Advice on 10 day itineray with 3 boys and Grandma

Geno · Guru

Advice on 10 day itineray with 3 boys and Grandma

tapwalt · Newbie

Hi,

I am planning a 10 day trip to Ireland leaving May 30th. I will be traveling with my husband, our 3 sons ages 17, 14, and 11, and my mother who is in her seventies. I have been researching and planning and have come up with the following itinerary. I tend to be ambitous with my travel plans so I would appreciate any input as to wether or not my plan is feasable. We do like to be on the go and always pack a lot into our vacations. I am a little concerned about my mom. She is still very active..does yoga and walks 3 miles everyday...but she is slow. I also want to make sure that we have time to hear some good traditional music and would love to see some dancing. Is it going to be possible to take the kids anyplace for this?

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin 7am, take airlink bus into city and drop off bags at Harding Hottel and have some breakfast

10am walking tour of Dublin

1pm reading from James Joyce "Dubliners" at Swenys

Book of Kells and Guiness Storehouse

dinner and bed

Day 2: 8:15am tour of Boyne Valley including Newgrange

7:00 pm "Food, Folklore and Farries" at Brazen Head

Day 3: 9am pick up rental car in Dublin and drive to Belfast

11:45am Black Taxi tour in Belfast

4:40pm Titanic experience (possibly do dock and pump house before if we are feeling up to it)

I would also like to go to the Crown Liquor Saloon for either lunch or dinner

Spend the night in Belfast at Tara Lodge

Day 4: Belfast to Antrim coast..debating wether to take costal or central route

Spend the day touring Giants Causway, Carrick-a-Rede bridge and Dunluce castle (possibly Old Bushmills distillery)

Spend the night in Portrush at Maddybenny Farmhouse

Day 5: Portrush to Londonderry/Derry

10:00am walking tour of the walls

Portrush to Balleyconeely (would there be a good place to stop for lunch along the way or should we eat in Derry, or possibly skip Derry altoghether?)

5:00pm hour long horseback ride at The Point stables in Balleyconeely

Drive to Clifden for the night at the Towerview B&B

Day 6: Clifden to Rossaveel, take 10:30 ferry to Inis Mohr

Pony and Trap tour of Inis Mohr

5:00 return on ferry and drive to Galway for the night at the Skeffington Arms Hotel (or could take 4:00 ferry)

Day 7: 9 or 10am walking tour of Galway

Galway to Dingle...Burren, Poulnabrone Dolmen and Cliffs of Mohr along the way

Towerview B&B in Dingle - late arrival

Day 8: 8:00 am swim with Fungie if possible

2:00 tour of the Dingle Penninsula

Another night at the Towerview

Day 9: Dingle to Blarney Castle (Would Killarney be better?)

Blarney Castle to Bunratty Castle and folk Park

Stay the night at Bunratty Castle Hotel

Day 10: Fly out of Shannon 11:35am

tony2phones · Guru

Up to day 5 fine. Then it gets off target. I would concentrate on the area north of Shannon which has an awful lot to offer. Dashing from Derry to Clifden makes no sense you will get nothing from the experience and might as well just take a mad dash straight to Galway. Dun Ri would be my suggestion for Clifden if you decide to enjoy your trip. Day on Inis Mor is fine then another tangled mess of a long drive to Dingle, Doolin has tamed a Dolphin now as well or take a wild dolphin tour from Carriggaholt or Kilkee and see more than one. Then another mad dash to Blarney and back to Bunratty.
If you decide to take your time and stay north of Shannon there are lots of places to enjoy walks, music and time for the youngsters and Mother to have some quality time

Welcome to the forum and sorry for being brutal but the journey as you have it needs a reality check.

Michele Erdvig · Host

I took my mother to Ireland when she was in her 70s. Jet-lag does strange things to people, especially as they get older. I think she slept for the first 3 days just getting up to eat. Bring her a travel pillow to use in the car!

Since you are traveling with your mother and three kids, I think you need to be less aggressive about the trip. Let reality win out over fantasy. It would be different if it were just you and your husband. With so much time in the car, be prepared for "Are we there yet?". And one thing that first-timers forget about is that every sightseeing stop, toilet break and lunch takes time. Many forget to budget time for those stops. Also, the Irish are not early risers. Many B&Bs don't start serving breakfast till 8:30. If you need early breakfasts it is best to inquire in advance.

Use this trip planner to get estimates of drive times to see what is realistic: http://www.aaireland.ie/routes/ Get the mileage not kilometers and divide by 35 to get your drive times.

On Day 3 you are picking up your car at 9 am and have a black taxi tour for 11:45. That is cutting it very close. Although it generally takes about 2 hours to drive to Belfast from Dublin Airport, it may take time to get the car. Plus you will be getting used to driving on the left. Let your taxi company know of your plans and that you might be late.

