3-generational trip

eileenalana · Veteran Member

3-generational trip

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Dunno about Chauffeur driven pricing, BUT ...

For about 40 Euro EACH, you can ge two Mobile Phones (cell phones to us Yanks) with PLENTY of call credit -- to keep the two drivers in communication with each other.

driving in Ireland is NOT as hard as everyone makes it out to be, IF you do NOT set UNREALISTIC goals for each day -- See Michele's '35 MPH Rule' for planning guidelines ...

Over the last eleven years, I've been 12 times, and driven many THOUSANDS of Kilometers -- in everything from three-door hatchbacks to NINE passenger vans -- without problems.

March is an EXCELLENT time to experience Ireland without the crowds.

We can relay OUR experiences and give you our advice, but ...

The bottom line, though, is that you must do what YOU are comfortable with.

Hope this helps,

Bob ( THE Italian Chauffeur)

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Monday 18th of October 2010 11:12:09 PM

tony2phones · Guru

It would depend on the main area's but you could opt for Bus or train for main towns/cities and take organised tours from these. Unfortunately it is just a case of searching the net for coach and driver companies but if you 1st determine a basic Itinerary then you would be closer to getting an accurate quote. Remember also that if you are involving a trip St Patrick's week you will be on Peak rates with many operators.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileenalana,

Try this company: http://www.accessirishlimos.com/

Others to look at:

http://www.irelandchauffeurdrive.com/

http://www.pat-keogh.com/

http://www.bartons-transport.ie/

http://www.chauffeur.ie/index.htm

http://www.probusandcar.com/

http://www.limousine.ie/

List of coach hire in Ireland:

http://www.cttc.ie/

You have time to explore your possibilities. So don't panic. Take it one step at a time and you will find what will work best for your family.

Have you thought about renting a cottage or house?

Michele

Of course a chauffeur-driven vehicle large enough for all and luggage will cost much more than renting cars and doing it yourself. I suggest getting quotes from more than one company. If you consider that there are going to be four couples, if you split the bill it will be about 100 euro per couple per day for a chauffeur-driven vehicle. If you are paying for the whole thing without help from the others then it is a lot of money.

stewh · Guru

As Bob says, driving in Ireland doesn't have to be that difficult. In 5 trips over the last few years I also have driven thousands of kilometers. The secret is to take it easy and keep a realistic agenda - no need to drive in Dublin or try to keep pace with the local drivers. Getting lost temporarily is not that much of a problem. There may be an advantage to having 2 vehicles; that way not everyone has to do the same thing all together all the time. I have never traveled 'in a convoy' in Ireland but I think a better approach would be to set a meeting place before setting out and, as Bob says, keep in touch by telephone. Trying to follow each other everywhere would be stressful. You must, of course do what is comfortable for you. good luck

Stewart

eileenalana · Veteran Member

Thank you everyone for your input so far!! It is always helpful to see things from other's perspectives!!
Bob -- the cell phone idea is great and would work, just trying to leave all that hussle and bussle behind us for a week or so. We are going in early March (my son's college spring break) so assume the crowds will not be around and we will be happy to deal with the cooler weather just coming out of winter.
Tony -- we will not be there for St. Patrick's Day so will miss those crowds, as well.
Stewart -- thanks for your thoughts, as well. Getting lost is something we look forward to as that is how we will find some hidden treasures!!
Michele -- great information. I have several inquiries into many of the websites to get a variety of quotes to compare. Would like to see many areas so are opting for B&Bs scattered about instead of one house/area. All four couples are handling their own expenses so it is a shared (tight-budgeted) vacation.
I believe we are all now of the mind to definitely find a suitable chauffeured coach so that everyone is relaxed and enjoying every minute. Everyone wants to be watching the sites and not watching the road!!! The more I search the web...... hours and hours at a time each day..... the more I want to be there right now!! It will be awesome.
Thanks again, everyone. Will keep you updated.

Eileen

CowboyCraic · Guru

Eileen,

Though you will avoid the avoid the crowds by going in early march, you may find that many of the sites that you might have on your list to visit will still be closed for the off-season. Most sites don't open until after St Patrick's week.

