Day one, we flew into Dublin on Friday between 8am and 30minutes past. We got our luggage and a cell phone at the airport. The cell phone was a Meteor. http://www.meteor.ie/ The phone, sim card and 20euro worth calls was 42 euro. The young lady at the store was very helpful. Then to catch a bus to the city. As we were looking over the options and trying to figure out which bus route to take. Another young lady offered her assistance. We told her where we wanted to go. She said "No worries" directed us as to which bus to take and what stop to get off of. We got to are hotel the best western premier just off of upper O'connell st.. It seemed to be a good location the hop on hop off bus starts right across the street. The hotel let us in one of the rooms early so that worked out great. My daughter was meeting several of her friends from college and one from our home town there. Two of the friends were there and two others were in the city and thee other was flying in at 1100am. So we left Julie and her friends and my wife and I got the HOHO bus. First stop was the National Musuem of Natural History and Archaeology. It's free and worth a visit. The bog bodies were incredible. We than walked to St. Stephan's green. From there we took the bus to Dublin castle. There was alot of temporary fencing that was being taken down from the Queen's visit. Some things were restricted so we decided not to go in. From there we walked to the Brazen Head Pub. We had our first pint there. Very charming warm place. I would have liked to have spent more time there. But off to the Guinness store house. This was one of the few things I was disappointed in while in Ireland. Some of it was interesting. They only gave you about an inch and a half in a small glass of Guinness. The gravity bar was packed with very rude people. (none of which were Irish) For what it cost shame on them. Well that is all the time I have for now. I'll try to finish this day later.

Day one continued. After we left the store house we took the HOHO bus back to the hotel. We cleaned up then walked down O'Connell st. to Temple Bar area. We ate dinner at Shack's pub next to Temple bar. The place was great the food was excellant and the price was very reasonable. We were served the best brown bread we had in Ireland. We went to Murphy's ice cream after dinner. The ice cream was good but it didn't compare to ice cream here in the states. Then we met up with my daughter and her friends at a pub called Sweeney's pic #1. We left them there and walked back to the hotel. Sue and I were doing the Mary Gibbons tour in the morning. One tip I would share is if you get a chance stop in to the markets.

Thanks Michele I look forward to reading your report.

Frank

 

 

Day three:

We gather our things and walk to the bus stop on O'Connell st. While standing there a taxi driver comes over and offers to take us to the airport for less then the bus fare. So off we go. We rented a car at budjet rental. We got it with a gps. It was a standard Volkswagen passat 2011 diesel. The boot was plenty big enough for one large suitcase 2 medium suitcases, a back pack and other small bags. It was a nice car with a smoothe ride. I asked at the counter who pays the M50 toll and they told me I do. I could go to one of the shops and pre pay. So I did. Soon on the road everything around the airport was well marked. Obama was do to arrive today. Irish army men on every corner. I had no trouble driving on the left on the highways. We drove to Cashel to see the rock of cashel. Very impressed with the large structure on the hill. After visiting the Rock we got lunch at one of the pubs near by sorry I don't remember which one. They were over whelmed with the amount of people. But the food was good and they did there best. On to Blarney to kiss the stone. One thing I noticed was things are not busy. No lines no traffic. When we went up to kiss the stone there was only 3 people ahead of me. The castle was charming. The grounds were beautiful. We then went to the Blarney vale B&B (Michele, Anne said to say hello to you and your husband.) This was the first B&B we stayed at and we were not disappointed. She was very helpful the place was perfect. After settling in we walked down to the village and ate at the Muskerry arms. The food and the service was very good. After dinner we looked around a little bit but the shops and woolen mill was closed. We walked back to the B&B before dark. (which by the way is 20 past 10) That concludes day three.

Thank you for your very helpful report. We are going on a trip next month.

Would you please say a little more about getting mobile phones at the airport?  I followed your link, and it sounds like this would be a very good approach for us, especially with options for free texting or calling others on the same network, since we will have several people in the group.  (I didn't see anything similar in the links about the Tesco phones.)  Also, according to the link, the rates are the same elsewhere in Europe, and we are going on to another country.  (Rates from the US seem high, so  perhaps there is no need to get a more expensive quad-band phone that would also work in the US.)  Where in the airport was the phone store?  Did you pre-order from the US?  Which phone did you get, and did you like it?  Was there a minimum you needed to pay initially?  Did you find a need data access to get information while on the road?  (I am planning to bring my US non-GSM phone which has wifi access, and I think I can use that to call from hotspots at accommodations using Skype or something like that, and I could check the internet that way too.) 

