springdunn
Registered User
Posts: 1
(8/7/03 4:08 pm)

trip plan ??

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Here is what we are doing:

Day1 arrive Dublin AM, Tour Dublin, Stay Dublin

Day2 train to Belfast, tour Belfast, Train to Portrush, Stay Portrush

Day3 Giants Causeways, Bushmills, Train to Belfast-Dublin, Stay Dublin Airport

Day4 Fly to Kerry, Rent car, Ring of Kerry, Stay Dingle

Day5 Dingle Penn, Stay Dingle

Day6 Drive to Cliffs of Moher, Alwee Caves, Dinner Banquet, Stay Shannon Airport

Day7 Fly Shannon-London

I need some tips we still don’t have a place to stay in Dublin on Day1 (3 people Temple Bar area??- BUDGET!!), Day2 Portrush (3 people budget), Day4 & Day5 Dingle (3 people budget)

Since we have to get on the train in Portrush by 4:00 pm, whats the best way to spend day 3?

Where do a banquet Day6?

Where rent a car from for pick uop Kerry drop off Shannon?

Thanks,
Spring

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 51
(8/7/03 3:57 pm)

Re: trip plan ??

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First - WHEN are you planning on going? Time of year makes a huge difference in daylight hours and weather.

Second. Day 4 - You will never get all that done. Even if your flight into Kerry gets in early, Driving the Ring will take 4 - 5 hrs or more, not including stopping for lunch, pictures, shopping, etc. Then to head into Dingle? You should choose EITHER the Ring or Dingle - not both.

This is really a pretty packed Itinerary. Is there anyway to skip the train back to Dublin and either do a train to Kerry, or a flight there ?

springdunn
Registered User
Posts: 2
(8/7/03 4:39 pm)

Re: trip plan ??

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we are going to be there the last week of September

We are flying from Dublin to Kerry and arrive in Kerry at 8:30 am

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1686
(8/8/03 1:25 am)

Re: trip plan ??

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Hi Spring,

Here are my comments on your itinerary:

Day1 arrive Dublin AM, Tour Dublin, Stay Dublin.  Michele's Answer: Fine.

Day2 train to Belfast, tour Belfast, Train to Portrush, Stay Portrush. Michele's Answer: Fine.

Day3 Giants Causeways, Bushmills, Train to Belfast-Dublin, Stay Dublin Airport. Michele's Answer: Okay.

Day4 Fly to Kerry, Rent car, Ring of Kerry, Stay Dingle. Michele's Answer: Even though you are arriving at 8:30 this is a bit much. I suggest seeing the Killarney area, which is beautiful and then proceeding to Dingle.

Day5 Dingle Penn, Stay Dingle. Michele's Answer: Fine. Be sure to do Slea Head Drive.

Day6 Drive to Cliffs of Moher, Alwee Caves, Dinner Banquet, Stay Shannon Airport. Michele's Answer: This is a full day. Get an early start.

Day7 Fly Shannon-London

I need some tips we still don’t have a place to stay in Dublin on Day1 (3 people Temple Bar area??- BUDGET!!), Day2 Portrush (3 people budget), Day4 & Day5 Dingle (3 people budget). Michele's Answer: Have you considered Jurys Christchurch Inn for Dublin? I have no personal recommendations for Portrush. Are you using vouchers for B&Bs?

Since we have to get on the train in Portrush by 4:00 pm, whats the best way to spend day 3? Michele's Answer: Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Portrush, Bushmills Distillery.

Where do a banquet Day6? Michele's Answer: Bunratty Castle.

Where rent a car from for pick up Kerry drop off Shannon?  Michele's Answer: Go to my "Car Rental" page for a listing. Start getting quotes and choose your best rate.

Michele

springdunn
Registered User
Posts: 3
(8/8/03 3:44 pm)

Re: trip plan ??

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I am not sure what vouchers are?
We need a recommendation for Dingle too.

