8 Day Honeymoon Trip. Itinerary Help Needed!

Point202 · Member

8 Day Honeymoon Trip. Itinerary Help Needed!

tony2phones · Guru

How about doing the Jamesons tour in Dublin also the Glendalough/Wicklow day trip. That might mean spending an extra night in Dublin before taking the Train to Cork. You could pick up your car in Cork and head north. I would see how the weather lies before deciding on Dingle (really good weather) or Killarney (I think there's a music festival the beginning of April but cant find details) as a base for a couple of nights. The same weather choice for Doolin ferries these are only small and might not be running if the weather is too bad. The car can be returned to Shannon on your departure.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Amy,

Welcome to my forum. Before I even read Tony's suggestions, that was exactly what I was thinking! biggrin He must have read my mind. Or I must have read his.

I think that is a good plan. So spend one extra night in Dublin to do the Glendalough Tour. Train to Cork and get your car in Cork. Then drive over to the Killarney/Dingle areas and up to Doolin. Check the weather forecast for the end of your trip. If your days in Doolin are going to be a washout then add extra time to the SW.

Michele

Point202 · Member

Thanks so much for your suggestions.

I like the idea of doing the bus day trip to Glendalough. I'm thinking we may need to cut out Killarney and Dingle all together to make our trip more leisurely. We would rather have the opportunity to soak up the places we are visiting than spend all of our time traveling from place to place.

An itinerary like this might be a good option:
Day 1: Arrive (See Dublin in Afternoon)
Day 2: Tour Dublin
Day 3: Bus trip to Glendalough/Powerscourt/Kilkenny
Day 4: AM train to Cork, see Cork City in afternoon
Day 5: Pickup car rental, Jameson Distillery and Blarney Castle
Day 6: Travel day. Maybe drive west and up coast to Doolin. Or if the weather will not be good we could take the direct route from Cork to Doolin.
Day 7 & 8: In Doolin (Must see Cliffs of Moher & The Burren, perhaps a cave tour)
Day 9: Drive to Shannon & Fly Home

Any suggestions about things we could see near Cork, or along the way between Cork and Doolin, or places to stay in Dublin and/or Cork would be greatly appreciated! We are hoping to find some nice B&Bs, close enough to the city center that we can hop on a bus to get around.

You both mentioned worry about weather in regards to the ferry. I know rain is basically a guarantee in Ireland anytime. Is early April particularly wet and rainy that we should take that into consideration? We are not locked in with flights just yet, so we can always push our trip back a weeks or two if it would mean nicer weather.

-- Edited by Point202 on Thursday 20th of January 2011 09:59:20 PM

-- Edited by Point202 on Thursday 20th of January 2011 10:00:14 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Amy,

The weather that would impact the ferries going from Doolin to the Aran Islands would be high winds and rough seas. They will go in the rain. But who wants to be on the islands if it is going to rain all day since you are mostly outside?

If you were not locked into seeing Blarney and Cork you could have a very different sort of trip. In fact Cork City is rather so-so for tourists. There is a lot more bang for your buck elsewhere.

Are you using a particular book for making your decisions?

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

After meeting a friend visiting off a cruise down in Cobh my route back up home was the M8 up to Cahir then Cashel and past Tipperary-Limerick -Ennis. from Ennis you would then head to Doolin. For me it was about 8 hours including a walk round the castle at Cahir (skipped Swiss cottage), guided tour of Cashel and evening meal in Brogans Ennis. This is not the Killarney/Dingle route but suited us and possibly others better.

Point202 · Member

Michelle, I am using the internet exclusively to plan. There is just so much information available online! Just to explore the options, what would our trip options be if we ween't locked into Blarney and Cork? I am also thinking that we can gain a lot more experience if we drop Glendalough to allow moe time in the west.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Amy,

You are suffereing from info overload. There is so much to see and do in Ireland and you don't have time for it all. Instead you must distill your choices. Make a list of your "must sees" from most important to least important. Concentrate on the ones at the very top of the list.

Most first timers want to see the highlights: SW, Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, etc. Blarney Castle gets excellent press and the legend is enticing. However, there are other castles in Ireland that are much better. On the other hand, because of what people have heard all their lives they absolutely must kiss the Blarney Stone. They think it is essential when going to Ireland and have to cross it off their list. It all depends on your mindset. If that is number one on your list then plan everything else around it.