Speaking from experience, it is often better to hire a coach and leave the driving to the more experienced. I took that option for one of my trips. We had six people, musical instruments and luggage. I weighed the cot agianst the stress of trying to handle a people mover myself and opted for the hired coach. The advantage to having two separate vehicles is when part of the group is interested in seeing something which the rest are not. They can go off on their own and return with their adventure tales to share.

Slan Beo (Take Care),

Bit

eileenalana · Veteran Member

Thanks for the vote of approval, Bit!! For our very first visit to Ireland, I definitely agree the hired driver would be best for all concerned.
I am now concerned about you saying some sites won't be open until after St. Patrick's Day!! Had never thought about that!! Alas, what will be will be!! With so many travelling together, this was the only open time for all and our dates are set. I'm not too worried.... no matter what..... it IS Ireland and that is all that matters.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Eileen,

There is much to be found in the beauty of her landscapes and the warmth of her people. I rarely visit the tourist spots so I don't find it too much of a hinderance. It is a matter of adjusting your thinking, really. For example, a ferry to Inis Mor runs on a fairly regular back and forth schedule during the summer months, weather allowing. In the off months, those ferry runs can be reduced down to two, weather depending.

Some attractions are open year-round but have reduced hours of operation for the off-season. Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Estate are two that are open year-round. Sites in your larger cities will also be open.

What fun you all will have creating memories that will span lifetimes and generations.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

You can definitely research what is open when you will be in Ireland and adjust your trip accordingly. Just Google "opening times" + the name of the attraction.

Michele

eileenalana · Veteran Member

I have been away from my planning for way too long. It became overwhelming, so I thought I would take a break and then the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays were upon me. Now I am 65 days from departure and in panic-mode once again!! hmm

I hope all of the wonderful people on this forum had a very blessed Christmas season. I wish you all a truly happy, healthy and wonderful new year, as well.

Moving on to my trip in early March.....

I apologize to all the "experts" in advance, I know this will end up being a "green blur" tour, but.... all eight of us want to see as much as possible together not knowing when any will make the return journey!! In review, it is my 80 yr.old parents (have been several times and are suggesting way too much to do!!), my husband and I, my daughter and son-in-law, my college son and girlfriend (six of us first time!).
Have definitely decided to hire a coach for the eight-day stay. We arrive in Shannon early Saturday, March 5th and depart Shannon Sunday morning, March 13th.

Day 1 -- head north to Galway visiting Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Drumoland Castle. Tour Galway City late afternoon/evening. Looking for evening entertainment?
Overnight Marless House in Galway (thanks Michele)

Day 2 -- Sunday Mass! Follow Michele's Day Trip (p.305) Aughnanure Castle, Clifden, Sky Road, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Cong, Ashford Castle (all depending on time and daylight). Need inexpensive pub suggestions for meals?
Overnight Marless House in Galway.

Day 3 -- need help here!! confuse

We want to visit Shrine at Knock and are asking suggestions of what is "must-see" in this area. We have this day to see some sites before needing southeast to be at our B & B outside of Dublin!!
Overnight Howthview in Portmarnock. (parents stayed several times)

Day 4 -- Public bus into Dublin City. Tour city all day.... Hop-on-hop-off bus to Trinity College, Guinness Factory, St. Patrick's Cathedral, pubs, shopping, etc. Any suggestions?
Overnight Howthview in Portmarnock.

Day 5 -- Ashford Castle, Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens, Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral, Rock of Cashel.
Need suggestion of where to stay overnight!!

Day 6 -- Tour ancestors areas!! Cahir, Tipperary, Cappoquin, Waterford, Kinsale, Blarney Castle (I know, too touristy!)
Overnight Shraheen House in Killarney

Day 7 --Tour Killarney area, Kenmare, Beara Peninsula? Slea Head Drive?
Overnight Shraheen House in Killarney

Day 8 -- Ring of Kerry, Tralee?, head north to see?? Bunratty Castle in evening.
Overnight Bunratty Lodge

Depart Shannon for states!! (very sad, but very fulfilled!!)

Again, my grateful thanks for this wonderful forum. I appreciate any and all suggestions, help, assistance. Planning a trip for eight is a big responsibility but I know all will be very happy with whatever outcome develops. Afterall..... it IS Ireland and that is all that matters biggrin

!!

