Nan
Unregistered User
(7/15/05 10:52 am)

From Airport

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We are arriving in Dublin and renting a mini van (6)people,we thought we would drive West towards Galway or Shannon. What suggestions of cities/accommodations would you have for us if we only wanted to drive for 1-2 hours?
Thanks

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3266
(7/15/05 5:16 pm)

2 Hours from Dublin

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Nan,

Athlone is about two hours from Dublin on the main Galway Road. This driving time depends very much on the time you depart Dublin and the traffic there. What time of year are you visiting Ireland and what sort of accommodation are you looking for? B&Bs, Guesthouses, Hotels, etc.

Michele

Anita
Unregistered User
(7/16/05 7:20 pm)

Athlone

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Athlone is about halfway between Dublin and Galway and just outside of Athlone is Clonmacnoise, a very old, interesting monastic site that is well worth the visit. I stayed in a B&B (the only one I stayed in) called the Bastion B&B. It gets a mention in the Lonely Planet guide because it is affordable for people who are travelling alone or on a budget. It was a great place! Run by two brothers who also run a rather eclectic store on the ground level. Very clean, and a quirky decor.Huge breakfast. One of the owners gave me a lift back to the train station without my even asking. I was able to easily walk to Athlone Castle, and there was a couple of good restaurants and pubs nearby (one pub claiming to be the oldest in Ireland).

Nan
Unregistered User
(7/18/05 9:30 am)

From Airport

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Michelle,
We are arriving On August 18, 2005 @ 2:20PM, Aer Lingus. We were interested in booking a flight to Shannon from Dublin (one way) and renting the car there but the last flight is at 3:00pm and not sure if 40 minutes would be enough time, depending on if our flight was on time. We are beginning our trip from Wisconsin, USA and thought we would be quite tired to have to deal with Dublin traffic.
We would like to stay at B&B's.
Thanks,
Nan

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3269
(7/18/05 3:21 pm)

Re: From Airport

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Nan,

I really don't think you have the time to make that close connection. I agree that you will be very tired upon arrival. Why don't you just stay close to the airport area instead and begin your cross-country journey refreshed the next day? I would suggest staying in Swords or Malahide. Take a look at my "Lodgings" page for recommendations.

Michele

jojo
Registered User
Posts: 4
(7/18/05 5:33 pm)

Re: From Airport

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Hi Nan (fellow Wisconsinite),
My Aer Lingus flight to Shannon stops in Dublin. Is there a chance you can just extend your flight? Just a thought. I know that my return also begins in Shannon, stops in Dublin, then nonstop to O'Hare.

Good luck.
jojo

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3270
(7/18/05 11:40 pm)

Continuing Flight

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Nan,

Excellent idea from jojo. If it is a continuation of the flight then Aer Lingus will be sure that you are onboard. Call them today. Who would have thought we would have two people from Wisconsin on the forum at the same time? Small world!

Michele

Nan
Unregistered User
(7/19/05 1:35 pm)

From airport

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JoJo
We tried changing it already, when we booked our flight 4 of us used FF Miles to upgrade to 1st. class and 2 are flying coach. They would charge us for a change because of that. $200.00 per person plus the price of Dublin to Shannon. We would rather spend our money at a pub & touring Ireland. We'll just deal with it and I checked out Swords and Malahide which would be nice if we can convince the guys to rest the first night and leave early on the 20th. But knowing Men and traveling, my bet is on driving.
When are you traveling to Ireland? Where in Wisconsin do youlive?
Thanks, Nan

jojo
Registered User
Posts: 5
(7/19/05 4:37 pm)

Re: From airport

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Hi Nan,
Well, I'm sorry that idea didn't work. I thought it would be so simple!

I'm in a NW suburb of Milwaukee, where are you? I'll be leaving Sept 22 and returning Sept 28. Not nearly long enough, but at least it's a start, and I can't wait.

jojo

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3272
(7/19/05 4:46 pm)

Malahide B&B

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Nan,

I think you would like Malahide. It is a small village near the airport and overlooking the ocean. Malahide Castle makes for an interesting sightseeing stop and there are good restaurants and pubs. I highly recommend Beechwood Country House. It is lovely. If you make reservations the guys will have no option but to stay in Malahide. Perhaps a bit sneaky but we women have to do what we have to do!

Michele

Nan
Unregistered User
(7/21/05 8:20 am)

From airport

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Received our confirmation for our rental car yesterday, I'm relaxing a little more now. I ordered Michele's book on tuesday so hoping to receive it this weekend and can begin more planning.
Jojo, we live in a small city between Madison and
La Crosse, ever hear of Tomah?
Nan

jojo
Registered User
Posts: 6
(7/22/05 8:22 pm)

Re: From airport

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Nan,
I've been through (around) Tomah many times on the way to and from LaCrosse. We're not ALL that far apart. Where do you leave from?

I'm close enough to Chicago that I can leave from O'Hare and go directly instead of having to change planes.

I'll be anxious to hear how your trip was. You'll be back before I leave.
jojo