God Bless and Keep Forever Ireland My Home - we're back in 2012!

hammsb · Veteran Member

God Bless and Keep Forever Ireland My Home - we're back in 2012!

CowboyCraic · Guru

Congratulations on the upcoming Silver Anniversary!

You've listed enough to keep you busy for a month! Or maybe for two trips instead of just the one biggrin

I would suggest that you fly into Shannon & out of Dublin. That will allow you to do a clockwise Northern horseshoe of sorts.

With two weeks:

Base the first two days in Galway

The next two in Mayo

The next three in Donegal

The next two along the Antrim Coast

The next two in Belfast

and the Final two in Dublin

The only area you will miss doing so will be Cork. It is, however, well apart from the other areas you wish to cover. So that will be good for the trip after biggrin You could well spend two weeks just in Cork, Kerry and Wexford

That is my two bits worth. I look forward to helping you plan your 25th anniversary trip along with everyone else here.

Slan Beo,

Bit

hammsb · Veteran Member

Thanks Bit!

So much to do, so little time (and money). We appreciate the wishes and the advice. We'll keep them in mind as we further plan this trip. Last trip we sort of did that horseshoe backwards but had to skip Donegal and Mayo. Those are regions we wanted to get to - so beautiful in photos - but.......wonder if we left it out and concentrated on the Southwest and South if that wouldn't work as well. I'm sure that wherever we decide, it will be a great trip too. Hang in there with us. I appreciate the input.

stewh · Guru

With two weeks to spend I would take Bit's advice and fly into Shannon. I think you would have more than enough to keep you busy and enthralled in Clare, Kerry and West Cork and fly out of Shannon. I try not to attempt too large a scope on any trip. I'm sure you will have a great time whatever you decide.

Stewart

Michele Erdvig · Host

hammsb,

How great that you are returning to Ireland again. There is so much to see and do there you may just have to visit a few more times too! Congrats on your upcoming anniversary.

Good itin from Bit. Now all you need to do is fill in the blanks.

Let us know how things progress and if you need any other help.

Michele

hammsb · Veteran Member

OK (so excited) we have made flight plans - flying into & out of Dublin arriving 5/1 & leaving 5/15. First question, after an overnight flight, is it doable to pick up car, drive to Athlone have lunch at Sean's bar and do the Viking tour up the Shannon? Stay in Athlone overnight, where? Thanks to all.

Michele Erdvig · Host

What time do you arrive in Dublin?

hammsb · Veteran Member

We get in sometime after 8AM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Are you still planning on using Bit's recommendations? If so, you might think about going north first from Dublin and reversing the trip.

hammsb · Veteran Member

That is a good idea. We been talking about this and to begin maybe plan to pick up car at airport on arrival, drive to somewhere near Trim as we want to see Monasterboice, trim castle and the Hill of Tara. We could spend one night there and do a little sightseeing that day and the next before heading up North. Michele, you mentioned on our last trip that there was a route through the Mournes rather than the coastal route we took last time. Will you share what that was? Can anyone share a b&b to check out in the Trim area?

Michele Erdvig · Host

I recommend Trim Castle Hotel in Trim. The route through the Mountains of Mourne was from Newry to Hilltown. If you look at a map, it goes straight through to Downpatrick.

hammsb · Veteran Member

Ok here is our first stab at the itinerary. We welcome your comments/suggestions.
Arrive in Dublin May 1 and get rental car, drive to Trim area for one night stay. Sightsee that afternoon and next morning. Then drive (would like to take the coastal route around the Mourne Mountanins-how long?) on to in/near Belfast for two nights. When leaving Belfast, drive the Antrim coastal route all the way to Mulligans Point for the ferry to Inishowen Peninsula and drive to Derry/Letterkenny for one night. Day trip to Inishowen Peninsula then on to Donegal for three nights. From Donegal drive to Westport?Clifden?Roundstone? for two nights. From there to Galway area for two nights. Then across to Dublin, turn in car and spend the last two nights there. Sound doable? Too much? Thanks for everyones input.
Sharon

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sharon,

I think you will find this useful: http://www2.aaireland.ie/routes_beta/

You need to check on the ferry as it is currently not running. There is talk about having it back shortly. Don't assume it will be operating. If you want to stay in Derry or Letterkenny, take the main road and skip the ferry (if running).

Couple of long days: Antrim Coast and Inishowen.

I would choose Westport.

Sounds doable. biggrin

Michele

hammsb · Veteran Member

OK thanks - here is our latest stab at an itinerary with more details. Please chime in with suggestions/additions. We appreciate the feedback from everyone.

Arrive Dublin on the morning of Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Pick up car at airport and drive to Trim spend one night

That morning/afternoon/next morning visit Trim Castle, Hill of Tara, Boyne Valley, Kells and Monasterboice

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Drive to Belfast spend two nights

That morning leave for Belfast taking the coastal road around the Mournes (Newry, Warrenpoint, Rostrevor, Kilkeel, Annalong, Newcastle, Dundrum, Clough then out to Tyrella Beach for fantastic view of the Mournes) then up to Hillsborough and on to Belfast. Next two days exploring Belfast Titanic Experience, Crown Liquor Saloon, Black Taxi Tour. Stay at Premier Inn?

Friday, May 4, 2012

Drive to Derry spend two nights

Leave Belfast driving the Causeway Coastal Route (stop at Glenariffe Forest Park?) all the way to Magilligans Point taking the ferry across to Inishowen Peninsula. If ferry is not operating (or the day has been too long) drive main road to Derry. Take in Inshowen Peninsula and then the Walled City of Derry (take the guided walking tour).