Eileen

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

I count 8 people on the trip. Since you will have a driver and coach you will be able to sit back and relax during your "green blur tour" of Ireland. But keep in mind that a driver will only do about 8 hours per day of actual driving. You may have to cut some things out. Be sure to run it past your chauffeur company before hand. You are covering a whole lot of territory in 8 days!

My thoughts are below:

Day 1 -- head north to Galway visiting Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Drumoland Castle. Tour Galway City late afternoon/evening. Looking for evening entertainment?
Overnight Marless House in Galway (thanks Michele) * Dromoland Castle is a hotel. Skip it. The cliffs, Burren and Galway is more than enough for your first day. I wouldn't be surprised if your parents spend much of the day sleeping in the vehicle.

Day 2 -- Sunday Mass! Follow Michele's Day Trip (p.305) Aughnanure Castle, Clifden, Sky Road, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Cong, Ashford Castle (all depending on time and daylight). Need inexpensive pub suggestions for meals?
Overnight Marless House in Galway. * This day looks fine.

Day 3 -- need help here!! confuse

We want to visit Shrine at Knock and are asking suggestions of what is "must-see" in this area. We have this day to see some sites before needing southeast to be at our B & B outside of Dublin!!
Overnight Howthview in Portmarnock. (parents stayed several times) * Well Knock is out of the way but seems to be a must. In that case drive north to Knock. Some other sightseeing on the way might include Strokestown Park House & Famine Museum, Belvedere House & Gardens.

Day 4 -- Public bus into Dublin City. Tour city all day.... Hop-on-hop-off bus to Trinity College, Guinness Factory, St. Patrick's Cathedral, pubs, shopping, etc. Any suggestions?
Overnight Howthview in Portmarnock. * If you are at all interested in Irish history I recommend Kilmainham Gaol.

Day 5 -- Ashford Castle, Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens, Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral, Rock of Cashel.
Need suggestion of where to stay overnight!! * Ashford Castle is way across the country in Mayo. I don't think you mean that castle! No way will you fit this all in one day. Go back to the drawing board and cut things out that are less important.

Day 6 -- Tour ancestors areas!! Cahir, Tipperary, Cappoquin, Waterford, Kinsale, Blarney Castle (I know, too touristy!)
Overnight Shraheen House in Killarney * Again, too much and too scattered. Your sightseeing will fill up 2 or 3 days not one.

Day 7 --Tour Killarney area, Kenmare, Beara Peninsula? Slea Head Drive?
Overnight Shraheen House in Killarney * Killarney area = one day. Dingle & Slea Head Drive = one day. Beara Peninsula = one day. Choose one.

Day 8 -- Ring of Kerry, Tralee?, head north to see?? Bunratty Castle in evening.
Overnight Bunratty Lodge. * The Ring of Kerry will take most of the day. You may arrive too late to tour Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Perhaps do the banquet?

To make this a much better trip, I personally would cut out the east coast. But that is your decision. The current itinerary is way over the top. You need to pare it down or add days.

Michele

eileenalana · Veteran Member

Thanks, Michele!! This is exactly the kind of help I need!! So......

The two chauffeur companies I have yet to decide between both say 9 to 10 hours daily.

Day 1 -- Approved/Done!! Don't let the age fool you..... my parents are VERY young and spry!!! lol!!

Day 2 -- Approved/Done!!!

Day 3 -- Still working on this one~~~
Am curious.... what are your thoughts on Evergreen B & B for two nights? Mary has given me a better rate than that of Howthview and I am not locked in anywhere yet. Still close to public transportation into Dublin city.

Day 4 -- Add Kilmainham Gaol to Dublin touring.... Approved/Done!!

Day 5 -- Certainly did not mean Ashford Castle.. doing that day 2!! Not sure how that happened. What about Glendalough, Powerscourt and then on to the Irish National Stud Park (son-in-law very big on horses) and Japanese Gardens? Possibly finding B & B in Kilkenny or Cashel? Recommendations?

Day 6 -- Still working on this one, too!!!

Day 7 -- Definitely Killarney area! Approved/Done!!

