8 day Self Drive Tour - I need an Education Quick!

jeanski · Newbie

8 day Self Drive Tour - I need an Education Quick!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Congrats! I've done the self-catering route a couple of times. Be aware that it will get dark rather early, so if you REALLY plan to do the 6+ hour ROK drive, you'll need to plan an overnight, either on the Iveragh -- say, Waterville or caherdaniel, or, with an EARLY stop, around Kenmare or Killarney. You could visit Adare, enroute.

The Cliffs are a good next-to-last day visit, assuming that you plan to spend your last night near the airport.

Killaloe is a good location to see Clonmacnoice.

Bob

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

The Lough Derg Drive is very nice. Be sure to stop, where the road crosses over the Grand Canal and explore the sights.

Birr Castle is also nearby.

Bob

jeanski · Newbie

Thank you very much for your information Bob. I had read that the daylight hours during our visit would be shorter. I have made notes based on the locations you have mentioned. Thanks for the heads up about the ROK being a longer trip. I "googled" Clonmacnoice - looks very interesting. Sounds like you are a well seasoned traveller and I really appreciate your help. My next dilema is learning how to pack light!

Cheers!

Jean

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Can't give too many tips about the light packing, other than the Excellent advice that Michele has under the aptly titled heading, "Packing".

Click on the Idex link at the top of the forum page.

Driving initially should be fairly painless, as it is pretty straight-foreward from Shannon to Ballina/Killaloe. Shannon is a pretty decent way to 'ease into' the whole, 'wrong side of the road' thing.

Rather than drive the whole ROK, many opt to do the shorter, Slea Head Loop on Dingle. More 'Bang' per mile, and probably less stressful. . .

Bob

stewh · Guru

Hi Jeanski,
Looks like a good trip planned. Don't feel too bad about missing out on Waterford; Galway is closer to Killaloe and is a much more interesting city. They also have a crystal manufacturer
http://www.galwaycrystal.ie/

We have not visited but I'm sure they have tours.
If I understand correctly you will be spending a week self-catering in the same location. As Bob points out the drive around the Ring of Kerry is quite extensive; if you have to commute from Killaloe I would think it would be too much. There is plenty to do in your neighbourhood. While self-catering in the charming town of Birr a few trips ago my wife and I were very impressed by Clonmacnoise and the pleasant drive through the Slieve Bloom mountains. While you cannot tour Birr Castle (the Lord & Lady still live there) the grounds and gardens are well worthwhile. Portumna is a nice town with an interesting newer, smaller castle.

You may find it useful to check a route planner to help decide how far you may want to drive.
http://www.aaireland.ie/routes_beta/

I print out a few routes before leaving Canada and usually end up improvising quite a bit anyway.

As Michele wisely points out 30-35 mph is comfortable. Driving in Ireland is not veryscary if you just take your time; I am very willing to pull over and let faster drivers pass.

Have a great trip
Stewart

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jeanski ,

Welcome to my forum. You have received some very good tips from Bob and Stewart. In addition to their suggestions I will add some of my own.

Rock of Cashel
Cahir Castle
Coole Park
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Limerick
Kilmallock
Cliffs of Moher
Burren
Aillwee Cave
Loop Head

Galway Crystal does not do a tour any more but they have a nice showroom. You might look at Celtic Crystal in Moycullin.

I suggest you get early starts on the days you do long day trips. That way you will make the best of the short daylight hours. You don't want to do much driving at night in Ireland

Hope you have a great trip. Do let us know how it goes when you get back.

Michele

jeanski · Newbie

Hello Michele,

Many thanks to you, Bob and Stewart for all your invaluable information and putting me more at ease as this trip approaches. Admittedly, as excited as I am, I can be a worry wart at times. I will be researching the locations you have all provided and I will certainly make sure to tell you of my travels when I return. Until the time comes to fly, I will continue searching your site. Most definately, I do not want to be travelling by car in Ireland at night. I would rather walk about and explore a pub or two and some lovely Irish music. By the way, Happy Guinness Day!

So very grateful to you all!

Jeanski

jeanski · Newbie

Hi Stewart - Thanks for dropping me a line. I am going to check out the aaireland route email address you posted. We are trying to obtain a GPS system when we rent our car. But you are right - it always helps to have a back up plan.   My trouble is not so much the driving itself, its the driving of a standard car! Arrh! At this moment I am a confirmed and spoiled automatic driver.  I also want to keep my eyes open not being familiar with some of the International driving signs.   The good news is that we are going "off-season" I think that will be to our benefit. A practice run if you will, get our feet wet for the next time we go! I have a feeling I will be hopelessly smitten, with a want to return again and again.

Take Care,

Jeanski

P.S. Being a fellow Canadian, would you have any comments on shipping items home?   Thanks

stewh · Guru

Jeanski
You are wise to follow Michele's advice about not driving at night. The 'pub or two' plan is going to be much more fun! We have never shipped anything home from Ireland. If you email crystal sellers etc. they will probably be able to help you with details; I think it would be smart to let the retailers handle shipping.
Stewart

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jeanski,

The shops in Ireland have many specials going. Many times if you order over a certain euro amount of purchases they will throw in free shipping. So ask about it. Also you will get VAT (tax) back (ask for the forms) so even if the shop does not have free shipping the cost may be covered by the VAT you get back. But do ask at each individual shop.

Michele

xaimimgr · Veteran Member

When last in Ireland I shipped Waterford crystal home from the factory. It arrived when anticipated and in perfect condition. Don't remember if I had to pay extra or if I got enough for free shipping. Probably not!!!