mbarnes
Unregistered User
(9/20/03 8:57 am)

1st family trip april 2004

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Michele, I have been on your web site many times dreaming that some day I would be planning my own trip to ireland. The moment has finnaly arrived and I have some ???? We are planning End of April for our trip. The kids are ages 8 and 10 1/2. We are hoping for an Ireland adventure. We want to rent Quads (any reccommendations??)Take a boat trip. Visit a castle. Go to those Caverns I heard about (I think in Cork) I would like to rent a cottage/house near Cork and stay near the southern area. We are going to fly into shannon. What is the best way to get info on homes that may be for rent. I really wanted and authentic Irish House. Thanks for any input.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1851
(9/22/03 6:04 am)

Re: 1st family trip april 2004

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Hi mbarnes,

How lovely that the dreaming stage of your Ireland trip will soon be turned into reality. First, I suggest that you call Tourism Ireland at 1-800-223-6470 and request the Self-catering book as well as a travel kit with map. The self-catering book will give you most of the places for rent all over Ireland. I would highly recommend that you choose a 3-star at a minimum or hopefully a 4-star establishment for your stay.

Also inquire of Tourism Ireland about quad rentals in the area you will be in. There is a company in Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny called Country ATV's that rents them and their phone number is 056-8833328. But you may have to do some more homework to find one in the Cork area.

As your trip progresses I'm sure you will have many more questions but this will get you started.

Michele

mbarnes
Unregistered User
(9/22/03 2:17 pm)

family trip

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Michele, Thank you for your response. I went to the travel agent today. I was so confused on all the info, I thought an agent may help. Guess What I'm more confused then ever. She said I can get a package that includes my b&b stays, a night in a castle, the car and car insurance. I'm not sure if this is the way to go. I've always done all the planning. It does sound easier. I know you offer a trip planning service, do you reccommend where to stay and what routes you sould take?

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1860
(9/23/03 1:39 pm)

Re: family trip

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Hi mbarnes,

Sometimes a package deal can have very good rates but it is usually in the off-season. Generally, I think that you can do very well on your own by planning all the bits and pieces yourself and just putting them together. Unless the travel agent is a specialist in Ireland they sometimes have no more info than you do.

Yes, with my "Deluxe Plan" Itineraries I give complete driving directions, a highlighted map, where to stay, sightseeing (for good days and rainy days), lodging recommendations, brochures, discount coupons and lots more. Drop me an email if you want complete details and I will get them to you: Michele@IrelandYes.com

Michele

mbarnes
Unregistered User
(9/23/03 4:35 pm)

family trip

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I ordered your book and sent you an email. I've spent the last 2 days reading the Q&A forum and feel much better about planning the trip with out an agent. I do have some ?? reguarding driving times. We fly into Shannon on April 20th 7:30am I am considering driving to as far North as Black Head and thought about stopping at ailee cave. ( I thought the kids would like this) and then continue to Cliffs. I would then like to stop for 2 nights and go to the Aran Islands the next day. Would this be too much driving the 1st day? Any family friendly B&B in this area?

Dude
Unregistered User
(9/23/03 10:31 pm)

Family friendly B&B

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m, I highly recommend Rocky View Farmhouse just out of Fanore. It's on the coast road between Black Head and Doolin. Noel and Ita were just great, and the "conservatory" breakfast room is delightful. They also specialize in vegetarian meals, but the food for us carnivores was great, also. They have a little girl and a couple of early teen boys.
This would be north of the Cliffs but not terribly far. And you can explore the Burren from there, also.
You'll do fine planning your own trip, with help from Michele and the other folk on this forum. The only thing we love more than helping other people plan their trips is going ourselves!

mikey
Unregistered User
(9/23/03 10:40 pm)

 Doolin Ferries

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The only problem with going to the Aran Islands from Doolin in April is that their schedule is not as convienient and they might not even run that day. See www.doolinferries.com I couldn't find their schedules from Doolin so you might need to send them an e-mail

Your other option would be to leave from Galway/Rosseveal via www.aranislandferries.com

mbarnes
Unregistered User
(9/24/03 6:20 am)

 family of 4

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Thanks for the information. I wanted to then travel to ballybunion. I understand there is a cliff walk. Would this area also have horsebackriding. and a beach that we could explore. Is this a small village. is there shopping, dining and lodging avail? I probably should just wait for Michele's Book to arrive. I'm just too excited to wait to plan!!!

