Die Is Cast For My NEXT Visit Home!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Die Is Cast For My NEXT Visit Home!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Yea! Now it is written in stone and you can start planning as the info comes in. A few days in Kilkenny would be fun. So much to see and do around there. Plus Carlow is on your doorstep too.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Pulled the trigger on the Car Hire today!

Wanted to rent a Nissan Qashqui, again, as we thought it would be a good 'fit' with the grandson . . .

The Qashqui is a Manual Transmission ( 6 Speed), Diesel, with AC, power Steering and Power windows and door locks. It looks similar to the US Nissan Rogue.

Dooley quoted almost $900. Hertz was offering same for about $675. Figured that I would 'TRY' Avis -- figuring that, If it was Good Enough for Michele (last year) -- It MIGHT be 'Good Enough, for me! biggrin biggrin

Did a 'Pre-Pay' deal, for US $357.28, for 13 June - 3 July!

Now, there WILL be 'Extras' -- 25 Euro, for a Booster seat, 30 Euro, 'Admin Fee, for Waiving the CDW and 9.5 Euro per day, or 59,5 Euro, for the TOTAL rental, for a Second Driver. Avis also will place a 3000 Euro 'Charge', at pick up, as a Damage/Security Deposit (But, Hertz charges 5000). There will also be the Initial Fuel charge, but They ALL do THAT! biggrin

Things are STARTING to 'Shape Up'! biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

Michele Erdvig · Host

That's quite a difference in price. Unless Avis has changed their rules, last year the deposit for waiving CDW and using my MC was a hold not an actual charge. I got my fuel refunded at the end when I returned the car full. Is there an "airport fee"? I would have to look at my paperwork again to see what mine included and the "extras".

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Yes, the difference WAS huge. At first, I thought they were quoting me in Euro! aww

Bear in mind that I'm taking about the Qashqui -- their prices for other models were NOT as markedly different.

There is an Airport Fee -- I think it's about $30. It's supposed to be INCLUDED in the price. Their Fuel Policy is for a full refund, if returned full. None of that, 'Bring it back Empty' nonsense! biggrin

Good to know about the 'Hold' -- But, when overseas, I only use the MC for the Car Hire, so there's plenty of 'room' . . .

I also booked my Last Night's stay at the Premier Inn, Dublin Airport. I got a 'Room Only', non-cancelable rate of 41 Euro. biggrin biggrin

I also Deleted my first Post -- AND banned the IP address for some, "Fake Passport" posting today! biggrin

Yeah, Me! My First, Official Act, as Moderator! biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

Michele Erdvig · Host

Be sure to take your paperwork as they will try to charge you for things at the desk. I had to point out to the clerk that the airport charge was included. I usually use a pink highlight marker to highlight what is included and a different color for extras. You have to be on your toes at the rental desk!

What a great moderator! Thanks Bob. wink

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Further developments -- Our son and grandson's passports arrived and our son booked his tickets. They arrive Shannon at 8:40 on 19 June and depart, same, at 11:30, on 27 June. biggrin biggrin

I have a request in at Mourne Abbey for the two bedroom Farm Cottage, for 13 June - 22 June (9 nights). http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/ireland/IR281_2.htm

We're hoping to spend the Sunday night of 22 June at the Cousin's 'weekend house', in Drimoleague. smile

We have a confirmed booking for a two bedroom apartment at Park Place, in Killarney, for 23 - 27 June. They have a four night minimum, that prices out at 308 Euro. Even though we will only be there three nights, we thought the deal was good -- as two rooms for three nights B&B would work out to 420 Euro. Park Place (at the end of High Street) has free parking and the price includes electricity. http://www.parkplacekillarney.com/

I've also made a query to Headley Court, for two rooms for the night of 26 June. We've been waiting for an excuse/chance to stay there, again!

http://www.headleycourt.net/

So, in summation: Airfare purchased, car hire reserved (and pre-paid), Lodgings underway and partially booked.

Still need to make plans for our 27 June - 2 July, post-guest time. I'm hoping to include a night or two in Kilkenny and/or Kildare, but it's a bit early yet, to commit! biggrin biggrin

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

Things are coming together. I am interested to find out how the Park Place apartments are and whether they are noisy. I usually self-cater in Kenmare rather than Killarney. But they might be an option if we travel again with friends.

Now you have to decide on Kilkenny or Kildare.

Michele

PuzoP2 · Member

I haven't any idea what our day trips will be composed of during our time around Galway, but maybe we'll see you in a pub along the way.