It is your trip! The most important thing is to do what YOU want.

Michele

Point202 · Member

I am definiely suffering from information overload! My husband and I were talking over the itinerary last night and we both agree we want a relaxing trip rather than a whirlwind sightseeing tour.

Must sees for us are:
Dublin
The Jameson Distillery in Midleton
The Cliffs of Moher & and The Burren
See some of the Irish countryside in the Southwest
Tour at least one castle

We think we're going to follow this itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive (See Dublin in Afternoon) (Overnight in Dublin)
Day 2: Tour Dublin (See whatever strikes our fancy) (Overnight in Dublin)
Day 3: AM train to Cork, see Cork City in afternoon (Overnight in Cork)
Day 4: Pickup car rental, Jameson Distillery and Blarney Castle (Overnight in Cork) (alternatively we could cut out Blarney and head right over to Dingle in the afternoon)
Day 5: Visit Dingle (Overnight in Dingle)
Day 6: Drive up coast to Doolin. (Overnight in Doolin)
Day 7 & 8: In Doolin (See Cliffs of Moher & The Burren)
Day 9: Drive to Shannon & Fly Home

We feel as though this gives us the best of Ireland - the big cities and some of the more traditional villages.

Blarney isn't really a "must have" for me, but I want to tour one castle while we are there. If there are better castles along our route - I would appreciate any recommendations you have!

Thank you so much for all of your wonderful feedback, and all of the great information on your forum!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Blarney is an OK Castle RUIN, but it is little more than a roofed SHELL. The grounds ARE beautiful, but the trade off is that it is often times BURIED under overloads of Tour Bus discharges.

Blarney: http://www.flickr.com/photos/itallian_chauffeur/764820126/in/set-72157600735982630/

If you take the N22 from Cork to Killarney (via Macroom) you would be better served to visit Ross Castle, in Killarney. It's one of the finest RESTORED castles in all of Ireland and has an interesting AND informative tour. The GORGEOUS lake-side setting doesn't hurt -- either .... biggrin

Ross Castle: http://www.flickr.com/photos/itallian_chauffeur/764819852/in/set-72157600735982630/

Bob

Point202 · Member

Beautiful photos Bob!!! Just amazing!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Thanks.

Here's the VIEW from Ross Castle that I mentioned:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/itallian_chauffeur/4915046098/in/set-72157624778024608/

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Amy,

You can see the Cliffs of Moher in a couple of hours. Unless you are planning on taking a walking tour of the Burren, you will see it because you will be driving through it near the cliffs. I don't think you need three nights in Doolin, which is an extremely small village. You might be better off having another day for Dingle or the SW.

If you got your car in Dublin and drove to Cork you could see the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle and Swiss Cottage on your way south. Just an idea. Some other great castles are (as Bob suggested) Ross Castle in Killarney, Barryscourt Castle (not too far from Jameson) and Bunratty Castle.

Michele

EngagingKate · Senior Member

Amy,

For what it's worth, I'm just going to throw in my two cents worth about castles to tour.

I'm actually just going to concur that Ross Castle is a really excellent example of a restored castle, as is Bunratty. As Bob said, the tour at Ross is very good. I can't give an opinion about Barryscourt, because I haven't been there, but if Michele says it's good, then you can be certain it is.

Cahir Castle is very interesting as well, though it's not as complete as the others mentioned above.

The grounds at Blarney Castle are really beautiful. Tour buses will probably not be quite as prevalent in April as they are at other times of year. And, if you get to the grounds early at first opening, you can get there before any of the buses get there... When you're done, if you're in the mood for a little shopping, Blarney Woolen Mills is just across the road. You might be able to beat the crowds there, as well!!

Kate

Point202 · Member

Thanks so much for all of your wonderful feedback! As Ross Castle is "on the way" between Cork and Dingle, we will plan swing by for the tour if the time permits.

Michele, It is funny that you should mention picking up our car in Dublin and seeing the Rock of Cashel on the way to Cork. I just came to that very realization this afternoon before I read your post. And it actually seems as though it will be cheaper to rent our car in Dublin than it would be in Cork for some reason, even with the extra day rental. We may forgo the train, and drive from Dublin to Cork so that we have the option to explore along the way.

-- Edited by Point202 on Saturday 22nd of January 2011 09:13:02 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Amy,

Sometimes talking things out and having the input of several people is helpful in planning. A little more tweaking and things should be worked out to your satisfaction.

