10-Days to Touchdown!!

eileenalana · Veteran Member

10-Days to Touchdown!!

Roy · Guru

I use the ATM at the airport to get cash and pay cash throughout my holiday to maximize best exchange rates. The republic is somewhere around 97% Roman Catholic so finding a mass is of no concern, including Saturday nights. My experience is that pub food is cheaper than restaurant food and runs 12-15 euro. Personally,your itinerary exhausted me just reading it!

CowboyCraic · Guru

Eileen,

Even with a chauffeur, this would be, for me, a green blur. I would be only slightly less exhausted than if I had driven it myself. Also remember that in March, you have approximately twelve hours between sunrise and sunset.

Day 1 Arrive Shannon airport 9:05 a.m. Head north to Galway visiting Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Dromoland Castle, Loop Head. Tour Galway City late afternoon/evening.

Depending on how long it takes to deplane and gather your luggage, allow an hour minimum to get out of the airport. That means you will be getting out of Shannon between half past ten and eleven.

Loop Head takes more than an hour or two to really enjoy the experience. It is a lot of photo opportunity stops, interesting small villages and narrow winding roads

Cliffs of Moher can take an hour or more, especially with the addition of the Visitor's Centre

Dromoland Castle is a Hotel destination, perhaps you meant Dunguaire, which is on Galway's Southeastern shore? If so, this also can take a few hours

All in all, by the time you reach Galway, you will all be well overtaken by jetlag. I don't see much exploring of Galway happening.

Day 2 Sunday Mass. (Michele's) Connemara Day Trip. Aughnanure Castle, Clifden, Sky Road, Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Cong Abbey, Ashford Castle
Overnight Marless House, Galway

Another packed day, with many stops being more than just photo stops. Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, and Cong would be all I would do on that day, as you will get a late morning start after Mass.

Day 3 Galway City in morning? Shrine at Knock, Clonmacnoise, Belvedere House
Overnight Almanii, Dublin

Day 4 Tour Dublin City all day, hop-on-hop-off busTrinity College, Guinness Factory, St. PatrickCathedral, Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, Brazen Head Pub
Overnight Almanii, Dublin

Day 5 Ash Wednesday. Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens, Irish National Stud, Japanese Gardens, Rock of Cashel (if no time, then in morning)
Overnight Joy's Rockside House, Cashel

Glendalough, Powerscourt and The Stud will all take a minimum of two hours to explore each. By the time you arrive in Cashel, you will be road weary and more interested in a meal and relaxing. I would recommend leaving Rock of Cashel for the morning.

Day 6 Tour ancestors areas. Tipperary, Waterford, Blarney Castle o set plans, just cruising around!!
Overnight Shraheen House, Killarney

Day 7 Tour Killarney area, Killarney National Park, Muckross Abbey, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Aghadoe
Overnight Shraheen House, Killarney

Day 8 Ring of Kerry, Durty Nellies, Bunratty Castle (if they add late banquet!!)Overnight Bunratty Lodge, Clare

Ring of Kerry is an all day experience. By the time you complete the Ring and drive to Bunratty, you will do best to have a good dinner and make it an early night.

Day 9 Sunday Mass. Depart Shannon airport 10:55 a.m. for home

You will need to allow two and a half hours, minimum, prior to your departure, at Shannon Airport. This will give you time to turn in your VAT forms, check-in, and visit the duty-free shops. That would mean that Mass beforehand would be near impossible. I have yet to attend Mass in Ireland that wasn't at least an hour long, especially in the Lenten season.

Have you checked to make sure that all of the sites you wish to visit are open during that week? Some Tourist attractions aren't open until April.

As to tipping the driver, I would tip 20% minimum for the week. Bear in mind that he is your driver, guide and luggage handler. I tucked mine in a notecard with a line or two expressing my thanks.

I hope this helps!

Time is getting close, I am sure you are beyond excited! Do you have a good idea of where your people come from or just a general idea?

Slan Beo,

Bit

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

First and Foremost -- CONGRATS! Have a GREAT Trip! smile

I'll be following on, about two weeks later ... biggrin

As Roy said, the ATM is the way to go for getting Euros. See Michele's MONEY section.

