It equates to approximately 16 miles in distance, one way. The terrain is definitely  that of rolling hills and narrow, winding roads. Fore Valley is a fabulous off the beaten track find. I could easily have spent an entire day wandering amongst the ruins there.

You could also look to hiring a driver for that day, perhaps doing a westmeath tour of sorts. They would be able to help you with that at the Tourist Information Center.

Itineraries are ever in a state of flux even once you start your vacation. It is part of the magic and fun of Irish travel.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Rosa,

You can hire a taxi or hackney and agree on one price for the trip ahead of time instead of having the meter tick away and add up. It will be more expensive than bike hire. But if you are in shape the bike might be fun in good weather. One word of caution; even if it is a perfect sunny day never go anywhere in Ireland without your rain gear. You never know when a sudden shower will happen. My husband always laughs at me when I take my rain jacket and umbrella and the sun is shining. It has saved me a soaking on many an occasion.

Michele

Rosa,

here is the email contact information for the Tourist Office in Mullingar, eastandmidlandsinfo@failteireland.ie . Drop them an email inquiring as to the availability of tours to Fore Valley and or private hire drivers/hacks. They would have the most current information.

On a good, clear day, I would say that the bicycle ride would be very tempting, indeed. Just remember that a sunny road in Ireland can become rainy in the blink of an eye or the turn of the spokes. Of course, it will often go sunny again just as quickly.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Contacted the Mullingar office and they recommended Hamills for a car rental (she said it was about a 30 minute 'brisk walk' from town center or a quick taxi ride).

Hamills got back to me with a quote of about 113 for 2 days for a small manual.

Too much for me, really, at that stage in my trip HOWEVER...

I compared that to Dan Dooley for the same time frame and they wanted about 300!  

So Hamills seems like a sweet deal overall.

Still- I think I'll be going with the bike at that point in my trip.  I'm not anticipating being overloaded with funds that close to the end of my time over there.   

Besides, I may have quite a few full Irish Breakfasts under my belt to work off...

Thanks for the suggestion, Bit.  The tourism office ladies, and Hamills, were all very prompt and helpful!

-- Edited by Rosa_Mundi on Friday 28th of May 2010 05:42:22 PM