I'm new to the forum and have many questions.

Wellsley · Guru

I'm new to the forum and have many questions.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Welcome to the Forum and thanks for joining! biggrin

Things tend to be a little 'Slow' on the weekends, but I'll try to get you started. I'm sure you'll hear from plenty of us as the week progresses ... smile

It actually would help if you started with a broad outline of your plans .. Date of trip, duration, 'Must Sees', general interests, etc ...

As to the Cell phones -- I don't think that there is still a shop at the airport, but ..

You mention that your 21 year old daughter's friend is coming over from England. I would be SHOCKED if she doesn't have a Mobile (on her person at all times biggrin

). That phone would work fine in Ireland, at reasonably inexpensive rates.

If I were you, I think I would ask the friend to 'Pick Up' a cheap pre-pay phone for your use. She could get one from Tesco or Vodaphone or any number of other places in England for as little as $ 40 US and you could reimburse her in Euros.

That way you would be able to keep in touch, she would have some spending money AND you wouldn't WASTE half an hour or more, chasing down a phone ... confuse

As to the Touring question, while what you propose is WAY more than I would want to do, immediately after an over-night flight, it probably COULD be done -- logistics-wise -- although you would likely need to scale back to only touring Newgrange.

Personally, I've NEVER visited the Guiness Storehouse in over a half-dozen trips to Dublin -- but then, I've never been much of a shopper! hmm

It's a stop on the Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour, or is walk-able from Heuston Station, which also has a Luas stop.

A 7:30 Arrival will probably not put you IN Dublin until about 9. After THAT, it's all about Time Management, Jet Lag and You ... biggrin

Bob

Wellsley · Guru

Thanks for the info Bob.

( it actually would help if you started with a broad outline of your plans .. Date of trip, duration, 'Must Sees', general interests, etc ...)
We will be arriving in Mid May 2011 for 10 days but loose a day in traveling.
Friday and saturday in Dublin rented a car 10am Sunday and drive to Blarney
Stay in Blarney one night either see the Blarney castle Sunday or Monday
Monday either see Blarney Castle and go to Killarney or go straight to Killarney
Two nights in Killarney tuesday see the ring of kerry
Wednesday morning early leave for Dingle spend one night in Dingle see slea head drive If we can fit it in see the blasket islands eco tour.
Thursday Leave Dingle mid day go to cliffs of Moher then to Galway city for two nights.
Friday we have no concrete plans as yet it may be a time to relax
Saturday leave and go to bunratty and see bunratty castle, folk park and medival banquet.
Sunday leave Shannon airport for New York.

The plane tickets, car rental, all lodging is booked.

Frank

EngagingKate · Senior Member

Wellsley,

Welcome to the forum! How great that you're going on your first trip to Ireland.

I'm afraid that I'm going to have to disagree with Bob on the possibility of doing Newgrange, Knowth, and the Guinness Storehouse in one day - especially considering you won't have your own transportation.

Over the Top Tours has a shuttle bus with two daily departure times from Dublin and is about the only service I'm aware of (and I admit I don't know all of them, I'm sure!) where you could see both Newgrange and Knowth. If you went on the 8:45 am shuttle and could be on the shuttle that leaves at 1:30 pm from Newgrange, you'd get back and be dropped off by the Tourist Information office on Suffolk Street between 2:30 and 3:00. The Storehouse takes its last visitor entry at 5 pm. If you got back from Bru na Boinne on time, you could purchase tickets for the Hop On/Hop Off bus at the TI office and get on one of the buses at the stop just around the corner. I think the ride to St. James' Gate and the Storehouse is about 1/2 hour, so you'd get there betwen 3:30 and 4:00.

Depending upon the time of year you're going and how crowded each of the visitor sites is, you could potentially rush through both of these things in one day.

Personally, I wouldn't try to push it, but it's a personal preference. On your first day, you might find that you are exhausted after a full day trip out of Dublin to see Newgrange/Knowth.

I know you said that you are up early and stay up late. Unfortunately, most visitor attractions are generally open (depending upon the time of year, some of them) between 9 and 10 a.m. with closing time at around 5 or 6 p.m., so you can only fit in just so much during one day. It's just something to keep in mind when planning out your itinerary. If you're going in March or April (or September - March), your daylight hours will be more limited. By the end of April and going into May, the days get longer, and by the summer solstice, sunrise is around 5 a.m. (I believe) with sunset well after 9 p.m. That gives you lots of time to visit places that don't have set hours of visiting...