We'll be in Ireland 6/28 - 7/6, and then heading to London for 3 nights. We ended up deciding to take trains from Dublin to Dundalk and back, and then Dublin to Galway. We're renting a car from Budget once we arrive in Galway for 5 days, and then it's the train back to Dublin.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Just received confirmation of availability for the Farm Cottage at Mourne Abbey! biggrin biggrin

We're on for 14-22 June. That gives us a First Night closer to Dublin (Kildare, maybe? confuse ) and then, the next 8 nights near to Millstreet AND the Cousins!

We'll be at SNN on the morning of 27 June, seeing off our son and grandson. Don't have any plans for Galway, this trip, though THAT is always subject to change! confuse confuse

We'll have to see 'Which Way The Wind Blows' aww aww aww

Michele Erdvig · Host

Nice to know you got your cottage secured. The comfortable thing about self catering is you can really "see which way the wind blows" each day and plan accordingly. Sometimes it is nice just to have a lazy day too.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Further developments: Night's lodging for our arrival day is now reserved at the Lord Edward, in Kildare.

http://www.lordedwardkildare.ie/lord-edward I plan to visit Oughterard Round Tower and The Wonderful Barn along the way.

http://roundtowers.org/oughterard/index.html http://timetravelireland.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-wonderful-barn-lexlip-co-kildare.html

Also, Ciaran Wynne is planning a return to Ireland this summer and Mario Corrigan lives just down the road -- AND, his band MAY be playing at Lil's that night! biggrin biggrin

I've also heard back from the ever-delightful Kathleen Browne -- and have confirmed a booking at Headley Court, for the four of us, on the night of 26 June! Haven't been able to stay there since 2010, so we're looking forward to that! biggrin

I still need to decide which way to 'wander' from 27 June until our final night in Dublin, on 2 July.

As to the Round Tower Quest -- I've got 11 to go -- and I hope to visit AT LEAST six, this trip! confuse

Guess it all depends upon the wind -- aww aww

SusanM · Member

We are going to be in Killaloe 14 June - 21 June then down to Skibbereen/Ballydehob for a week. Perhaps we'll cross paths and not even realize it. We'll have our almost 4 yr old son in tow.

From looking at your past trip trip reports, it sounds like you know that SW corner quite well. We are looking forward to Beara and Mizen Head. Any suggestions on a meal we shouldn't miss (I love seafood and Guinness, although I guess G is not a meal in and of itself)? A ruin that might be safe enough and fun for an almost 4 yr old to explore (safely and without doing damage to history)?

Your trip sounds great and like you have found some good deals. We are also traveling on US air, though Philly, but it was the way to get to Shannon with two mileage tix....the 3-3 set up won't be as bad for us since we are traveling with 3. It is a tighter squeeze. I hope you'll get some unexpected extra space on your travels.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

If you are planning to spend a week in Killaloe, be sure to visit Mountshannon. The 'History Maze' of Aistear Park: http://www.clare.ie/attractions/view/gardens-12/aistear_park-718.html is WELL worth a visit and should be a delight, for your 4 year old.

You might also enjoy a boat ride out to Holy Isle and a walk around the Monastic Ruins there: http://www.visitclare.net/holyisland.php

Ger Madden provides an INTERESTING (though, somewhat PESSIMISTIC) experience of the island! biggrin biggrin

My wife and I also enjoyed / found informative and interesting:

A tour of Portumna's Workhouse: http://irishworkhousecentre.ie/

Time spent with the delightful folks at : http://eastclareheritage.com/ It MIGHT be less than ideal for your 4 year old, though? confuse confuse

As to the SW: MY 'Go To' site for all things ANCIENT in Ireland is: http://www.megalithicireland.com/

If you select County Cork (or, Kerry) the site provides comprehensive details and links (complete with directions) to Megalithic, Medieval, Monastic and Military sites. We spent almost a week in Kilcrohane, on Sheeps Head, a few years ago and there are a number of sites around Bantry worth a look.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Donovan (Near the village of Drimoleague)

Near Kealkill (just NE of Bantry): http://carriganasscastle.com/

Near Skibbereen, a visit to Castle Townshend (for the pretty scenes from the pier) could also include a hike to: http://www.ancientireland.org/knockdrum/index.htm

The views from Knockdrum on a clear day are to die for! aww aww Visible nearby are the Three Fingers - a Megalithic row of Standing Stones.

