Greetings to all here at this wonderful Ireland resource. I find myself once again planning a May trip over. I can't believe it will have been 4 years since I made the journey with my daughters!!!
I have a good friend in Dublin, so I am flying into Dublin instead of Shannon. This time, I am taking a taxi to her house. Last trip I had driven all the way round from Shannon and found everything ok, UNTIL I got to Dublin and tried to find my friend's house in Kilnamanagh.
Anyway, the plan is to travel west to Donegal for a few days. Have any of you ever taken a train or a bus from Dublin to the west? Galway, or maybe Westport. I would have to get a car over there to get to Ballyshannon. Can I rent a car in one of those towns do you know?
Time flies. I can't believe it's four years either. Your best town for car rentals is probably Galway. Go to some of the car booking engines and try inputing both Galway and Westport to see what comes up. But I really think Galway will have more choice.
Budget have an office on Eyre Square and there are regular bus and train services between Dublin and Galway. It is also a fairly good road up to Donegal but still a fair drive taking me about 3 hours from Galway direct.
Thanks for the information. I have driven from Galway to Donegal Town. Did not find it too bad. It's good to know I can get a car there. Last time, I flew into Shannon and rented a car there and drove all the way around the island. Of course, like so many others, I would not listen to the wiser folk here on this forum about attempting too much and ending up with the "green blur." I just HAD to try to see as much as possible! The driving and moving from one B&B to another proved exhausting. Anyway, I am now contrite and admit Michele was right. This will be a very personal, focused trip. Can't wait.
If you are looking for a B&B just outside Donegal town then I can recommend Drumcorry House which is part of a working farm and has top class hosts, food and occasional live music.
Thanks, Tony! I will consider it for sure. Last time I stayed at Donegal Manor and they could not have been more wonderful to us. The possibility of music right there makes it attractive.
Nowhere near Donegal but it is one of my holiday spots. I live on the Slieve Aughty above Lough Derg between Portumna, Loughrea and Gort so pretty central. All I know about Creevy is that it is on the coast by Ballyshannon which is respected for its surfing. I recommend Drumcorry as a place I have stayed a couple of times, it is a bit out of town but nice and quiet Pat is grand on the fiddle and Martina is a great hostess (make really good soda bread) and her brother used to own the Clansman which was possibly the best trad pub in town.
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
Thanks, Michele. My dilemma is that the US Air flight from Philly is the ONLY and I mean the ONLY non-stop from my area. I live about an hour and a half from Baltimore and/or DC. There are no non-stop flights from any of our airports. Philly works well for me, as it's 3 hours away and I can leave my car at my friend's house. I just want to make sure I can get a seat on that one flight.
Call me crazy but I don't want to spend 22 hours getting to Dubin when I can do it in 7!
I understand the dilemma. Last time I went to Ireland I think I traveled for 24 hours straight with multiple connections. Not fun. I was exhausted.
If you have a firm date and a flight you definitely want to be on "better safe than sorry". I would get the fare. If you are flexible then you might want to wait.