Bill,

I guess with winter setting in the landscaping is over and now you can concentrate on your trip. What number will it be? Six or seven?

Tramore is not bad and I have a nice place in my book called Glenorney. I know you have my book from a few years ago but that B&B should be in it: http://www.glenorney.com I understand there is good golfing nearby.

Dunmore East is a cute seaside village with cliffs, thatched cottages, a lighthouse, pubs and restaurants. I think you might really like this town. I recommend Brookside there. They don't have a website but you can view the house here: http://www.family-homes.ie/entries2004/wd11.htm 

A few miles outside of Dunmore East is Parkswood in Passage East. I haven't stayed there yet but it seemed very nice. Some of the rooms have balconies overlooking the Barrow Estuary. This B&B is tucked away in the countryside. Terrie Pooley is from England but was extremely hospitable. The ferry is right nearby for easy access to Co. Wexford. http://www.parkswood.com/

Have you thought of Skibbereen? It is a small bustling town that is a good base for West Cork. PK Lodge is a great place to stay there. It does not have sea views but is in a quiet country location a couple of miles from town: http://www.pklodgecork.com/ It is not too far from Mizen, Mary Anne's in Castletownshend and Baltimore where you can get boat trips to the islands.

Will you be staying at The Shores? It will be interesting to see how this trip develops.

Michele

Bill,

I think Parkswood would suit you. It is not too far from Dunmore East and has views of the estuary yet is in a very quiet country area. If you stay you will have to let us know how you liked it.

Baltimore is very small and does not have too many options for B&Bs. Schull has a few more lodgings. I inspected Fortview House and it seemed very nice: http://www.fortviewhousegoleen.com/ No ocean views though.

It's nice to hear you will be staying at The Shores again. What a heavenly B&B! Tell Annette hello from me. Maybe you should climb Mount Brandon and keep away from horses. Or you could go beehive hut hopping.

Michele

Bill,

The plan sounds good. Do you have the free walking tour of Kilkenny from Corey? More info about it here: http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=65127&subForumID=176050&action=viewTopic&commentID=4084314&topicPage= Hopefully, he is still offering it.

Do you have a list of specific things you are interested in seeing in each area? There is lots to do and see around Kilkenny so it's good you are arriving without jet lag.

Michele

Bill,

I hope Corey still has the walking tours available. If not, Tynan's does a good walking tour of Kilkenny starting at the tourist office.

The R700 is especially scenic. Inistoige is a cute little village. The movie Widow's Peak was filmed there. You might enjoy Mount Sandford Walk from the village up to Woodstock Arboretum. If you don't want the walk there is parking up there but you have to pay for it. Be sure to see Kells, Jerpoint Abbey and Graiguenamanagh and Duiske Abbey. There is a replica famine ship in New Ross. As always, many things to see and do in every area of Ireland.

Michele