New thoughts on new plans

Roy · Guru

New thoughts on new plans

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I feel your pain. We've flown ex-DUB the last few years for those exact, same reasons. With the completion of the Motorways (more or less), it really has become a viable option. My wife's family mostly lives in East Cork and the stubborn refusal of the Irish Roads Department to address the N20 means that it takes nearly as long to get to the cousins from SNN as it does from DUB. cry

I still prefer the atmosphere and scenery at SNN, but (living where we do in Florida), in addition to the 3&3 seating, flying into SNN also requires traveling issues (multiple stopovers, departure logistics and expenses) that are less pronounced if we fly into DUB.

It DOES require some planning mods, though.

Since the stay in Dublin is essentially FREE, though -- perhaps you could justify a 1 week, self-catering, somewhere in the West?

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Wednesday 15th of January 2014 10:06:54 AM

Roy · Guru

Hi Bob,

My wife wants to see Giants Causeway, so our travels might take us that way. Inmmediate family is in Co Westmeath and Co Longford, with nephews and neices in Limerick and NI as well. Most of out prevous trips have involved the West, so that might be off the table this year. Once I figure out exactly where my SIL's Dublin house is located, I can better make transportation plans. We haven't been to Dublin since 2008, so we'll plan on a couple days in the city.

Geno · Guru

For us, Aer Lingus is the only airline we can fly non-stop on, and that actually makes Dublin manageable instead of one or two stops and higher prices to Shannon. It would be great if that airport gets some other airlines going in there again so prices could be somewhat competitive again.

Roy · Guru

Our only non-stop option Geno is Dulles to Dublin, United, 757, and very expensive. I really do get tired of layovers in Boston.

Geno · Guru

The older I get Roy, it appears the layovers bother me more. This will be our sixth trip, and last year I saved about $100 by going from Dublin-Amsterdam-Chicago coming back. Will not do that again! This time a direct flight from Chicago, landing in Dublin 6.5 hours later. It's worth the trouble of going in and out of the Dublin Airport. I do long for the old days of direct flights into Shannon ... maybe again someday from where we fly.

-- Edited by Geno on Thursday 16th of January 2014 09:36:09 AM

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Geno -- I'm at THAT stage too -- PARTICULARLY on the Return Trip layovers! cry cry

My wife has a SERIOUS fear of flying -- Take Offs and Landings, mostly. It got worse, in 2004, when taking off from Logan, our Aer Lingus A330 got caught in the 'jet wash' of a 767 and our plane shook violently and then, dropped a couple thousand feet in a second or two.

Where we live, in Florida, our local airport requires flying into Atlanta (Delta), Charlotte (USAir) or Miami (American) via various, small jet (50-60 passenger), 'Shuttle Airlines', like ASA, or Mesa. Tampa or Orlando is a 2+ hour drive away and Jacksonville is about 1 1/2 hour. Usually, from THOSE, we can connect to either Newark, JFK or BOS. Aer Lingus USED to offer Seasonal, limited flights from Orlando to DUB, non-stop, but ...

In the EARLY years (when I was younger, dumber and working -- with 'tight' vacation limits) we would fly via JAX or MCO and I would make the EXHAUSTED drive home, immediately upon return. As that proved too much, we tried the Park-Fly-Sleep model -- opting to fly into Orlando, 'Crash' at the Hotel and then, drive home the following morning. That was Cost-Effective, as the cost wasn't all that much more than the Parking cost, at the airport. It STILL 'Cost' me a vacation day, though! furious furious

Flying from the local airport costs about $100 - 200 per ticket MORE than from either JAX or MCO, but is SO convenient and time-saving and we can usually avoid parking fees. Delta offers direct ATL-DUB flights, on a 767 and USAir has direct, CLT-DUB flights -- but, they use a 757 -- so, now-a-days, we usually fly Delta, with our ONE layover in ATL.

Unfortunately, that effectively puts SNN off the table . . . cry furious cry

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ten minutes from Dublin Airport sounds like Swords to me. But maybe off in another direction too. The free house sounds too good to pass up. There is plenty to see in Dublin, Meath, Louth and surrounding areas. The highway system around Dublin is pretty straightforward (although roadworks seem never ending). There is bus service in and around Dublin, and of course LUAS and DART. I suppose you need to locate the house first.

I, too, prefer a non-stop if possible. For me that is from Atlanta on Delta to either Shannon or Dublin. But my husband gets passes on United so that means a stop in Newark or Dulles. Depending on the other flights we sometimes will overnight and continue on (or home) the next day. 24 to 48 hours without sleep doesn't go over to well at this stage. Maybe when I was in my 20s.

Roy · Guru

It's in Whitehall Michele. We will definitely use as a base for part or all of our trip! Maybe some 1-2 night excursions, such as Giant's Causeway since that seems to be on my wife's to do list.