Like Bob, we have never visited the Guinness Storehouse in our 5 visits to Dublin. I've never liked the idea that you can't really view the brewing facilities - you just go through a museum and then up to the Gravity Bar at the top. While I've heard that the museum is very interesting and the view from the top is lovely (as is the 'free' pint of Guinness - you'll pay around $20 each for admission), there are just so many other things I'd rather see. (Note: I am a brewer and I love Guinness, so it's not that the brewery aspect is not interesting...)

Whatever you do, you'll fall in love with Ireland, I'm sure! As Bob mentioned, people could probably help you more with the specific information he listed... :)

Slan,
Kate

Wellsley · Guru

Thank you for the info Kate

It appears that it is possible but it's pushing it.
If I could find a shuttle from Dublin to Newgrange and not go to Knowth that would save enough time to do both.

Frank

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Actually, Kate ...

It sounds like you ARE agreeing with me ... biggrin

I wouldn't bother to tak the H-O/H-O bus if all you wanted to see was the Guiness Storehouse, though. As I mentioned in my earlier post, you can grab the Luas, ride over to Heuston Station and be at the Storehouse for a lot cheaper (and probably quicker) than via the Tour Bus.

Frank ...

Sounds a bit like a 'Green Blur' Tour, but I HAVE done worse, mine own self, so I'll not try to disabuse you and will limit my advice to being pragmatic .... aww

On the drive from Dub to Blarney, consider stopping at Cashel and POSSIBLY Cahir. If you are interested in horses, Kildare and the National Stud might also be of interest.

Not a fan of the whole, 'Kiss The Stone' thing, but the Grounds at Blarney are well worth a look. Should you be more energetic than me, nearby is the Queenstown Story Heritage Center in Cohb or the harbor town of Kinsale.

Enroute to Killarney along the N22 is the Kerry Sculpture Trail to watch for. Ross Castle, in Killarney is one of the finest restored castles in all of Ireland and is WELL worth a tour -- even if just for the scenery. biggrin

The drive from Killarney to Dingle town will take about 2 hours, (with a few stops along the way for photo ops biggrin

)so you should be able to complete the Slea Head Drive the same day. You'll want to get an early start the next day, in order to cover as much as possible enroute to Galway ...

With two 20-somethings along, Galway is a good choice. It's a vibrant, young, College town with a wealth of music pubs. If up for it, you could do a day trip to Inis Mor (Aran Islands),just take a meandering drive, out into Connemara -- or just 'chill'.

Bob

Wellsley · Guru

Thanks again Bob

I will think about Cashel, no interest in horses. I think we want to get to Killarney as soon as we can there is more there that we want to see if we have the time. But will check out info on Ross Castle and see if we can fit it in. If we have time to see the Blarney castle on Sunday that will allow us more time on Monday.

Frank

Wellsley · Guru

We also have a list of pubs to visit which will be after 6pm when the tourist places are closed.
Mulligan's in Dublin
Brazen Head in Dublin
Tatter Jack's in Killarney
Dick Mack's in Dingle
Kitty O'shea's in Galway
Dirty Nellie's in Bunratty
Although I'm not a big drinker it is a big part of Irish history and Ireland so I think I can have me a pint or two. LOL

stewh · Guru

Wellsley
Sounds like you are in for an exciting trip. My personal preference is to have a relaxing day after an overnight flight; this allows me to have get over any jet-lag and have a rested and energetic start. I'm a big Guinness fan, interesting history and family and one of my favourite beers. I have not toured the Storehouse; I prefer to have my pints in a pub but I realize that for many visitors to Ireland the Storehouse is a must-see. I like your schedule of arriving in Dublin and leaving from Shannon; you are wise to forget the car until leaving Dublin. Have a great trip.

Stewart

Andi · Senior Member

Some cultural things to keep in mind: From my experience, things in Ireland don't get started early. B&B's usually don't do breakfast before 8:30. They will generally set out cold cereal, etc. if you request an earlier departure, but they'll think you're crazy. As a cyclist, I often want to get started well before 8:30 myself! I don't know what you anticipate from pub visits, but in my experience, things don't get lively until well after 9:00 pm, more like 10:00 sometimes. Maybe that accounts for the slow starts in the morning! Anyway, something to keep in mind when planning time. I often find myself taking a rest at lodgings sometime between 4:00 and 8:00, having a late dinner, then enjoying music in a pub.

