Christy,

I've been through a similar situation. A trip with friends snowballed and turned ugly. Friends, of friends, of friends came out of the woodwork. One couple should have been staying at Dromoland Castle not B&Bs. They were not happy with anything. Some people are compatible and some are not. We still travel with our original friends because they are easy and never have a complaint. But even they learned on that trip to never travel with their picky friends. Lesson learned!

Michele

Christy,

My hubby used to be up at the crack of dawn poking me and telling me to hurry up and start the day. Now he is the one sleeping in. We stayed at a self-catering cottage once where the beds were absolutely heavenly. I could not get him out of bed! Would he like to join me on a walk through the walled garden and estate? Nope. Would he like a tour of the mansion? Nope. I did those myself. At least I always knew where to find him.

When in doubt about traveling with friends I always suggest a test weekend somewhere close by. If that does not work then skip weeks in each others company.

Michele

Here's what I asked her:


Traveling styles are different for each person. Some are compatible, some are not; here are my questions/comments:


1. Timing:

a. Are you an early morning person on vacation? I like to get up around 7, out of the B&B by 8 to get in lots for the day. I take very little time to get ready in the morning. Kim takes longer, so she is usually good about getting up earlier, so were all ready to go at the same time.

b. Do you like relaxations or on-the-go visits? We like to get lots done, as I said. While were not like European Vacation (Eiffel Tower - check!), we also don't hang around overlong. Scenic spots are an exception! Not huge shoppers, but if I find a local craft store, we usually go in.

c. I know you don't drink much, but in the evenings, pubs are a must in Ireland. Good craic (talk and fun) over a couple of pints, mixing with the locals. Every pub I've been to has cider on tap or in the bottle J

2. Eating:

a. I know you are allergic to many things, but you should be fine in Ireland. B&Bs will come with Full Irish Breakfasts which usually means a huge breakfast: eggs (usually fried), sausage, black pudding/white pudding (more sausage), fried ham (think Canadian bacon), fried tomatoes, maybe some mushrooms, cereal, Irish soda bread (yum), perhaps some fresh fruit, juices, scones, tea, coffee, juice. Porridge/oatmeal may be available, as well. This is a great part of the experience, but I won't be eating a whole lot, since I had my surgery. I'll be eating more often though, so I'll bring snackies so we don't have to keep stopping.

b. Do you eat 3 meals a day, or prefer snacking throughout? Since the breakfast is so huge, we're usually not hungry until 2-3pm - at which point most places are closed. We either eat less at breakfast and have a normal lunch, or plan for a picnic!

3. Sleeping:

a. Do you mind sharing a room? So far, I've been able to verify that all our chosen B&Bs have family rooms, which means at least 3 people can sleep there. It's often a double and a single, no problems there, Vicki and I have shared beds at Dragoncon (and I'll be thinner then!). Sometimes this results in a cheaper stay, but not usually, as the prices are usually per person. We are making sure all rooms are en suite, which means there's a bathroom in the room, not shared with others.


b. Are you a sound sleeper? I sleep with a CPAP machine and ear plugs. This keeps me from snoring, but the machine is white noise, so bring plugs if you think youll need them. Some places might also have street noise most places won't have air conditioning (though all will have heat!)

4. Costs:

a. How anal are you about costs? Both Vicki and I are accountants, and you are an engineer. I foresee no problems with money arguments. Vicki is covering my airfare so we can get tickets together. I figured I'd cover the car, so the insurance would be under my card. I'm pretty good about figuring out estimated portions. Some people are sticklers for cents, others estimate dollars - I'm the latter, but can change to the former if you are the former.


b. Will this be a financial stretch? Vicki's budget is probably the tightest, and I've chosen B&Bs accordingly. The budget is a bit fluid. I'm updating it for a third person, but most costs are estimated.

5. Conflicts:

a. Arguments - I'm a talker-outer. I think you know that. I'd rather talk about an issue than let it simmer. Arguments CAN happen very easily on vacations. Vicki and I are easy going, I know you are as well. If you have a problem with one of us, let us know! We can handle it. On our trip with Kim and my friend Theresa in 2006 to Ireland, Theresa made sotte voce complaints about my eating habits and Kim's drinking habits. We aren't traveling with her again.

b. Place/lodging choices I LOVE planning, and I over plan and obsess about it. However, I like having input from my fellow travelers. If you have a problem with a place, or want someplace particular to go, please speak up so I know! Dont be like Jason let me plan everything, then complain about EVERYTHING once we're there. That is the main reason I will never again mix friends/husband/parents again on a trip. Dont worry about the over-planning though - once we get there, as long as I have all the data at my fingertips, the plans are fluid! We likely wont visit 2/3 of the places I've listed on the itinerary. Those are suggestions rather than plans.

6. Preferences:

a. What do you want to see? Vicki and I like mostly the same things: Historical sites, beaches, ruined churches, cemeteries, sea cliffs, natural wonders, rural villages, charming pubs. Not so big on big city stuff, so we're skipping Belfast and Dublin for the most part. If you have other preferences, make them known and well incorporate what you love.

b. Hope you dont get carsick! I stop lots for photos, so does Vicki. Its actually better if you're not driving, because I feel bad making someone else stop every 10 minutes for photos

c. On that note, do you get seasickness? We plan on two nights in Inis Mor, which is an island we have to take a ferry to get there, and ride bikes over there, as we can't bring our car.

d. Have you cool weather clothes now? Northern Ireland will likely be cold in Mid-May 60 during the day, 45 at night. It will warm up as we head south, but not a huge amount. 70 during the day, 50 at night, perhaps. Staying on the coast means the weather won't fluctuate much. It will likely rain each morning/misty. Pack accordingly!


e. How much do you pack? Im going to TRY this time (for the first time) to do carry-on only on the flight, but Vicki is checking luggage. I've lost luggage too many times! Keep in mind that we will be going to 7 different B&Bs, so pack only what you can carry often. We will plan on doing laundry several times on the trip. I'll probably bring no more than 5 days worth of clothing.


Questions for me:

Do the B&B's have internet? I have a net book and wasn't sure if there is any reason to bring it. I know a camera will be a must, but anything other than clothes and $ required?

I have chosen B&Bs that all have WiFi, as far as I can discover, as Vicki needs to check her work email while on the trip (the only way she could get the extra days off). There are also internet cafes in many towns. I know for a fact Dingle has one - we went to it last time.

I am very interested, but it will all depend on how much time I can get off... what day(s) did you say would be possible to meet you during the trip if I could not go for the whole duration?



-- Edited by Green Dragon on Tuesday 18th of January 2011 06:53:34 AM

Christy,

Well, I have gone on a road trip from Florida to Maryland with her and two others before, and we were fine - Oh, and we flew together to Colorado Springs for a medieval event once, with my husband. I've known her for 10 years. She's a very easy going, incredibly upbeat and enthusiastic person. She has gone on dozens of cruises, but never gone to Europe before. I think we'll be OK. She's a peacemaker like me, and I never hear her complain.

Kate, that's exactly what I'm talking about, and always worry about. Annalisa I think will be fine. I know Vicki will be fine (we have traveled together before, and shared rooms before to Dragoncon for several years). Kim is my long-time travel buddy. LIfe will be good!

As far as the questionnaire - I just think of what would annoy me if it was different and ask :P

When I traveled to Ireland before, it was with a friend that Kim and I had known for ages. We had traveled together to Disney many years before, so we had a 'trial trip' and everything. But while there, she made snide remarks about me eating all the time and Kim drinking all the time, and wanted to be in bed by 9pm. It was like traveling with your maiden aunt :) (oh, and she would snack every couple of hours in the back of the car thinking we didn't see, after complaining that I was always hungry) :P Kim and I have determined that she'd "probably be happier traveling with someone else." :)

I would love to be up early for first light pictures! And I may do so - now that you've given me the idea. My husband gets up around 11am, so 7am is very early for him :P Lazy sot!

Early is relative, isn't it? Usually B&Bs won't serve breakfast earlier than that, and I like to have food in my belly first thing - but that's what my protein shakes are for, now, isn't it? I can get up early, drink one, go out and wander while my companions sleep in (if they don't want to join me) and then come back to socialize and have 'second breakfast' at 8am. Excellent! And I love my alone time... I treasure and relish it. And I think I've chosen places that are easy walking - or biking, on Inis Mor.

I'm in correspondence with John from Celtic Ways right now - he's giving me more suggestions :)

Bob, would you have any suggestions for a good off-the-beaten-path tour of Beara? I know you've been there many times. These are the things I've found to do (yes, I know we won't have time for more than 1/3 of the list!)

Dunboy Castle (ruins) small castle near manor house
Derreen Gardens woodland glade wild garden
Healy Pass mountain pass with narrow roads and scenic views
Ballydonegan Beach quiet white sand beach
Molly Gallivan's Cottage & Traditional Farm
Mizen Head
Archeological sites:
Ardgroom Stone Circle
Leitrim Beg Wedge Grave
Urah Stone Circle
Derreenataggart Stone Circle
Kenmare Stone Circle
Kilcatherine Cemetary
Bonane Heritage Park Ring Fort
Kilkeal stone Circle, Bantry Bay

Oh, and since Grandpa can't join us, instead of heading to Cork that day, we have it to do something else. Either explore at random, or do ROK. While I've been on the ROK twice, I would like to get to Skellig Michael. One time on ROK, we were behind 1000 bikers on a charity run - NOT relaxing!

Ah, I knew about Gleninchaquin, and forgot to add it. I'd also heard about Dursey Island, and heard that the cable car was a wild ride - and sometimes had sheep on it :) Thanks!

I've heard of Gleninchaquin from several people - it's definitely a must!

Christy,

Post what ever way is comfortable for you. People can always do a search to find things. Have you been to Gougane Barra?

