Ireland in March - Itinerary

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Ireland in March - Itinerary

Michele Erdvig · Host

Your sister did all of Ireland in three days? ALL? Perhaps she thought that's all there was. wink

So, your itinerary is written in stone and can't be changed. Only Day 8 is open? I think I would start heading from Cork back toward Dublin for my last night. Consider a stop in Cahir/Cashel/Kilkenny. Spend the night in an airport hotel.

Michele

Veteran Member

The wife and I are both teachers and have a week in March free. We checked on Expedia and found a cheap vacation, so went ahead and booked it. I have already booked most of the hotels and airfare, but am still not positive about everything.

This is what I have:

Day 1 (lodging - on plane)

DFW to BFS

Day 2 (lodging - Europa Hotel)

Arrive in Belfast, go to hotel and Black Taxi Tours of Belfast

Days 3-5 (lodging - Corke Parke Hotel)

Train to Dublin and transportation to hotel

Hop-on-Hop-off tours to popular areas

Day 6 (lodging - Blarney Woollen Mills)

Rent car and drive to Cork

On the way to Cork, stop in Kilkenny to visit friend and castle

Also drive through Waterford

Day 7 (lodging - Blarney Woollen Mills)

Blarney Castle

Maybe drive some of Ring of Kerry

Maybe drive by Blackrock Castle

Day 8 (lodging - nothing yet)

Drive from Cork to Dublin via Cliffs of Moher

Day 9

DUB to DFW

My flight leaves at 5:45am, so I have to be at the airport by 3:45am. I'm not sure if it is really worth it to get a hotel. I am considering just staying up all night and keeping the car to drive myself to the airport in time for the flight.

tony2phones · Guru

Forget the Cliffs it's a long way round from Cork to Dublin via Galway. As is Dublin to Cork via Waterford. Check the distances and times (+20%) on Google maps. For a different route back to Dublin you could consider the M7 from Limerick.

Veteran Member

Since I have the entire day both ways, I figured that I would spend the day making the drive and seeing the scenery. I have two nights booked in Cork. Is there that much there to do that I need to rush the drive to and from?

Bertrand · Veteran Member

Do you have a reason to stay two nights in Cork? If you don't, I would consider any number of other places in West Cork which would be much more scenic and get you closer to some of your other destinations.

Bert

Green Dragon · Guru

Welcome to the forums! I am afraid you're trying to do so much, in so little time, that you get what Michele is pleased to call the 'Green Blur' tour. You will only see things out of your car window. Trust me when I say it is much more beautiful if you have time to get out and explore the sites!

You are literally driving from one corner of the country to another in a week. I felt rushed doing that in the 18 days I had in May. March has shorter days, and thus less time to see things in the daylight... and some things will not yet be open for season. We even found a few things closed in May up north.

I would suggest finding two, perhaps three places close together to explore. You must always plan a trip to Ireland as if you are coming back. There is no way to see it ALL in one trip, even if that trip was two months long. And you will always want to come back :)

If you are flying into Belfast and out of Dublin, I would do something similar to this:

2 nights in Belfast
2 nights north (Antrim Coast)
2 nights near the Boyne Valley/Drogheda
2 nights in Dublin

There are plenty of places within and outside these areas to explore, via car and foot. You will not be bored. You also won't pay a fortune in gasoline, and get saddle sores from sitting in the car too long. Remember each place you stay takes up valuable vacation time finding it, checking in, getting settled, unpacking, then packing, checking out, gathering your stuff, etc.

Michele Erdvig · Host

5111,

Welcome to the forum. My first thought was if I was your wife I would be unhappy about not sleeping on the last night before an international flight. Maybe your wife is a good sport, but I would be extremely grumpy.

Unfortunately, I must agree with the other forum members that you are trying to do too much and drive too far. Is it humanly possible? Yes. The question is, do you want to do it given the input from seasoned Ireland travelers?

My best suggestion is go back to the drawing board and do another itinerary. Most novices don't get it right the first go round. Slow it down unless you really want a Green Blur Tour.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

5111,

Your itinerary will be fine if you don't try to do the Ring of Kerry from Cork or the Cork - Cliffs of Moher - Dublin drive. Concentrate on things in the areas you will be staying. Go into the tourist offices in each town or city and they will help you with what to see in the area.

Michele

Veteran Member

Michele Erdvig wrote:
Your sister did all of Ireland in three days? ALL? Perhaps she thought that's all there was.
So, your itinerary is written in stone and can't be changed. Only Day 8 is open? I think I would start heading from Cork back toward Dublin for my last night. Consider a stop in Cahir/Cashel/Kilkenny. Spend the night in an airport hotel.
Michele

When you say "airport hotel", do you mean hotels that are actually inside the airport? We have those at DFW, but I didn't think that most airports did. Or do you mean an nearby airport that has a shuttle? If my flight leaves at 5:45, I need to be at the airport by 3:45. To me that means that I need to have a shuttle appointment at 2:45 in case they are late.

