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Post Info TOPIC: Home Again ~ June 2011


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Home Again ~ June 2011


Mo Charas,

It is January 5 and in 6 months and seven days, I will once again be on homeground. My tenth trip and my sweetheart's first. We will be on the ground for 12 days. A short trip for me but any time over is good enough! The best part is that we will be there for my Birthday and Summer Solstice.

The primary focus will be on walking the ground where both sides of his family originate, Cork City and Doolin in County Clare.

With that in mind, our Itinerary looks like this:

June 11 ~ TUS-ORD-DUB
June 12 & 13 ~ Arrive Dublin (2 Nights - Staunton's on The Green)
    Immerse ourselves in the Photographic smorgasbord at City Centre for two days
June 14 & 15 ~ Head to Cork City via Glendalough, Kilkenny, Cashel & Cahir (Two Nights)
 * Any Lodging Suggestions Appreciated
    Visit his Grandparents' old home and explore the area ~ See the sights of Cork
June 16 & 17 ~ Head to Doolin via Kenmare, Killarney, Shannon Ferry (Two Nights)
    Contacting relatives and getting reacquainted, trad seissuns, storys told
June 18 ~ Inis Mor (Man of Aran Cottage)
June 19 ~ Back to Doolin  for Father's Day and one last night with the relatives
June 20 ~ Head to Killcar, Co Donegal and an afternoon hike of the Sliabh Liag (Overnight Inishduff House B&B)
June 21 ~ Head to Giant's Causeway via Glengesh Pass, Upper Donegal coastal drive (Overnight - Ardtrabane B&B)
   Giant's Causeway in the afternoon evening via the cliff trail behind the B&B
June 22 & 23 (my birthday) head to Tassagh via the Causeway Coastal route (Two nights - Dundrum House B&B)
     Exploring the area from which my family originates
June 24 ~ Head to Dublin via Fore Valley, Ballybrittas,Kildare - Turn in Rental Car (Overnight - Bewley's Airport)
     This will be a very full day, as we want to photograph the Seven wonders of Fore, have lunch with friends in Ballybrittas and stop by the Stud in Kildare. That is why we chose an Airport hotel.
Juen 25 ~ Back to Arizona

Unless a better deal is found, we will be renting from Dan Dooley. The airline tickets are already booked.

I know that the time will speed by until two weeks prior. THen it will slow to a crawl. Now, if I could just get time to stand still whislt I am there, everyhing would be perfect!  biggrin

Slan Beo (Take Care), Bit



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I know you'll have a fantastic time!!!! We had a wonderful time at Alcantra B&B in Kilkenny - great hostess, close to the castle, lovely place. No TV in the room, but we didn't miss it. Lovely garden in the back, homemade preserves at breakfast :)

We finally decided to reverse our trip route, starting in Belfast and ending in Shannon. It made financial sense - I had no idea how BIG the one-way drop off fee was in one direction compared to the other. Saves us at least $200! Also, flying into UK is cheaper than flying out. ALSO, rental car CDW insurance is covered on my CC in the UK :P This decision was greatly helped by those here - can you possibly do the same? Fly into Dublin, train to Belfast, and then rent the car, to drop off in Dublin on your return?

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Bit,

You have a couple of very long, full days there. But you know that already. Travelodges in Ireland are having a 19 euro room sale and there is one near Cork Airport. You probably want to be in the city though. I personally don't stay at the Travelodges but for those that want cheap, it is out there.

Do you have a certain budget for Cork? Hayfield Manor is splendid but pricey.

Another good Dublin airport hotel is Premier Inn.

Michele

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Go Raibh Mil Maith Agat, mo charas,

Yes, a couple of long days, actually but that is always the case when TWO photographers travel together. biggrin Much is fluid, as I drive by FLS (Faerie Led System) instead of GPS, as you well know.

Travelodge is definitely not the way my Sweetheart prefers to travel. I did look at them though. Definitely very basic. I will check out Premiere Inn. What would you say are their advantages over Bewley's?

I will check Hayfield. However, I am leaning toward a place called Avondale, which is situated on the same road as his Grandparent's original home. The price is better than I expected to find in Cork City and the hostess seems quite friendly "on paper".  They offer free parking, WI-Fi in the rooms and are within walking distance of just about everything.

I just learned from one of the staff members at Staunton's on the Green that my favourite poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, resided in one of the Georgian townhome bedrooms which comprise the premises from 1884 until his death in 1889. I am stoked over that tidbit.

Christy, glad that you have found a better deal by rerouting. We are heading south from Dublin in order to assure that I will spend Summer Solstice and my Birthday in Northern Ireland. We are flying American in and out of Dublin. You are right about Alcantra. They treat their guests well. It is a favourite of mine.

Slan agus Barrogs,

Bit

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Bit,

Many have said that the Dooley price is a firm bid... with no extra fees or no surprises later! I have, hopefully, found another company that does likewise. It is "Journey Through Ireland"/Hertz. I would be curious to see how their price would compare to Dooley's for your trip....if you care to check it out.

We have secured a 4-door midsize sedan for $553.00 prepaid, and is suppose to be all inclusive except for superCDL....which we can only purchase there at the rental car counter in Ireland. I figure that SCDL will add another $200.00 (at 12 Euros/day.) We will pick it up in Dublin on March 29, and return in Shannon on April 10, for a total eleven day rental.

Slan Beo! (that is the first time I have used that expression!biggrin) Dan

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Bit,

Avondale looks very nice. I notice on the website it is walking distance to the Cork City Gaol. You must visit it as it is very well done. Barry really liked the radio museum that shares the space.

Dan, We will wait with baited breath for your report back on the car.

Michele

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We're looking at an economy manual transmission car, decline CDW (covered by my CC) for 16 days BFS to SNN for $500 -- looks like a comparable deal :)

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Roy


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I looked at the hertz website but am not convinced there aren't additional fees from looking at the website. I think I will stick with Dan Dooley.

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Roy,

Every time I have rented from Dooley there have been no extra charges except for petrol, which is refunded if you return the car with a full tank. Be sure to have your M50 receipts (if renting or returning to Dublin) as they are sticklers for that.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.

Roy


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Michele,

Anytime I go near Dublin it's by train. I have not succumbed to flying in or out of Dublin even though there are direct flights out of Dulles.

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Roy
Rachel

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We are going to be staying in Cork too. The Avondal bed and breakfast looks great. Does anyone have any good suggestions for dining/pubs on a budget?

Thanks!

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Rachel,

Try the English Market, Nash 19, Jacob's on the Mall. For pubs The Bodega, An Bodhran, the Old Oak, Mutton Lane Inn, etc. There are so very many restaurants and pubs to choose from you will be spoiled for choice. If looking for something in particular ask your B&B hosts.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.



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I've heard wonderful things about the English Market, you should definitely try it!

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The English Market, Nash 19, and Jacob's on the Mall sound like great.



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