Wellsley · Guru

Stewart
Thanks for your input.
We always force ourselves to stay active after flight. By staying up and active until it's time to go to bed gets you accustomed to the time change. But be warned after about three days your going to need a lazy day.

Frank

Roy · Guru

Maybe I'm getting old, but I like to have a relaxing day everyday I'm in Ireland.

Wellsley · Guru

Andi
Thanks for the info.
We are staying in a mix of lodging some Hotels some B&B's. Some mornings we will get an early start some we will sleep in. When in the B&B's we will have a later start. I like the peacefulness of the early morning.I guess that is because I live in the country and not in the city.
We are not looking for lively pubs everynight. In fact when things get lively I usually go home.

Frank

Wellsley · Guru

Roy wrote:

Maybe I'm getting old, but I like to have a relaxing day everyday I'm in Ireland.

I here you Roy. Our vacation's are usually jam packed and very busy. Trying to absorb as much as possible before going home. When we what to relax we go camping and fishing.

Frank

EngagingKate · Senior Member

Okay, I'm going to jump way back to Dublin now...

The reason I suggest the HO/HO bus for the first day (if you're purchasing it in the late afternoon) is that you can use it for 24 hours and do much of your far-flung sightseeing (Kilmainham Gaol, The Barracks, Phoenix Park) using the bus for the next day as well - if you're planning to do those things. Then, if you are running out of your 24 hours, you can walk to and between many things in the downtown area.

Otherwise, you are exactly right, Bob. It would so not be worth the cost of the HO/HO bus just to get to the Storehouse!

Thanks for making me clarify that. It was a little confusing to read, but I knew what I was thinking! wink

tony2phones · Guru

Phones mobile or cell.

It is possible that your daughters friend will have a UK phone with either O2 or Tesco who both do an Ireland add/bolt on. this would give Irish calls at the same price as her UK tariff. It might also be possible that she could have an old phone to lend you which could be set up the same way, this would prevent the need to find a phone on your arrival. If you do need to find your own phones then I would opt for Tesco which are available from one of their supermarkets for 20euro plus a bit of credit. First thing though have a word with your daughters friend.

Pubs in Killarney, add O'Connors to Tattler Jacks (or if you prefer tourist focused trade the Danny Mann)

Galway. The Crane bar, An Pucan and The Roisin Dubh

http://www.enjoyfreetoday.com/

Don't bother with Durty Nellies the place is on a downhill spiral and its only the tourists keeping it open.

Sorry about all the editing but my brain can only process a bit at a time.

-- Edited by tony2phones on Monday 28th of February 2011 05:32:48 AM

-- Edited by tony2phones on Monday 28th of February 2011 05:36:59 AM

-- Edited by tony2phones on Monday 28th of February 2011 05:40:13 AM

eileenalana · Veteran Member

There's always something new to learn with each blog!!! I was -- very mistakenly -- under the impression that the Guinness-Storehouse would show us the actual brewing process. Can the tour really be worth about $20? Is this the same at the Old Jameson Distillery, as well? I'm now thinking a photo-op out front is more than sufficient, haha!!

Wellsley · Guru

Thanks for the info Tony

I will add the pubs to my list.

Frank

Wellsley · Guru

Eileen

Can the tour really be worth about $20?

Minus the cost of a complimentary pint. It is a piece of recent Irish history.

Frank

Roy · Guru

If you purchase the online offer, with today's exchange rate you'll pay $18.64, an expensive pint if I say so myself. I''m with Bob and have always passed.

Wellsley · Guru

Roy wrote:

If you purchase the online offer, with today's exchange rate you'll pay $18.64, an expensive pint if I say so myself. I''m with Bob and have always passed.

What I meant is if it costs $20 and you minus $5 for the pint = $15
Since Guiness is one of the most famous brews in the world I just can't pass it up.

EngagingKate · Senior Member

Frank,

It's as I said earlier. I have heard that the museum displays are very well done and informative, so you may absolutely feel that you get your money's worth in the Storehouse.

