Quick stop going to Doolin

Geno · Guru

Quick stop going to Doolin

Michele Erdvig · Host

If it is open and not locked up it is worth seeing. I thought the crypts were spooky. Probably worth it just for a photo stop: http://www.zazzle.com/quin_abbey_greeting_card-137548424080992468

Michele Erdvig · Host

Also, nearby Ennis is Clare Abbey: http://irelandyes.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/friday-freebie-clare-abbey/

tony2phones · Guru

Its a long way from Ennis to Quinn.. Yes well worth a look and as you say not a million miles off the natural route from Kilkenny to Doolin. You could cut across over O'Briensbridge and Sixmilebridge but that involves some rural routing.

Geno · Guru

Probably will do that. Also thinking about Cahir Castle (we've been to Cashel before) as a stop also.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Cahir Castle is well worth a visit. The tour is very informative and afterward you are allowed to explore the whole castle on your own, which is fun. I also liked the Swiss Cottage in Cahir, which is a romantic folly.

Geno · Guru

Thanks -- it will probably be less crowded as well. The last time I was at Cashel it was whirlwind of tour buses. Having been there before, we decided to keep on going! smile

Michele Erdvig · Host

Agree completely that big crowds can impact sightseeing in Ireland. One nice thing about the Swiss Cottage is that because of its small size the tours are small also. I have never seen Cahir Castle crowded. But who knows, perhaps you are a tour bus magnet? biggrin

Geno · Guru

I sure hope I'm not! biggrin

The only time I was in Cahir before we stopped and had coffee at a cafe across the street, however did not go in the castle.

-- Edited by Geno on Tuesday 18th of February 2014 02:10:42 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

If the weather is nice and you are up for a walk you can walk along the river from the castle to the Swiss Cottage and back through nice woodlands. Perhaps a mile or so each way. Otherwise it is best to drive.

Geno · Guru

That looks real interesting. A site that I read said it doesn't open up until late March, so is it worth seeing from the outside if that is all that is available? On a nice day I would think the walk along the river would be good.

Thanks

-- Edited by Geno on Wednesday 19th of February 2014 10:36:13 AM

Michele Erdvig · Host

It is certainly a picturesque thatched cottage. However, if it is closed I'm not exactly sure how close you can get (there is a fence around it). They will be able to tell you at the castle or the info booth near the castle.

bdokeefe · Veteran Member

Geno- If you decide to do the River walk @ Swiss Cottage, be cautious if it's closed. We stopped on our first trip and the place was under renovation, so the parking area only had a few cars. No problem, the walk is supposed to be beautiful (and it was).

We got back, we're the only car left and a window had been smashed in. My wife had a small leather bag with $20 US, about 25 E's and a credit card taken from where it was stashed under the seat. I know it should have been in back...but we were kinda lucky, since we between lodging and had everything with us.

I was able to cancel the credit card within 30 minutes, thanks to whoever recommended making copies of all your cards, front and back so you have the phone number. AND have your spouse have a completely different credit card, so the stolen one being canceled is an inconvenience, and not a disaster.

Reported it to the police, the guy was great. We even were able to borrow some plastic sheeting for the window so we could make a field expedient repair. I think we paid 200E for the broken window when we swapped the car out 2 days later.

So, just a heads up. And Cahir Castle is great, you get to explore all over.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Were you parked at the Swiss Cottage lot or near the castle when your car was broken into?

bdokeefe · Veteran Member

We were parked at the Swiss Cottage, which is in the woods.

There were some folks in campers and wagons along the access road....

Michele Erdvig · Host

Probably best to park near the castle as it is a very busy area. Sorry to hear about the break-in at the Swiss Cottage parking lot. You're right that it is in the woods and rather secluded. I am fortunate that I have never had a car break-in ever.