My plans so far ... any thoughts?

clark219 · Veteran Member

My plans so far ... any thoughts?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Clark,

That is very fast paced. Did you know that seeing Newgrange, Knowth and the Bru na Boinne Visitor Center will most likely take 3 - 4 hours if not more? Trim Castle is seen by guided tour only, which should take about an hour or so. But you might have to wait to join a tour if it is in progress when you arrive. Factor in an hour for lunch, driving times and it looks like your whole day is done. You would be wise to spend the night in Trim and proceed to Doolin on Day 2. You really have no time at all for Galway, Aran Islands or Connemara.

Day 4 will be a long drive to Dingle and then Slea Head drive. You will not have time for kayaking or horseback riding.

Day 6 is very full. Get an early start!

Michele

Andi · Senior Member

This sounds like a very young person with lots of energy! (S)he'll need it.

Monty · Senior Member

I was surprised you noted that this is your "next trip to Ireland," indicating that you have been there before. Your schedule and penchant for one night stays is what often denotes the first-timer!

Suppose if you can handle it, go for it -- myself, I'd slow down and enjoy it all at a more causual pace. You also didn't say when this trip is going to be. Unless it is the summer month's, you won't have enough daylight to do some of these aforementioned plans, and I find driving at night over there something to stay away from.

Would advise to step back and look at this again. You could spend days seeing things around Killarney, for example, and simply stay there and do day trips to Dingle, Slea Head, and Kenmare. That way you could actually not move your bags for two or three days.

Agree with Andi -- your energy is to be admired if you stick with the original plan. smile

Have great fun,

Monty

Michele Erdvig · Host

Monty,

I agree that one-night stays get very tiresome on a trip. I am a advocate of staying a couple of nights in each area. But in today's world people tend to take shorter vacations. Plus they want to cram everything in that they possibly can. They figure they can sleep when they get home.

Andi,

It does take stamina and energy to accomplish!

Michele

clark219 · Veteran Member

Ya'lls posts made me laugh!

So I guess I should clarify a few things ... I am 29 and am traveling with my boyfriend (33), my mom (50), and stepdad (55). My mom and I went to Ireland in 09/2009 and had a blast. Now we are going with our partners and want to see a combination of our favorite things (that we cant stop talking about) and new things. We also invited about 10 other people but at this point its just us (6 of them have said no). I do figure I can sleep when I get home mainly because if Im paying to travel I want to see as much as possible. My mom is also this way and its just a matter of getting the men in our lives motivated. At this point we are talking about leaving around the 4th of May.

The Sea Kayaking and Horseback riding are all me and will probably not happen. In fact I found a Sunrise Sea Kayaking tour that sounds great and I know will fit in our plans and one person (my stepdad) has said no way in heck is he going

I find it hard to sit still when I can be out learning new things and meeting new people. (actually I just find it hard to sit still!)

-- Edited by clark219 on Wednesday 28th of July 2010 03:08:42 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Clark,

You and your mother sound like energizer bunnies! wink

You mentioned you might have a group going. Just note that the larger the group the slower they will go. Trying to keep everyone on schedule will be a challenge.

Despite the fact that you want a "green blur tour" of Ireland, you need to factor in a few things. Each sightseeing stop will take time. Most people forget that. There will also be photo stops, lunch stops and "comfort stops". Sure, you can drive across the country in 3 hours but factor in the other things I mentioned and it can take a long, long day.

I still stand by my advice for Day 1. Don't try to drive cross-country on your first day. The men in your lives will thank you.

Getting up at the crack of dawn is fine. But consider that Irish breakfast usually starts at 8 or 8:30 am. You will not be departing your accommodations before 9 am. Of course, you could always skip breakfast - if the guys will agree to that.

Music in Irish pubs generally starts after 9 pm or 10 pm. That could lead to late night entertainment. You may have a problem getting the guys up with just a few hours sleep (and several pints under their belts!).

You have springtime on your side. Days are long so you can do more. But sightseeing attractions tend to close at 5 or 6 pm.

You could consider one less night in Dublin at the end of your trip. Add it to the middle and spend three nights in Killarney. Do Dingle as a day trip.

Michele