Peake518

04/13/01 3:16 PM

Final Stages

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Michelle (and anyone else who'd like to chime in),

I loved your book and its been very helpful in my planning. I've finally come up with what I think is the best itinerary yet for my Ireland trip this year (May 10-20, 3 adults, T&C vouchers) but after catching up on my forum readings I'm again skeptical. I don't want this to be too hectic of a trip (my last one was wonderful but a whirlwind) but I can't seem to eliminate anything. So basically what I want is your advice on if this itinerary is doable and any suggestions you may have on how to make it better.

Fri-arrive Shannon 7:20am and head for Killarney Spend that afternoon exploring Muckross and maybe the Gap of Dunloe. I've heard there is a pub that provides traditional irish food and ceili like entertainment in Glenbeigh (The Red Fox I think) and we may try to head there for dinner (if it's not too far)
Sat-Ring of Kerry into Dingle peninsula as far as we get
Sun-rest of Dingle and up to Tarbert-Killimer ferry or as far into Clare as possible
Mon-Burren, Cliffs of Moher and into Doolin
Tues-Morning on Aran Island (from Doolin) then head toward Galway and check out the Dungaire Castle banquet
Wed-Galway
Thurs-Connemara and as far north as possible
Fri-Causeway and head down Antrim coast
Sat-head down to Newgrange and eat at fabulous restaurant in Dunleer (Carlito's)
Sun-drive back to Shannon to catch 2:45 flight

After typing that I feel like it's even less likely to accomplish! Anyway, our major interests are scenery, music, ancient sites and the people. We don't care to shop much and we're very good at ignoring jet-lag. I've thought about doing this in reverse so we wouldn't be at Newgrange on a Saturday but then I'm afraid time will get cut off of the Dingle end and I don't want that to happen.
I'm also not too worried about getting B&B reservations (except for first night and weekends) since it's May and from what I can tell foot and Mouth is keeping some folks away. Do you thinks that's pretty accurate?
I'm really not stressed about it because no matter what we do we'll be in Ireland so it will be OK but any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge!
Angie


IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
04/13/01 6:42 PM

RE: Final Stages

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Hi Angie,

Thanks very much for your gracious words about my book. It's always good to hear that it has been helpful. Your trip is a bit of a whirlwind but most of it can be done, perhaps with a few adjustments. I suggest you get an early start every day (out the door of the B&B by 9:30).

Muckross House & Gardens are currently closed. Check the ITB's site for updates: www.ireland.travel.ie/eve...eventId=80 On your first day I really think that it would be a stretch to go to Glenbeigh and back to Killarney that evening. Instead go into Killarney for entertainment. You might try Foley's or Whitegates (check with the tourist office or your B&B hosts to see what's on). Keep in mind that most pub entertainment doesn't start till after 9 pm. You might be out cold with jet lag by then!

On Saturday you will want to do the Ring of Kerry clockwise since you will then be traveling on to Dingle. Quite a long day. If it were me, I'd cut out the Ring of Kerry and enjoy Dingle instead.

You should have reservations in advance for Dunguaire Castle. E-mail: reservations@shannon-dev.ie

You should cut something else out in the middle of your trip (like bypassing Doolin and going right to Galway, seeing the Cliffs of Moher on the way there). Do Aran Islands from Galway. On your last day I don't recommend driving from Dublin to Shannon to catch a 2:45 flight on Sunday. You should overnight near Shannon. If you are taking an international flight you must check in 2 hours before flight time. That's 12:45. Then you should give yourself time to return the car and turn in your tax forms (to say nothing of duty-free shopping at Shannon Airport). It's a 4-5 hour drive from Dublin to Shannon and that means you will be up at the crack of dawn rushing for your flight.

I also suggest having reservations for your first and last nights in Ireland (and for the Dublin area) if your vouchers allow you to do that.

I think that with a little fine-tuning your itinerary can be made less of a whirlwind and much more enjoyable. Think about it!

Happy travels,

Michele


Peake518

04/19/01 4:05 PM

RE: Final Stages

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Thanks for the great information. I have since talked over the itinerary with the friend that is going with me (her first time) and since she plans to return many times we've decided to skip the causeway and Newgrange this time. That way we can have three days in County Kerry, three in Clare and three in County Galway and not lose any time on cross-country drives. I'll miss the beautiful Antrim coast but I think it will be worth it. Thanks for all your guidance. It's great to have someone like you to run our questions by! Angie


IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
04/19/01 6:11 PM

RE: Final Stages


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Hi Angie,

I'm always happy to help out and put my "two cents worth" in! If it helps you to have a better trip to Ireland that's always my goal. Even though you will miss out on a couple of things on this trip I think your experience will be enriched by taking the time to enjoy the places you have chosen for your itinerary.

Wishing you sunshine and a few rainbows!

Michele

P.S. Let us know how it goes upon your return. We would love to hear about your trip!