Michele

Point202 · Member

Talking things out has helped us quite a bit. We think we have worked out a pretty nice itinerary. We have two days in each city, which we think will allow us to fully explore each locale.

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin in AM, tour Dublin in afternoon
Day 2: Tour Dublin
Day 3: Travel day. Check out of hotel in the morning, pickup rental car at Dublin airport and drive south to Cork. See Rock of Cashel along the way. Alternatively we may opt to forgo seeing the Rock of Cashel, take a train between Dublin & Cork and pickup our car there.
Day 4: Tour around Cork. We'd like to see Cobh and the Jameson Distillery in particular.
Day 5: Check out of hotel in Cork in the morning, and travel to see Blarney Castle (it is touristy but it has remained a must for me). Drive to Dingle, with a stop at Ross Castle if time permits.
Day 6: Full day to explore Dingle peninsula, spend evening in Dingle.
Day 7: Depart Dingle in the morning, and drive up to Doolin.
Day 8: Explore around Doolin (Cliffs of Moher tour, perhaps guided tour of Burren)
Day 9: Drive to Shannon airport for the flight home.

I have accommodations in mind for every place except Dublin. We do not need something fancy... and are hoping for something around 100-125 Euros per night for 2 people, located near to the city center. We are open to both B&Bs or hotels. I did take a look at the recommended hotels here, but they don't quite seem to fit within this budget. One place that jumped out as an option for us is the Roxford Lodge in Ballsbridge, but I'm concerned about how far it may be from the City itself...

Thanks again for all of your help!

murphy · Guru

Amy,

Did you try the Mont Clare? The O'Callaghan group has that one, plus 3 more close by that are a little newer, and priced accordingly. The MC has a fairly good rating on trip advisor, and we were able to book (several months age) for 55Euros (about $75/couple/night) It is in a great location...we plan to do a lot of walking in Dublin, and it is close to about everything we want to see except Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Goal. It is not terribly fancy, and some say the rooms are kind of small....but for sleeping off jet-lag, I'm confident it will be ok for us. May be worth a try....Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Amy,

The O'Callaghan group is good. Bewley's Ballsbridge also has 55 euro room rates or 35 pps for B&B. But Ballsbridge is more in the suburbs and it is a long walk or quick ride to city center.

Michele

stewh · Guru

Another castle you might enjoy is Dysert O'Dea in Co Clare near the Burren area. It is compact and low key and in April you might very well have it to yourselves. There is also a church with an elaborately carved doorway and one of the finest high crosses you will see. Definitely worth a look in my opinion.

Stewart

-- Edited by stewh on Wednesday 26th of January 2011 10:04:21 AM

CowboyCraic · Guru

In Dublin, we are booked in to Staunton's on the Green, which is just off St. Stephen's Green, in June, for the rate of 109 per night, including a full Irish breakfast. I found that rate to be quite reasonable given that we are coming in on a Festival weekend in June. You might take a look at their rates.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Point202 · Member

Stewart, Unfortunately Dysert O'Dea castle is closed for tours in early April, but we may travel the Burren a bit to see the church you mentioned, and some of the other ruins if time and weather permit.

Bit and Michele, thank you for the hotel recommendations. I think we are going to stay in the city center, even if it means paying a little more. Staunton's on the Green looks like the kind of place we have in mind.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Amy,

Good decision to stay city center. After all your time is precious while in Ireland. You will be nearby most everything you want to see and do.

Michele

Point202 · Member

Thanks to everyone for all of your itinerary suggestions. My husband and I are very much looking forward to our trip (less than three weeks before we leave on April 1!)

I have a couple of additional questions:

- How worried should we be about taking precautions against pick pockets? We'll be in Dublin, Cork, Dingle and Doolin. Everything you read about foreign travel recommends wearing your passport and cash in special money belt. It just seems like something extra to worry about. Would we be safe enough to keep these things in a regular old cross body bag?

- Looking at Google maps it seems as though we'll have to take a ferry on the journey from Dingle to Doolin. Is there a particular company that offers these ferries? Just wondering if there is a website with more info.

Thanks again :)

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Dunno about 'Official Policy', but here's what works, for me ... confuse

Pickpockets are no more prevelent in Ireland than anywhere else -- including the US. In over a dozen trips I've never taken any special precautions like money belts or neck wallets. I also don't usually carry my Passport when I am Out and About.

