Home Again ~ June 2011

CowboyCraic · Guru

Home Again ~ June 2011

Green Dragon · Guru

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?

Michele Erdvig · Host

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

CowboyCraic · Guru

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

murphy · Guru

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

Michele Erdvig · Host

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

Green Dragon · Guru

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 :)

Roy · Guru

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.

Michele Erdvig · Host

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

Roy · Guru

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.

Date: 6:43 PM, 01/15/11

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!

Michele Erdvig · Host

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

Green Dragon · Guru

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

murphybridget · Veteran Member

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