Here's the plan...does it work?

Shawn · Senior Member

Here's the plan...does it work?

Irisheyes · Senior Member

Shawn,
What I've learned here is that it's probably more relaxing to stay a couple nights in a single spot rather than a different place each night. It looks like you have two nights in Dublin, and the others are single nights? Probably easy enough to do on a honeymoon, we are going a little slower since we have kids.

What is the attraction or Cork/Cobh and Limerick? Is it primarily to be within range to some outdoor sites like you mentioned ? I haven't heard anyone recommend Limerick or Cork, so that's why I'm asking.
It looks like we will drive through Cork, but we didn't plan to overnight there. Have a great honeymoon. I'm sure it will be a memorable trip, whatever you decide.

Irisheyes

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

First, congratulations on your upcoming marriage and honeymoon in Ireland! Can you tell me what time of year you will be in Ireland? That will make a big difference as to how much you can do each day.

So far what you have outlined is pretty fast-paced. It would be more relaxed if you planned on more multiple-night stays. There is a lot of driving involved in your plan. Rememember, in Ireland, you will average 35 mph. It is a small island but reality is that you can't see it all (or even a portion of it) in only 9 days. Perhaps some readjustment will make it an itinerary that will better fit your needs and expectations.

Michele

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig at 23:33, 2006-01-14

Shawn · Senior Member

Thanks for the responses. If we were to stay a couple of nights in more places than Dublin...which places would you recommend? Is it still possible to cover this same general area with different time frames in mind? Irisheyes...I thought Cork was a main city with lots of culture in Ireland, but this is my first trip there so I don't know. Limerick is where my family is from. Maybe we could add one more day...$$$.

thoughts...?

Irisheyes · Senior Member

Shawn,

Maybe you could see Cork county, but not the city. I hear the city is hard to get around in and just a smaller version of Dublin. I'm hardly the expert, but that is just what I've read here. We're doing a 10 day trip too. Check out my link here and see if it suits you - The link is Dublin to Dingle.. 2 kids in tow.

If your family hails from Limerick, possibly cut something else out and stay there longer? You don't have to plan another day, just make another trip to Ireland for an anniversary. Good luck!

Irisheyes

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

What time of year will you be in Ireland? In summer daylight lasts till 11 pm; in winter it lasts till 4:30 or 5 pm. As you can see from that, you can do a lot more at certain times of year.

What sights are most important to you? Make a list with the most important things first. Cut out the rest. Much as I love Kilkenny you may want to consider cutting it entirely. You must be ruthless in paring down your itinerary.

Forget Cork City, you will have enough with Dublin.

Michele

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig at 18:49, 2006-01-15

Shawn · Senior Member

Whoops. Michelle, we are going in July of this year.

So far our sights are pretty standard, due to the fact that we just don't REALLY know what is there. So...

1) Dublin....castle, guinness, book of kells, etc.

2) Powerscourt Gardens

3) Glendalough

4) Waterford Crystal

5) Blarney Castle & Woolen Mills

6) Ring of Kerry

7) Dingle? (I had not planned on this, but it is so highly recommended on this sight)

8) Limerick (family reasons)

9) Cliffs of Moher and the Burren

* we are doing a hot air balloon ride...location determined by weather.

* I would like to see some caves and ofcourse various castles.

Any recommendations along that path would be most appreciated! Thanks for everything.

shawn

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

You can probably fit all those into your trip. Why don't you post a proposed itinerary and I will be happy to comment on it. Or if you prefer: http://www.irelandyes.com/itinerary.html

Michele

Maggie L · Senior Member

Shawn,

I agree with Michelle that, with a rather short visit to Ireland, doing Dublin and Cork isn't practical. But for the record, Cork was selected as European City of Culture 2005, so you weren't wrong to think of it as an interesting place to visit sometime --- it's just not usually at the top of people's "To See" list. And the area around Cork (Cobh, Kinsale, etc.) is great.

Most of the other places should be do-able in the time you have.

Shawn · Senior Member

thanks everybody...very helpful.

Before I map out an itinerary...what places would be 'must lodge' places that I may want to focus on? Dublin will be two nights, but from there what places are ideal for culture, lodging and the attractions I listed above? I'm realizing that I have no idea...

Michele Erdvig · Host

Shawn,

It really depends on what you are planning to see each day. Heritage Ireland has a site that tells you the approximate time of visits to their sites: http://www.heritageireland.ie/ Then determine the driving times, time for lunch, etc. That will give you a pretty good idea of where to overnight along the way. (Remember, 35 mph!)

I will give you a head start. If you want to see Powerscourt and Glendalough on one day that can easily eat up the whole day, especially if the weather is good. You could consider an overnight in Glendalough or you could push on to near Waterford. But that would be a very long day.

Try to map it out like that, do a bit of homework and research and I will be happy to comment on any itinerary you come up with.

Michele

Shawn · Senior Member

Thanks Michele,

I've ordered your book and am excited to get a good itinerary together. I'm now looking to spend multiple days in various areas. Thanks again...I'll post something when I have it together.

shawn

-- Edited by Shawn at 22:53, 2006-01-18