March 2013 Ireland Trip

Michele Erdvig · Host

March 2013 Ireland Trip

geo_wally · Newbie

Hi, I know it's last minute but I stumbled across this forum and there seemed to be such good advice. Just throwing out my itinerary to see if anyone has any suggestions for revisoins/improvement. Everything I have booked can be canceled and revised if needed.

I am traveling with my mother (she is 70 and I am 46) to Ireland for one week (leaving a week from Tuesday) to visit my daughter who is studying abroad at University College Cork (and also travel/sightess).

March 13 - arrive Dublin, stay at Ariel House, rent a car (tentatively booked/reserved through Dan Dooley)

March 14 - drive to Waterford, meet my daughter there, and stay in Tramore at Killerig House

March 15-17 - drive to Cork with daughter, staying at Fernroyd House in Cork - daughter will show us the sights - anticipate trip to Kinsale, possible Blarnery stone, St. Patrick's weekend

March 18 - drive to Doolin and staying Aille River hostel. Hoping to drive up the west coast, seeing what we can in this time. Right now, the things I am most interested in are Cliffs of Moher/Doolin Cave/Burren/Aran Islands. This part of trip is most open ended and advice is needed!

March 19 - Drive back to Dublin and stay at San Juan B&B the night before catching our flight back US.

Things we are most interested in - local culture, especially Music/pubs. Any local pubs with spontaneous irish music would be greatly pleasing! (one reason I though Doolin seemed appropriate). Also, I am a geologist and am intereted in any geological sights (caves, Burren, cliffs, etc.).

Melissa

geo_wally · Newbie

Thanks Michele. The dates in Cork are the least flexible as that is the weekend and I will want to spend it with my daughter. She will be in class (presumably) during the week days. I realize I am probably trying to cram too much into the last part of the trip and probably won't get to do/see everything I would like. I have no idea what route would be good to travel from Cork to Doolin and am open to suggestions.

tony2phones · Guru

Cork to Doolin is a heck of a drive. Being Honest I would stay south of the Shannon, and probably in the South west, The Beara peninsula is a particular favourite of mine and would make for less time inspecting the car interior.

Green Dragon · Guru

I second the suggestion of the Ring of Beara - it's beautiful, uncrowded, and very much still authentic Ireland.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Yes, I thought that perhaps Cork was not able to be changed. Beara is a good idea. You could consider Dunmore Cave about 10 miles from Kilkenny on your drive down to Waterford.

geo_wally · Newbie

Is Beara something that can be done from a home base in Cork? Another option could be to go from Dublin to Doolin and then end up in Cork on March 15, but I guess that still only gives me one night. It's the Cork in the middle that is a problem (except it really is the point of the trip to visit my daughter in Cork!). Will look into Dunmore Cave for sure!

So not sure.

Michele Erdvig · Host

If you want do do a day trip from Cork I suggest the coast of West Cork and perhaps the Mizen peninsula. Personally, I would delete Doolin. Do it on another trip. Remember, you can't see everything. The most important time is with your daughter.

Judy · Guru

If you decide to skip the Burren, Aillwee Cave and the Cliffs of Moher, remember there are many geological sites on the Dingle Peninsula and Crag Cave in Castleisland which may be of interest to you. Those places are much closer to Cork on this trip.

I say "this trip" because Ireland will call you back once you have been there. Next time you can see more.

CowboyCraic · Guru

I would also suggest skipping teh West Coast this trip...

There are so many geological treasures in Cork to satisfy your wish:

Temblebryan Stone Circle

And for wildlife:

Fota Park

Doneraile Wildlife Park

The Donkey Sanctuary

for Caves:

Cloyne Cave (Longest in the County)

Mitchelstown Cave

Cuas Pier Caves

tony2phones · Guru

What would be a real shame would be if you geared everything about coming up here to see 1/4 mile of Cliff only for it to be pouring down and blowing a gale..quite possible in March. The same could be true of most the Atlantic coast but it's not worth it, I decide a couple of hours before if its worth the 20 mile drive with guests coming all the way up from Cork is a gamble.

geo_wally · Newbie

Thanks for all of the helpful advice. After careful consideration, I cancelled Doolin and booked somewhere closer to Dingle, trying to keep the driving down and the enjoying Ireland factor up! I know there will probably be too much packed into the trip anyway. Hopefully I can return (maybe with my daughter) someday.

Michele Erdvig · Host

I hope that works out for you. Let us know how it goes and what you were able to fit in when you get back. We would love to hear about it.