jmcdo
Unregistered User
(3/1/04 12:00 pm)

2 days around dublin

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Hello,

We have two days left to plan for our trip later this month and we need help! We will be spending a few days in Galway followed by a night at Dromoland Castle and then on to Dublin for St. Patrick's Day. We will be in Dublin until Saturday morning and we would like to drive somewhere (within a few hours drive) and stay at a B & B.

My initial thought was to drive to Kilkenny and stay in Inistioge if we can find lodging. We would hopefully leave around 9 AM Saturday morning, drive to Kilkenny (2 hours?), see the town and castle, drive to Inistiogue, wander the town and get to our B & B. Ideally we would drive to either the Rock of Cahir or Cashel on Sunday and then go back to Dublin and stay somewhere within 30 minutes of the airport.

Is this realistic? Any thoughts for lodging around the Dublin airport?

On a side note, how difficult is it to drive in Ireland with an arm in a cast? We had planned for my sister to drive one of the two rental cars (automatic) on the first part of the trip. Unfortunately my sister just fractured her right arm yesterday and will be in a cast during the trip. She is left handed so it is not too bad. How tough is it to drive a 7-person van from Shannon - Galway - Dublin? Is it possible to find a driver for the second car?

My mother could drive as a last resort, but she only has sight in her right eye so I am a little leary of that option. She is a great driver in the US, but she has never driven on the left side of the road before. My sister will be leaving Dublin on Saturday so we will not need the van or second car to drive to Kilkenny.

Many thanks! Your website has been invaluable in planning this trip!

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2208
(3/2/04 4:54 pm)

Re: 2 days around dublin

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Hi jmcdo,

Sorry to hear that your sister broke her arm. Driving in Ireland is a challenge with both arms so I really can't say how well she will be able to do in Ireland. Is it possible that by the time you go the arm might be sufficiently healed to be able to use even if it is still in a cast? Perhaps her doctor will be better able to answer such a question. It is possible to hire a chauffeur. Make an inquiry to your car rental company first.

Your plan for visiting Kilkenny, the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle are good. It can easily be done. What sort of lodging are you looking for around the airport and do you have a price in mind?

Michele

jmcdo
Unregistered User
(3/3/04 12:11 am)

2 days around Dublin

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Thanks for the response. My sister's arm is not as bad as we originally thought; she will be in a flexible cast which is fine for driving.

My kids and I will be leaving Dublin at noon. My mother will not leave until 2:45 pm. I am looking for a hotel that is either interesting on its own or within walking distance of something interesting so that my Mom can make the most of her last few hours in Ireland. Location and interest are more important than price up to about $150/room.

Might you have any recommendations for lunch in either Tipperary, Cahir or Cashel?

Many thanks, Jennifer

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2219
(3/3/04 11:01 pm)

Re: 2 days around Dublin

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Hi Jennifer,

What a relief that your sister's arm is not as bad as first thought. I'm glad to hear she will be okay to drive in Ireland. For a place to eat in Cahir I recommend either the Galtee Inn or Cahir House Hotel Restaurant. In Cashel try Hannigan's or Ryan's Pubs, or Ryan's Daughter Restaurant.

Were you also inquiring about the Dublin hotel or do you have that under control?

Michele

jmcdo
Unregistered User
(3/5/04 9:22 pm)
 
Re: 2 days around Dublin

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Hi Michele,

Thanks for the restaurant recommendations. I sure we will have a very memorable lunch. I made reservations at Clontarf Castle outside of Dublin for our last night. It sounds as if it is very close to the airport and full of character. My kids are so excited about staying at a real castle.

By the way, my five-year old and I spoke about traveling to Ireland to her class for the parent-child presentation. We ate soda bread, listened to Celtic music and "traveled" to Ireland in a fairy circle to learn about islands and shamrocks and passports and leprechauns. Now her entire kindergarten class is dying to go to Ireland! I think we will be sending quite a few postcards .

Thank you, Jennifer

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2249
(3/6/04 2:34 am)

Re: 2 days around Dublin

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Hi Jennifer,

I'm delighted I could help. What a wonderful idea for the school class. Making little Ireland converts already! Glad to hear you are staying at a castle. Enjoy.

Michele