Best Laid Plans ~ Vacation Rewrite

CowboyCraic · Guru

Best Laid Plans ~ Vacation Rewrite

Roy · Guru

Dunnes Store would likely have a blender if Tesco does not. What a test of your flexibility!

CowboyCraic · Guru

Go Raibh Mil Maith Agat, mo chara!

Dunnes, of course! I am a bit frazzled at the moment! Oh, did I forget ta mention that it is a MUST of one of the new addition to stop at Blarney castle? Please, could someone tell me how I inadvertently ticked off a Faerie or two?

I did hear back from both of the Mallow area self-caterings I had hoped would be available, a Thatchie, which was a hoped for request and a stone cottage. The details on the Thatchie indicate that Cork City is only 11 miles away. Which should make it doable, as a daytrip...and yes, Blarney seems to be on the way.... hmm

I am going to take a breather before tackling Dublin. It seems everything I have looked at is booked out for those days. I will nee dto see what is on in Dublin taht is taking up all the space...or maybe its just that it is June... confuse

susan · Senior Member

Dublin has a Gay pride festival around that time.

Maybe look into Ballsbridge Bewleys.

Susan

wojazz3 · Guru

Hi Bit:

Cobh and Hook on the same day from Mallow seems like a lot to me. I really enjoyed my time in SE Ireland when I stayed in Dunmore East for 3 nights and I remember travel in the area not being particularly quick ... beautiful though.

The Jury's Inn is just a couple of blocks from the GPO. I've stayed at the Best Western Academy Plaza and it's very close to the same place. I've found it easy to get around from there.

If you have time, catch the LUAS and hit the Cobblestone Pub in Smithfield. It doesn't look like much from the outside but has some fine sessions most nights of the week. http://www.cobblestonepub.ie/

Have fun!

murphy · Guru

Bit,

I'll throw my 2 cents worth in about Mallow. We self catered in Millstreet, about 25 minutes west of Mallow, and did take 2 day trips from there in to the Cork City area.

The first time we went south to Macroom and then east to Cork City. It wasn't a bad drive....more time than we would have liked to spend on the road but doable. The 2nd day trip we were going to Blarney Castle, then to Middleton to Jamison Distil. We decided to go the Mallow route, and it was an easier trip with better and wider roads. It seemed we made better travel time on that route.

As for Mallow, we did pass thru there 3 times in a week, and I think it would be a fairly good place to headquarter for a week of self cater. The grocery chain, I believe it is called "Lidl" or something similar to that had a great selection and good prices. Downtown Mallow is fairly compact, and has the heritage center, as well as a main hotel that was reported to have good meals....can't recall the name now. We also visitied Kanturk Castle while in the area. Of course Cobh and Kinsale would be doable from Mallow also. As for size, it seems to me to be on the order of Kenmare, Westport, and Castlebar as far as the downtown area. It does have good train connections to Dublin too. Hope this helps! Dan

-- Edited by murphy on Thursday 5th of May 2011 09:25:37 PM

EngagingKate · Senior Member

Bit,

Since it's Summer break, have you considerd checking with Trinity College? I know they rent out rooms during the summer, but I don't know the exact details of it all (http://www.tcd.ie/accommodation/Visitors/). Since one of the two nights you're planning to be there is a Friday, it might be a little difficult and/or expensive to rent conventional hotel rooms in June...

Just a thought!

If you visit the Blarney Castle grounds, there are tons of things you could do (rather than climb the shell to kiss the stone). Have you been there before? If not, check out the other things that are on the grounds: http://www.blarneycastle.ie/pages/more-things-to-see.

We have no desire to participate in the ritual, but the grounds are in our Top 10 Gardens of Ireland list... :)

tony2phones · Guru

To be honest Bob with his favour of Millstreet might be the best to answer the Cork question because I would be more tempted to be out in Kenmare for your wish list in the South West and know little if anything about Mallow apart from driving through on the odd occasion.

