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Post Info TOPIC: HELP -- Dubliln, Southwest, West of Ireland Part 2 by j2spring


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HELP -- Dubliln, Southwest, West of Ireland Part 2 by j2spring
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j2spring
Unregistered User
(7/15/03 10:43 pm)

HELP -- Dubliln, Southwest, West of Ireland Part 2


Hi Michele, Thanks to you and your readers for your comments. You've all convinced me that trying to incorporate the southwest and the west with Dublin in only 10 days (with 5 of those in Dublin) would be just too much car time. The east coast sounds like a practical solution, but my husband has read so much about sights in the southwest and west that I think he would be disappointed if he didn't see some of them on this trip. Which one to choose -- now that's the dilemma. I really need help with this one (Ring of Kerry/Dingle/Beara Peninsula v. Connemara/The Burren/ Cliffs of Moher). I know this will spark a bit of debate, but your insight would be truly appreciated. Please comment also on whether you think Kenmare is a better choice than Killarney if we "do" the southwest (avoiding the crowds but being convenient to other areas). You mentioned that you thought The Merrion in Dublin might be a good choice -- have you or your clients had any personal experience with it? Also you did not comment on The Park Hotel Kenmare -- would that be a good choice for a luxury hotel in that area (I've also read about The Sheen Falls Kenmare). Also please comment on Ashford Castle -- is it too touristy, more a place to walk through or is it worth the expense? PLEASE share any personal experience you have with these places. (BY THE WAY, WE WILL BE ABLE TO FLY INTO DUBLIN AND OUT OF SHANNON) Again, thanks to you and your readers for your help -- it's been quite a while since I've been back to Ireland, but if I plan this out well, I hope to be able to talk my husband into going more often.



Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1625
(7/16/03 3:41 pm)

Re: HELP -- Dubliln, Southwest, West of Ireland Part 2


Hi j2spring,

I'm delighted to hear you can fly out of Shannon. This will simplify your itinerary and cut out backtracking and wasting time with cross-country drives.

I have not personally stayed at the Merrion since it is out of my budget. So perhaps someone who has stayed there will post with a brief description of it. It is a 5-star hotel (one of eight in Dublin). So that should narrow down your choices.

The Park Hotel in Kenmare is a place of classic Victorian elegance, antiques and old world charm. It is right on the edge of town overlooking the Kenmare River and Reenagros Park, making it an easy walk into town. I haven't stayed there but I have heard feedback that their service is impeccable.

Sheen Falls Lodge is farther away, tucked into the countryside with views of Kenmare Bay & waterfalls. Their bedrooms are more modern. Once again, I haven't stayed there as it's beyond my budget. You are not within walking distance of Kenmare at Sheen Falls but must drive.

There is also a wonderful guesthouse in Kenmare that the mayor of Chicago, foreign dignitaries and Caroline Kennedy and her family stay at. Obviously it doesn't have all the amenities of a hotel like room service, leisure centers, etc. but it is lovely, within walking distance of the town and has views. It all depends on what you require

I suggest looking at the web sites to compare them.

Below is one part of a questionnaire that my clients fill out to help me plan their trips for them. You might have your husband fill it out, which will then help you zero in on exactly what he is interested in. In September you don't have to be that concerned about crowds as they will thin out considerably.

I also suggest going to the library or bookstore and looking at photos of Ireland in various books. See which section of Ireland appeals more. There is no right answer for every person. As you can see from the questionnaire below, there are many variables.

