First Trip in Mid-September 2014

BaileysNana · Member

First Trip in Mid-September 2014

Michele Erdvig · Host

Let me be sure I understand the trip correctly. You arrive in Shannon. But where do you depart from? You are spending 7 days in Limerick? Have you looked at a map or the AA Route Planner? http://www.theaa.ie/routes/

If your base will be Limerick for 7 days I think you need to revise your day trip list. That is, unless you don't mind being in the car all the time of several days.

For an interesting old town in the area that is off the tourist grid try Kilmallock.

tony2phones · Guru

Is this a week in a lodge at Adare Manor? sorry but not an enjoyable relaxed time, lots of miles and fuel wasted.

If you are fixed to a deal with AM then you need to reconsider a lot,, if you can make this into a logistical Road Trip you could fit in most but not all on your list.

http://goo.gl/maps/QfTuo

BaileysNana · Member

We have booked a hotel in Limerick - my husband didn't want to change hotels every other night. I thought perhaps plan a different route each day and hopefully see as much as possible. Michelle we are arriving and leaving from Shannon.

tony2phones · Guru

The Cliffs and Galway are achievable adding Kylemore makes it 8 hours + return (just driving)..
To Cashel then Kilkenny and back again achievable, adding Waterford is just too much.
Blarney return is achiveable
Ring of Kerry consider a Tour from Limerick
DinGle ---"-- --"--- or self drive.
Glendalough save till next time..

There are other achievable sights within reach.

-- Edited by tony2phones on Saturday 15th of February 2014 03:54:52 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Had you thought of splitting it up? Perhaps 4 nights in the SW and 3 nights in Limerick? Can you change the plans or are the reservations non-refundable?

Definitely agree to cut Glendalough from the plans. It is all the way across the country in the east and will take too much time. Also, days start getting shorter in Sept. You don't want to drive at night unless just to a restaurant and back.

tony2phones · Guru

A sensible split might be Galway and Killarney which are both good touring bases. with a last night stay by the airport..

Michele Erdvig · Host

Or if 7 nights are needed in one place maybe Killarney with the last night near Shannon. There are just so many different ways to do it.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I'm with Tony on this. Ireland is a TERRIFIC destination, but it does NOT lend itself to a 'Central' base -- particularly if you are trying to cover so much area. I've rented houses for as long as two weeks at a time, but NOT to use as general touring base. My schedule and interests, being more specific and in depth than those of a typical tourist USUALLY preclude massive 'round trip' driving loops.

Unless your husband LOVES driving (I know that I do!), two bases will afford much greater destination flexibility and probably make for a more enjoyable holiday.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Unfortunately, there is really no one spot in Ireland that is a base for doing all of Ireland. So when choosing a base you have to determine to do what is available locally and save the rest for another trip and another base.

wckc · Guru

We totally agree with everyone! We've done a self-catering base in Roscommon for two weeks at a time for our last two trips. It was good for seeing things in the central part of the island, but those trips out to Connemara and the coast made for extremely long days. This time we are planning a base in the central south area, so we can see what we missed on our first trip (mostly a green blur). We have discovered that you really can't do it all at once!

The advice is well worth taking to heart - and will save a lot of heartache and stress.