Thanks

springdunn
Registered User
Posts: 4
(8/8/03 3:47 pm)

Re: trip plan ??

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The Jurys Christ Church is booked (per thier website)

Also what woudl be good to do around Killkeny

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 53
(8/8/03 5:23 pm)
 

Re: trip plan ??

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Just a reminder - if you are defintely planning on doing the Bunratty Banquet - make your reservations now. They book up very fast. The web page is: www.shannonheritage.com/Bunratty_Ban.htm

To give people a better understanding of what you mean by BUDGET, for B&B recommendations, can you tell us the price range you are in? (For example , on my last trip , my max per night was 35 euros per person.)

Budget to you may be splurging to someone else.

Oh - and Vouchers are basically coupons that a lot of people get either independently , or as part of a Self-Drive Tour. They are usually a set price for every night, and you sometimes have to add a supplement to them to get an Ensuite room.
Since you are asking about Budget accomodations, I am guessing you do not have vouchers.

 

springdunn
Registered User
Posts: 5
(8/8/03 5:53 pm)

Re: trip plan ??

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We are looking at about 25 euros per person. If possible. Do you recommed getting vouchers? Where would I get them?

I'll go ahead and book the banquet.

Thanks

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 54
(8/8/03 8:28 pm)

Re: trip plan ??

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As a rule, no ,I am not a big fan of Vouchers. Sometimes , depending on the package you find, they are just too good a deal to pass up. I would have to do a lot of research first to see if the places I wanted took vouchers, and what the supplemental costs are.

25 pps is do-able in most places , but may be a bit farther from town, may not have ensuite rooms, or may not be the 'spiffy-est' of places.

Your trip is about 6 weeks away. I would get the B&B books out and scour them for places in your price range. Then come up with 3 or so for each place and then ask for recommendations. Either way - if you can find ones that fit your budget I would BOOK IT ASAP. With a tight budget I would not chance it , trying to book a place to stay when you get to town.

Another option for you will be to check out the costs of staying at a hotel - it won't include breakfast (usually) but you will be paying a set cost for the room, not pps
(per person sharing)

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1698
(8/9/03 1:45 am)

Re: trip plan ??

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Hi Spring,

Don't get the vouchers. Just use credit cards and/or cash at the B&Bs.

Where are you going to fit Kilkenny into the plan? Has the itinerary changed?

25 euro is on the low side for B&Bs. Most are now charging a little more than that. Go to my "Links" page and click on Town and Country. This will give you thousands of B&Bs to choose from. Also it will tell you the current rates.

Michele

P.S. Thanks Debbie. You are a treasure!

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 55
(8/10/03 11:39 pm)

Re: trip plan ??

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ah, Queen Michele,
just trying to help where I can.
I received a lot of ideas when I planned my last trip, and want to pay it back

Sometimes too - I find that people listen a bit more, when they hear something from multiple sources. Too, I have found that 1st time planners don't realize how much information is needed for us to help them with their decisions. Hopefully, my asking some pointed questions, helps us to answer questions, and helps them to see their trip without blinders on.

Debbie

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1704
(8/11/03 12:16 am)
 
Great Help!

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Princess Debbie,

Your help is always greatly appreciated by me and everyone else. Especially first-timers. Your pointed questions put people on the right track. I can't tell you how many times people say "we are going to Ireland...tell me where to go and what to see" and leave it at that. Mind readers we are not. So knowing when they are going, how many days they have, their arrival and departure cities, etc. is a must. But you already know all that and and ask for more details in your postings. And I agree, that having multiple people telling them the same thing reinforces opinions -- like not being able to see the whole island in three days! You are a valued member of the Royal Court!

