MichaelBartish
Unregistered User
(11/3/03 8:30 pm)

Ireland Trip: 11/6 - 11/14

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Michelle:

We are leaving for Ireland this Thursday a week. We are traveling to Enis the first night, then spending our second night (Saturday) on Inis Moir and then kind of playing it by ear.

I have heard good things about Brid Poir's B and B on Inis Oirr. Have you ever heard of this place. Also, does it make sense to spend Saturday night on Inis Oirr or is Galway or Doolin a better option.

Night 3 is open, night 4 is Blarney area, night 5 is Waterford area and night 6 and 7 is Dublin. Would appreciate any suggestions regarding B&Bs in those areas (we have our own car so general area is fine). Thanks for your help and sorry I am asking for so much info.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1929
(11/4/03 1:00 am)

Re: Ireland Trip: 11/6 - 11/14

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Hi Michael,

I haven't heard any feedback on the B&B you mention on the Aran Islands. Spending the night on Inishmore will certainly be a unique experience. Most people usually do the Aran Islands as a day trip. At the time of year you are traveling the Doolin ferry will not be operating. You will have to go from Galway or Rossaveal. So if you decide against spending the night on the island, your best choice for overnighting will be the Galway area.

If you have good weather Connemara (west of Galway) is certainly worth seeing. I suppose you are making the obligatory stops at Blarney Castle and the Waterford Crystal Factory? With your short time you are missing out on so much. But perhaps you will return again and see more of Ireland's highlights.

I highly recommend making reservations for Dublin, which is busy year-round. If you are staying in downtown Dublin you will have to stay in a hotel or guesthouse. The B&Bs are mainly in the suburbs.

Here are some recommendations:

Blarney: Blarney Vale House
Tramore (nr. Waterford): Glenorney by Sea
Dublin: Jurys Inn Christchurch
Ballsbridge (Dublin suburb): Glenogra

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

Michele

P.S. Please keep in mind the short daylight hours in November.

MichaelBartish
Unregistered User
(11/4/03 8:55 am)

Ireland: 11/6 - 11/14

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Michelle:

Thanks for the reply. Blarney is not a mandatory stop. However, I know my wife wants to go to the Waterford Crystal factory. So we are open to any suggestions you might have - for example would you spend more time in the Galway, Connemara area. Thanks for any suggestions.

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 53
(11/4/03 11:10 am)

Blarney

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We left one morning about 11am from Kenmare, did the Blarney thing and drove into Kilarney by 5pm. There is not much more to do than to look around the grounds, climb up, kiss the stone and go. That's us though - trying to get in as much as we could---just thought i would tell you that though because we didn't know what to expect when we got there.

MichaelBartish
Unregistered User
(11/4/03 12:55 pm)
 
Need B&B in Galway and Doolin

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The Marlesshouse in booked on the day we are in Galway. Any suggestions for an alternative. Also looking for a good B&B in Doolin. Finally, thinking about staying in a castle in Dublin. Is it worth it or is a B&B better. Thanks.

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 54
(11/4/03 1:22 pm)

.

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my vote is for seaview in Doolin - great view - walk right down the driveway into the town (ha ha - 8 or so buildings)

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1930
(11/5/03 12:04 am)

Re: Ireland Trip: 11/6 - 11/14

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Hi Michael,

FYI, your book is winging its way to you. I hope it arrives in time!

You never mentioned if you are using vouchers or not. That would make a difference in where you can stay. But assuming that you're not, try Clontarf Castle in Dublin. I really like Cullinan's Guesthouse in Doolin. Also, try Lawndale in Salthill (suburb of Galway) -- Margaret Walsh has no email so you will have to phone: 091-586676.

As for your route, it is a shame to miss out on Ireland's scenic southwest. Your decision is whether you want to concentrate on Galway/Aran Islands/Connemara or Dingle/Killarney/Kenmare and then proceed from there to Waterford and Dublin. So many great places, so little time.

Michele

amgrimm
Registered User
Posts: 1
(11/5/03 10:20 am)

Re: Ireland Trip: 11/6 - 11/14

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Michele - you have been talking with my husband (above). Thank you for your responses.

We would like to stay in the Galway area for two nights and have one night reserved at the Marlesshouse but the other night is full there. We have considered Doolin but I was wondering if you had any other suggestions for cities in that area - if there would be a better place to stay and B&B's in that area.

We are going to Killarney after Galway and I noticed that you have recommended the Old Weir House - is that your favorite in the area? We would like to spend a couple of nights in Killarney. Is it possible to go from Killarney and stop in Waterford on our way to Dublin? or would we have to spend the night in Waterford?

Thanks for sending your book - we are crossing our fingers that it comes tomorrow. Also, where is the best place to buy Aran sweaters and how much do they usually cost? Thank you.

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 56
(11/5/03 1:21 pm)
 
doolin

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if you wanted to see the town of doolin you can log in to
www.msnusers.com/Triptoth...snw?Page=1
and the bottom of page one and the top of page two i have a few shots. It is a REALLY small town but so beautiful and right down the road from the Cliffs of Moher.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1934
(11/6/03 12:35 am)

Itinerary

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Hi amgrimm,

I'm delighted to help out with your trip. I just hope everything goes smoothly for you.

If you want two nights in Galway try the Galway Bay Hotel. Many times they have special two-night stays inclusive of one dinner. Check their web site for deals: www.galwaybayhotel.net/ If you want you could spend one night at Marless and then go into Connemara -- try Byrne's Mal Dual House in Clifden (see my lodging page for details).

For Killarney it depends on what you want. Killarney Lodge is lovely and right on the edge of town (just three minutes' walk and you are there). If you don't mind driving a few miles Friar's Glen is out in the country surrounded by National Park. Coffey's Lough Lein House is around 4-5 miles from town in a very secluded area overlooking the Lakes of Killarney and the mountains (a wonderful little secret). Old Weir Lodge is close-in, perhaps a 10 minute walk to town. You can choose any of those places and be perfectly happy. Just depends on whether you want close-in or scenic.

The drive from Killarney to Waterford takes around 3 1/2 to 4 hours on main roads. Since daylight is so limited at this time of year (sunset around 4:30) you may want to consider staying nearby. It might be possible to push on to Kilkenny, depending on when you get started in the morning and what time you arrive in Waterford. But don't try to get all the way to Dublin on that day.

For Aran sweaters try Quills, Blarney Woolen Mills, Killarney Outlet, Standun, etc. Virtually every shop you go into will have them. They vary in price depending on if they are machine-made or handknit from perhaps 30 euro up to 200.

Have fun and enjoy your trip!

Michele