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Drive to Donegal/Ardara spend 3 nights

Leaving Derry, drive through Grianan Aligh to Letterkenny across by Mt Errigal to Glenveagh up to Bloody Foreland or The Rosses. Glencolumbkille/Malin/Slieve League.

Understand there is a festival in Ardara that weekend. Also need suggestions for a memorable 25^th anniversary experience. It doesnt have to be fancy, just special. One of the drives we would like to do is from Ardara to Asaranca Falls, Donegal Town, Slieve League, the beach An Tra Ban, Glencolumbcille, Glengesh Pass back to Ardara. What about Loughros Point?

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Drive to Westport spend two nights

Swing by Parkes Castle, boat trip and then to Carrick-On-Shannon to take in the Grand Canal and marina.

Rosses Point? Glencar Waterfall?

Friday, May 11, 2012

Drive to Galway spend two nights

Aran Islands - Inis Mor (pub Joe Wattys)

Coole Park Burren - Connemara

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Drive to Dublin spend two nights

Stop in Athlone (Clonmacnoise)

Plans are set in Dublin for last two days of sightseeing

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Leave for home : (

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sharon,

That sounds fine. When is your 25th? Where will you be then and do you have something in mind for a special splurge?

On the day you drive to Derry, you have quiet a lot included. Don't do Inishowen on that day.

Loughros Point is not far from Ardara. If you are staying there it would make a nice drive in the early evening.

There is really not much to see in Carrick but water and boats. I wouldn't go out of my way for it. In the Sligo area: Carrowmore, Knocknarea, Strandhill, Gleniff Horseshoe Drive.

If you have time for a detour on your drive from Galway to Dublin, Belvedere House & Gardens is nice. It is south of Mullingar.

Michele

hammsb · Veteran Member

Thanks Michele for the other suggestions - we'll check them out. BTW -We do like water and boats.

Our anniversary is May 8. Maybe just a nice seafood restaurant with a good view?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Since you are not exactly sure where you are staying on your anniversary, perhaps you can ask your hosts for a recommendation.

hammsb · Veteran Member

We are thinking about Ardara - Gort na Mona for the 6th, 7th and 8th nights. They have availability and it looks fairly centrally located.

CowboyCraic · Guru

I was going to suggest Gorta Na Mona...It is a grand place to stay. If you let the Breslins know that you will be there over your Anniversary, they will find you a special place for dinner, as well. It does sit just outside of town so you would need to be mindful of that. If they've still an opening during the Cup o TAe festival time frame, you are very lucky indeed.

Asaranca Falls is a wonderful place as a stop between, whethere it is a divert as you head toward the Sliabh Liag or if you are driving down on further to the Caves.

I was there in May 2009 around the same time frame. In one day, I left my B&B in Ardara just after breakfast, stopped for a while at the Falls, made my way south and then West to Sliabh Liag, hiked the Sliabh, had a quick cuppa and a convo with Padraig at the Ti Linn, came back through Columbkille and the Glengesh Pass and was back in time for dinner in Ardara. You can read the whole adventure here.

Bertrand · Veteran Member

Have really heard nice things about that B&B. It really is on my list to check out next time I am there. While you are in Ardara, go have a meal and a pint at Nancy's Pub -- a wonderful historic pub with some friendly people.

We had a great time there.

Enjoy,

Bert

hammsb · Veteran Member

Getting closer and have started to make reservations. Trim Castle Hotel, Premier Inn Alfred St in Belfast and Gort NA mor in Ardara. Still haven't settled on whether to stay in Derry or Letterkenny. Any feedback? What about suggestions for B&B in Westport? Thanks again to all. BTW an early Happy St. Patrick's Day to all too!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sharon,

Always go to either my book or my Lodgings page first for recommendations.

Derry and Letterkenny are pretty close to each other. I don't have a personal rec for Derry. In Letterkenny try Ballyraine or Glenrowan.

Look at the Premier Inn in the Queens University area too.

I have two recommendations in Westport on my Lodgings page as mentioned above.

Michele

hammsb · Veteran Member

Have to ask why Queens area instead of city centre? Easier parking? Better price? Is the city centre a bad area of town because it seems like it is closer to the Titanic experience and Crown Liquor and other visitor locations. We want to just park the car and take public transportation or our own feet to get around. You are the expert though and we look forward to your answer. Also looked at the Boffin Lodge from the book. Is it a better walk into town for evening festivities rather than Cilloman? They both look nice.

Michele Erdvig · Host

The Premier Inn in the Queens area gives you another option in case your first is not available. It, too, is in a good location and is a little newer. There is also a Premier Inn right nearby the new Titanic exhibit, but farther from city center.

Boffin Lodge is a tiny bit closer to town than Cillcoman Lodge. Glenderan is really nice but in a similar area (near the quays). If you want something really close try The Boulevard. A forum member stayed there and liked it.

Michele

hammsb · Veteran Member

OK - we are almost all set-leave in two weeks and CANNOT WAIT!

Flying in to Dublin and one night at the Trim Castle Hotel in Trim
Two nights at the Premier Inn City Centre Belfast
Two nights at the Saddlers House in Derry
Three nights at Gort Na Mona in Ardara (Cup of Tae Festival)
Two nights at Boffin Lodge in Westport
UNDECIDED for the next two nights
Last two nights in Dublin at Buswells Hotel

Can anyone help us decide between leaving Westport driving through to the Burren and spending some time there before going on to Athlone and staying in the Midlands for two nights or...
leaving Westport and staying in/near Galway for two nights. Suggestions??

Thanks to everyone and we wish everyone who is travelling safe and magical experiences.