Be SURE to notify your Bank. There is an ATM in the Baggage Claim Area at Shannon, and at LEAST two more, in the Arrivals Hall. There is also a Bank, which may or may not be open, at the time you arrive.

Assuming that you have laid out the itinerary with your Irish Driver, it PROBABLY is do-able, but I'm with Roy, it SEEMS a bit Frentic ...

Particularly Days 1 & 3 ...

You might also be Hard-Pressed to attend Mass on Departure Day, particularly if the plane departs at 10:55 --- You'll want to be AT the airport NO later than 8:30 (and I would recommend 8:00 hmm

).

Still and all -- You'll be IN Ireland. smile

For ME, that IS like being at Mass ... biggrin

Bob

Andi · Senior Member

Agree with the ATM idea, but you must notify your bank. You should have more than one card available, in case one goes belly up on you for any reason. Wow, that itinerary seems totally crazy to me. Of course, you say you are flexible so as you get to each thing and see how long it takes to enjoy, you'll probably be leaving off about half of those sightseeing destinations.

I'm not sure how many people are involved, but each extra person adds to the time-consuming nature of getting things done! Everyone wants one more picture, beer, look-see, etc. . .

Just remember that enjoying your trip is more important than hitting all the notes on your itinerary and have a great time!

Roy · Guru

Every time I go, I notify my credit union and also discuss daily withdrawel limits. Each time they tell me it's unlimited, but darned if I can only take 200 euro a day out (takes planning to pay extended B&B stays! ).

Bit- M

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Roy --

According to MY Credit Union, my limit is $1000 per day, but apparrently furious

Irish ATM machines AREN'T privy to THAT information!!!! biggrin

I'm TOLD that the limit is PER CARD.

I did notice, the last year or two, that they WOULD allow me to draw out 300 Euro per day, so that's a BIT better ...

I haven't yet tried visiting ATMs from two DIFFERENT banks to see if the limit remains active. I SUPPOSE it would depend upon how the Irish ATM network is structured????

I'll have to try doing THAT (multiple Banks) on my up-coming trip. It would be a TAD inconvenient, but it WOULD be an improvement.

Currently, I carry a card for one account and my wife carries a card from a different account. In the past, we've used them in tandem, to draw out 450 Euro -- enough to pay for our Self-Catering and buy an initial bit of groceries.

And, since we KNOW that we'll be returning, biggrin

...
I always try to bring back SOME Euros to have on hand for inital use, on future trips.

I only wish NOW that I had managed to buy a few thousand $$$$ worth, back when the Euro was only valued at 85 cents, US!!!!! cry

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Wednesday 23rd of February 2011 02:34:36 PM

eileenalana · Veteran Member

Thanks to all -- so far -- that have responded and offered advice. YES it is a lot..... but as I keep saying..... NOTHING is set in stone (other than our B & B's) and we are very flexible. We will be ecstatic at just being in Ireland and happy with what works out.

Bob - have a fabulous time, as well!!

Bit, you are fabulous and so very helpful!! I did forget to remove Drumoland Castle, I had already axed that earlier per Michele.
Day 1 will be just what we can see on our way up the coast from Shannon to Galway. Day 2 was taken straight from Michele's book (p. 305) so we'll see what develops.
Day 3 is open other than wanting to visit the Knock Shrine. We just needed something else along the way before reaching Dublin.
Day 5 again what we can manage time-wise but would like my son-in-law -- a big horse guy - to visit Irish National Stud. We will leave Rock of Cashel for morning.
Day 6 ancestors are from Dungarvan and Capoquin. Although VERY touristy, still want to see Blarney Castle.
Day 8 know the Ring of Kerry will take 6-8 hours then on up to Bunratty
Day 9 no longer concerned about mass. God will bless us either way!!!

ATM it is!! Have already notified banks, credit card companies, etc.

Driver has itinerary and did not blink at it (that he told me!! haha) but again, he knows how flexible we are and that we trust his advice as we go along.

Tip -- 20% of total weekly "company" fee (YIKES!) or driver's daily "allowance"??

Again, thank you all. Beyond excitement is putting it mildly!!!

Eileen

CowboyCraic · Guru

Eilleen,

I had to dig in my notes and files to find this handy chart that was provided to me for someone else whom I was working with on a chauffeured tour:

The driver's tip normally works out as follows for a week long tour Adjust accordingly for longer tour:

Group of two to six 70 to 100+ euros per day
Group of 6 or more 90 to 125+ euros per day

Your driver will generally make themselves available to you from 8:00 till 17:00. You should base your gratuity on punctuality, service, sightseeing assistance and additional hours they put in on the longer days.

I hope this helps rather than muddles

-- Edited by CowboyCraic on Wednesday 23rd of February 2011 03:11:23 PM

Roy · Guru

Bob- I have tried multiple banks with no luck. Hope it works out better for you. My wife also uses her ATM card and we combine withdrawals too.

Bit- Mass at my wife's home church in Rosemount, Co. Westmeath lasts 22 minutes. I timed it!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

You are all set for your trip. The days will fly by and before you know it you will be in Ireland. I am hoping you get good weather. When you return I am very interested in seeing how your chauffeur company performs. I hope you will let me know.

Michele

Judy · Guru

Eileen,

We arrived at Shannon on a Sunday and there was a Mass at the airport at 9 AM. The Mass was mainly for airport personal, but we were welcomed as visitors. The Mass lasted only 15-20 minutes.

You can check at the airport on arrival for the Mass on the departure day. Be sure to find the location information, because it was quite a walk from one end of the terminal to the location were the Mass was said.

For other Mass times in Ireland or anywhere else in the world go to www.masstimes.org for information.

Have a great trip.

Judy M.

tony2phones · Guru

E100+ / day drivers tip? Think I will have to hire myself out.

Roy · Guru

A new career for Tony!

eileenalana · Veteran Member

Judy -- thanks for your comments. I have checked the website and will send an email to my Galway host for suggestions. Not worrying about Sunday departure but will still look it up when we arrive in Shannon.

Tony -- THANK YOU!!! I definitely agree!! I thought that sounded very steep to me and am not sure, as yet, what we will do. The cost for the week is already 2900 Euro which includes driver's daily expenses. Any other suggestions.... anyone???

Roy · Guru

From a website: ( http://www.irelandchauffeurtravel.com/frequently-asked-questions/ )

Driver Driver Guides tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on the quality of the service you receive. Again it is not obligatory but is appreciated. Tipping would be normal if driver worked longer hours, helped with reservations, genealogy etc.

Roy · Guru

Another: ( http://enchantingscotland.com/Ireland-Chauffeurs/Ireland-Chauffeur-Gratuity-Tips.aspx )

Gratuities and Tips for your Ireland Personal Chauffeur

Gratuities are often confusing when traveling abroad -- you don't tip in a pub in Ireland when you order a drink... but you do when you order a meal. It can cause a lot of questions and everyone asks, "How much should I tip my personal driver?"

We recommend a starting tip of 6 per person, per day. This is a general starting point and by no means an exact number. You should adjust it up and down based on your own personal experience.

We do ask that you keep in mind that drivers rely on tips as tourism is their only income and tours may have a day or week between for which your driver doesn't get paid. Your driver also gives you an insight into the Irish culture and off-the-beaten-path sites -- so you're also showing appreciation for their knowledge.
When Do I Tip My Ireland Chauffeur?

Tipping is usually done at the end of the tour when your personal driver drops you at the airport or hotel and says his goodbye. Typically everyone puts their money together and one person gives it to the driver at the very end. If someone wants to give extra, they can always extend that personally to the driver.

EngagingKate · Senior Member

Eileen,

Sounds like you're set for a wonderful (and busy!) trip. Hope everything goes smoothly and that you enjoy yourselves...whatever you end up fitting in!

A couple of things that I didnt' see anyone else address... Since you won't be driving yourself, I would caution you to not fall asleep that first day when you're doing all that driving. If you let yourselves fall asleep, your internal clocks may be off-kilter for several days into the trip, and that would not be fun. (I have a tendency to fall asleep in moving vehicles if I'm not driving or navigating...)

Regarding the Heritage Cards: It's kind of a moot point now, as they wouldn't arrive in the mail in time for your trip. But, if you decide you'll be visiting enough places to make them worthwhile, you can always purchase them at the first Heritage site you visit. They're kind of handy and can make a bit of a scrapbook souvenir when you're done with them. :) Also, as Bit mentioned, you'll want to make sure the places you want to visit are open in March...