Any help on the Clare section I would be more than happy to give, I have passed the cottages but know little about those either.

As to the Blender Tesco, Dunnes or Argos would be my points of call depending where you fly into, think we only paid about 4 or 5euro for the hand blender for Chris's Butternut Squash Soup.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Bit:

I don't think I need to tell YOU -- of all people! -- that a week spent based pretty much ANYWHERE can be FILLED with MUCH more than time allows! biggrin confuse biggrin

Mallow would be a GREAT base for a week and there is SO much accessible from there:

As John Spillane said:

"If you go up to Mallow
You better beware of the big Blackwater
If you went as far as Malla
You might never again come down"

Mallow Castle, Kanturk Castle, Sliabh Luchra (for the music, stories and dance!), MY favorite - Millstreet, Cork/Cohb/Blarney, Kilmallock, Lough Gur, Killarney, Dingle ---

More HERE.

You get the idea biggrin biggrin Mallow WOULD make a GREAT base for A week -- BUT ... probably NOT for YOUR week ... hmm hmm confuse hmm hmm

The 'Odd Men Out' are Bearra and Hook Head. Hook MAY be a 'Stretch' from Mallow, but Bearra would be a REAL 'BEAR' biggrin bleh biggrin (Sorry -- Couldn't resist ... biggrin )

Given YOUR destinations and 'Wish List', I would think that somewhere between Macroom and Clonakilty would be a BETTER choice. Maybe Bandon, Dunmanway, Rosscarbary or even, Kinsale ???

Hope this helps SOME ...

Bob

CowboyCraic · Guru

Thanks to all,

Tony, I am considering doing the Loophead on our way to Doolin. Other than that and possibly a cliffs cruise, I think the primary focus there wil be locating Flanagan roots, as their Grandfather emmigrated from there as a child and there are Flanagans still in the area. What I am not sure about is how they intend to find said Flanagans.

Bob, as the Thatchie is available near Mallow, we are going with Mallow. I think a day in Cobh will suffice for a substitute for Hook and Beara. As I am the only one who has been there, most of their MUSTs come from a guide book that I NEVER read. Can ya guess who the author might be? biggrin Their wish list must be tempered by the travel contraints of one, as they will tire easily and NOT say anything.

Do you think Dingle might be an option from Mallow? It would be a full day trip, I am thinking.

I think there can be plenty found to do in the Blackwater Valley and thanks for the suggestions! I know that I want some time at the Donkey Sanctuary outside Mallow.

It would be just my luck that Dublin is chock-a-block with events that weekend: Street Performer Competition, GLBT Pride Festival. I have tabled the Dublin accommodations search for the weekend. Someone suggested a B&B in Trim but that is a ways when you've no vehicle.

Thanks again, my friends! You are helping to keep me sane!

Slan Agus Barrogs,

Bit

Roy · Guru

Howth is a short Dart trip away from Dublin. What are the dates of your revised travel?

tony2phones · Guru

Loop head and Carrigaholt on the way up makes sense. As to the Flanaghan link you could try contacting the Flanagan village hostel Doolin and a couple of pints down in Flanagans bar Lahinch or a day trip across here and to Killaloe for lunch in Flanagans on the Lake.

http://www.flanaganshostel.com/

http://www.ratemypub.ie/pub.php?county=Clare&pub=Flanagan%27s-Bar

http://www.clare.ie/pubs_dining/view/restaurants-65/flanagans_on_the_lake-650.html

CowboyCraic · Guru

Thanks Tony,

I have sent several emails, as has Flano, to the Hostel with no response. I like the idea of Flanagan's in Lahinch. Is Lough Derg doable as a day trip from Doolin? That would be great! It is one of my favorite areas.

Roy, Same dates..just more people and Dublin on the last two instead of the first two, June 23-24.

tony2phones · Guru

I do west Clare day trips quite often and Doolin-Killaloe is around 1 1/2 hours either via Ennis or Gort makes a nice circular route between 3 and 5 hours on the road.

