April 19-29 in Ireland-help with Easter weekend

karenmc46 · Member

April 19-29 in Ireland-help with Easter weekend

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Ennis would definitely have more/better options than Doolin. It also has a pretty lively music scene, as well! biggrin

That said, eateries and bars conneted to hotels would be your best bet on Easter Weekend: http://www.queenshotelennis.com/cruise/

This place CAN get a bit noisey, though. hmm

http://www.templegatehotel.com/index.htm

http://www.flynnhotels.com/Old_Ground_Hotel_Ennis/Welcome

Used to LOVE this place, but Trip adviser comments of late suggest 'she ain't what she used to be' cry

http://www.ashfordcourt.ie/

Bob

karenmc46 · Member

Thank you, Bob. This helps immensely.
What about gas stations? Will we be able to refuel on Sat Sun and Mon of Easter weekend?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

You should be able to find stations open, but unles you are doing an awful LOT of driving, a tankful should easily carry you through the weekend. Most Irish vehicles tend to be MUCH more fuel-efficient than those in the US.

You can check at the AA site.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Karen,

Most pubs and restaurants are closed on GF. That's why Bob suggested staying at hotels for that night. Hotel restaurants and bars are open to residents (people staying in the hotel). Small convenience store type places (newsagents, petrol stations) will be open. But try to fill the car and get you cash before the long weekend. Sometimes ATMs run out of money and then you have to find another.

Michele

karenmc46 · Member

Thank you. Wondered about ATMs. What about prepaid cellphones? 2 of the B&Bs I booked asked for a cell number when we are in Ireland. I am assuming that my iPhone through AT&T will not work or will be too expensive. Any suggestions?
karen

gabbaroo · Veteran Member

Karen - you can buy an international rate plan from AT&T for your iPhone for $5.99/month plus .99 / minute for calls to/from Ireland. Data plans are very expensive so be sure to keep your data options turned off.

Jackie

karenmc46 · Member

New question: we plan to drive from Dublin to Doolin in one day, picking up our car at 10 am. Our daughter thinks that this is too much for one day. Any idea if we can make it to Doolin by 6 pm (the latest our B&B would like us to check in)? This will be our first day driving on the "wrong" side of the road. Can we do this if we take the expressway rather than the country roads?
Thanks.
karen

CowboyCraic · Guru

Karen,

Whilst it is doable, it is indeed a long drive. Dublin to Galway is about 3 hours. Then another hour and a half to two hours down into Doolin. Add in stops for sightseeing, petrol and food, and the time will add up. If you are intending on being in Doolin by 6, I would suggest an early start time of no later than eight o'clock.

If you find that you are closing in on six and not near enough, you can always call them to advise that you are running late. Most B&Bs will accept you being late, as long as you call to advise them of this.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Karen,

Bit is right. Let me elaborate on the 6 pm check-in rule. Reservations in Ireland expire at 6 pm. If you have a reservation and are running late, phone them to let them know. As long as they know you are on the way you will be okay. They might ask for an approximate time of arrival.

Michele

karenmc46 · Member

Thanks, Michele and Bit. I will see if we can get our rental car earlier than 10. Just not sure how jet lagged we will be, though it is day 3. My husband suffers when arriving in Europe, and I do arriving back in the US. I would like to stay in Doolin and the B&B people have been wonderful via email. Will try to get the iPhone international calling plan with AT&T for calls. Not sure how to get prepaid cellphone.
Karen

karenmc46 · Member

Question: restrooms! Are public restrooms widely available? Is there a cost? Alternatives if on the road and a restroom is needed? embarassing but important.
Thanks,
Karen

Michele Erdvig · Host

Karen,

The term "rest rooms" is not used in Ireland. Instead you will ask for the toilet, ladies or men's room. There are some "public conveniences" scattered around towns in Ireland. There is no charge for them, however they are usually not someplace you would use except in an emergency. Instead use the toilets at visitor centers at sightseeing attractions, pubs, hotels, restaurants, McDonald's.

Michele

EngagingKate · Senior Member

When we traveled with my mom and our friend on a trip in 2008, I think we stopped at every petrol station toilet from Waterford to Cavan and Galway to Dublin. Those two had to go like every hour on the hour! Just because we found them, though, does not mean that I would ever have used them. As Michele said, I would have to be pretty desperate...

The first time we visited Ireland, we were traveling with a friend who was 5 1/2 months pregnant by the time of our trip. We had to make lots of stops for her, too, but I have to say that there are quite a few more options today than there were in 2002.

Melissa5 · Guru

karenmc46: I'm glad I'm not the only person who posts questions about toilets! wink While traveling in Ireland in 2006, we didn't notice public toilets. (I'm not saying there aren't any...I just didn't notice many.) I ended up becoming a customer in pubs or cafes by buying a drink or a snack to go, so that it wouldn't be embarassing to use their toilet. If there were any visitors centers, they often have a toilet. If you are walking out in a natural area, such as in the Burren, the nearest toilet will be a drive away! I tried not to drink caffeine or diet drinks if we had a long drive...they make the problem worse, my doc says.

I am thinking that if a lot of places are closed on good Friday and Easter Sunday, that might mean the toilet opportunities while traveling on those days will be more limited.

Don't worry..what's the worst thing that can happen? ashamed You will have a wonderful time in Ireland! biggrin

Michele Erdvig · Host

I traveled with my sister when she was 5 months pregnant. Never mind finding toilets or holding it. She baptized every rock and bush in Ireland! Good thing she used to be a girl scout and was accustomed to camping out.

Michele

Melissa5 · Guru

Amen! biggrin