fran
Unregistered User
(2/4/03 1:44 pm)

just back- and planning the next trip!

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Just returned from 11 day trip- it was GREAT! Grateful for all the hints & help from Michele, her book and this site, I thought I'd share some of our trip:
Kilkenny is at the top of the list of favorite places- what a beautiful medieval town- lots of character, charm, friendly people, tons of great pubs, spectacular castle and St.Canice's Cathedral is awe-inspiring. Spent 2 nights and took a day trip to Waterford Crystal.(yep, a woman's thing,but my husband really enjoyed the tour too) Would not have chosen Kilkenny without hearing so much on this site and loved it. Only 2.5 hour drive from Dublin which was just right for the first day of driving on the left.
Staying 2 nights in one place was such a great suggestion- less tiring, less stress. Spent 2 nights in Ennis and roamed the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Kilrush,Kilkee- the scenic Loop Drive was magnificent with sensational views. It was COLD in late January and even had a snow flurry near the Cliffs. Lucky for us, the rains were intermittent on all but one day. The one day of constant rain unfortunately was our day to tour the Connemara but it was still better than a day at work!
Didn't overnight at Ashford Castle-- we opted to find music in Galway instead. Great fun but one night in Galway was enough. Went through Ashford the next day and it is stunning, but we agreed that we chose a more "fun" evening with the music. Music seemed to elude us at this time of year- even in the places that I thought had nightly sessions. Seems that everyone is recovering from Christmas and things will pick back up later in Feb.
Found our rental car through this site and had a great rate, www.oscannlain.com-- and Hertz upgraded our car when we arrived. Driving sure does take a lot longer than you expect-- and hour's drive in Ireland feels like a 3 hour drive in the States, and you may have only gone 20 miles! It's great taking the winding and unexpected road!
There's too much to write, just wanted to pass on a few thoughts and my thanks for the help in planning.
We are thinking of our next trip-- to the North... and in warmer weather. We didn't see many tourists or buses... the January bonus!

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1087
(2/5/03 2:14 am)

Re: just back- and planning the next trip!

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Hi Fran,

Thanks so much for stopping by to tell us about your trip. I'm glad it went well and the weather wasn't too dreadful for January. I was only too happy to help out. Glad you enjoyed Kilkenny. Where did you stay? Maybe next time you can have a night in a castle.

It's wonderful that you are planning another trip. Like most of us on this forum you have been bitten by the Ireland bug and will have to return again and again. What a wonderful disease. Do visit Northern Ireland on your next trip. It is just as lovely as the Republic. I will look forward to helping with your next trip.

Michele

fran
Unregistered User
(2/8/03 2:33 pm)

hotels vs.b&bs

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We opted to stay in hotels to be in the center of towns and avoid night driving (Dark at 5pm- and we found a lot of pubs!). January rates were very good and no problems of availability. In Kilkenny we stayed at the Club House Hotel- very old, charming though the bathroom needed updating-some of the rooms were being re-done. Parking available in back was a plus. We noticed in our travels that many hotels and attractions were undergoing renovations- to be ready for the summer crowds.
We did eat at Langton's per your suggestion- very good, but we found the pub area to be a bit too "modern". Disco music! Langton's hotel was under major construction. Sat in on a great traditional music session at Cleere's- great music and song- probably the best night of our trip.
I'm looking forward to my next (4th) trip to Ireland and my husband now has the bug too. Better pay off this one first! Thanks again.