Other Flanagan's in the Clare Golden pages are Dale Flanagan motors Lisdoonvarna and Kieran Flanagan paving Doolin (no emails but phone numbers)

http://www.goldenpages.ie/q/business/advanced/where/Clare/what/flanagan/1/

-- Edited by tony2phones on Friday 6th of May 2011 02:41:40 PM

CowboyCraic · Guru

Thanks Tony!

I am guessing that Ennistymon will be the best bet for groceries and banking, seo? There used to be a great Farmer's market there on Tuesdays, as well.

I am happy to hear that Lough Derg is doable. If I can't do Inis Mor, that will be a good exchange. biggrin biggrin biggrin To be so close to Inis Mor and not go over...now taht is painful.

tony2phones · Guru

Why not have an over night on the Isle get the last ferry over and the first ferry back, costs a nights accommodation but you miss nothing of your quest. You will probably land too early to go to Dunnes in Shannon from the Airport and going to Loop head would have any frozen goods from Ennis thawing in the cold bag's so Ennistymon or Lisdoonvarna would be shopping points for the 1st day but with Ennis just over 1/2 hour away then I would do the main shop there. (Welcome to my world where the nearest supermarket is 30 minutes drive and the nearest Tesco 28 miles.)

For the price of a few Stamps why not mail shot those on the Golden pages list with details of your quest and your email address and see if anything happens.

Marie · Guru

Hi, Bit! I am in Dublin now...will ask around for you regarding June 23-24. What are your requirements? Also, are you aware that my connection here is also through Flanagans?

Will be meeting my cousin, PJ Flanagan in Donegal next Thursday!!!!! wink

All my best,

Marie

cavan97 · Member

Hi Bit,
There is a new large supermarket, Fitzpatrick's, open in Ennistymon...just at the top of the town. It is a beautiful market, well stocked! Just what you need for your first self cater week. As well there is a bank and an ATM just down on the right on Parliament St.
Jean

CowboyCraic · Guru

Tony, mo chara,

I live out where the nearest grocer is a twenty minute drive so that isn't a problem. I am packing collapsible cooler bags just as I do when going shopping here.

We may make a day trip to Inis Mor so that I can have my fix but that is still up in the air.

I do plan on sending emails to those Flanagan's in the Golden pages, it can't hurt!

Jean, That is great news on the new grocer! I had hoped to make the farmer's market but it looks like it is on a Saturday.

Marie,

I went ahead and booked where I had hoped to book in, a tad bit expensive but it is my birthday, after all!

Slan Beo,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bit,

It looks like your trip plans are well under way. If you can't find accommodations right in Dublin, have you thought of staying at one of the airport hotels? Most have shuttles to the airport. Then you could bus into the city center. Certainly more awkard than staying downtown, but still closer than Trim!

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Dia Duit, Michele,

I hope you are finding some new treasures!

I decided to book in at Staunton's for the 23 & 24. I have been squirreling away money and believe I am worth the splurge!

The night of the 22nd, we will stay near the airport, turn in the rental on the 23rd, see the family off at the airport in the early morning and then grab a taxi into Staunton's.

Marie,

I hope you are having a blast! If you've time in Donegal, take a visit to the Sliabh Liag and send along my regards... wink

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bit,

New gems are always in the pipeline. You seem to be dealing well with the quick changes. You're a trooper!

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Bit -- Looks like your place is actually a few miles South of Mallow, close to the N20.

Dingle would be a longish day, and without an over-night, there would be no opportunity for music there, but we've done driving tours (with LOTS of stops) from Millstreet that ended in Killarney by Suppertime, so you SHOULD be able to take your people there.

What with it being June, when the daylight is stretched out, so ... biggrin

My wife and I will be in Dooneen (just off the N72, close to the village of Cullen), 18 - 24 June.

