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radar


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Arrival day suggestions and to Banquet or not to Banquet
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Hi,

This long awaited trip will finally happen this year (April 20- May 2).  We'll be flying into Shannon arriving April 21 and out of Shannon at 9am on Sun, May 2.  My first trip in 30 years; my wife's first.  We love beautiful nature, gardens, picturesque hikes, and Irish music.

We're scheduled to arrive at 7 AM on Continental.  We'll pick up a rental car, currently a Hertz compact, automatic for 201 E.  Seems reasonable.  Will be using a recently obtained World MC and praying...... 

I'm hoping to catch some decent sleep on the plane (a rarity for me) and then spend much of that first day, a Wednesday, touring the County Clare.  I'm thinking of lodging that first night at Ballynahinch Castle, but that's not fixed in stone.  I'd be interested in your suggestions on a first day itinerary, complete with a lunch stop at a neat place.

We'll spend the next 3 nights in Clifden at Abbeyglen Castle, then 3 nights in Dingle at the Pax House, 3 nights in Kenmare at Arthur's Lodge, and our final night with mary at the Bunratty Lodge.

For our last evening, we're considering the Bunratty Midieval Banquet but have read mixed reviews.  The 30E discount on Ireland Tourism hasn't been renewed.  Are there other discounts to be had?  Are there other good alternatives for that last nite, realizing we'll have to be up fairly early for the 9am flight home?  Or should we go for the banquet experience and just enjoy ourselves for what it is?  We're in our mid 50s.

Any gardens we should be sure to hit, trails to hike, etc?

Thanks for your help!



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Michele Erdvig


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radar,

Your first trip in 30 years??? Wow, you deserve a vacation and then some. biggrin

You are aware that Ballynahinch and Abbeyglen are not real castles? I just wrote an article on my Blog about the difference between real castle hotels and regular castle hotels. 

I want you to be aware that April 30 - May 3 is a long Bank Holiday weekend. It is good to have reservations then.

As for the castle banquet, I say go for it. How often do you get to dine in a genuine castle and be entertained by the lords and ladies of the court? The food is not gourmet but is fine and the music is beautiful. It is early in the year yet so the banquet might well have some discounts available soon. In fact, why not send them an email to inquire? Since you have an early start on departure day it would be best to book the early banquet.

For your first day in Ireland, I'm not so sure you should attempt to go all the way to Ballynahinch. It seems like you are more interested in seeing Co. Clare so it might make more sense to have a night in Clare. Perhaps Doolin or Ballyvaughan. You will have three nights in Clifden to see Connemara, etc. 

Gardens:

Vandeleur Walled Gardens
Bridget's Garden
Kylemore Abbey Walled Gardens
Ashford Castle
Muckross Gardens
Derreen Gardens
Ilnacullin Gardens on Garinish Island

There is lots of hiking throughout Connemara but Connemara National Park, Diamond Hill, Dog's Bay all come to mind. In Kenmare is Reenagross Park. There are hiking trails throughout Derreen Gardens and Ilnacullin Gardens. Also many in the Glengarriff area. On the Beara Peninsula is Gleninchiquin Park.

I suggest you call Tourism Ireland and have them send you brochures on gardens and hiking.

Your car sounds like a great deal, especially for an automatic.

I think you have a wonderful trip planned!

Michele



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

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radar


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Hi Michele,

Thanks so much for all the information!!

You're right, it makes a lot more sense staying near Doolin that first night.  Thus, I have now booked a room in Doolin at Sally's House. 

I did see your blog on "castles" and was aware of that misconception.

I will email the castle banquet for any discounts.  Good idea.

I'll probably be checking in again with more Qs.

And by the way, I have been on vacation within the last 30 years (lots of them), but I haven't been to Ireland in 30!

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Michele Erdvig


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radar,

After 30 years be prepared for lots of changes in Ireland! Let us know if you have any other questions.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
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