Charlotte Gal
Unregistered User
(1/29/04 9:20 am)

First time in Ireland - April

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My husband, son(age 15) and I are finalizing the details of our Easter trip to the U.K. and Ireland and need advice. We're taking the ferry over from Holyhead, staying two days in Dublin, renting a car from Dooley's and making our way over to fly out of Shannon four days later. I need help deciding where to visit those four other days. I definitely want to go to Waterford, my son wants to kiss the Blarney Stone (doesn't appeal to me...) and my husband doesn't care. I'm confused - Rick Steves guidebook says to skip the Ring of Kerry and visit the Dingle Peninsula instead. Karen Brown's says to not miss the Ring of Kerry.
Since this will be the end of our 12 day vacation I'd like it to be relaxing. All suggestions welcome. Also like to hear about people's experience with Dooley Rent a Car.

Day 1 - Dublin
Day 2 - Dublin
Day 3 - Waterford
Day 4 - ??????
Day 5 - ??????
Day 6 - ?????

Thanks. GO PANTHERS !

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 78
(1/29/04 1:50 pm)

trip

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Charlotte,

there are so many things for you to do in those few days but it all depends on the kinds of things you want to see--do you like scenic ocean views, ruined castles, little towns, etc. Honestly all waterford really has to offer is the crystal factory and even though that's pretty cool - it may be better for you on this short trip to skip that and see other things?? but, you may have your heart set. You could keep going ang lad in Kinsale then on to Dingle then to bunratty/shannon or you could drive from waterford to Blarney then to rock of Cashel etc.
Michelle will be able to give you lots of ideas - let her know what you are interested more in---i'm so jealous it's you and not me!!

garyvol
Unregistered User
(1/29/04 2:35 pm)

Go Pats

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Do the Brady shuffle

Should be a great game.

yeah, I did not kiss the stone either.

-gary

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2086
(1/30/04 1:43 am)

Re: First time in Ireland - April

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Hi Charlotte,

What time are you arriving in Dublin? What do you want to see and do in Dublin? The reason I ask is that if you really don't care for large cities perhaps one day in Dublin would be enough for you. It all depends on your answers to these question.

As your itinerary is now (and since you want some relaxation) I would do Day 4 & 5 in either Killarney or Kenmare and Day 6 in Bunratty. If you stayed in Kenmare you could see the Beara Peninsula. What do Rick and Karen have to say about it? I, personally, highly recommend it.

I've never rented from Dooley because for the type of car I rent (the smallest manual) their price has always been a lot more expensive than the other companies. I shop around and take my lowest rate.

Get back to us with more answers and info and we can offer better comments.

Michele

Charlotte Gal
Unregistered User
(1/30/04 9:14 pm)

Itnerary Changes

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Thanks for the replies - this is truly a wonderful travel site. Looks like we're going to skip Waterford but keep Blarney Castle. The main reason for Dublin is my husband's request to visit the Guinness Brewery(he also wanted to visit Jameson's but I've convinced him we can catch the Old Midleton Distillery outside Cork) so it looks like this so far:
Day 1 - Dublin
Day 2 - Somewhere between Dublin and Cork (Kilkenney maybe?)
Day 3 - Cork area(visiting Ole Midleton)
Day 4 - Cork Area (visiting Blarney Castle)
Day 5 - ????
Day 6 - Bunratty Lodge

Suggestions welcome. Thanks so much.

Dude
Unregistered User
(1/31/04 12:05 am)

Suggestion

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How about putting Cork back one day (days 4 & 5, going directly to Bunratty from Cork) and spend Day 3 visiting Cahir and Cashel?
If Cork to Bunratty is too long a drive, perhaps on Day 5 you could head north mid-afteroon, stay in Mallow or one of the smaller towns on north, for the night.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2093
(1/31/04 1:56 am)

Re: First time in Ireland - April

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Hi Charlotte,

I suggest spending Day 2 in Cashel. In the Cork area Kinsale is a lovely little town. You could take the ferry from Kinsale across the river to Middleton and Cobh (nice museum and town). And my advice about Kenmare or Killarney for at least one day still stands.

Do you have your reservations for Bunratty Lodge? They fill up fast so make them. How about Dublin?

Michele

Charlotte Gal
Unregistered User
(2/3/04 10:44 am)

Getting to the final details

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Michele, et al,
Thanks so much for your assistance.
I've already secured reservations in Dublin for the 1st night and the Bunratty Lodge for our last night. Now I need recommendations on where to stay in Cahir/Cashel, Kenmare/Killarney, and Kinsdale. Also, what is the drive time from Kinsdale to Bunratty?

Charlotte Gal

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2104
(2/4/04 12:53 am)

B&Bs

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Hi Charlotte,

Cashel: Rockside House
Kenmare: The Lodge
Killarney: Killarney Lodge
Kinsale: Fernville

Drive time (approximate) from Kinsale to Bunratty: 3 1/2 hours.

Michele

Charlotte Gal
Unregistered User
(2/5/04 9:24 am)

Can't find information on B&Bs

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Hi Michele,
I can't locate a phone number or email for Rockside House or Fernville.

I'm also interested in your book but can't locate the price (I must be link-illiterate since I was able to locate your itinerary order form but not the book order form).

Thanks,
Charlotte Gal

eyps
Registered User
Posts: 13
(2/5/04 12:28 pm)

Dan Dooley & Kinsale

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Hi Charlotte -

We've rented from both Hertz & Dan Dooley in Ireland, and I have to say that Dan Dooley is in a class by themselves. Take a look at my trip report in the "I'm Back" section of Michele's site.

Also, your son will love Kinsale, I have a teenage daughter and all I hear about is when are we going back to Kinsale (we were just in Ireland, but didn't hit Kinsale, so now I'm in trouble.....). Make sure your son has time to investigate Charles Fort, there's a great walking tour of the town that the tourist office can arrange for you.

Enjoy your trip!

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2114
(2/8/04 1:02 am)

Re: First time in Ireland - April

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Hi Charlotte,

Fernville: www.dirl.com/cork/kinsale/fernville.htm
Rockside House: Phone 062 63813 Email: joyrocksidehouse@eircom.net

Best Little Guide to Ireland: www.irelandyes.com/orderform.html

Michele