Michele

I guess I will keep it here, then - no sense in taking OVER the front page, as it were :P

My Cushendall plans:

Cushendall (three nights, May 13 15):

The Meadows B&B. Walking distance of town centre, recommended on irelandyes.com. Under £30pp. (has family rooms) All en suite. http://themeadowscushendall.com/

Things to do:
Armoy
o The Dark Hedges really cool tree-lined paths
Ballintoy
o Whitepark Beach/Bay
o Druid's Altar - dolmen
Glens of Antrim
o Glenshesk has 15th c. Friary of Bonamargie
o Glencorp Fairy hill of Tieverah
o Glenaan Ossian's grave (megalithic site)
o Glenballyeamon lots of waterfalls
o Glenariffe Mare's Tail waterfall
o Glencloy Cranny Falls
o Glenarm Glenarm Castle, megalithic tombs
o Torr Scenic Road incredible landscapes
o Altagore Cashel 2500 year old fort
North Antrim Coast Road
Carrickfergus Castle
Dunseverick Castle
Portrush
o Dunluce Castle
o White Rocks beautiful limestone cliffs
o Ballywillan Old Church
Limavady Ness Wood (scenic walks, river, waterfall)
Castlerock Downhill Palace (Bishop's Palace)
Giant's Causeway volcanic, hexagonal rocks
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge rope bridge to a craggy island filled with birds and caves

My Westport Plans:

Westport (two nights, May 19-20):

The Boulevard Guesthouse. Located in town, near dozens of pubs. Recommended by Michele.
http://www.boulevard-guesthouse.com/

Things to do:

On the way from Donegal:

Sligo
o Carrowmore huge Stone Age cemetery
o Carrowcrory House mazes
o Queen Maeve's Cairn at Knocknarea
o William Butler Yeats country the Isle of Innisfree
o Ben Bulben cool mountain
o Heapstown Stone Cairn
o The original Coney Island (isle of the rabbits) can only drive over if the tide is out
Mayo
o Ceide Fields Neolithic farms
o More megalithic tombs
o Croagh Patrick pilgrims follow St. Patrick's steps up the mountain. Barefoot.

Once in Westport and surrounding areas:

Achill Island Largest Irish Island
o Kildavnet Tower - Where Granuaile O'Malley the female pirate used to live.
o Croaghaun mountain (highest sea cliff in Europe, but must hike 5km)
o Five Blue Flag beaches:
Keem Bay
Keel
Dugort
The Silver Strand
The Golden Strand
Dooega
o Slievemore mountain
o Annagh large freshwater lake next to ocean (and a 5000 yo Neolithic tomb)
o The Atlantic Drive beautiful coastal drive
o The Deserted Village
Connemara where they breed Connemara Ponies
Portumna Castle 17th century manor house with garden
Kylemore Abbey very cool place for a photo!
Coole Park writers retreat and woods
Brigit's Garden - http://www.brigitsgarden.ie/
Dunguaire Castle on Galway Bay 16th c. tower house
Athenry medieval town with arts and heritage centre, walled city
Cong - where The Quiet Man was filmed

Dingle (two nights, May 25 - 26):

Wildflower Cottage. Recommended by a friend, walking distance to pubs. E35pp.
http://www.wildflower-cottage.com/index.html

Things to do:
Conor Pass most thrilling drive
Slea Head Drive most gorgeous drive
Celtic & Prehistoric Museum (Ventry)
Blasket Island centre about the people of Blasket Island, and why they were forced to leave
Dunbeg Fort 6th century BCE fort
Dún Mór (the big fortress) Ogham Stones ancient celtic writing
Gallerus Oratory 5th century monastic hut shaped like an overturned boat
Kilmalkedar Church
Fungie the Dolphin follows the boats in the bay
The Dingle Pub, Dingle trad music every night
Ventry A large seaside village with safe bathing beaches

Whoops! Ballyvaughan didn't post...


Ballyvaughan (two nights, May 23 - 24):

Oceanville B&B. Inside town. No pub, but right near a good one. Sea views. E32.50pp
http://www.clareireland.net/oceanville/index.html

Things to do:

The Burren
o Poulnabrone Dolmen ancient burial site
o Ailwee Caves bears lived there 40,000 years ago
o Lisdoonvarna (great smokehouse)
o Kilneforna Church
o Speaking stones of Glencolmcille (near Perfumery)
o Caher Mor
o Cahercummaun
o Corcomroe Abbey
o Gleninagh Castle and Fulacht Fiadh
o Kilfenora Cathedral
o Parknabinna Wedge Tomb
o Poulawach Cairn
Doolin traditional music and cliffs/rock beach
Cliffs of Moher 700 foot sea cliffs
Clonmacnoise extensive ruined abbey with Celtic Crosses

When we went to Orkney, and traveled to Eagle's Tomb (on the tip of one of the islands), my dad said 'this may not be the edge of the world - but you can see it from here!' :)