MarthaA
Unregistered User
(3/25/04 2:32 pm)

This Year's Trip

---

Well, the excitement level is beginning to build! Our trip this year is from May 6 to May 22. This morning I talked to the owner of the self-catering cottage we have reserved in Unionhall, Co. Cork, and that lovely accent got me revved up! Our itinerary is below. Any and all comments and suggestions are welcomed. We're trying to make this a much more laid back trip than our previous ones and we're leaving lots of openings for serendipity! Thanks!

Thursday, May 6–Arrive Shannon at 7:35 am, pick up car, spend the day in Co. Clare, maybe see the Cliffs of Moher again, definitely drive out to Loop Head for a second look, if time and sailing schedule permit maybe do a late afternoon dolphin cruise from Kilrush Marina (any of you done this?), spend the night in Kilrush at Hill Crest View.

Friday, May 7–Take ferry across to Co. Kerry, meander along stopping in Killarney and on to Kenmare maybe in time to do Seafari cruise, overnight at Rockcrest House in Kenmare.

Saturday, May 8–Leave Kenmare, drive out to Gleninchaquin (have to see it again!) and on to Co. Cork. Has anyone been to Mannings Emporium between Glengariff and Bantry? Looks like a neat market/shop. We'll stop in Skibbereen for the farmers' market on our way to Unionhall for a week of self-catering.

Saturday, May 8 through Saturday May 15
Daytrips interspersed with general laziness. Any suggestions for must see's, pubs and restaurants??

Saturday May 15–Leave Unionhall, spend day on Beara Peninsula, overnight at Windy Point House at the Dursey Island cable car site.

Sunday, May 16–Spend the day sight-seeing from Beara Peninsula to Waterville on the Ring of Kerry. We'll probably drive the interior of the ROK peninsula seeing Ballaghbeama Gap and Ballaghisheen Pass, overnight at O'Grady's Townhouse in Waterville.

Monday, May 17–A day for seeing whatever we can find to see! Valentia Island for sure. Suggestions?? Overnight in Waterville again.

Tuesday, May 18–Leave Waterville and head for Dingle for 2 nights, staying at Torann Na Dtonn in Ventry.

Wednesday, May 19--on Dingle Peninsula.

Thursday, May 20–Leave Dingle, go to Tralee for the train and windmill, drive some backroads on our way to Bunratty. Staying at Bunratty Courtyard Guesthouse.

Friday, May 21–Drop off car at airport, take bus into Limerick for the day, bus or cab back to Bunratty for last night.

Saturday–May 22--Early cab to airport for 9:00 am flight home.

Thanks for any comments.
Martha & Bob

Ande
Unregistered User
(3/25/04 3:49 pm)

Skellig Michael

---

Hi,

Even though I've not been, what looks really fantastic is the monastic settlement on Skellig Michael island. Check out: indigo.ie/~lavelles/lavelles.html

Since you'll be in the area, maybe it's something you'd like to do. I know I'm going to do it on another trip (this year's trip has me going to the north of the emerald isle.

I'm jealous of the length of your trip. Have a great time and post your report when you get back!!

Ande

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2361
(3/26/04 2:53 am)

Re: This Year's Trip

---

Hi Martha,

It sounds like a great trip. As Ande has suggested a trip to Skellig Michael (from Waterville) would be a special event. However, you must be fit to do it. I would recommend the Skellig Ring and a trip to Valentia Island.

While you are in Union Hall I'm sure you will explore the various peninsulas in West Cork. Be sure to get to Mizen Head and go out to the lighthouse. You might even take a boat out to Clear Island from Baltimore. If you like desserts visit Mary Ann's in Castletownhsend for banoffe. Be warned - it's huge (maybe you can split it). Baltimore is a cute little town and you may even have time to wander over to Kinsale. On the way stop to see Timoleague Abbey.

I can't wait to hear all about your trip. I'm sure it will be fantastic.

Michele

Mbarnes
Unregistered User
(3/26/04 7:58 am)

Kilrush stay

---

Sounds like you have a great trip planned. We are traveling in April and thought about stopping in Kilrush for the Night. Can you tell me more about Hill Creast View?

Thanks for any info>

Mary Ellen

MarthaA
Unregistered User
(3/26/04 11:17 am)

Skellig Michael & Hillcrest View

---

We're probably going to pass on Skellig Michael. We're working on our fitness level but at 52 with bad knees I'm concerned that the landing itself might do me in! I want to check out one of the boats that will take us out and around both the Skellings.

Mary Ellen,
I read good reviews of Hillcrest View on Fodor's. It looks very nice in the pictures on their website. (www.hillcrestview.com) Mrs. Ethna Hynes was very prompt in replying to my email. So based on all that we reserved it. I'm looking for a good night's sleep after our first day and am just hoping for a comfortable bed!
Martha

Mbarnes
Unregistered User
(3/26/04 4:07 pm)

Thanks

---

Thanks for the web page. I will Check it out.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2367
(3/26/04 5:17 pm)

Re: Thanks

---

Martha,

You can get a boat trip that circles the Skelligs at the Skellig Center on Valentia Island: www.skelligexperience.com...ruise.html

Michele