Day 8 -- Ring of Kerry, drinks at Durty Nellies, dinner at Bunratty Castle. Approved/Done!!

Side note.... at the time I purchased your wonderful book you were out of the discount books. Do you have a new supply or where can I call to obtain one of them to lessen our entry fees?

Again, many thanks for all the help, thoughts, suggestions.

Eileen

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

On Day 5 you have added more sightseeing to the mix. I think your best plan would be Powerscourt, Glendalough, Irish National Stud and overnight in Cashel. Skip Kilkenny completely as you won't have time to see anything there anyway. Right in Cashel town I recommend Joy's Rockside House. If you don't mind being a couple of miles from town I like Ard ri House and Dualla House.

You can download the discount brochure here: Ireland Visitor Discounts.

Michele

eileenalana · Veteran Member

Thank you for the info on the discount pass. I will keep checking for the 2011 pass to be posted as it still has 2010 up!!
I am sorry to have confused you!!! I was actually deleting my entire original day 5 and only making it Powerscourt, Glendalough, Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, finishing by the Rock of Cashel. I had previously requested a quote from Joy's Rockside House based on your book recommendation and am waiting to hear from them. Wasn't sure if we should end in that area or push for overnight in Waterford (Glenorney By the Sea looks beautiful!)
Anyone else have any thoughts/suggestions for my day 3 after we visit the Shrine at Knock??
I have heard from several B & Bs asking me to thank you, Michele, for your recommendations!! (Rosquil House, Brookfield Lodge, Evergreen, Beechwood) I pass their thanks on to you!!
Should we try to stay north, east or south of Dublin for night 3 & 4???
Does everything else work out above?
You have been a wonderful help, Michele, thank you.
Happy New Year!
Eieen

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

If you don't want to stay right in Dublin City then I recommend Malahide. It is a great "village" and suburb of Dublin. You can get DART or a bus from Malahide right into the city center.

Day 5 will be filled with a lot of sightseeing. Cashel would make a good overnight. Then if you don't have time to visit the Rock on Day 5 you can do it in the morning of Day 6.

Thanks for passing on the greetings from the various B&Bs. I work closely with them and each is excellent in its own unique way.

Always glad to help out. Let me know how your itinerary progresses.

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

For Galway entertainment this link might help

http://www.enjoyfreetoday.com/

If you are visiting Knock and the Basilica you might want to call in at the Museum of Country Life.

http://www.museum.ie/en/intro/country-life.aspx

CowboyCraic · Guru

Just as an aside, The Irish National Stud takes a good three to four hours minimum. There is the Japanese Reflection Garden which takes about a half hour to 45 minutes, then they do a guided tour of the Stud Yard which is another twenty minutes. Then there is the self guided tour through the different paddocks which can take up to an hour. Not to be missed is Saint Fiachra's Garden, which is a wooded walk and pools area. Add another half hour there. Then there is the Horse musuem which can take an hour at minimum.

For myself, a horseman, I could spend an entire day breathing horse!

Slan Beo (Take Care),

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

Bit makes an important point. Most people forget that it takes time to visit places in Ireland. That is why their itineraries look like long lists of everything including the kitchen sink. You really must pick and choose the best and leave all the other options out.

Michele

eileenalana · Veteran Member

Thanks for the Galway and Basilica link, Tony. Very interesting.
Bit -- great help with the timing of the Irish National Stud. My son-in-law could also spend days there I am sure!! We will slow the pace down a bit to make sure we actually SEE the things we want.
Michele -- I have received a quote from Joy's Rockside House and think this may be what we decide on for night 5.
My (tentative) chauffeur tells me it would be too much to take public transportation into Dublin and suggests we still use him to get around the city?? My parents did it several times (half hour ride from Portmarnock and the bus stops one block from Howth View).... any thoughts anyone? Isn't it do-able to see alot with the hop-opn-off bus around the city?
Also, I am told the Ring of Kerry takes 6 to 7 hours and then another 2 hours to get to Bunratty. This cuts it pretty close to do the banquet. Any other suggestions, or should the banquet be a must?
Thank you one and all. The time is coming quickly!! Only 52 more days to wait!! It seems to be coming quickly.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

The ROK does take up most of the day. Bunratty Castle has two banquets per night at 5:30 & 8:45. Would the later banquet suit? There are several nice restaurants in Bunratty also. Don't worry, you won't go hungry!