I would rather stay in a hotel that night, but I wasn't sure how much time I would actually spend in the bed/room since we have to leave so early. I'm sure that my wife will side with you on this one!

Michele Erdvig · Host

5111,

There is no such thing as just a drive in Ireland, as Green Dragon has pointed out. Looking at a map is one thing. Reality is another. Sure at some points on the roads you will be doing 65 mph. On other stretches it will be 15. I have used a car's trip computer before to gain the "average" on a month-long trip. Keeping in mind that my husband drives like a native (fast and furious) and we know where we are going. wink On the whole month-long trip the average speed was 35 mph.

Right you are. In Texas you get in the car, jump on the expressway, flip on the cruise control, sit back and glide down the highway at 75 or 80 mph. You are there in a jiffy.

In Ireland you dodge sheep, potholes, tractors, bicycles, cattle, and sometimes you just sit for half an hour while men with shovels spread tarmac and fill those potholes. There are some nice motorways and toll roads in Ireland with divided highways but the more scenic areas tend to have the twisty, narrow roads lined with stone walls and hedgerows that are wide enough for 1-1/2 cars at best.

You will be driving on the left. Are you familiar with doing that? You will be traveling in unfamiliar territory. Even with a GPS you will make wrong turns and have to backtrack. (Did you see the funny GPS video I posted?) The forum members who either live in Ireland or who have been there before got a good laugh over it because it is so close to reality even though it's a spoof. Turn left at the white cow but ignore the pillars with the stone birds on them, is a perfectly logical set of directions in Ireland.

The Irish roads are an endurance test. They will beat you up and tire you out.

That is Irish Roads 101.

Michele

http://www.zazzle.com/irish_roads_calendar-158979654838024574

Veteran Member

Michele Erdvig wrote:
Your sister did all of Ireland in three days? ALL? Perhaps she thought that's all there was.
So, your itinerary is written in stone and can't be changed. Only Day 8 is open? I think I would start heading from Cork back toward Dublin for my last night. Consider a stop in Cahir/Cashel/Kilkenny. Spend the night in an airport hotel.
Michele

The entire itinerary is not in stone, just the hotels since they are paid for. I guess that locks me into certain areas each day. At least we will have a car when we leave Dublin and I can get one earlier if need be. Kilkenny is a must to see a friend. Otherwise I'm open to changes or ideas. I wish that I had known about this site before booking!

I live in Texas and routinely drive 1700miles in 27 hours to Idaho. I guess I just figured that an island 175 miles wide and 300 miles long couldn't be that much of a challenge! I don't mind seeing scenery from a car, as long as I can get out and take pictures or look closer whenever I want. I like to get out and walk the towns though.

I don't have to see EVERYTHING, but I do want to see the things that really make it different from the U.S.. I love to see buildings and towns that have a very different look from America. And I LOVE to see the countryside. I've never been to a place like the Cliffs of Moher in person. How long of a drive is it from Cork to the Cliffs of Moher? Is there much to do there besides look at the cliffs, take pictures, drink in the beauty? I'm not much of a history buff.

Unfortunately, money is an issue. We have been saving so we can do most things, but there is definitely a limit. We are teachers, after all!

We have travelled quite a bit outside of the U.S. compared to most people we know. I spent a couple of years in Central America and we visited my parents in Trinidad for a spell. We also take students to Spain every couple of years. But we have never been anywhere like Ireland.

Michele, you suggest ditching Moher and just driving back to Dublin from Cork via Kilkenny. Isn't that just a 3 hour drive? What do you recommend that we do on the way, or is the drive going to be much longer than I'm expecting?

Green Dragon · Guru

The biggest difference you will find (and curse, and love at the same time) is the roads are VERY different from what you would be used to in Texas. Have you ever driven in the backwoods of West Virginia? Mountains and monuments mean that the roads are narrow, twisty, more narrow, and often have a tractor coming towards you, with no place to pull off. Therefore, your drive time is going to average 35mph at the MOST, no matter how much faster you THINK you will drive. I grew up in Florida - roads are wide, straight, and well-maintained. Trust me on this point.

For instance, the distance from Cork to Dublin may be a 3 hour drive per www.viamichelin.com, or a similar site - but that doesn't take into account stopping to sightsee Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, the Swiss Cottage, Kildare and it's Horse Farms or sacred well, the random churches, castles, and scenic lakes on the way. The bathroom breaks. The charming pub for lunch. Those factors can double or even triple the time needed for a given trip. You do yourself no favors trying to rush through Ireland - it's anti-rush. Getting out and taking pictures is fantastic - but it will slow down your speed (and this is a good thing!)