Safe travels!
Kate

tony2phones · Guru

As much of your travel is local (relative) to here try getting a quote from Ken Daly in Nenagh.

http://www.kendalypackagetours.com/

Is there any real reason you are not wanting to drive yourself?

eileenalana · Veteran Member

Roy - thanks for the info. It was very helpful. I tried to access both of those websites to dig deeper but was unable to find them?!? Any suggestions?

Kate - thanks for joining in!! I know we won't fall asleep in the coach that first day as we are so very pumped and will be sure to keep each other flying on the adrenalin! Thought about taking a few hours nap in the late afternoon at the B & B and then head out in the evening but am afraid some of the group won't wake til morning!! Thier loss, I guess!!! We'll play it by ear and see how we fair. Will search my intended sites today for openness and which ones might be Heritage sites and purchase the card there if needed.

Tony - thanks for the website. My chauffeur is already booked and confirmed and we are happy with his services so far. He came recommended by Joan at Access Irish Limos after they stopped operating. There are eight of us and no one was very comfortable with doing the 2-car, opposite side of road, opposite side of car, winding roads, unfamiliar area driving thing. This works best for us. ("3-generational trip" previous blogs covered all that)

Another question for all of you...... I know the best exchange rates will be at the ATMs and the banks. I know there is no "Ireland" fee for using the ATMs. My bank charges me $2.00 for each transaction at an ATM. The question.... do the ATMs charge a conversion fee when you withdraw in Euros? Do the banks charge a surcharge to exchange American dollars if we bring the cash with us? Trying to figure out if we should bring our money with us to exchange or just wait and use the ATMs. What's the best deal to save money??

Thanks again, everyone!!! Down to six more days!!!

tony2phones · Guru

The only charges at Irish ATM's are the ones imposed by your own personal Bank and the logical thing to do is have some cash for general use but use your card for major spends (accommodation, restaurants etc.).

Roy · Guru

You could try Enchanting Ireland and Ireland Chauffeur Travel. Both sites worked when I copy and pasted into my web browser.

Roy · Guru

My credit union does not charge for foreign ATM withdrawals

EngagingKate · Senior Member

We pay an exchange fee when we take money out of ATMs in Ireland or when we use our debit/credit cards. I think it comes up to somewhere between 2 & 4%, depending on market conditions. We do not belong to a credit union though.

Which brings up another point - if you are using a debit/credit card anywhere in Ireland and they ask if you want them to charge it in dollars or the Euro, tell them you want your charge in Euros. Shops, restaurants, hotels, etc. will get you a horrible exchange rate if you let them charge in dollars!

I can't wait until we can say it's only 8 days until we get back to Ireland!

Roy · Guru

ATM cash withdrawals through my credit union do not incur any conversion fees, just straight exchange rate. I just looked into the AAA Foriegn Exchange MC and there is quite a markup on the exchange rate. Not going to use anything that will cost me additional charges.

Michele Erdvig · Host

I just wanted to add the Capital One credit card does not add a foreign transaction fee. It is the only card I know of that does that. Worth checking into if you have time.

Michele

gabbaroo · Veteran Member

I just set up my Capital One card so I can do ATM withdrawals. Michelle, do you know if there's a fee from them for this?

Thanks

Jackie

eileenalana · Veteran Member

Yes, indeed, Michele! We already applied and received our Capital One cards several months ago in anticipation of using it in Ireland with no foreign transaction fees. But it is a "credit card" not an ATM card.

3 days and counting!!! biggrin

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jackie,

Capital One is a credit card. As I understand it such ATM transactions would be considered a "cash advance". There are hefty interest rates for cash advances. But since each card is different (depending on issuing bank) you should call yours to find out the fees involved in using it for ATM cash withdrawals.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Eileen,

You're right. Use your Cap One card whenever possible and have the charges made in euros. Then use your regular ATM card for cash withdrawals from the ATM's at Irish banks. BTW, on occasion an ATM in Ireland will be out of cash. You will get an error message. In that case just go to another one and it will generally work.

Michele