The Titanic Experience is open till 7 pm in May & June. Last admission is 1 hour and 40 minutes before closing time. You are cutting it very close. It is also a very popular venue. If it is a weekend you may not get in at that time without advance reservations.

Sit down with your family (inclulding your mother) with a map and driving times. Add in the time to actually see things. Then make a new plan.

We want you to have a wonderful time not a "green blur tour". biggrin

tapwalt · Newbie

Thank you everyone for all of the advice. No need to appologize for being brutal. I had a feeling I was getting carried away which is why I posted. I think you are all correct in advising me to scale back. I'm just not sure what changes I should make. Are you reccomending that we eliminate Dingle from the itinerary? Could you please give me some ideas if we decided to concentrate on the area north of Shannon for the second half of our trip? I took a quick look at the dolphin watching in Carriggaholt and it looks like it would be a good experience. Would you reccomend stopping somewhere between Portrush and Clifden/Galway to break up the trip? Here are some of my thought processes when I came up with my plan. I definitely wanted to see the Giant's Causeway because it looks fascinating and also because my youngest is Finn and I thought he would enjoy the connection to Finn McCool. I figured if we were going to go north that it would be nice to see Belfast as well. The reason I added Clifden in was becacuse I wanted to see the Connamera area and ride the Connamera ponnies. I think I would really like to keep the trip to the Aran islands. I wanted to see Galway, but it seemed like there wasn't that much to see and do there with kids so I thought one night would be enough. I felt like a trip to Ireland wouldn't be complete with out either a trip around the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle penninsula, so I had opted for Dingle...plus fungie was a draw. Same thing with the Blarney Castle. I know it is touristy, but it seemed like a "must do", especially with the kids. Ended up at Bunratty Castle because it was close to Shannon for the flight in the morning. I welcome your suggestions and appreciate your help. I don't want to wear everyone out and I want to make sure that we get a feel for Ireland and the people along the way.

tony2phones · Guru

Hi Bit.. if the Vax hadn't broken down I would have beaten you to the post. Even more in the mix on your contribution. Definitely needs two trips.. (or more)

Forgot http://ireland.activeboard.com/t50055177/n59-galway-route/ & http://goo.gl/maps/iSQcB

-- Edited by tony2phones on Wednesday 6th of February 2013 11:31:55 AM

tony2phones · Guru

If you want a brew in a Ruin I had better leave the end room as it is until after you call smile Hope it stays up that long

-- Edited by tony2phones on Wednesday 6th of February 2013 12:02:45 PM

CowboyCraic · Guru

I will add my welcome to those already extended...

Finn...what a cool name!

I orchestrated a multi-generational trip back in June of 2011. They wanted the "see everything" trip...and I fought to scale it back as much as I could. Even so, there were days that Ma and Carl couldn't muster the energy to join us.

If I were you, I would look to

Day 1 & 2 - Dublin.. though your mother may opt to have a rest instead of the full day plan on that first day

Day 2- you have the Newgrange Tour here...there is so much to see and experience in Dublin...so many things that the children would enjoy...you might want to explore that option, as well

Day 3 - Belfast - but either shoot for an earlier departure from Dublin, forgoing breakfast, or book a later Black Taxi experience, which take you through teh Titanic quarter.. and leave the Titanic experience to a "if we have the time"

Day 4 - Portrush - If you take the causeway coastal route, you will have a full day of it... but a scenic one and with many stops.. OR you could Opt to stay in Belfast another night and then do the coastal causeway loop...returning inland...another full day...but less hassle than packing and unpacking

Day 5 - Ballyconneely ... If you are going to take a 5 o'clock horseback ride, you shouldn't push for Clifden, as most B&bs ask that you check in by 6 o'clock... Conamara House is just a short walk from the Point stables

Day 6 & 7 Galway - Use Day 6 as a travel day between Ballyconneely and Galway ... There is a lot of Connemara to see and enjoy.. come down the coast of it or inland, as your prefence... THere is plenty to see and do in Galway to keep the kids happy...if it is a wet day, the Atlantaquarium might be a fun experience for them... There is a Hop-on/Off bus tour that will show you all the highlights of GAlway...you might consider grabbing one to get acclimated

Day 7 - Rossaveal - Early morning Ferry to Inis Mor... Your pony & trap tour should take you to all of the major sites... My favorite JArvety man is John..and his pony LAura...They've a FB page even... so hard to call him a man...I started using his service when he was still learning, as a pup, from his Da!.. If you ask, he will show you some of the less touristy spots, as well

Day 8 & 9 - Bunratty - you can use Bunratty as your base - on teh way down, you could visit the Dolmen and drive through the Burren..YOu might want to check out Ailwee Caves, whilst in the Burren

Day 8 - Start out the morning with breakfast and then head to CArrigaholt for the Dolphin watch tour..the tour will take 2 1/2 - 3 hours...well worth the trip...then pick up lunch provisions and take the Loophead drive out to the lighthouse for a picnic lunch on the edge of the West - in teh afternoon take in Bunratty Folk PArk and the Corn Barn dinner... I think the Corn barn dinner gives you more entertainment value and better food than the medieval banquet

Day 10 - Home from Shannon

Much fewer one night stops...a bit more relaxed and there will be more leeway for your mum should she get weary

Just my two cents worth... biggrin

tony2phones · Guru

I recommend eliminating everything south of the Shannon that's Dingle and the ring of Kerry and Blarney. All can be replaced without crossing the river.