Michele

springdunn
Registered User
Posts: 6
(8/11/03 5:12 pm)
 
UPdated Itinerary

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Updated Itinerary:
Saturday Sept 27th
7:35 am Arrive DUBLIN airport
Morning Hop on/off Bus Tour http://www.dublinbus.ie
Tour: Trinty College, Book of Kells, Guiness Brewery, Grafton Street, OConnel Street, Temple Bar Area
Stay at Abraham House http://www.abraham-house.ie/

Sunday Sept 28th
7:30/9:30AM Train to BELFAST (2 hours)
Tour: Black Cab Tour www.BelfastTours.com
BELFAST Big Bus Tour of City 1.5 hrs
5/7/or 9:00 Train to PORTRUSH (2 hour)
Stay at Stay at MacCools’ Portrush Youth Hostel

Monday Sept 29th
Morning Bus to Giants Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge,
Steam Train to Bushmills Distillery
4:00 pm Train to BELFAST (2 hour)
8:00 pm Train to DUBLIN (2 hours)
Stay at DUBLIN Airport http://dublinairport.holiday-inn.com/

Tuesday Sept 30th
7:40 am AerArann Flight # 251 Fly from DUBLIN to KERRY (1 hour)
8:35 am Arrive Kerry
Rent a car (is is better to get automatic or manuel, how about a deisel. Whats the best size for 3 girls?)
Drive to KILLARNEY (20 minuites)
Tour the Killarney National Park (Gap of Dunloe)
Drive to DINGLE (1.5 hours)
Stay AT DINGLE in Ocean View B&B
http://www.family-homes.ie/entries2003/ky40.htm

Wendsday Oct 1st
Morning Drive Dingle Loop (30 miles)
Horse back ride(We would like to rent horses but not go on a GUIDED tour because we are all experienced riders, any sugesstions?)
Stay at DINGLE (same place as above)

Thursday Oct 2nd
Early AM Drive to Ciffs of Moher then to Ailwee Caves (4 hr total drive time)
Drive to SHANNON (40 minutes)
8:45pm Dinner at Bunratty Castle(6 miles from hotel)
Stay at Great Southern Hotel Shannon Airport www.greatsouthernhotels.com

Friday am
Fly Shannon to London

Thanks for any input you may have as it is our first time.

Spring

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1709
(8/11/03 11:31 pm)

Updated Itinerary

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Hi Spring,

I see that you have found some hostels and lower cost places to stay on your trip. My comments are below on your updated itinerary:

Saturday Sept 27th
7:35 am Arrive DUBLIN airport
Morning Hop on/off Bus Tour www.dublinbus.ie
Tour: Trinty College, Book of Kells, Guiness Brewery, Grafton Street, OConnel Street, Temple Bar Area
Stay at Abraham House www.abraham-house.ie/ Michele's Answer: If this is your first day after a trans-atlantic flight you may be jet-lagged. See the most important things first and if you miss out on less important sightseeing you won't be disappointed.

Sunday Sept 28th
7:30/9:30AM Train to BELFAST (2 hours)
Tour: Black Cab Tour www.BelfastTours.com
BELFAST Big Bus Tour of City 1.5 hrs
5/7/or 9:00 Train to PORTRUSH (2 hour)
Stay at Stay at MacCools’ Portrush Youth Hostel Michele's Answer: Fine.

Monday Sept 29th
Morning Bus to Giants Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge,
Steam Train to Bushmills Distillery
4:00 pm Train to BELFAST (2 hour)
8:00 pm Train to DUBLIN (2 hours)
Stay at DUBLIN Airport dublinairport.holiday-inn.com/ Michele's Answer: Check to see if the bridge is still up. It is taken down sometime in September.

Tuesday Sept 30th
7:40 am AerArann Flight # 251 Fly from DUBLIN to KERRY (1 hour)
8:35 am Arrive Kerry
Rent a car (is is better to get automatic or manuel, how about a deisel. Whats the best size for 3 girls?)
Drive to KILLARNEY (20 minuites)
Tour the Killarney National Park (Gap of Dunloe)
Drive to DINGLE (1.5 hours)
Stay AT DINGLE in Ocean View B&B
www.family-homes.ie/entries2003/ky40.htm Michele's Answer: If you are driving on the left for the first time an automatic will make driving much easier. I suggest a 4-door car but it doesn't have to be too large unless you plan on having tons of luggage. You can certainly drive out to see the Gap of Dunloe but doing the whole gap by horseback, boat, etc. takes many hours.