The Cliffs of Moher is on the edge of the Burren, a fantastic geological area that has interesting rock formations, flora and fauna, ancient ring forts and neolithic burial sites. The Cliffs themselves are spectacular, but a half hour or so is all the time you'd need to see them. It is very out of your way, though.

Bertrand · Veteran Member

Hi Michele:

What calendars do you have for sale this year? Can you provide a link to anything like that?

Thanks,

Bert

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bert,

Just go to my Zazzle Shop. I am still learning the ropes. I have to format the Irish Roads Calendar to be "customizable" for any year. But I have lots of others that already are and can be for any year. Just click on Calendars when there.

Let me know if you have any other questions about it.

Michele

Wellsley · Guru

I had no problem driving on the left or driving on the roads in Ireland. I was expecting roads full of potholes and so rough you wouldn't be able to stay in your seat. I was surprised to find very smooth roads with very few potholes. But with that said the secondary roads are very narrow and some of the stonewalls are right on the edge of the pavement. In places there is not enough room for two cars to pass. One must stop where it is wide and let the other pass. The thing that almost got me I was diddy bopping alone when all of a sudden a stonewall came right out half way across the lane I was in. Whew!! cars where coming in the other direction, heavy breaking and I got the car stopped. The bottom line is you shouldn't have any trouble driving in Ireland if your careful and take it easy. Remember your not the only one on the road. So watch out for the other people who are not as careful. (and I don't mean the locals) With all the drinking that is done I'm glad most people don't drive drunk. Try not to be in a hurry and stop and smell the roses.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bert,

If it will be of help deciding on a calendar - I ordered 4 of them myself. Two floral ones and two scenic ones. This is the one I have hanging over my desk right now

Michele

Forty Shades of Green

Michele Erdvig · Host

Back on subject. The drive from Blarney to the Cliffs of Moher should take about 3 hours (no stops). Going from the cliffs to Dublin: 4 hours (no stops) but could be more if traffic is encountered near Dublin. Is it worthwhile spending 7 hours driving to see the cliffs? That is your decision.

How to describe the cliffs? Almost 700 feet straight down to the ocean and for about 5 miles along the coast. Some people see it in 15 minutes and snap a few photos. Others stay to drink in nature (usually with lots of other tourists jostling for elbow room at viewpoints). It is starting to remind me of Land's End in England. Nature dressed up in a circus clown costume. I used to visit it when there was nothing there but the cliffs, ocean, birds...and mermaids. Now it is "touristed up" with shops, visitor's center, museum, restaurants, busloads of people, etc. If you can ignore the crowds and circus atmosphere it is very impressive scenery. I prefer Loop Head instead.

There are no hotels inside Dublin Airport. Choose one carefully because not all have 24 hour shuttles.

Since you are on a budget look at these discounts:

Heritage Ireland Card

Heritage Island

Shannon Discounts

I think the drive from Blarney to Dublin will take a little more than 3 hours. Remember these are not scientific calculations.

There are may stops along the way:

Cahir Castle

Swiss Cottage

Rock of Cashel

Rock of Dunamase

Irish National Stud & Japanese Garden

I doubt if you will have time to see all of them in one day unless you are very speedy.

So you have many different choices. Make the best of the places already booked and "set in stone".

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

OK its a could do better but its not a disaster.

Belfast. Great city, lots to see and do. pitty the new Titanic Centre doesn't open until the last day of the month but there's lots still on up there.

Dublin, hop on tour, Kilmainham, Guinness storehouse, Dead Zoo (Natural history museum). Corke Parke Hotel is about a mile from the Brazen Head but you can always have the evening, food and music then get a cab back.

Kilkenny. can you meet your friends on the way back to Dublin rather than the way down. If so get the Train to Cork, pick up the car (Cork airport) on day 7 for Kinsale and a tour of Beara.

Day 8 Kilkenny then a Dublin Airport Hotel.

To be honest if you skip the meeting with friends and Kilkenny you can do the whole thing by public transport and day tours.

-- Edited by tony2phones on Friday 20th of January 2012 11:06:12 AM

Veteran Member

Michele and everyone else, thank you so much for your input. I wish that I had found this site before booking so I could have done things differently. I'll not make that mistake next time!

Michele Erdvig · Host

5111,

Happy to help. As Tony says, just make the best of what you have. If you get to return again some day you will know where to come FIRST. You might find my book of help during your travels.

Michele

Veteran Member

tony2phones wrote:
To be honest if you skip the meeting with friends and Kilkenny you can do the whole thing by public transport and day tours.

Why do you recommend public transport instead of car rentals? Is it just to save time? I like the option of being able to stop whenever I want as I see the countryside, which is why I am leaning towards the rental.

tony2phones · Guru

Not a recommendation just an option. Irish car hire is not a cheap easy option but would be the effective way from Dublin to Cork via Kilkenny, which is near impossible in a day on public transport.

Veteran Member

tony2phones wrote:
Not a recommendation just an option. Irish car hire is not a cheap easy option but would be the effective way from Dublin to Cork via Kilkenny, which is near impossible in a day on public transport.

I have read several people that have had issues the rental agencies overcharging them. I have been quoted about £50 for 3 days plus fuel. Does that sound about right? That includes the CDI.

Michele Erdvig · Host

5111,

Everyone has issues with 99% of the car rental companies in Ireland. Your price sounds too good to be true. Why is the quote in pounds instead of euros? What company?

Michele

Veteran Member

Sorry, I put the wrong sign. It is in Euros.

www.budget.ie EUR45 Dublin Airport to Dublin Airport March 13 (8am)-March 15 (5pm)

www.thrifty.ie EUR46 Dublin Airport to Dublin Airport March 13 (8am)-March 15 (5pm)

www.enterprise.ie EUR34.66 Dublin Airport to Dublin Airport March 13 (8am)-March 15 (6pm)

www.dooleycarrentals.com EUR55 Dublin Airport to Dublin Airport March 13 (8am)-March 15 (6pm)

Some of the cars say that they will charge a EUR28 surcharge to pick up/drop off at Dublin City Center and they say the same thing for Dublin Airport. So I assume that I will pay that "surcharge" either way, but others didn't say anything about it.

Dan Dooley says that his EUR55 includes EVERYTHING, but if I switch the location to Dublin City Center and leave everything else the same, the price skyrockets to EUR280!

There is just enough variance to make me worry.

Michele Erdvig · Host

5111,

Dooley no longer has a car depot in Dublin city center. They would have to deliver the car to you there. Otherwise you can pick up at the airport.

As I see it with everyone but Dooley you need to add on extras. No sense comparing apples to oranges. Add up and get TOTALS to comparison shop properly.

Are you purchasing Super CDW? That will reduce your deductible if you should happen to have a fender bender. That is a definite extra with ALL of them.

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

20 Euro a day all in sounds a bit too good to be true even if you were a UK licence holder let alone a US driver with extra loading by the Insurance companies. Irish car hire is comparable with the rest of Europe until the insurance companies add their bits,

Try contacting Dooleys US office for their best ALL IN rate and find what else will be charged at the collection desk in Dublin Airport.

Veteran Member

Michele Erdvig wrote:
5111,

Dooley no longer has a car depot in Dublin city center. They would have to deliver the car to you there. Otherwise you can pick up at the airport.

As I see it with everyone but Dooley you need to add on extras. No sense comparing apples to oranges. Add up and get TOTALS to comparison shop properly.

Are you purchasing Super CDW? That will reduce your deductible if you should happen to have a fender bender. That is a definite extra with ALL of them.

Michele

That would explain why they charge so much more for Dublin City Center!

I don't know if I am going to get Super CDW. If I was in the U.S., I would not, but I am not sure about Ireland, especially as so many people talk about what crooks the rental companies are.

We will be checking out of the Croke Park Hotel Tuesday morning, so I think that Dublin City Center would be the best place to pick up the car (assuming that it doesn't cost EUR230 more). I'll go to the airport if it will save me a lot of money, but that would eat up some time Tuesday morning. As for the return, I'm not sure. We will probably be coming back fairly late that day and our flight leaves so early the next morning. I'm not sure that I will find a place that is open. The ideal thing would be to find a hotel with free parking and a car rental place in the airport that is open at 2:00am. Then we could take ourselves to the airport without relying on a shuttle and drop off the rental all at once.

Going off on a tangent....We will be flying in to Belfast and will therefore get a UK stamp in our passports. When we fly out, we go to Frankfurt first, and I assume will go through customs/immigration there. That means that we will not have an Ireland stamp in our passports. I know that it is dumb, but we have stamps from every country we have ever been to, but won't have Ireland. Do you know if there is a solution to that?

Michele Erdvig · Host

5111,

I don't know of any car rental companies open at Dublin Airport at 2 am! Most will have a key drop slot at their counters. But then if there is a challenge about damage or petrol you don't have much recourse.

If you are okay paying the deductible on damage for a car (if it happens) then don't get the Super CDW. Each company has a different deductible and it also depends on the type of car rented.

If you have time you can ask about a customs stamp at the airport. That question has really never occurred to me before. I don't recall even looking at my passport the one time I flew into Belfast.

Michele