Some sites around the area that are somewhat, 'OTBP' :

Millstreet Country Park Nearby (and along the way -- more or less biggrin ) is Knocknakilla and Saint Johns Holy Well There is an impressive, WELL attended Evening Mass given at the site on or about the Eve of Saint John (23 June).

Just beyond the town of Rathmore, on the Killarney side, is a short detour to An Shrone ( also known as Cathair Crobh Dearg -- OR, 'The City' ) It is site to the oldest continuous worship in Western Europe. Here, Neolithic hunter-gatherers first worshipped Anu (or Danu) the Earth Goddess, at the base of The Paps. Later, she became Danna, as in Tuatha De Dannan.

Not that you don't already have enough to do ... biggrin biggrin

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bit,

You had inquired about buying a blender. Try Argos also: http://www.argos.ie/

You can shop online and it will be waiting for you to pick up on arrival.

Michele

Green Dragon · Guru

Bit, I think you know I plan like you do - I feel for you, and wish you luck! I leave Thursday, I'll be thinking of you often, I'm sure :)

CowboyCraic · Guru

Bob,

Our Hostess at Ivy Bridge also recommended Millstreet Park, so I think that is part of the plan for our Mallow day, along with the Donkey Sanctuary.

She also seemed to think that we could do Fota & Hook in the same day, with an early start. The same with Beara, with plenty of stops. Photographers that we are, I am thinking the complaint from small voices will be TOO MANY stops! biggrin biggrin biggrin We are planning a day in the Killarney area. Perhaps an early morning arrival at Kate's, a Jarvey tour of the gap and then in to Killarney for the afternoon and evening. One day is committed to Cork so that Ma might visit her Father's birthplace, see the homes that he and his father were born in to. On the Cork day, we will do the English Market and probably Shandon, along with the Genealogy. Enroute to Cork, we will stop at Blarney, as we will drive right by it. I will enjoy the gardens.

Our hostess also stated that they offer pony & trap rides to the local pub, so we might do that.

It looks like we will just miss each other in the area, as we head to Doolin on the 18th. I am considering a route from Mallow up through Kanturk and Abbeyfeale to reach the Ferry in Tarbert. Have I mentioned that I hate main roads??? biggrin

Michele, you are a Gem! I will take a look at the site and see what I can find. They have a store in Kilkenny, which is our lunch stop on our arrival day.

Christie,

I have just been teased because I worked out a daily Itinerary and mailed it to my sweetie and his brother. They said it was like booking their own private tour. My reply "Of course you have. Now don't forget to tip your tour guide at the end of your tour. Twenty percent is customary!" biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

One must keep their wits about them and carry a sense of humour as the weapon of choice.

Slan agus Barrogs,

Bit

susan · Senior Member

Hi Bit-Thanks for the update about Ardara(on Christy's thread).I am looking forward to seeing more of Donegal on this trip. Have you stayed at Staunton's before?Can you tell me anything about it,it is very reasonable when we are traveling(in the off season). I'm sure you will enjoy your newly reworked itinery,because after all you will be home! Susan

CowboyCraic · Guru

Susan,

I haven't but it has been on my short list, as it was the last residence for one of my favorite Poets, Gerard Manley Hopkins. Some say he still walks the back halls. If he does, I hope he says hello. At 274 , it is a little spendy but it is my birthday and I am well worth it, if I do say so myself! biggrin biggrin biggrin I will give you a full report on our return.

Ardara has a special place in my heart. I love her people! They are so warm and inviting.

I will enjoy my time in Ireland. I always do. I am just sad that I won't get to see any of my family this trip or my beloved North country. However, we are already planning for the end of July 2012, so I know I will be there in almost teh blink....or three of an eye

susan · Senior Member

274 OUCH! It was around 107 which is a Bargin(HaHa)in Dublin.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Wow, that is a steal! Per night, I would assume? When we originally booked for the first two days of out trip, it was 98 per night for a Sunday/Monday booking. I am sure part of the difference is that it is a Thurs/Fri. Also, there are several festivals and such occurring. I just feel lucky that they still had availability.