eyps
Registered User
Posts: 10
(11/21/03 10:12 am)
 
Christmas/New Year's in Ireland

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Michele –

We will be in Ireland over the Christmas and New Year holiday. Please take a look at the following itinerary:

We (my husband, 14 years old daughter and myself), will be traveling from Shannon to Galway, staying in Grattan House (self-catering), from December 18th through 22nd. And would like to do the following during our stay; spend a day in Westport (visiting friends), a drive through the Barren and/or Connemera (do you know where the perfumery is?), a visit the Aran Islands and rest.

On the 23rd we will be driving back to Shannon, and spending the night near the airport, to pick up my mother-in-law (70-plus year young) on the 24th (at 7:40am *sigh* or is it yawn). We thought we would just take our time driving down from Galway, (any off the trail excursions that we should make?) We have late check-in at our hotel, so there is no need to rush.

From the 24th through the 27th we will be staying at the Great Southern in Killarney taking in the great Christmas pageant that they will be having. I don’t think much is open in town, but we can walk around a bit. (How can I find out what time Mass will be for Christmans?)

From Killarney, we will be traveling to Kilkenny, staying at Wallslough Village (self-catering), through January 3rd. I believe that we will be able to see the following from here; Dublin, Avoca, Cashel (Cahir), Kildare and Wicklow. Any advice on attractions in these areas would be appreciated.

We will be leaving via Shannon on the 3rd of January, at 1:30pm; I know we need to be at the airport by 9:30am, what time do we need to leave Kilkenny, to make our plane?

Thank you!

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1952
(11/22/03 5:40 pm)

Holiday Itinerary

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Hi epys,

What a great trip you have planned. Staying at self-catering places at that time of year is a good idea plus your time at the Great Southern in Killarney will be a special time to remember. On the whole your trip is very well thought out and relaxing. I will post my comments below:

We (my husband, 14 years old daughter and myself), will be traveling from Shannon to Galway, staying in Grattan House (self-catering), from December 18th through 22nd. And would like to do the following during our stay; spend a day in Westport (visiting friends), a drive through the Barren and/or Connemera (do you know where the perfumery is?), a visit the Aran Islands and rest.  Michele's Answer: Fine -- everything is doable. I would save the Burren for the day you drive to Shannon. With that extra day available take your time seeing Galway City. If the weather is good Connemara is unsurpassed for wild, wonderful scenery. The Burren Perfumery is in Carron, off the R480 south of Ballyvaughan and you will see signs for it along the way.

On the 23rd we will be driving back to Shannon, and spending the night near the airport, to pick up my mother-in-law (70-plus year young) on the 24th (at 7:40am *sigh* or is it yawn). We thought we would just take our time driving down from Galway, (any off the trail excursions that we should make?) We have late check-in at our hotel, so there is no need to rush.  Michele's Answer: Do the Burren, Cliffs of Moher and Aillwee Cave today if the weather cooperates. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is very interesting and good if the weather is not at its best.

From the 24th through the 27th we will be staying at the Great Southern in Killarney taking in the great Christmas pageant that they will be having. I don’t think much is open in town, but we can walk around a bit. (How can I find out what time Mass will be for Christmans?)  Michele's Answer: Email the Great Southern for Mass times or visit this site: www.catholicireland.net/p.../index.php The scenery is never closed. Consider a day trip to the Ring of Kerry or Dingle if the weather cooperates.

From Killarney, we will be traveling to Kilkenny, staying at Wallslough Village (self-catering), through January 3rd. I believe that we will be able to see the following from here; Dublin, Avoca, Cashel (Cahir), Kildare and Wicklow. Any advice on attractions in these areas would be appreciated.  Michele's Answer: Drive time to Dublin is about 2 hours. You might consider taking the train in for the day instead of driving. In Wicklow try to see Glendalough. And of course the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle are a must. In Kilkenny take the walking tour and see whatever points of interest are open such as St. Canice's Cathedral. Kells (south of Kilkenny) is also interesting.

We will be leaving via Shannon on the 3rd of January, at 1:30pm; I know we need to be at the airport by 9:30am, what time do we need to leave Kilkenny, to make our plane? Michele's Answer: Actually you should be at the airport three hours before your flight, which would be 10:30 am. Drive time from Kilkenny to Shannon is about 2 1/2 hours in good conditions. If the weather forecast predicts bad weather or ice, etc. I suggest giving yourselves more time for the drive. Stick to the main roads for a faster trip.

Have a great time! Please let us know how everything goes and what the weather is like this Dec/Jan.

Michele

eyps
Registered User
Posts: 11
(11/24/03 3:37 pm)

Christmas/New Year's in Ireland

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Michele -

Thank you for taking the time to go over my itinerary. I will be sure to report back (once we get settled....) about our trip.

If anyone else would like to chime in, please do, more info the better.

-Happy Turkey Day to All! -

eyps
Registered User
Posts: 12
(11/25/03 10:57 am)

Dingle Wren's Day

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Michele -

Will we be able to run over to see the "Wren Day" festivities and get back to Killarney with out being too tired?

- eyps

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1955
(11/25/03 6:11 pm)

Dingle Wren's Day

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Hi epys,

Plan on around 1 1/2 hours to Dingle town and the same amount of time back. Easily done as a day trip. But leave enough time to return before dark (around 4pm).

Michele

P.S. You might also check with the tourist office in Killarney (or your hotel) to see if any Wren Day festivities are happening in Killarney itself.