Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Return to IrelandYes.com Website -> Ireland Travel Forum -> Ask Michele: Ireland Travel Forum -> How far to go the first day
Post Info TOPIC: How far to go the first day
squigoh


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 37
Date:
How far to go the first day
Permalink  

My husband and I will be making our first trip to Ireland in September.  I've been reading everything I can both online and off and am getting quite overwhelmed.  So this is probably the first of many questions.

We are scheduled to land in Dublin from the US at 5:20am.  We will pick up a car and drive to Powerscourt, then on to Glendalough.  I would expect we would spend several hours at Glendalogh hiking around.

I've read that many people keep going and spend the first night in Kilkenny.  That would be my preference since I'd rather drive to my next location late in the day and be able to start off bright and early the next morning with sightseeing rather than driving.  However, my feeling is that after a long flight and hiking around Glendalough we'll be too pooped to continue to Kilkenny.

Am I being a wimp? Or am I being smart?  And if the latter, does anyone have suggestions about B&Bs in the area?  I've looked at Riversdale, Bramble Rock, Pinewood Lodge, Carmel's, and Woodbrook.  Does anyone have experience with any of these?



__________________
Michele Erdvig


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

Welcome to the forum. It is easy to get info overload for a first trip to Ireland. But you've found the right place to sort through it all and come out on the other side with a good trip planned.

I don't think you are a wimp for wanting accommodation nearby your sightseeing for the first day. You just don't know how jet lag will affect you. Best to err on the side of caution rather than try and push it. Of the B&Bs mentioned my favorite would be Riversdale.

Since you arrive at 5:30 am you should know that Powerscourt doesn't open till 9:30. You might want to stop for breakfast in Enniskerry before going to Powerscourt. Try the Kingfisher's Cafe or Poppies.

Take it slow the first day. If you are exhausted sometimes a nap will revive you. Stay near Glendalough and save the longer drive for when you are refreshed.

Michele

__________________

"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
tony2phones


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1764
Date:
Permalink  

I would echo what Michel has already said.

Driving to Kilkenny from Dublin Airport is a maximum straight distance with maybe a "Bit" of sight seeing thrown in along the way. Visiting Powerscourt and Glendalough and some Hiking is a "Lot" of sightseeing.

Driving over the mountains and on to Kilkenny after that would at best be pushing it. At worst could result in the need for emergency services and a tow truck. (one reason for the High insurance on rentals for US drivers)



__________________

Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour 
squigoh


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 37
Date:
Permalink  

Thank you for your replies. I am looking into a reservation at Riversdale. I'm sure I'll be back with other questions and hope I won't make a pest of myself.

__________________
Michele Erdvig


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

The nice thing about spending the night near Glendalough is that you can enjoy it after the day trippers leave. It has an entirely different atmosphere without the crowds. Then you can really soak up the solitude and imagine why St. Kevin chose it as a place to get away from it all.

Don't worry about being a pest. We are here to answer your questions and share our love of Ireland.

Michele

__________________

"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Return to IrelandYes.com Website -> Ireland Travel Forum -> Ask Michele: Ireland Travel Forum -> How far to go the first day
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard