Cathy360
05/06/01 8:17 AM

2 week trip in August

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Hi Michelle:
Recently found your site and have really learned a lot in a short period of time! We are traveling self drive for 15 days in mid August. Airfare/car Rental/Accomodations are already made but I would appreciate your review of our itinerary for feasibility:
Day One: Arrive Dublin, stay in Temple Bar district
Day Two: Dublin
Day Three: Bru na Boinne and Trim Castle, stay in Navan
Day Four: Drive N. to Larne, drive along coast, Carrick-a- rede bridge, stay in Ballintoy
Day Five: Giants Causeway, Derry, stay in Derry city
Day 6: Glenveagh National Park, Glencolumbkille, Bunglas Cliffs, stay in Killybegs
Day 7: Drive S. through Knock to Doolin, stay Doolin
Day 8: Doolin (tour Galway city or Aran Islands)
Day 9: Rose of Tralee Festival, stay in Tralee
Day 10: Rose of Tralee Festival, stay in Tralee
Day 11: Dingle Pensinsula, stay in Dingle
Day 12: Dingle
Day 13: Muckross House, Killarney National Park, stay in Killarney
Day 14: Rock of Cashel, stay in Cashel
Day 15: back to Dublin and home
I know we are missing some "Can't Miss" things but ran out of time. (maybe next trip!). Any suggestions re things to see between "here and there" or concerns re distances between places would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!
Cathy

IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
05/08/01 2:15 AM

RE: 2 week trip in August

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Hi Cathy,

Thanks for your kind words about my site and I'm glad it's helping with your trip. On the whole your itinerary seems very well planned.

On Day Five you might also see Dunluce Castle after the Giant's Causeway. And if you take the coastal route you can also stop to see Mussenden Temple and lovely beaches and cliffs.

Day 6 will be a very long day especially if you intend on taking the coastal routes so it's best to get an early start.

Day 14 from Killarney to Cashel, don't miss Cahir Castle and the Swiss Cottage in Cahir.

All in all it sounds like a great trip and with the long daylight hours in August you should have plenty of time to see the Emerald Isle. Have a great trip! We would enjoy hearing about it afterward if you would care to share your experiences.

Happy travels,

Michele

Cathy360
05/08/01 5:42 AM

RE: 2 week trip in August

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Michele:
Thanks for the review and suggestions; we will add them to our itinerary. We are trying to keep things loose enough for "unplanned adventures" but do want to see places that others have enjoyed on their visits. I am especially looking forward to the Rose of Tralee Festival; have you ever attended? By the way, sorry I mispelled your name! With a name like "Cathy" I know how that goes and usually do a better job ) Many thanks! Cathy

IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
05/08/01 6:36 PM

RE: 2 week trip in August

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Hi Cathy,

Glad to put my "two cents worth" in. Don't worry about misspelling my name--everyone does! I don't take offence at it. You have a good attitude about Ireland--leave yourself open to adventures and you will enjoy it even more. As for the Rose of Tralee Festival, I've never attended it because I usually travel to Ireland in the shoulder or off season (then the B&Bs are not full and I can inspect them!) You do have reservations for Tralee...I hope?

Michele


Cathy360
05/09/01 8:46 AM

RE: 2 week trip in August

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Michele:
We arranged lodging in Tralee as soon as we realized the festival was going on (actually, the festival is the reason we ended up in Tralee in the first place!). We are staying at the Tralee Townhouse on High Street; it came recommended by a friend, we can park and walk to most things and the rates were "reasonable" considering the time of the year. Are you familiar with this place? They say 100,000 people attend the festival...should be fun!

IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
05/31/01 5:20 PM

RE: 2 week trip in August

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Hi Cathy,

I'm not familiar with the Tralee Townhouse but if a friend suggested it I'm sure it will be just fine. Being able to walk to most things is a plus when you consider how many people will be in town for the event. Please let us know how you enjoyed it!

Michele