Thank you in advance.  I hope our trip is as lovely as yours seems to have been. 

Liz 1

liz1 wrote:

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Thank you for your very helpful report. We are going on a trip next month.

Would you please say a little more about getting mobile phones at the airport?  I followed your link, and it sounds like this would be a very good approach for us, especially with options for free texting or calling others on the same network, since we will have several people in the group.  (I didn't see anything similar in the links about the Tesco phones.)  Also, according to the link, the rates are the same elsewhere in Europe, and we are going on to another country.  (Rates from the US seem high, so  perhaps there is no need to get a more expensive quad-band phone that would also work in the US.)  Where in the airport was the phone store?  Did you pre-order from the US?  Which phone did you get, and did you like it?  Was there a minimum you needed to pay initially?  Did you find a need data access to get information while on the road?  (I am planning to bring my US non-GSM phone which has wifi access, and I think I can use that to call from hotspots at accommodations using Skype or something like that, and I could check the internet that way too.) 

Thank you in advance.  I hope our trip is as lovely as yours seems to have been. 

Liz 1

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 Hi Liz,

Your welcome.

We flew into Dublin via Delta I believe terminal #2 (the new one) I had to walk to terminal #1 I can't remember whether it was upstairs or down where ever the shops are. I went to get a Voda phone but they were sold out so the woman directed me to Meteor and she told me they are also cheaper. The young lady at Meteor was so helpful she gave me the best for less and didn't push or try to sell me something I didn't need. I did not pre order the phone. The plan was only 15cents a minute to call the US. The phone was made by Samsung not sure of model. It did not have a data plan and 42 euro in the minium. We brought a lap top with us, so at night we could search the internet. Some friends are going to Ireland  next week so I gave it to them. We had over 16 euro left on the phone and had called the states 4 times. As far as liking the phone yes the phone worked fine texting and calling. It was small and compact and got good service. We took a bus tour to Newgrange and someone across the aisle from me was trying to make a call but had no service. Yet I looked at my phone and we had plenty of service.

 

Frank

-- Edited by Wellsley on Saturday 4th of June 2011 01:00:46 PM

Day five:

We get up have breakfast (part of the package deal with the room). Head into town centre. This day we are taking the Dero's tour of the Ring of kerry. We catch the bus at 30 past 10. Our driver and guide was Mike. He was an excellant driver never jerking the bus or braking hard as to throw you forward. One of the highlights of the tour is we stopped at a sheep farmer and he gave us a demonstration with his sheep dogs on how controls the herd. The scenary was very nice and this was perhaps the nicest day weather wise. Soon we stopped in Waterville at Brod's Bar. This was where we were suppose to eat lunch. There was 4 or 5 other tour buses. I new we should have walk down the street to some place else, but my wife wanted to stick with the rest of the tour group. We had three choices to eat. Chicken tenders, beef stew and Chicken Curry on rice. This was the most disappointing meal I had in Ireland. It was edible and they gave you plenty. We each had differant meal. My wife had the beef stew and she said it wasn't bad. My daughter and I were not so lucky. There was no price before we got the meal and it came to 44.50 euro. I was like what over $60.00!!! When the bus driver ask how are meal was I had to speak up. After I told him he went in and told them we were not satisfied. He brough out 5 euro and an aplogy. I thought that was above and beyond of what he had to do. You guessed it Brod's Bar is not some place I would recomend. Back on the Ring we go. After a few scenic stops we come the a town called Sneem. This is where we found the best ice cream we had in Ireland. No name the store front but inside the sign said Mac's. See pic of store front 1st pic. On to Molly's gap, nice views but becareful crossing the road here. The last stop was the most breath taking. Ladies view. Back through Killarney national park to Killarney. Deros tour was well worth taking. By reserving through the internet we save 7 euro each. I would certainly recomend Deros. Back in Killarney with decide to get something to eat. We went to the Crock of Gold. I had Guinness pie. It was delicous. The service and music was great. After dinner we hit the streets and shops. We bought several sweaters from the Aran woolen markets for a very good price. We turned in early because the next day we were going to Dingle and driving Slea Head Drive.

