Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Return to IrelandYes.com Website -> Ireland Travel Forum -> Ask Michele: Ireland Travel Forum -> Four days before meeting up e/family
Post Info TOPIC: Four days before meeting up e/family
Geno


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 298
Date:
Four days before meeting up e/family
Permalink  

Without looking that closely at your itinerary, you certainly are trying to do too much. To see even half of what you mention you are going to have all one night stays.  My thoughts in blue:

Sunday...after landing drive to limerick for breakfast, walk around, drive to Killarney, take horse buggy ride around park, lunch Drive to Dingle, or relax (stay in Killarny!?)

Too much for any day -- especially after flying all night. First of all, I do not find Limerick as the place to "walk around," and in fact I think it can be avoided using the new tunnel.  You mention Doolin -- I would consider driving there or perhaps Ennis the first day.  Both good for music, and both close by.

Monday...drive ring of Kerry, some parts... And hang in Dingle... Stay in Dingle again or drive to Galway?

You could drive from Doolin to Dingle or Killarney on this day and stay wherever you choose, taking the coastal route and crossing the Shannon River at the Tarbert Ferry to let you see Cliffs of Moher on the way there. THE ROK will be crowded at that time of the year, and personally I think the Dingle Peninsula is just as nice -- it's a personal choice.

Tuesday....Connamara, Burren, Cliffs of Moher.... Stay in Doolin or Clifden??

You've now already seen Cliffs, so you probably need to start heading north if you want to get to Bundoran alright.  That is a long haul from Killarney -- probably six hours.  I would consider a stop near Galway which would split the miles in half and give you another one of the places you mentioned.

Wed...drive to Westport, Knock, on to Bundoran. Any suggestions regarding how we could do is? Or if we r doing much too much? We really loved Dingle last time, 15 years ago..

Forget Westport and go there another trip. Continue on to Bundoran that morning.

.....

I like two night stays when I travel to Ireland, but I don't know what your travel style is.  If you can handle all the moving around -- with two kids that age -- then I think the itinerary I mention is more doable ... though still a bit hectic!

Let us know any other ideas if something sounds good to you.

Best regards,

Geno



-- Edited by Geno on Monday 23rd of July 2012 02:18:40 PM

__________________
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

Hi wondering if we r planning too much? We land in Shannon at 7 am on a Sunday (in less than two weeks!!!) we have till we'd afternoon when we need to be in Bundoran to meet up with inlaws and visit our Irish aunts and Uncles, for two days and then Navan to visit with more family. Drv'ing back to Bunratty on last day before am flight home.... HELP We r thinking.... Sunday...after landing drive to limerick for breakfast, walk around, Drive to Killarney, take horse buggy ride around park, Lunch Drive to Dingle, or relax (stay in Killarny!?) Monday...drive ring of Kerry, some parts... And hang in Dingle... Stay in Dingle again or drive to Galway? Tuesday....Connamara, Burren, Cliffs of Moher.... Stay in Doolin or Clifden?? Wed...drive to Westport, Knock, on to Bundoran. Any suggestions regarding how we could do is? Or if we r doing much too much? We really loved Dingle last time, 15 years ago...

__________________
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

Ps we have two children, age 12 and 15, so we were thinking of possibly sea kayaking in Doolin?


__________________
Michele Erdvig


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

With so little time I would be inclined to draw a line from Shannon to Dublin and stay above that imaginary line. I know the temptation is to see and do it all, but that is always impossible unless you have a year in Ireland. wink

Galway would certainly be a good base as you head north to Bundoran. Lots to see and do from there like Connemara and the Aran Islands. 

Since you know when you want to be in Bundoran, Navan and Bunratty (last night) I would book those nights. If it were only 2 people traveling together it would be easier to find places to stay at the last minute. Since you have 4 people it complicates matters slightly. 

Try this website for hotels & guesthouses: http://www.irelandhotels.com/

The nearest personal recommendation I have for a hotel near Bundoran is the Sandhouse Hotel on Rossnowlagh beach. 



__________________

"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.
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

Thank you so much, Ive spent the better part of the day doing research etc...ps we really liked Dingle, do you think we should nix Killarney? And head straight there on the ferry from Shannon after breakfast etc? Also the one night stays r not a problem, the trip is really so that our kids and us too can spend time with each grandparent (that is also visiting their families from the states,) Grandmom will be in Bundoran with her family and we will spend two days there ( any suggestions for hotel in Bundoran) and then will bring her to Navan for our two days wth grandpas family.... Then the day after that drive back to Bunratty for flight home the next morning. Do we dare wing it and not book hotels, and see where we end up each day Sunday thru we'd?

__________________
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

Hi Michele! Love your website and advice. Thanks so much for your recommendation. My husband is really looking forward to going back to Dingle, We only had one night there over 15 years ago and we both loved it. With that said. Couldn't we draw a line a little further down, LOL we can't due the Aran Islands tour boat due to sea sickness of two of us. So besides Connemara/Galway etc not much for us?.

PS. JUST found out that my husbands' mom will be staying in SLIGO w/family not Bundoran, so here I go again... Even though there's not much in Sligo from what I can see from websites etc. I would rather stay near his family as that is the first goal of visiting. I did see there's a castle not too far, Starts with a D? Could that be a good place, then we can visit them in Sligo, take a day trip to Bundoran (his Mom's Birthplace) etc.... Any other recommendation for that part?

Navan: we're staying with family
Bunratty: Booked Bunratty Manor for last night, although I hear there's a party in the works for Navan on Sat. night for us. so getting back to Bunratty for ANY type of site seeing on Sunday is probably a wash and i might just book an airport cheap hotel etc....