One of these days, I will go through the Guinness Storehouse, because I need to have the experience for my clients and for our podcast listeners. So far, I've just been too cheap to spend the money. I've pretty much looked at it as being a $20 pint of Guinness! aww

Michele Erdvig · Host

Frank,

Welcome. I see that the discussion is well under way. My advice is to spend your first day seeing Dublin. If you get tired you can stop for a nap and then continue. You never know how you will feel on the first day or what the flight will be like. As for the Guinness Storehouse, I say go for it. How often do you get the chance? 10% discount: http://www.cultureheritageireland.com/?p=30

On your second day do Bru na Boinne (Newgrange & Knowth). There are tours going from Dublin: http://www.newgrangetours.com/ I think it will be too exhausting to do the Giant's Causeway from Dublin. It takes all day and into the night.

The rest of your plan is doable, if a little frenetic.

Michele

Wellsley · Guru

Michele,

Thank you.
We have decided not to do the Giant's Causeway. Spending the first day in Dublin makes the most sense. The Guinness Storehouse is a definate. We are thinking St. Patrick's Cathedral, the National Museum of Natural History. My only concern is the motel will let us drop off our luggage but can't guarntee that we can get in our rooms until 3pm. If we do alot of walking we may become exhausted. The following day we will do the Newgrangetour.

Frank

-- Edited by Wellsley on Tuesday 1st of March 2011 05:04:08 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Frank,

Do the hop-on hop-off bus. The complete tour lasts about 1-1/2 hours. You can get on and off at any attraction you want. They make continuous loops through Dublin. Many times you can check in earlier than 3 pm. It just depends if the hotel is full or not.

Michele

Wellsley · Guru

Thanks everyone. I got some good idea's and anwsers to my first two questions.
Now for the next couple.

3rd. questions Are there plays or shows to see in Dublin? We would like to do something one of the nights we are in Dublin. My internet search hasn't found much in the way of plays or shows.

4th. questions What are some good places to eat dinner in Dublin? Lots found in this search. But nothing better than word of mouth from someone that has been there. (looking for good food and service) It doesn't have to be traditional, we'll save that for the west coast.

Frank

-- Edited by Wellsley on Tuesday 1st of March 2011 06:46:47 PM

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Frank -- Remember that we tend to dole out advice along with information ... biggrin

BUT ... It IS just advice. Don't let us talk you out of doing anything that you have your heart SET on.

For Dublin theater info, check out: http://www.abbeytheatre.ie/ and http://www.gatetheatre.ie/?gclid=CM3gyvOFr6cCFdVf2god6nqCDg

For OTHER events, etc ...:

http://www.visitdublin.com/events/dublin.aspx

http://www.indublin.ie/

http://www.irishtourist.com/dublin/event_calendar/

http://www.dublinevents.com/events/

Hopefully, someone else will get back to you on the food question. My taste requirements tend to be rather Pedestrian .... confuse

Bob

Wellsley · Guru

Thanks Bob,

Don't worry no one will talk me out of doing what I want. But I value everyone's opinion and it helps me decided how to plan our trip. Having never been there and drawing from everyone's experience is a great help.
The abbeytheatre looks very interesting I haven't looked at the other events yet, but will get to it tonight.

We will be on the go most of the time but would like to have a good meal or two. I'm not sure where will do this, but getting some idea's will help us decide.

Frank

Michele Erdvig · Host

Fran,

What kind of food are you looking for in Dublin? What price range? Restaurant or pub?

Michele

Wellsley · Guru

Michele Erdvig wrote:

Fran,

What kind of food are you looking for in Dublin? What price range? Restaurant or pub?

Michele

Michele,

We are not looking for a suit and tie type Restaurant . Meat or seaford would be good. I would expect to pay $100 to $150 for 4 of us. We are not drinkers so would have water or soft drinks, unless it is a pub. Then I would have a pint. As far as Restaurant or pub for one good dinner I would like a place that is quite where you could have a conversation and hear the person next to you. I wouldn't go to Ireland to have French cuisine. I hope this helps. If it doesn't work out with our schedule we would shoot for Killarney or Galway. My wife really likes Bob's idea of the Abbey theatre it look like that will be on the schedule. So if time wise we can't fit it in we'll do it elsewhere.

Frank