Day 5 having spent day 4 on Antrim and Derry (I use and recommend http://www.avarest.com/templates/brochure.pdf Portrush overlooking the harbour and bay) then head over Donegal, maybe stopping to see the Slieve League http://slieveleaguecliffs.ie/ from above or the sea, maybe the Ciede Fields http://www.museumsofmayo.com/ceide1.htm to an overnight in or around Ballina.

Day 6 Achill island which sticks out into the Atlantic and offers every bit as much as Dingle except the Dolphin and an endorsement from St Rick of Steves (who isn't to be trusted when it comes to Ireland anyway) http://www.visitachill.com/en/index.html and more compact than the Ring, the aim being to reach Clifden for the evening (http://www.dunri.ie/ just on the very edge of town) so to Westport and along Clew bay under Croagh Patrick http://www.croagh-patrick.com/ through the Doolough valley http://www.thinplace.net/2012/10/meet-doolough-spirit-in-connemara.html to Leenane and past Kylemore Abbey http://www.kylemoreabbeytourism.ie/ (save untill tomorrow)

Day 7 Cleggan for the Beach riding http://www.clegganridingcentre.com/amenities.html or trip out to Inisboffin http://www.inishbofin.com/ , The National Park http://www.connemaranationalpark.ie/ , Kylemore Abbey, Sky Road drive http://irelandwithkids.com/sky-road-connemara-ireland/attractions/ (which a couple of Dingle experts on TA think is as good as Slea Head, I don't but that is just familiarity, it is pretty special anyway) and the Sunset from the viewing point can be great, although that means you miss the best bit looking on as you get back to Clifden might have to do it twice?

Day 8, having had 2 days in Clifden and caught up with yourseves you can dash to Rossaveil after breakfast or save Aran for Inis Oirr out of Doolin. See Kylemore if you have not already and drive the N59 to Galway where you can take the Afternoon walking tour and relax, shop, catch a show in the evening bit of music if Cliffden didn't give you your fill.

Day 9, Down to Doolin. Innis Oirr http://travelhag.com/2012/09/08/aranislands/ and Cliffs of Moher combi cruise wave at the tame Dolphin (they have named the poor thing but I can't remember) 1/2 Day on Inis Oirr before back cruising under the Cliffs of Moher http://www.irelandtravelkit.com/the-cliffs-of-moher-by-sea-dooling-co-clare/ that leaves Bunratty http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleandFolkPark/ left unseen.

So its a case of having a think about what can be cut or kept out of the above and just to put a little extra into the mix The Domen and Ring Fort with it's 12 noon sheep dog demonstrations above Ballyvaughan or the Aillwee Caves and Bird of Prey centre with Hawk walks (which might also have been possible in Leenane if you had more time in Clifden), All those surff spots along the coast and walks on the hills never got a look in.

The above are just some possibilites there are many more but just for a relaxed trip rather than running around trying to tick imagined boxes.

Hope it helps,

CowboyCraic · Guru

Hullo, mo chara!

Dusty...the Doolin dolphin's name is Dusty.... biggrin

I am not certain...but almost positive that they might have some sort of voucher package purchased, as they have already outlined their hotels....

It is certainly more than I would opt for in one ten day trip...but I am one for stopping somewhere...and getting lost in conversation 'n a cuppa...or a ruin...or.....

Every area could well do with three days or more...such is the magic and the rub of it in Ireland.... It simply means that they will have to have a "next time"

tapwalt · Newbie

Thanks again for all of the advice. I have been looking over all of the suggestions and I have a few more questions. I am thinking that I will take everyone's advice and eliminate Dingle from our trip. CowboyCraic, I like your suggested itineray. It seems to include a lot of the things we wanted to do. On day 5, do you think we would be able to tour Derry and still make it to Ballyconeely by 5? The more I look at it I am thinking it won't work. One other option I thought of was adding an overnight stop in Sligo or Strandhill between Derry and Conamara. I thought it would be a little less harried, but the downside is that would only give us one extra night to double up in either Conamara, Galway or Bunratty. Any thoughts on this? Do you think we would also have time to see the Cliffs of Moher on our way to Bunratty?