AGAIN, thanks so much. I'm usually on the ball when it comes to planning travel but we are dealing with a big sickness on my side of the family back home and weren't even sure we were going to get to go...

__________________
Itallian Chauffeur


Moderator

Status: Offline
Posts: 2187
Date:
Permalink  

 

You're probably thinking of Dromoland, which  I suspect is a BIT too far from Sligo for your purpose?

There IS a Castle Dargan  http://www.castledargan.com/home  but it isn't a 'Real' castle ...

Here's one:  http://www.markreecastle.ie/  It's in Collooney, just South of Sligo.

Farther out (about 45 minutes drive) is: http://www.kilronancastle.ie/castle-hotels-ireland.html

Bob

 



__________________

Bob

Help Us to Help You.  The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks Bob, i was thinking of Dromoland. I was able to book a Family Room in Sligo, so alls good for our last five nights...

Now, what we've come down to is:

Sunday: leave airport, stop for breakfast, stop for breaks and Drive ALL the way to Dingle for afternoon, and stay TWO nights.
Monday: Explore Dingle or drive to Killarney nat. park for jaunt, late lunch, enjoy the evening back at Dingle

Tuesday: Breakfast, Ring of Kerry (part at least)

NOW the tricky part, WHERE to stay between Dingle and Sligo... (would like to see Cliffs of Moore)

Ennis (if we don't stay here we could stop here for a nice break/late lunch on way to Galway),
Galway (might be nice to stay in a "city")
or Doolin (don't think I need Doolin/fishing town etc since we've been in Dingle two days)

Wed AM, Cliffs of Moore, Knock, Arrive in Sligo around 4PM


__________________
Michele Erdvig


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

Galway would be a good halfway point between Dingle and Sligo.

__________________

"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.
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks Michele! I've looked into Doolin yesterday, I'll look at Galway now:)


__________________
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

The reason for Doolin, thought it was a "little" closer to drive to from Dingle on tuesday. Three hours as opposed to three 1/2. and then add in city traffic in Galway.. But it might be nice to do a city since we might not get to Dublin once in Navan. Also Dingle and Doolin might be too much alike.

Would Rather have a LONGER driving day on wed. since we're not in that much of a rush to get to Sligo, but will be stopping in Knock on our way.

__________________
Michele Erdvig


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

Either Doolin or Galway would be fine.

__________________

"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.
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

thank you, I'll stop obsessing and bothering you nice people, LOL seriously enjoy all the tips on here! Thanks Michele!


__________________
Geno


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 298
Date:
Permalink  

Some travelers find Doolin too small, but I find it relaxing and a wonderful area.  Great place for an evening of traditional music (three pubs in or near the village) before you continue on, and it is certainly a good place to hang your hat of the night if you are stopping to see Cliffs.


Geno



__________________
Michele Erdvig


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

Geno,

I find Doolin small and relaxing too. There is a different pace of life there.

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.
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks again all, we did book Doolin, looking forward to it... So in case anyone's interested in how i booked.

Sunday, Killarney
Monday, Dingle
Tuesday, Doolin

Wed, thurs, stop in Galway, Knock, then onto Sligo to see family
fri, sat, Naven stay with more family
Sun, Bunratty

Thanks so much, everyone was very insightful and helpful...

Suzanne


__________________
Michele Erdvig


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

Suzanne,

Happy to help and I'm glad you have everything sorted out now for your trip. Have a wonderful time visiting your family. Let us know how you get on.

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.
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks Michele,

Had I had more time to plan I would have ordered your book:) but I will highly recommend you on Tripadvisor since without your website, I would've been overwhelmed!

Two quick questions if you don't mind.

Cell phones: We use Verizon. Can I get a sims? card when in Ireland to "convert" my phone or do you recommend a rental there?...

Train: If I need to take a train to Navan from Sligo (there's no train station in Navan) what is the nearest town to Navan with a station...?
(seems his parents need a ride back from Sligo to Navan and we won't fit in our rental)

Thanks, Suzane

__________________
tony2phones


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1764
Date:
Permalink  

Dont think the Verson takes our sim cards?? you can buy a mobile (cell) pone from Tesco with 10euro of credit for 30 euro inclusive. Calls to overseas from 1cent/min to Ireland 10cent/min

http://shop.tescomobile.ie/pay-as-you-go-plans.aspx



__________________

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


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

See this discussion about cell phones in Ireland: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t41010749/cell-phones/

Here are maps of the train routes in Ireland: http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=120&n=150



__________________

"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.
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks Tony, just what we need for the cell phone!!

Thanks Michele, the map/link just what I was looking for!!

Thanks, Suzanne


Ps booked Killarney lodge, but Arbutus has a a room as well but $50 more, is it worth it? Killarney Lodge doesn't look that far out of town?...

__________________
Fourdaysireland


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:
Permalink  

Nevermind, just realized Killarney Lodge is on your list:). As well as Cullinans!


__________________
Michele Erdvig


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

Killarney Lodge is walking distance to town but in a quiet area with lots of parking.

__________________

"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.
chaika


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 57
Date:
Permalink  

Things to do in Sligo -- there is Parke's Castle, a restored piece, with a tour inside. We were there last year. Also there is Maeve's cairn on Knocknarea, not to mention Carrowmore. And Slieve League is a day trip up into Donegal.

If you're there on a Saturday night, go to Foley's Pub for some good music.




__________________

 

Slán go fóill,

Dáithí

 
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 -> Four days before meeting up e/family
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard