40th Bday Boys Trip.. OCD Kicking In

wilsonsmw · Member

40th Bday Boys Trip.. OCD Kicking In

Maggie117 · Guru

Happy Birthday and Thank you for serving!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Congrats! A reasonable starting plan. Some questions, though --

When/ where are you flying out? What are your interests? Golf, ancient sites, music, scenic sites?

Welcome to Michele's Forum ... We aim to please ...

Bob

wilsonsmw · Member

Flying out of DC on the evening of the 13th. Arrive in Dublin the morning of the 14th. Plan is too stay in Dublin 3 nights.

Trips ends on the 24th the afternoon out of Shannon. (Sorry forgot to put that in)

Interests would be to see scenic sites for sure and enjoy the local music.

Thanks Bob and Maggie for your reply...

tony2phones · Guru

The change I would make, Take a night (or both) from Cork and use it to break the Killarney to Galway leg, probably in Ennis although if you opted for Killaloe/Ballina at the foot of Lough Derg you could perhaps fit in something at the Adventure centre. http://www.ulac.ie/ or maybe kayak from Doolin on the way to Galway http://www.northclareseakayaking.com/

Whilst considering Killarney if you want something not "lets tour the ring of Kerry" Star Outdoors might appeal http://www.staroutdoors.ie/guys-adventures-weekend-in-kenmare/ Then a Segway tour might be a different way of seeing Galway http://www.segwayadventures.ie/res_website.asp?suppliercode=SGW100 but getting out to the Arans might also appeal.

Just a pitty you have fallen for the AV restriction.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

If you have an afternoon flight out of SNN, then Galway will probably work for your last night. Otherwise, it's a bit far.

Personal choice for Killarney would be the full-day Gap of Dunloe Trip

In Kilkenny I recommend scaling the Round Tower -- one of only two CLIMABLE towers in Ireland. You should also download this Walking Tour.

For Cork area -- Cobh The Jameson Distillery, in Midelton (though, there is also one in Dublin). Cork also has Blarney and Kinsale, but I might suggest a stop into DeBarras, in Clonakilty. If you opt to include the Cork area, perhaps 1 night in Cobh and 1 in Clonakilty.

I do like Tony's idea, though, if you opt to drop Cork.

I'll try to add more, when I have time.

Bob

wilsonsmw · Member

Great ideas. Keep them coming.

Agree I might forgo an overnight in Cork and look elsewhere. (Still Visit though)

Michele Erdvig · Host

I would add another night to Killarney (steal one from Cork). There is a lot to do and see from a Killarney base.

Since you are using vouchers, you should make your reservations ahead of time for peak season in Ireland. Note: If you will arrive at your B&B after 6 pm let them know. Reservations expire at 6 pm.

wilsonsmw · Member

Thanks Michele, I agree I am going to stay in Killarney for 3 days now.

B&B research is a tough one...

Michele Erdvig · Host

This website will allow you to look at B&Bs that accept vouchers: http://clients.reserveabandb.com/

tony2phones · Guru

A list of participants in the Voucher system should have been provided with the vouchers, take a close look at locations many will be miles away from town and feel free to ask for knowledge on any you short list.

wilsonsmw · Member

Killarney B&B options (Voucher), will be base for 3 nights. Something with a rustic feel to it. Thoughts?

Michele Erdvig · Host

My "rustic" suggestion for Killarney will do you no good because they don't take vouchers. In fact the majority of B&Bs in Ireland don't take them. Your choices will be very restricted. Maybe someone else will have a recommendation.

wilsonsmw · Member

Thanks Michele I am finding that out. Very frustrating. Lesson learned....

Michele Erdvig · Host

Try this: http://clients.reserveabandb.com/

Michele Erdvig · Host

Not rustic but they take vouchers, I've inspected it and it looked good:

Applecroft

wilsonsmw · Member

I have been on the client reserve site B&B for hours. Ugh....

Of course the Applecroft is fully booked up for the time I was looking....

But still having fun researching...

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sorry to hear Applecroft is full. Unfortunately, the reality of vouchers is why I don't recommend them. They can be difficult to use - especially in season. The good B&Bs usually fill first...then you are left with the rest.

tony2phones · Guru

Just look for the closest to Town..Blenhim might be the one I would opt for but that's just based on getting into and out of town on foot just a bit up Fairhill from Sunnybank which we use.

wilsonsmw · Member

Thanks for all the great input....

For Galway. Do I want to stay in center city. Or outside of town?

CowboyCraic · Guru

Among the many frustrations of Vouchers use... especially in high season... is the possibility of arriving at your "reserved B&B to find that they have given up your room to a cash paying customer....not a regular occurrence ...but has happened often enough that I always feel the need to warn people of the possibility...usually happens if you arrive later in the afternoon...

Looking at the offerings for Killarney, I would choose:

Windway House or Blenheim ... as both are in a good location for getting about Killarney

Michele Erdvig · Host

For Galway staying in town means you can walk everywhere, pubs, restaurants, etc. But inquire about private off-street parking. Some places in Salthill are walking distance to town (10 - 20 minutes). But take Irish estimates of walking distance with a grain of salt. If they say 10 minutes - double it! wink

tony2phones · Guru

KILTEVNA and LAWNDALE HOUSE are both in the Grattan park seafront area edging Galway and Salthill so the location is good, I have heard of Lawndale and reports are good.

Michele Erdvig · Host

I've been staying at Lawndale for 30 years. Staying with Margaret Walsh is like staying with your auntie! I'm not certain if she takes vouchers at the moment. Email her to find out. It is not a "fancy" B&B but is clean and comfortable with a couple of rooms overlooking Galway Bay. I have walked into Galway from Lawndale with no problems.

wilsonsmw · Member

Michele, Lawndale - Besides the great host. What makes this location one of your favorites?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Lawndale is located in Salthill, a suburb of Galway City. It is walking distance to Galway and overlooks Galway Bay. It is not necessarily my favorite place to stay in Galway, but it might fit the bill for your needs (and vouchers) if Margaret is currently taking them. As I said, Lawndale is not a "botique" B&B. It is simple and clean with en suite rooms. If you want something fancy or upscale, Lawndale is not for you.

If I was staying in the city it would be at Park House Hotel. Definitely not in the voucher program (or maybe your budget).

tony2phones · Guru

You are not going to get anyone's favourite using vouchers unless it is a route march from anywhere else. But either Lawndale or Kiltevna are well located. Provided you are happy with a clean place to stay and a good breakfast then you will be fine. If you want your luggage left in luxury whilst you are out enjoying yourself then the baggage might be disappointed.

Green Dragon · Guru

If you are still having no joy in finding a Killarney B&B, try expanding your search to Kenmare. It's not far away, and may offer you some more options. It's one of my favorite Irish towns!