Also, does anyone know if there is a place where we could take the boys for a show or trad session in Galway, or any of the other towns for that matter. Are we able to take them to the pubs for the music? My husband thinks that we can, but from what I have read I don't think so.

I did get input from everyone on their must sees. My youngest wants to see the Giant's Causeway, the middle one wants to see Derry/Londonderry (I am not sure what to call it!), my oldest wants to see the Cliffs of Moher, my husband wants to see the Guiness Storehouse, and Grandma is just happy to be coming along....as for me, I want to see everything...obviously!

I have not purchased a package or vouchers...trying to do it on my own. I love doing all of the reasearch, just have a hard time trying to reign myself in. smile

Michele Erdvig · Host

Don't worry. We will do the reigning in for you! biggrin

Derry/Londonderry. Do you know why they call it "slash city"? ////// You can call it either one. confuse

If you take a day away from Bunratty you can have an overnight in Sligo. That way you won't be in the car all day.

In Galway try Trad on the Prom for your music show. Also, Bit's suggestion of Irish Night in the Corn Barn in Bunratty is good. More music, dance and dinner. Kids are generally not allowed in pubs after 9 pm.

CowboyCraic · Guru

I have been muddling this most of the evening...and to be honest...the more I muddle it...the more it all seem to be a too much stop 'n go.... I would be hard pressed to advise my clients to cover as much ground as you are wanting to cover...even if they are "on the go" people. As Tony has said, you have enough in the mix...and even with cutting out Dingle in my itinerary there is still enough in the itinerary for two separate trips

You will understand once you get there...Ireland moves at a slower less hurried pace...for the most part....unless you are in the larger cities

With 9 nights and the Multi-generational factor, I think I would be more inclined to break down a trip into 4 two-night stays...in towns that allow for everyone's interests... At 70 years of age, slow is better and that will also add to your time. If she feels rushed, Grandma will not have an enjoyable time and neither will you.

It is 240 miles between Portrush and Ballyconneely... that is, approximately, a seven hour drive...seven hours without scenic stops...even without stopping in Derry, that is a full day...I would say that Derry is more than a two-hour lunch stop... to give her proper attention, I would have to make it a minimum four hour stop...Others would say that two hours is just fine

I don't see anyone wanting to climb on a pony after that long of a day in a car...Also, you need to check the minimum age for riders allowed, as some places, due to insurance issues, will not take a rider under the age of 12...Not knowing your riding experience or which discipline ... pardon me for asking why the urgency to ride a Connemara pony?...Their gait is different from that of any other horse...I don't see Grandma joining in on the horseback ride. Which is why you might consider booking in to Conamara House and adjusting your schedule for a morning ride the next day. That way she could move about in the morning at her own pace, enjoy a cuppa by the open fire, etc

I would probably keep:

Two nights Dublin

Two nights Belfast (You can do a full day circle tour...with an early start out of Belfast... and cover all your must sees in the North: Giants Causeway & Derry are your primaries...It will be a "full" day... but it can be done)

Two nights Galway... (On your full day, you can either tour the connemara and have your pony ride OR visit Inis Mor)

Two Nights Shannon region

If you are looking for a quality music/dancing experience for the whole family, I would recommend the Traditional Irish Night at the Corn Barn at Bunratty Folk Park on the last night of your trip...

tony2phones · Guru

The rule on Bars and Children for summer is 10pm. There are places that have early sessions, Connellys in Clifden, and the Comhaltas junior section last Friday of each month. Galway has a couple of early sessions. Once you are close to a final itinerary with places days and dates it will be easier to fill in some of the blanks.

tapwalt · Newbie

I decided we will add a stop to break up the long drive from the north to Galway. Any thoughts on wether to stay in Sligo or Strandhill? Then that would still give me 2 nights in Galway and 2 in Bunratty. Does that sound more reasonable? Also, pushing black taxi tour back to 1:00. I am still unsure about the 2 nights in Belfast...it seems like I am back tracking if going on to Sligo the next day?? Trad on the Prom and the Traditional Irish Night are already sold out on the nights we will be there disbelief

tony2phones · Guru

A little lost as to the current itinerary but if you are in the Connemara area after the 24th then it's The Bog Week in Letterfrack so you will catch some - - not dressed up for the tourists entertainment http://www.clifdenchamber.ie/index.php?option=com_redevent&view=details&id=410%3Aconnemara-bog-week-24th-may-3rd-june-2013&xref=418 unfortunately you will be in Ennis too late for the end of the Fledh Nua which ends on the 27th. If you plan on 2 nights in south Clare (1 would do) then you might, no you would be better using Ennis rather than Bunratty.

Michele Erdvig · Host

The kids might like Strandhill. It is a beachy place that surfers frequent. A very small village really but with a few accommodations and restaurants/pubs.