselves, last year we were herded round with another 100 Japanese tourists.<br> If you do go try and stay a night in either Portrush or Portstewart, both have incredible beaches. I have several postings on Bushmills and the surrounding area in my holiday ireland blog if you are interested.<br>

Have a great trip,

James

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