My wife is suggesting we stay in Glengarriff next year as a base. Thinking of Galway with an overnight on Inis Oirr during part of our trip and West Cork the other with family visits to Co Westmeath and Longford somehow integrated in.
Roy, Mentioning Glengarriff leads me to ask if the Maureen OHare Legacy Center in Glengarriff is open yet? Last I heard it had a finish date of early 2012.
If you are thinking of self-catering get a load of this: http://www.glengarriff-lodge.com/ It's in the woods, just around the corner from town on the road to Barley Lake.
So, can I reasonably expect trad music sessions nightly in Glengarriff or would I be better off looking at staying in Kenmare? We will stay a week using the area as a base for West Cork in early July.
Roy -- I am sorry. Saw the earlier post about Clonakilty, which is where DeBarra's is. How I got off on Glengarriff instead I don't know. You are correct -- Kenmare is better than Glengarriff for music. Yikes -- didn't mean to do that.
On another front, the Marless House is just the best!
-- Edited by Geno on Monday 4th of March 2013 01:59:41 PM
Athlone Castle is now open and be sure to stop into Sean's Bar (one of Ireland'd oldest). Parking available near the castle. Sean's is right across the street.
There are a couple of good pubs and restaurants walking distance to Glasson Stone Lodge.
I know that Arthur's Lodge Wood is a bit on the pricey side (Kenmare). But if you are spending such a long time there, ask about a discount. Also tell Liz I recommended it.
When I have the chance to stay in Glengarriff, I have enjoyed time at Hawthorne B&B ... would cover your wish list... as it has its own pub and restaurant.. and is in City Centre Johnny & Joan will welcome you and make sure you are well taken care of!
My wife, being from the old sod, has now decided that Kenmare will be a better base because of better night life (trad music) opportunities. A night on Inis Oirr the following week is also on the planning table. So, even though I haven't purchased airfare yet, the itinerary is looking like:
1/7 maybe Adare 2/7 Kenmare Riverville House a possibility 3/7 Kenmare 4/7 Kenmare 5/7 Kenmare 6/7 Kenmare 7/7 Kenmare 8/7 Kenmare 9/7 Galway Marless House 10/7 Inis Oirr 11/7 Galway Marless House 12/7 Galway Marless House 13/7 Athlone Glasson Stone Lodge 14/7 Athlone Glasson Stone Lodge 15/7 16/7 17/7 Return
Although Kenmare is wonderful, I think you might have several more options for traditional music in Glengarriff -- although as a village I would opt for Kenmare forlocation and appeal. Either will be wonderful.
And Roy, your choices of where you are staying in Athlone and Salthill are tremendous!
Geno -we stayed in Marless House in 2011 and loved it. My wife's family is having a reunion at the Glasson Hotel. I'm surprised to hear that Glengarriff has better and more traditional music than Kenmare. that's not the impression I had.
The family reunion is at Glasson Hotel, which is a little out of my budget. Glasson Stone Lodge is a more affordable alternative. Co. Westmeath isn't my idea of where to go in ireland, but it is my wife's homeland.
I have been reading your reviews in Kenmare from your book. I didn't realize you have reviewed Glasson Stone Lodge.My attitude about being near Athlone needs to improve!
I'm surprised how many B&B's are already full in July in Kenmare.
I suppose I will soon have to suck it up and book airfare even though it seems high it may well not come down this year.
Don't suppose you could be tempted into East Clare http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuxFxT6-hds Just the side of Lough Derg, Portumna down to Killaloe might even make you some scones if give a days notice
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Tony, I've been to Killaloe- nice town and area. We have toured the Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Skibbereen, and Cape Clear on previous trips. Kenmare gives us a pocket of West Cork/Kerry that we have missed. My wife spent some time in Glengarriff and Clonakilty when she was in her 20's. You might be pleased to know my wife is open to our last night being in Ennis.
Michele- Arthur's Lodge Wood does not have openings. So far, Riverville, Driftwood, Rockcrest, and Abbey Court are possibilities.