edhodge
Unregistered User
(3/7/04 3:09 pm)

Tentative September Itinerary

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I would appreciate any and all feedback on this itinerary. My husband, our best friend and I are flying into Shannon on September 4th (Sat) and return on September 13th (Mon.) Her husband may go with us but that is not decided yet. DH and I were bumped last September and were given roundtrip international vouchers. That was worth giving up one day of holiday, dont'cha think?

Okay, here we go:
Sat, Sept 4th from Shannon to Cliffs of Moher, overnight in Doolin (this worked well for us last time- just enough driving time to get used to the roads) Spend the day exploring the Burren and the coast road. Must stop at Monks in Ballyvaughan and have seafood chowder for lunch.

Sun, Sept 5th, drive to Donegal, overnight in Donegal (too far?- last time we drove to Clifden by way of Cong and managed fine, also would appreciate any tips on places to see on the way.)

Monday, Sept 6th, day trips, overnight in Donegal (Slieve League is a must-see but need help with other ideas for the day)

Tuesday, Sept 7th, drive to Clifden via Westport, overnight in Clifden. We figured that we could show our friend Kylemore Abbey and just the sheer beauty of the Connemara. DH loved Clifden but we are not locked in to overnight there.

Wed., Sept 8th, drive to Dingle, overnight in Dingle (another long day driving- last time we went from Spiddal to Dingle and handled that just fine. Dingle is a Must See for us.)

Thurs., Sept 9th (hubby's birthday!) Slea Head drive, overnight in Dingle.

Fri., Sept 10th, drive to Kinsale, overnight in Kinsale (We would really like to see Killarney National Park, especially the Gap of Dunloe, don't really care about the Ring of Kerry for this trip, also would you recommend overnight somewhere else? Noticed that Michele is big on Kenmare- is there a big difference between Kenmare and Kinsale?)

Sat., Sept 11th, overnight in Kinsale (suggestions for day trips?)

Sun, Sept 12th, drive to Bunratty, overnight in Bunratty. Interesting places to stop on the way? We would like to do the medieval banquet, the folk park and spend some time in Durty Nellies and of course, have to spend money in the Woolen Mill.

Mon-fly home.

We are open to any and all suggestions- B&Bs (not using vouchers), pubs, restaurants, the scenic beauty of any area, anything. We would like to eat at Moran's Oyster Cottage in Kilcolgan, if possible, while driving through. We have already visited the Aran Islands and would rather see something new. Don't care about the Blarney Stone or Waterford but my maiden name is Powers so Powerscourt could be interesting though I think that is really out of the way. We don't want to do the Green Blur but do want to see as much of the country as we can. Big cities are not our thing- prefer beautiful beaches and scenery during the day, friendly people, great craic, everflowing Harp and Guinness and trad music at night.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Diane

Clodagh Ni
Posts: 13
(3/7/04 3:44 pm)

Re: Tentative September Itinerary

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Quote:

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Sat., Sept 11th, overnight in Kinsale

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Can I just say I hope it's not The Trident you're staying at.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2259
(3/7/04 5:37 pm)

Re: Tentative September Itinerary

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Hi Diane,

I'd give up one day of my time in Ireland for free vouchers any time. Way to go! You do have the "green blur" built into your itinerary. Can you cut anything to add on to another area? I realize that you want to show your friend the best of Ireland but you are trying to cover a lot of territory. But having been before, I'm sure you realize that. However, sometimes less is more. I will put my day by day comments below:

Sat, Sept 4th from Shannon to Cliffs of Moher, overnight in Doolin (this worked well for us last time- just enough driving time to get used to the roads) Spend the day exploring the Burren and the coast road. Must stop at Monks in Ballyvaughan and have seafood chowder for lunch. * Good plan. Since it is a Saturday, make reservations in Doolin for lodgings. Cullinan's has a great early bird dinner; not inexpensive but fantastic (if you have room after Monk's).

Sun, Sept 5th, drive to Donegal, overnight in Donegal (too far?- last time we drove to Clifden by way of Cong and managed fine, also would appreciate any tips on places to see on the way.) * This is really a long haul. I would estimate over 6 hours without stops. If you decide to go all the way to Donegal you will probably just want to stop for lunch. You are going through Sligo, which is a lovely area. Much to see and do there.

Monday, Sept 6th, day trips, overnight in Donegal (Slieve League is a must-see but need help with other ideas for the day) * This is doable provided you are close to Donegal the previous night. This whole area is extremely scenic with many different routes you could take (but they all take time). Glencolumbcille and the folk village there has a remote rather end of the world type atmosphere.

Tuesday, Sept 7th, drive to Clifden via Westport, overnight in Clifden. We figured that we could show our friend Kylemore Abbey and just the sheer beauty of the Connemara. DH loved Clifden but we are not locked in to overnight there. * Another very long driving day. It can be accomplished. I agree with you about the unique beauty of Connemara. If you cut out Donegal you could spend more time here.

Wed., Sept 8th, drive to Dingle, overnight in Dingle (another long day driving- last time we went from Spiddal to Dingle and handled that just fine. Dingle is a Must See for us.) * Yes, another day in the car.

Thurs., Sept 9th (hubby's birthday!) Slea Head drive, overnight in Dingle. * At last...a relaxing day! If your hubby is driving he will deserve a break. Give him a special party.

Fri., Sept 10th, drive to Kinsale, overnight in Kinsale (We would really like to see Killarney National Park, especially the Gap of Dunloe, don't really care about the Ring of Kerry for this trip, also would you recommend overnight somewhere else? Noticed that Michele is big on Kenmare- is there a big difference between Kenmare and Kinsale?) * Can you skip Kinsale? It tends to be a zoo on weekends with lots of locals from Cork and other areas flooding the town for partying. Kinsale and Kenmare are two very different towns. Both are picturesque, small and interesting. I would say that Kenmare is more refined than Kinsale and has an equal amount of gourmet restaurants. More to see and do in the Kenmare area too. But that's just my opinion. Whichever one you choose, do make reservations not only for B&B but for dinner.

Sat., Sept 11th, overnight in Kinsale (suggestions for day trips?) * If you were in Kenmare I would suggest the remote, moody and beautiful Beara Peninsula. If you love Connemara you will love it.

Sun, Sept 12th, drive to Bunratty, overnight in Bunratty. Interesting places to stop on the way? We would like to do the medieval banquet, the folk park and spend some time in Durty Nellies and of course, have to spend money in the Woolen Mill. * Fine. Don't overlook Mac's Pub in the folk park. Make reservations in advance for the banquet. And do note that most B&Bs in the area will have discount coupons for Bunratty Village Mills (10% off).

I think that you could refine your itinerary to be less hectic. Also, in September you don't have the long days that you have in the spring and summer. Sunset will be around 7:30 or so.

Let us know if you decide to re-think the trip. We will all be happy to help. And for some thoughts on B&Bs please go to my "Lodging" page. My book has complete descriptions of these and many more. I'm sure that with a little more work you will have just the perfect itinerary to please yourselves and your friend.

Michele

eyps
Registered User
Posts: 15
(3/8/04 2:05 pm)

Trident

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Clodagh Ni -

I can't agree with you more, we just got bumped from the Trident, and we were to arrive on Wednesday... now staying at Actons

Michele, any ideas on what's going on there?

-eyps

Clodagh Ni
Posts: 17
(3/8/04 3:37 pm)

Re: Trident

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You lucked out, Actons is wonderful.

I know the Trident had planned to refurbish which is LONG OVERDUE, so maybe they overbooked. But the one time I stayed at the Trident, when I was checking in, I heard the word "F**k" twice from a member of staff that was behind the desk. Once bitten, twice shy.

But it's very run down anyway, regardless of the staff.

edhodge
Unregistered User
(3/8/04 7:21 pm)

does this sound better?

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Did some revisions- tell me what you think now.

Sat- Doolin, same as above
Sun- drive to Westport, overnight there
Mon- overnight Westport, suggestions for quick day trips?
Tues- drive to Clifden via Doo Lough valley
Wed- drive to Dingle, long day driving, hopefully we can stop at Moran's Oyster Cottage for lunch, overnight in Dingle
Thurs- Slea Head Drive, overnight in Dingle
Fri- drive to Kenmare via Lakes of Killarney, hopefully do Gap of Dunloe tour, overnight in Kenmare
Sat- day trips to Beara Peninsula?, overnight in Kenmare
Sun- drive to Bunratty via Kinsale, medieval banquet, etc. as above.
Mon- fly home

This is a lot less driving, don't you think? Is Kinsale do-able on the way to Bunratty without strapping us for time?

I appreciate all the great suggestions and by the way, was completely confused by the Trident comment. I thought it had something to do with 9/11. Thanks for clearing that up.

Diane

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2264
(3/9/04 1:51 am)

Re: Tentative September Itinerary

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Hi Diane,

Yes, a lot less driving! This itinerary sounds much saner with a whole lot less green blur.

Sat- Doolin, same as above. * Great.

Sun- drive to Westport, overnight there. * Fine. Depending on your route you could stop in Cong (Quiet Man town) and see the abbey & grounds of Ashford Castle.

Mon- overnight Westport, suggestions for quick day trips? * If the day is fine there is no better day trip from Westport than Achill Island. The Atlantic Drive, deserted village, Minaun Mountain, Keem Bay are all very scenic and off the beaten path. What you see there and how far out you go will depend on how quick the day trip is. If the weather is not cooperative you could see the Museum of Country Life in Castlebar.

Tues- drive to Clifden via Doo Lough valley. * Lovely.

Wed- drive to Dingle, long day driving, hopefully we can stop at Moran's Oyster Cottage for lunch, overnight in Dingle. * This is now your one marathon driving day. But you can break it up with some sightseeing and lunch along the way.

Thurs- Slea Head Drive, overnight in Dingle. * Fine.

Fri- drive to Kenmare via Lakes of Killarney, hopefully do Gap of Dunloe tour, overnight in Kenmare. * The Gap of Dunloe tour is a whole day tour that starts in the morning and doesn't finish till afternoon. But there is nothing to prevent you from doing part of the gap on your own. Go out to Kate Kearney's Cottage and either walk into the gap or hire horses or a jaunting car. For info on the complete tour and starting time see: www.derostours.com Personally, given the time involved I think you should just do it yourself as this would give you more time to see things in Killarney too.

Sat- day trips to Beara Peninsula?, overnight in Kenmare. * Good. Healy Pass is magnificent.

Sun- drive to Bunratty via Kinsale, medieval banquet, etc. as above. * The drive from Kenmare to Kinsale on main roads will take a couple of hours. Another couple of hours to Shannon. Don't even consider taking the coastal route as it will take all day. Since that is over four hours of driving and you still want time in Kinsale and Bunratty you will either need an early start or save Kinsale for another visit. I would go directly to Bunratty and skip Kinsale.

This is a much better itinerary with a lot less time in the car and more for sightseeing. I think you will enjoy your time in Ireland more for it.

Michele

stannnseniors
Unregistered User
(3/9/04 10:00 am)

Monk's

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just a side note...did you ever have the icecream at Monk's??---it is SO good! you just reminded me when i read you would have the seafood chowder there. Save room and get some - the chocolate is what we had and i think it's some of the best ice cream i've ever had!

edhodge
Unregistered User
(3/9/04 8:22 pm)

ice cream?! Yes!

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It never occurred to me to ask for ice cream! I fell head over heels for all the dairy products but never tried ice cream. Thanks for the suggestion!