For Dublin you can take public transportation from Portmarnock into the city. The hopper bus is a fun and easy way to get in your sightseeing. It would be "easier" to have your chauffeur drop you off in the city. Were you dropping the chauffeur for 2 days or keeping him? If you are paying him for those 2 days then you might as well use him.

Go for Joy's Rockside House. The setting is perfect and a quick walk to everything including the Rock of Cashel.

Michele

eileenalana · Veteran Member

The later banquet is what I was hoping for, however, I just tried to register online and it is not available for us. Only the 5:30 sitting still has openings..... Saturday night!!!! Anyone have any connections to make the 8:45 work for us?? Just asking!!! Maybe we should just tour the grounds and find someplace else to eat and be entertained. Suggestions??

I have the option of not using our driver for the day in Dublin and not being charged. That is why I was hoping to use public transport.

I also received a good quote from Laragh House in Kilkenny? Still think Joys Rockside House would be better.... what do you think??

Thanks again!!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

Are you booked into Bunratty Lodge for your last night? If so, email Mary and she will get you in to the banquet if humanly possible. She has "connections".

I still think that Cashel will be best, given what you want to do that day.

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

Have you considered the 6.30 banquet at Knappoque Castle as a backup?

http://www.shannonheritage.com/Entertainment/KnappogueCastleBanquet/

Michele Erdvig · Host

I am sorry to have to report that Access Irish Limos has become another victim of the recession. They are closing down and will not be offering chauffeur-driven cars any more. What a pity.

Michele

eileenalana · Veteran Member

WOW!! That explains a lot!! They had given me a quote a month ago for my trip in March. I have tried to contact them several times this week and have not heard back from them

!! Truly a shame.
Guess I am back to the drawing board!!!
Tony, thanks for the suggestion. Knappoque Castle doesn't open until April.... too late for my early March trip!! hmm

-- Edited by eileenalana on Wednesday 12th of January 2011 07:13:39 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

Try some of the other companies I previously posted. Sorry to hear that Access was the one you had chosen. My clients had glowing reviews for them. But the recession has hit everyone hard. At least you have time to get another company for your chauffeur-drive.

Michele

eileenalana · Veteran Member

Thanks, Michele. I contacted Mary and she has let me know there is no 8:45 banquet... only 5:30!! March is a bit early for all these things! Seems a medieval banquet is not in the cards for us. Both Knappogue and Dunguaire do not open until April. We will have to find another way to amuse ourselves on our last night in Ireland!!!

I have taken care of my chauffeur, also. We are all set!!! Although he seems convinced that I need his services for my day in Dublin to see it all properly? I'm still toying with this. My parents say the half-hour bus ride from Portmarnock will work fine for us that day and it will save us an additional day (360 euro!) of coach fees.... what does everyone else think? Can we see a lot with the hop-on-off bus around Dublin city on our own or do we really need to keep our chauffeur that day?

Thanks again for everyone's help. Love this forum!!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

I think your parents are right. Save the 360 and take the bus into Dublin then the hopper bus around for your sightseeing. Even if you take a taxi into the city it will cost a lot less. What company did you go with?

For dinner in Bunratty I recommend Gallaghers or J.P. Clarks. Then toddle over to Durty Nelly's for some amusement.

Michele

EngagingKate · Senior Member

Eileen,

The HOHO bus in Dublin is an excellent introduction to Dublin City! (So my vote is save the 360.) Since the ticket is good for 24 hours, we have been know to go around once with one driver, have lunch, and then get on with another driver... lol. Each driver has their own experiences and knowledge, so we like to get different views on what we're seeing. (Yeah, we're a bit off center... wink

)

If you get on the HOHO bus when you get into Dublin, you can drive around, learn some history, and maybe see what you just absolutely need to back and see. We suggest people do this if they only have a day or two in the city, because there's so much to see, it would take you several days. The HOHO helps you narrow down your must-sees...

Don't forget there are fantastic museums (free entry) in Dublin as well! http://www.museum.ie/en/homepage.aspx

Enjoy your trip!

Slan,

Kate