xtralime
Unregistered User
(1/18/04 6:09 pm)

ireland in april

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We have airline reservations to shannon for april 5 to april 14. Now I can not deceide which way to go. Galway and Connemara sound lovely. Also the dingle penninsula. I don't want to spend all our time driving but would like to experience things. Also should we purchase one of those drive and b&b packages? or just wing it....

I am so confused...yet excited....

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2053
(1/18/04 6:28 pm)
 
Re: ireland in april

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Hi xtralime,

Welcome to my forum and congratulations on planning your first trip to Ireland. Don't worry, all the confusion can be sorted out here and everyone will be happy to help with your trip.

Since you already have your airfares, I would suggest that you not get the car/B&B voucher package. Generally, the only time getting vouchers pays off is when you include it with your airfare. Since you have that already you will most likely pay less and do better renting a car yourself and paying for B&Bs as you go. It is really quite easy.

I suggest visiting the various car rental web sites, getting prices, compare the same car and insurance type, then take your best rate.

For B&Bs you can go to my "Links" page and will find thousands listed under "Accommodations". I also have links to some of my favorites on my "Lodgings" page. My book "Best Little Guide to Ireland" has complete listings of all my favorite B&Bs and guesthouses, restaurants, pubs, sightseeing, etc.

There is no reason that with nine days in Ireland you can't see both Dingle and Galway (with a few others in between). If you want to post a proposed itinerary, I will be happy to comment on it.

One important thing to keep in mind is that you will be in Ireland over Easter weekend (April 9 to 12). You will probably want to have reservations then. Also, on Good Friday most things in Ireland are closed including pubs and restaurants. You will need reservations at a hotel restaurant for dinner.

I look forward to more questions as your trip progresses.

Michele

xtralime
Unregistered User
(1/19/04 7:01 pm)
 
april in Ireland

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Thanks for putting me in the right section.

I was not sure if it would be better to go to Galway first and stay somewhere there as a base for side trips for a few days. The other option is to stay Galway couple of days to see city centre and then go up to Connemara for a couple of days. We definatly want to see some beautiful land and castle ruins. Then head down to Dingle for the second half of the trip. I was not sure which area would be more crowded because of Easter. I did not know how long we would be able to drive the first day after flying all night.

Thanks for your help

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2055
(1/20/04 1:35 am)
 
Re: april in Ireland

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Hi xtralime,

Galway is only about 1 1/2 hours from Shannon if you go directly there and don't try to go sightseeing along the way. However, if you think you might be very tired after the flight you could spend the night nearby the airport, in which case I would recommend Bunratty. If your flight gets in very early you room might not be ready yet at a nearby B&B.

Generally, Galway would be more crowded over Easter but Dingle will be popular for a getaway too. So once you have your itinerary made make your reservations for Easter weekend.

You could certainly spend a couple of days in Galway, then Connemara and then move down to the southwest. Don't forget the Killarney area, which is very scenic. It might make a good stop between Galway and Dingle.

Michele