MBARNES
Unregistered User
(9/27/03 7:29 am)
 
 FAMILY OF FOUR

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MICHELE, I HAVE BEEN DOING MY HOMEWORK EXPLORING YOUR LINKS AND SUCH. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WEB SITE IS WONDERFUL. I'VE BEEN REALLY DRAWN TO THE KILLARNEY AND KENMARE AREA. IT SEEMS TO HAVE EVERYTHING WE ARE LOOKING FOR, HORSEBACKRIDING, BOAT EXCURSIONS, HIKES, SHOPPING. MY ORIGINAL PLAN WAS TO STAY IN THAT AREA FOR 2 DAYS BUT REALLY FEEL LIKE WE SHOULD SPEND THE MAJORITY OF TIME THERE. I GUESS MY QUESTION IS DO I SKIP THE DINGLE PENNISULA AND SPEND MORE TIME IN THIS AREA? OUR PLAN WAS TO FLY INTO SHANNON, DRIVE TO CLIFFS OF MOHER STAY 2 NIGHTS IN THIS AREA(ONLY IF FERRY TO ARAN ISLANDS IS AVAIL. IF NOT STAY 1 NIGHT. DRIVE TO BALLYBUNION STAY 1` NIGHT AND DRIVE THREW TRALEE. STOP AT THE STEAM TRAIN THEN DINGLE (2NIGHTS)
THEN RING OF KERRY (KILLARNEY/KENMARE) 2 NIGHTS THEM BACK TO SHANNON FOR THE BUNRATTY CASTLE FEAST (1 NIGHT)LEAVE FOR HOME. TOTAL 9 NIGHTS. IF WE REALLY WANTED TO STAY IN CO. KERRY LONGER. WHAT DO I SKIP??? ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREAT IN ADDITION TO A FAMILY FRIENDLY B&B NEAR KENMARE OR KILLARNEY. i WOULD ALOS CONSIDER SELF CATERING IF WE DECIDE ON STAYING ANY LENTH OF TIME THERE.

the other Robin
Unregistered User
(10/1/03 4:07 pm)

 Dingle

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Don't skip the Dingle Penn. We just returned last Saturday and that was my favorite part of the whole trip. It is beautiful there and so different than the other parts of the country we saw...mountains, cliffs, beaches etc. I loved it....Connor Pass, scenic road through the Slieve Mish Mountains, inch strand and on and on.... When we go back again, I want to go back to Dingle but I also want to explore the Aran Islands. We talked to several people that told us it was like being in another world! To the lady traveling in April...I planned for two years and did it all myself. I would do it again in a minute and probably will....it was fun and we will never forget our trip.

mbarnes
Unregistered User
(10/1/03 5:37 pm)

 Dingle

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thanks for the info. After doing so research I think I came to the conclusion that I do not want to miss the
Dingle Penn.

Has anyone staying in Killarney and done and day trip to Dingle? How was the drive? We want one home base for the majority of the trip and thought Killarney would be a good base. Any kid friendly suggestions on a B&B.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1870
(10/3/03 9:26 pm)

 Re: Dingle

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Hi Mbarnes,

I agree with everyone that Dingle is a special place and a unique experience. You can do it as a day trip from Killarney but it will be a long day and an early start is advised. Depending on your route it takes around 1 1/2 hours to drive to Dingle from Killarney. Slea Head Drive will add more time to the trip but shouldn't be missed. If you decide to stay in Dingle you can fit in more activities like a boat ride to see Fungi the Dingle dolphin.

I look forward to helping as your trip becomes a reality.

Michele

Mbarnes
Unregistered User
(10/4/03 7:21 am)

 Dingle family friendly B&B

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Is there a B&B that you would consider more family friendly than another in dingle?

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1882
(10/4/03 1:09 pm)

Coill an Rois Farmhouse

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Hi Mbarnes,

How about staying at a farmhouse? I think the kids would love that. Send an email to Jimmy Bruic at Coill and Rois to see if he has availabilities: www.dinglebb.com/ This B&B is out in the quiet countryside and you may see a sheep or cow traffic jam going by the B&B several times daily. There is lots of hiking around the area or maybe you can even climb Mount Brandon. The kids may even be able to help milk the cows.

Michele