 

Frank

-- Edited by Wellsley on Sunday 5th of June 2011 08:35:07 PM

-- Edited by Wellsley on Sunday 5th of June 2011 08:37:35 PM

Day six:

We start the day with breakfast at our hotel  the Travel inn. Soon after breakfast we're on the road. We make our way towards the Dingle Peninsula. We make a stop to Inch beach. Pic #1. On to Dingle we stop and look at the Harbor then off to Slea Head drive. We stop at the Celtic prehistoric museum. (which is basically someone's private collection, but it had some very interesting things) On to Dunbeg fort. My daughter found this to be one of the most interesting  places in Ireland. Pic #2 It was neat that it was hanging right on the edge of the ocean. We made several stops along Slea Head drive. There are some brillant vista's to be seen. Pic #3 We stopped to Blasket island centre. It was very interesting and a must see. The sea's were to rough to take the eco tour around the blasket island's.  We ate lunch there and the food was very good. More vista's then on to Gallarus oratory. Pic #4 We then headed back to Dingle town. Once we arrived in Dingle we went to Dick Mack's which is an old very unique pub worth visiting. The bartender is a character. He was so funny he laughed at himself. We left there and checked into the Dunlavin House B&B. Pic #5 is the view from our room. After settling in we went back into town for dinner. Most of the pubs were full. Finally got in at Lord Bakers. John is so proper and polite. The food and service was good. But it didn't have that pub feel. After dinner we thought we would do some shopping but most of the shops were closed. We went back to the B&B we were going to get and early start tomorrow. 

-- Edited by Wellsley on Monday 6th of June 2011 08:42:16 PM

Wellsley wrote:

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Day seven:

Started the day with breakfast. Denise gave us the best breakfast we had in Ireland. The white and black pudding was home made and outstanding. We left Dingle and went over Conner pass. Pic's # 1,2,3. It is absolutely brillant and a must see. If you are going to the Dingle Penisula you have to do Conner pass. The 4th pic is the road going down the other side towards Tralee. We headed to Tarbert island ferry. We got there just after the ferry left. Oh well it gave us some time to stretch our legs. We took the ferry across the Shannon river (saving us about 80miles). When we reached the other side a sign said Killmurry McMahon 1 klm. Since our last name is McMahon and my ancesters came from the county of Clare we decided to take a detour. When we got there it was a general store with a post office inside. My wife asked if this was all of the town. The lady behind the counter said it wasn't a town it was a parish. Not sure what a parish is in Ireland but here it is and area that a church covers. Sue (my wife) told her our last name was McMahon and the lady said then you need to go up the hill to the cemetary. So we did and found many McMahon's buried there. But have no idea if they are related. Ok back on the road and to our itinerary. We head towards Loop Head Penisula. We visit Carrigaholt Castle pic's 5 &6. This castle was built by the McMahon's. Next we are off to the Cliffs of Moher with one stop before we get there. We stop to Doonbeg to see the ruins of Doonbeg Castle (once owned by the McMahon's) pic #7 We arrive at the Cliffs of Moher after visiting the visitor centre and getting a bite to eat which was very good we go out to the Cliffs and O'Brien's tower. The winds were blowing 70mph knocking people over. They warned anyone with glasses to becareful that you don't lose them. No disappointment in the views here. Next 3 pic's. The sea's were much to rough for the Aran cruise in front of the cliffs.  We had called the Park House Hotel to let them know we wouldn't be there by 30 past 5 they said they would keep our room. (a good idea if you want to be sure you still have a room when you get there.) We left there and headed to Galway on the way we went by the Burren next pic. We got into Galway and check into the Park House Hotel.(a 4 star hotel) I had made dinner reservations for 8pm when I called to let them know we would be late. We got there just in time. One dinner and two breakfasts were included with the room. After dinner Julie and I hit the streets. Sue was tired so she stay and relaxed in the room. We walk through Eyre square down shop st. to Tig Coili pub. A must see. The traditional irish music was the best we heard while in Ireland. They had speakers that pumped the music through out the pub. Back to our hotel for a well deserved nights sleep. As you can see this was a busy day. Lots of driving, lots to see. We took the whole day to do it and didn't rush. This was my favorite day in Ireland. 