Wendsday Oct 1st
Morning Drive Dingle Loop (30 miles)
Horse back ride(We would like to rent horses but not go on a GUIDED tour because we are all experienced riders, any sugesstions?)
Stay at DINGLE (same place as above). Michele's Answer: Try the following: www.dinglehorseriding.com/

Thursday Oct 2nd
Early AM Drive to Ciffs of Moher then to Ailwee Caves (4 hr total drive time)
Drive to SHANNON (40 minutes) Michele's Answer: Drive time 1 1/2 hours from cliffs.
8:45pm Dinner at Bunratty Castle(6 miles from hotel)
Stay at Great Southern Hotel Shannon Airport www.greatsouthernhotels.com

Enjoy your trip. Please let us know how it goes for you.

Michele

springdunn
Registered User
Posts: 7
(8/18/03 1:57 pm)
 
Re: Updated Itinerary

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On this day the Bunratty Castle only had avilability for the 5:30pm dinner. Do you think that it is doable to get there in time?

Thursday Oct 2nd
Early AM Drive to Ciffs of Moher then to Ailwee Caves (4 hr total drive time)
Drive to SHANNON (40 minutes) Drive time 1 1/2 hours from cliffs.
Dinner at Bunratty Castle(6 miles from hotel)
Stay at Great Southern Hotel Shannon Airport www.greatsouthernhotels.com

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1740
(8/18/03 11:57 pm)

Re: Updated Itinerary

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Hi Spring,

It might be pushing it. Instead of having to feel rushed to keep an appointment, why not attend the banquet at nearby Knappogue Castle? I can also highly recommend Traditional Irish Night Ceili in the corn barn at Bunratty Folk Park.

Michele

springdunn
Registered User
Posts: 8
(8/19/03 5:23 pm)

Re: Updated Itinerary

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They are not doing the Traditional night on that date. I have requested info for the other castle though.

Thanks

DarrenA
Registered User
Posts: 43
(8/19/03 11:11 pm)
 
Belfast

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My only question would be - why are you doing both tours in Belfast? You'll end up seeing a lot of the same things twice - personally, I would do the bus tour and spend a bit more time walking around.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1749
(8/19/03 11:24 pm)
 
Re: Belfast

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Hi Darren,

Good point! Thanks for your expertise. For those of you that don't know, Darren is a Belfast resident.

Michele

springdunn
Registered User
Posts: 9
(8/22/03 1:43 pm)

Re: Belfast

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We were going to definitly do the black cab tour in Belfast, as my friend has done it before and said its amazing. Then if we felt like seeing more we were going to do the city tour.

I need some more help with this day:
Thursday Oct 2nd
What time should we leave Dingle and head to the Ciffs of Moher?
How long needed at cliffs of moher?
We were then going to drive the Burren. Should we drive through Lisdoonvarna to Ballvaughan then south through the Burren as we need to end up in Shannon? or should we drive from the cliffs to Kilfendora and north through the Burren (we will then retrace steps back to shannon)?

How shoul dwe manage our time as we have to be back at the Bunratty Castle for a banuet at 5:30pm.

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 75
(8/22/03 3:25 pm)
 
Re: Belfast

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Michele will surely be able to give you better drive times than I can, but, I will tell you this - get to Bunratty Castle by 5 or 5:15 at the latest. You will have to go through the line to pick up & pay for your tickets (yes you reserve them by CC but no charge is put through unless you don't show up.)

fyi - there is a large parking lot across from the castle.

Be sure your reservation at the Great Southern is confirmed for late arrival, in case you don't get there to check in before the banquet.