What to do 'till check in?

travelingirl · Member

What to do 'till check in?

stewh · Guru

Hi
How early is early? You will spend at least 3 hrs driving to your self catering (further than I like to drive after an overnight flight). I assume you will have to eat breakfast and lunch as well. You might consider stopping for provisions at a grocer along the way - maybe in Tralee. We have done self-catering in Ireland on a number of occasions and have found that the premises are often ready for check-in earlier than advertised; talk to the landlord. You might consider driving via the Killimer Ferry to make for a more relaxing trip. http://www.shannonferries.com/. It would also be very easy to spend some relaxing time on the beautiful Inch Beach. Have a great trip.
Stewart

bronxbomber · Veteran Member

All last year in May, and this upcoming May trip, we never had a problem checking in from 12:30 on, except for Dublin. If the room had been vacant the night before, someone will be there to let you in, if you call in advance. This time, because we are traveling by bus, we have pre-arranged everything, and the response always has been, "Just tell us when." I think Michelle suggested somewhere that early arrivers should be prepared to offer payment for the night before, but in all my emails, no lodger has asked for that. To put it coldly, it's a renter's market.

Michele Erdvig · Host

travelingirl,

Since you are checking into self-catering it could be a different story than checking into a B&B. If it was full previous to you it will have to be cleaned. I suggest you phone them on arrival to check on the status. It is possible you might be able to check in sooner than 4.

There are a few different scenarios. I think I would wait to see what the weather is like. First, you could go out to see the Cliffs of Moher, drive down the coast and take the ferry across the Shannon River. That will take a good part of the day.

A more direct route might include Bunratty Catle & Folk Park, King John's Castle & Hunt Museum in Limerick, a stop in Adare and then on to Dingle.

Michele

travelingirl · Member

Thanks so much for your tips and info! I really appreciat it! Taking the ferry sounds like great fun and is an option I knew nothing about. This will be my second time in Ireland, but my first on the west coast. I'm so very excited!!!

Michele Erdvig · Host

travelingirl,

Go to my Transport page and I have a link to Shannon Ferries.

Michele