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-- Edited by Wellsley on Tuesday 7th of June 2011 08:28:15 PM

It sounds like you've had a lovely time! That windy day on the Cliffs? That's the day we took the ferry back from Inis Mor to Rossaveal - very choppy! Then we spent some time in Clonmacnoise, and on into the Burren to Ballyvaughan - we must have passed you on the road :)

Michele,

The Park House Hotel was incredible and yes we got free parking. We booked this place months ago it was an internet special. Which turned out to be the best lodging deal we found in Ireland. There was three of us for two nights. There is no question this was a 4 star hotel. Both inside and out was very elegant. Our room had a Queen and a single bed. Very clean, spacious and elegant. You walk into the room and you have closets and mirrors, then you walk into the bedroom. Across from the beds was a table with three chairs. Free internet in your room a wet bar. Then a huge bathroom. Everything was spotless. Ok back to the internet special, our stay included one dinner for three and two breakfasts. I took what it cost for the room and subtracted what parking (parking garage right next to hotel) would have cost, minus the dinner and the two breakfasts and our price per person was 18 euro a night. The food was good, but the breakfast we had at the Dunlavin house B&B in Dingle put them to # 2. We didn't go into the pub at the hotel. I had read of to many pubs in Galway that were must see's. If I had I would have had to crawl from one to the other. If anyone wants to  check out the hotel it is very top end but don't get intimidated and ask if there are any deals. My wife found this deal and I was very impressed on what we got for what we paid for. Oh I almost forgot the service was excellant  the staff was so nice and helpful.

We are currantly camping and fishing in the fingerlakes area of NY. I will work on finishing my report when I get back. Tethering my cell phone to my laptop works great for internet service.

Frank

Day #9

The day starts off with a traditional irish breakfast at the Park house hotel. We didn't have to check out until noon so after breakfast we walk down to the market to get something to take with us for lunch. pic's #1,2,&3 I could have spent all day there. We got some delicious deals at a very good price. We gathered up our food and left Galway headed for Bunratty. We arrived at Bunratty Castle and we ate our lunch in the car. It was sooooooo good. We had semi dried tomato's, greek salad, brie, pesto, baguettes, fresh rasberries and blueberries. We then see the castle and the folk park. Just before we left the castle on the very top of the tower my wite spotted a girl with a Geneseo College sweatshirt and asked her if she went there. The girl replied she used to but just graduated. Sue calls Julie over and tells her Julie also just graduated there. Another girl with her looks at Julie and the recognized each other. Then the first girl says to Julie we have the same last name. She is in Ireland visiting relatives. Which by the way is the same county from which my ancestors came from. Small world. Before leaving we go to the corn barn for some live music.The band had two young ladies who were very good at playing the fiddle. I was disappointed when I found out they were from Pennsylvania. We leave and go to Durty Nellies pub. I had to sample the Kilkenny to see if it was as good as it was at Taaffes in Galway. Time to check in at Bunratty Haven B&B. We arrive and are greeted by Lorraine. She took the time to introduce herself to each of us. I knew right from the start she was going to be the best hostess we were going to have. ( none of the hostess in any of the B&B's were bad, and all were very good.)But Lorraine was the best. The place was brillant, clean we had two rooms on the first floor for 80 euro(another internet special) and the internet worked in the rooms. (not all places we stayed in did) We clean up and go back to Bunratty Castle for  a medieval banquet. The Bunratty Haven is between the Castle and the Shannon airport which makes a good location for those departing from Shannon. The banquet started with a reception where mead  wine was served and irish music played on a harp and violin. pic #4 The meal consisted of soup, ribs, chicken, potato's, carrots and rutabaga and a dessert. There was plenty to eat no one should have left hungry. After dinner there was music and songs. pic #5. All the performers were irish.. Back to the B&B we leave in the morning.

Frank,

Many thanks for sharing your trip and photos. You were at some of the same places that I was!

Michele

Really appreciate all the information.  Sort of surprised at the hotel prices, as they seem quite high.  I thought those had come down some recently as well, as I know many of the B&Bs are now more affordable.

Monty

Monty, and Michele,

I thought the Park House Hotel was a very good deal. I took the prices of what we ate for dinner and breakfast and what parking would have cost and it turned out to be 18 euro a piece per night. I was very pleased at the cost and would do it again. Dublin on the other hand I would look into something else. But would like to be where we could walk around the city.

Frank