I do have a 'Travel Wallet' -- a small, 'card holder' type -- that ONLY holds my driver's License and Credit cards and fits comfortably and easily into my front pocket. I also keep most of my large bills in my left pocket and the smaller denominations and change in my right so as to not be 'flashing a roll' at every purchase -- but I do that here in the States, as well. biggrin biggrin

The ferry you refer to isn't from Dingle. You'll drive to Tarbert (north of Tralee and Listowel) and take it across the Shannon to Kilimer.

Their web site: http://www.shannonferries.com/

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Amy,

Like Bob, I don't use a money belt or neck wallet. I've not had a problem in over 38 years. That is not to say that nothing ever happens. I'm sure some people have been pickpocketed or mugged before. But just being alert is best.

For the ferry you just wait in line and drive on the ferry when it docks. You pay onboard. You can click on Bob's link for more info.

Hope you will let us know how your trip goes. I know you are getting excited.

Michele

Roy · Guru

Like Bob, I carry my wallet in my front pocket and my cash in my other front pocket. I think that's more for keeping from losing rather than theft.

kirchmurphy · Member

Hi there -
A few suggestions for what they're worth...I'm a little late to the discussion so you might already have your Dublin accommodations booked - but when my husband and I went for our honeymoon a few years ago we stayed in Smithfield (north of the Liffey but about a 15 minute walk in to the city center) at what used to be the Comfort Inn there - I guess it is the Maldron Hotel now. Anyway - the rate was similar to what your budget is and the Dublin Jameson distillery is right across the street which was also on the "must see" for us. It was an easy walk to the city and we did the hop on/hop off bus tour to see most of the city. We did not see the other Jameson location but did really enjoy the tour they gave in Dublin. If you do the Dublin tour - there's a chance at the end to be a whiskey tester - be quick to volunteer and it's a nice way to wrap up the tour :)
Also...we spent an afternoon in Cork and wasn't "wowed" the way we were in other locations, but it looks like you're already set there and you may have a completely different opinion... I will say if you can see the Rock of Cashel, it is wonderful, and I thought worth the stop.

Enjoy - after our honeymoon four years ago we have been waiting to go back...it is a wonderful place and I'm sure you'll enjoy every minute!!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

FYI -- Google Maps INSISTS on showing that Dingle Ferry ---

And HAS, for some time .... confuse confuse confuse

Ithink they also show one from the Ivereagh (ROK) to Dingle ... disbelief

Those california Guys are SUCH kidders! biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

Bob

Michael · Member

Hi Amy,
My name is Michael Thornton and I hope that I can help. My wife Pam and I have a new guesthouse just outside Millstreet, Co. Cork. This is the town where 'Italien Chauffeur had his holiday. One of Millstreets advantages is its location which is in the heart of the south of Ireland. Cork, Limerick, Tralee are all within 1hours drive give or take a little bit. Killarney is just 30 MINUTES DRIVE AWAY.
Our new website www.Coolefieldhouse.ie is just completed but is not active on search engines just yet but you can type in the name in the http bar at the top of your screen.
Our house is of the style of an old georgian farmhouse located in the centre of our 90 acre farm on the banks of the river Blackwater( great trout fishing if you would like to try, canoeing also.) There are two ranges of hills on our back door which provide excellent hillwalking). Last Sunday a friend and I did WONDERFUL 6 HOUR WALK on Hills. forestry trails and quiet backroads, following in the tragic footsteps of O Sullivan Beare, The last Prince of Ireland, from Ballyvourney to Millstreet. However there are beautiful walks of less than 1hour if you wish.
Pam and I and our children Mike and Ava would welcome you to our home and we will do what we can for you to make your honeymoon in Ireland something that you will treasure.
Please let me know what your expectations are and we will help and advise as required.
Bt the way definitely go to Doolin. Killarney yes, Dingle yes, Blarney yes but do you really want to pay money to kiss a stone that Normans used to urinate on !!!!!
The Blackwater Valley is really nice good scenery, lovely villages, nice restaurants,Castles galore,great welcome, GREAT GUINNESS, GREAT MUSIC. Irelands best kept secret is Knocknagree Village on a Sunday evening for Traditional Music and craic.
Hope this helps a little
Michael

-- Edited by Michael on Tuesday 15th of March 2011 01:55:32 PM