Second visit- taking it slower

Alyboo · Member

RE: Second visit- taking it slower

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kathryn,

For Birr gardens at least 2 hours. If you want to spend time in the science museum add another hour.

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

Personally I would think that 2 hours was more than enough for Birr Castle and I would also suggest that the weather might have some reflection on just what you decide to see and for how long. Kilkenny to Ballyvaughan can be driven in about 3hours so leaving at 10.00 with a target of 6pm gives 5 hours walkabout time.

Michele Erdvig · Host

I guess I stay in gardens longer because I love them. Also, there is a nice walk that most people don't take that leads to a beautiful waterfall. There are carriage rides through the gardens for those who prefer that.

Michele

Alyboo · Member

Tony, thank you for the drive time to Ballyvaughan. Is the castle in Portumna worth visiting? I need to start working on my rainy day alternatives for each base, so any suggestions would be appreciated. When we were in Dingle, it rained sideways both days. We did the Slea drive anyway, but then found a great pub to dry off and warm up.

Michele, we love gardens too! DH does all of the landscaping for our home and enjoys checking out the different flowers etc., especially ones that we don't have here. Would love to hear about the walk to the waterfall!

We leave 3 weeks from today!! Can't wait

Kathryn

tony2phones · Guru

There are a number of options for things to get indoors in Portumna. The Castle and walled garden (not to the same scale as Birr) in stark opposition to the Workhouse. The Church is a fine building and worth a few minutes. The forest park is a regular place for us to walk the dog and the Ferry Inn is one of our favourite spots for taking guests to eat.

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/west/portumnacastleandgardens/

http://www.teachmorportumna.com/portumna_castle_and_other_attractions.html

http://www.midlandtribune.ie/articles/news/22351/portumna-workhouse-a-visionary-redevelopment/

Layout of Birr castle, dont forget the 25% discount card

http://www.birrcastle.com/history/birrCastleGrounds.asp

http://www.shortbreaksireland.ie/25DiscountCard/

Hopefully the weather will be good for you but even if it is a little soft there is more than enough for you to see on the route and more than enough hostelries to call for a "coffee"

-- Edited by tony2phones on Wednesday 10th of August 2011 04:14:05 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kathryn,

As I recall the waterfall I saw was in a wooded area with trails through it. If you ask at the entrance they can pinpoint it for you. I spend a lot of time taking photos so that adds to the time I spend in places.

Michele

Alyboo · Member

Tony,

Thanks for the links, and the reminder for the discount card. Have printed it out and it is safely tucked away.

Michele,

Beautiful photo! I love waterfalls and will ask for directions when we arrive. We also take a lot of photos, the scenery is just so beautiful!

Only 2 weeks to go, and I can't wait. I did not do a trip report in 2005, but did keep a journal. I read it last night and looked through our photos. I hope this trip is as wonderful as our last one. We have our lists made out of must sees, would like to see, and if there's time. We are definitely not going to rush from place to place and just relax and take it all in. I do plan to write a trip report this time! Thank you for all the great ideas, links and tips!

Kathryn

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kathryn,

I hope the weather cooperates for your trip. So far the summer in Ireland has not been the best. It has been cooler and rainier than usual. (Is that possible in Ireland?) We would love to see some of your photos when you return and also hear about your adventures.

Michele