Michele

-------------------------------------------------------

3. I want my tour to include the following (rate 1 to 10 on scale of importance — ten being the highest rating):

a.        Historic houses & castles
b.        Gardens
c.        Museums
d.        Scenic drives
e.        Folk parks
f.        Archaeology
g.        Historic churches & monasteries
h.        Medieval banquets
i.        Natural scenic wonders
j.        Ancient historical sites
k.        Literary Ireland
l.        Shopping
m.        Crystal factory tours
n.        China factory tours
o.        Traditional Irish music
p.        Golf
q.        Fishing
r.        Hiking
s.        Horseback riding
t.        Other (please list)

7. I prefer:

a.        Cities
b.        Countryside
c.        A combination of both

8. I can’t leave Ireland without seeing the following:

-------------------------------------------------------



j2spring
Unregistered User
(7/18/03 12:06 pm)
 
West and Southwest


Hi Michele,
Thanks so much for your helpful info.The excerpts from your questionaire will be particularly helpful in evaluating our interests. I plan to order your book ASAP -- are the editions with the laminated covers available yet?
Michele, you mentioned a guesthouse in Kenmare that the mayor of Chicago and the Kennedy family have stayed at -- do you know the name of it?
As for the Park Hotel's bathrooms (in Kenmare) -- are they a bit on the small, "vintage", historic side?
This is a FABULOUS website and I have told many friends to "check it out." Thanks again for your help and also thanks to Debbie, Dude, and Gilliver for taking the time to share their thoughts.
P.S. Michele, do you have a favorite part of Ireland, and if so, where is it? Also what is your favorite spot in or around Dublin?



Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1628
(7/18/03 4:10 pm)

Re: West and Southwest


Hi j2spring,

I am so glad you are enjoying my web site and forum. You have made my day with your comments. I am always delighted to answer questions and help with planning trips to Ireland...my favorite place! As for my favorite place in Ireland that's like asking a mother with 12 children which is her favorite. At different times she probably has a different favorite. However, I am very partial to Dingle and can never get enough of the view out on Slea Head drive overlooking Dunmore Head at the viewpoint above Coumeenoole Strand. In the Dublin area I really like the village of Malahide.

My book now has plastic on the covers (though it is not "laminated" between two sheets and heat bonded).

The guesthouse in Kenmare is Sallyport House: www.sallyporthouse.com They have large bathrooms with big tubs and those rain shower shower heads that can drown you.

I haven't seen the bathrooms at the Park Hotel. Send them an email. I'm sure they will be able to describe the baths for you.

Michele



Wren
Unregistered User
(7/22/03 10:38 am)
 
West vs. SW


Hi,

We faced the same question when planning our trip, and since we were planning to travel during peak season,(early July) we chose to focus on Connemara and the Burren this trip, and save the southwest for a less busy time of year. So, I can't tell you about the southwest, but I did want to say that Connemara was my absolute favorite part of Ireland. We stayed at Errisbeg Lodge, just outside of Roundstone, and spent four days exploring the area. It's absolutely gorgeous country, the people were lovely, and we had great food. I'll post more details in the "I'm Back" section as soon as I get organized. It's a place I'll return to!!!!!



Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1637
(7/22/03 11:14 pm)
 
Re: West vs. SW


Hi Wren,

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful time in Ireland. We will look forward to hearing all about your trip on the "I'm Back" section of the forum. I would be very interested in your review of Errisbeg Lodge. As you know I am always on the lookout for great new places to stay. I'm glad you enjoyed Connemara. It is a special place.

Michele



Wren
Unregistered User
(8/4/03 12:48 am)

Errisbeg Lodge


Hi Michelle,

I finally finished the I'm Back post, and I highly recommend Errisbeg Lodge. I think it would be the kind of place many of the folks on this forum would enjoy - a bit off the beaten track, in a beautiful location, warm-friendly hosts, and very comfortable rooms. Being able to walk on Dogs Bay or Gurteen beach on before turning in for the evening was truly special, and Jackie and Shirley (the hosts) were so open and kind with wonderful suggestions for enjoying Connemara. I hope you'll have a chance to check them out on one of your trips!



Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1669
(8/4/03 1:14 am)

Roundstone B&B


Hi Wren,

I will definitely check out Errisbeg Lodge the next time I am in Roundstone. I appreciate the recommendation. You know that I am always on the lookout for nice places to stay!

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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