-- Edited by Roy on Thursday 16th of January 2014 06:40:07 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Whitehall is just south of Santry (car rental returns) so would offer easy access to the north as well as going into Dublin City.

If you have not been to the Giant's Causeway or Antrim coast before you are in for a treat. It is one of Ireland's most scenic areas. I am also partial to Co. Down and the Ards Peninsula. Found a fab country farmhouse retreat last trip (80 acres, on a lake, walks, etc.) outside Downpatrick. Let me know what is of interest and we will get it planned.

Roy · Guru

Probably a two night side trip to NI to see Giant's Causeway etc. B&B/town recommendations welcome as always. I prefer walking distance to pubs.

tony2phones · Guru

Avarest Guest House Portrush. works for us.

Roy · Guru

Thanks Tony- Portrush was on my radar.

tony2phones · Guru

Think Murphy stayed there last year on his NI/Scotland trip.

Michele Erdvig · Host

In Ballycastle I've inspected Fragren's and found it nice. Simple clean rooms and right around the corner from the village: http://fragrens.co.uk/ If you feel like a splurge maybe Bushmills Inn. Or go with Tony's rec in Portrush.

I hope you get to the Dark Hedges, which is inland but in the area of the GC.

Roy · Guru

Ballycastle looks nice.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ballycastle is a very small village right on the ocean. The Marine Hotel (across from the beach) may be of interest. I believe it has recently re-opened.

murphy · Guru

Roy,

Yes, we did stay at Averest in Portrush, and it was a great location and comfy facilities for us. Could even base there for 2 nights and take day trips east, south, and west and take in a couple days worth of great sights.

Dan

murphy · Guru

Can't get this to edit tonight, but just want to add that this was a good place to be able to park your car when you get back, and then have an easy walk to pubs, restaurants, shopping etc.

Dan

Roy · Guru

Thanks Dan.

Roy · Guru

One major decision taken care of- Airfare and travel dates are complete. We'll be traveling 1 July to 16 July. Dulles-JFK-Dublin. This will be my first flight to Dublin due to having use of my sister-in-law's house in Whitehall. Bypassing Boston Logan will be an added bonus.

It's time, of course, to start mapping out plans for the two weeks. I'm only going to rent a car for the days we'll be on the road outside of the city. My wife is on the fence if she wants to go to NI and Co. Donegal or head SE. Day trips, short (1-2) overnight, a week long journey- so many questions, so many opportunities!

-- Edited by Roy on Saturday 15th of February 2014 10:40:28 AM

tony2phones · Guru

Anything on here of any use? http://goo.gl/maps/WsMPW

Roy · Guru

If we go into NI, it will be most likely for two nights to see Giant's Causeway and the like, then possibly over to Inishowen Peninsula for 2-3 more nights in Co. Donegal. Also on my wife's wish list is Co. Wicklow including Glendalough. This will mostly be a Dublin based holiday this year Throw in family in Co Longford and Co Westmeath, as well as friends in Howth and Tramore, some of whom might come to Dublin to visit.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Glad to hear your plans are firming up. One nice thing about staying put in your SIL's house is you can probably let weather determine when you will rent a car and go.

Let me know if you need a rec for lodging just outside Longford town. I found a really neat place last time.

Roy · Guru

If we go to Longford, we usually stay with my SIL & BIL (different SIL) in Drumlish, but thanks for an offer. Yes, I'm only going to rent a car to the minimum.

Michele Erdvig · Host

A free stay! That's even better. biggrin Gives you more money for future trips.

Roy · Guru

Free stay in Dublin, free stay options in Longford and Westmeath, plus some other offers from nieces elsewhere (but less likely to take up on).

Roy · Guru

Now, herself wants me to research Glendalough as a 2-3 night getaway from Dublin. Looks like plenty of outdoor opportunities.

Also, I noticed that Glasnevin and the National Botanic Garden are close to Whitehall. My wife just told me that she once lived in Phibsboro.

Roy · Guru

Currant thinking is maybe skip renting a car and look for workarounds since this is now a Dublin trip. I'm thinking a three night stay in Glendalough taking the bus (Tony?). Michele, I see you have recommended Pinewood Lodge. You said it's a mile from Glendalough. Would you consider it a safe to walk location? Other accommodation recommendations? Pinewood Lodge looks very nice.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Roy --

Michele's rec for Riversdale House might be a good one. We rented their self-catering cottage for 3 or 4 nights a couple of years ago. They have transport to a nice, local restaurant and a 'stepping stone' bridge to walk to the monastic site, via a nice, wooded path. If all you wish to see is the monastic site, it is ideal, but I think a car would open up a LOT of possibilities, nearby.

Wicklow Gap, Military Road, Russborough House (I'm a BIG fan of the Wergiwood Shop there!), Avondale House and Gardens . . .

Ferndale House, in Enniskerry (another of Michele's picks) is located in town center, but near Powerscourt.

Bob