You've probably already seen my Trip Report: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t56586002/old-report-april-2006-the-renewal-tour/

Eateries: O'Sullivan's Bar, in Crookhaven stirs pleasant memories of soup and sandwiches (and GREAT views of the harbor!). The Church Restaurant, in Skibbereen was an all-time favorite and there are a couple of places in Bantry that are memorable: The Snug, the Maritime Hotel and the Bantry Bay Hotel.

http://www.menupages.ie/cork/west_cork/skibbereen/the_church

http://www.mealtime.ie/restaurants/bantry-cork/the-snug/restaurant

http://www.themaritime.ie/en/

SusanM · Member

Bob, Thank you! And, yes I've seen that trip report, and must confess it is on my favorites list in my Ireland folder...we definitely have Mountshannon and Holy Isle on the list.

Any thoughts on Neenagh castle? Roscrea? We are definitely going to Birr, and I like the sound of Portumna. Ah, so much to see in so little time. :)

Thanks again to you and others for the loads of info on the forum.

Susan

tony2phones · Guru

I like the sound of Portumna, as one of our local shopping points. Castle (Manor), Forest Park, Workhouse. Shannon walk, good children's playground.
Roscrea ancient religious centre (has its own cross) Round Tower (ask Bob), Castle.. Orphanage graves.. Nenagh Castle, haven't been in yet but the Heritage centre is worth a look.
Provided we have phone coverage a chat with a localish Dergie might be possible..

CowboyCraic · Guru

Glad to see that you have booked in with Elizabeth at the Farm Cottage. You will enjoy your stay immensely! biggrin

SusanM · Member

Tony - I must ask, a "localish Dergie"? I understand the localish part, Dergie? Clearly I need to find a good lingo source for this upcoming trip. And, yes, Bob does appear to be the round tower expert. :)

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Lough (Pronounced 'LOCK", by the way) and Derg -- ergo, 'Dergie'. biggrin biggrin

While it is POSSIBLE that I might be considered a Round Tower 'expert', since my research has shown that those structures are THE least understood -- I have NO doubt that Tony is well and truly THE Local Dergie (and Area Resident Expert) on this forum! smile smile

SusanM · Member

Thanks, Bob, for answering my curiosity when time differences impede. My husband immediately guessed the meaning. Duh on me! And, sorry to hijack your thread here. My enthusiasm sometimes gets the best of me.

Michele Erdvig · Host

How to pronounce Irish place names: http://www.irelandyes.com/irelandplacenames.html

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Further Updates! biggrin biggrin

Son and grandson depart from Shannon on the morning of 27 June.

We will then drive to Macroom, Co Cork and spend the night at: http://www.riversidepark.ie/

Price is 79 Euro for the night - B&B. It's only a few years old and HAD been closed down, for a while and has only just recently reopened. Reviews are somewhat 'iffy', but the only real 'in town' alternative is booked up. hmm hmm

We will meet my wife's sister, brother-in-law and grandson for dinner that night, before they 'move on', to Ennis. This will be the last night of their 4 night stay at: http://www.coolcowerhouse.ie/Gallery/ . It's a bit too far out of town for my taste, though.

I have a tentative booking, for 28 June - 3 July at: http://www.rent.ie/holiday-homes/Property-11049-Millstreet-Co-Cork/32837/

Price was 256.45 Euro for part or all of the week. We'll probably depart after either 3 or 4 nights, though, as we're booked into the Premier Inn for the night of 2 July, preparatory to our 3 July flight home. Looks like an interesting place that's close to Millstreet and Macroom (and the Cousins!) PLUS ---

My genealogical research has yielded some TANTALIZING info and clues that DEMAND to be investigated! aww aww

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Now approaching two weeks from departure and a few changes have sprung up! cry biggrin cry

Original plan was to arrive on 13 June and drive to Kildare, visiting the Wonderful Barn and Oughterard Round Tower along the way. This was PARTLY selected to provide an opportunity to visit with Ciaran Wynne and Mario Corrigan -- but have just discovered that Ciaran won't be back in Ireland until later in the month! furious furious

Consequently, I canceled our reservation at the Lord Edward and booked into the Aspect Hotel, in Kilkennny. http://www.aspecthotelkilkenny.com/

Got a pretty decent deal for a Friday night in June -- 80 Euro, B&B -- with a Guaranteed Early Check In, by Noon. Since I booked Direct -- they are even 'throwing in' a Welcome Drink! biggrin

Because of this, I'm scrapping plans to visit the Wonderful Barn -- but will ADD a stop into Castledermot for the Monastic Site and Round Tower. After our two hour nap, I plan to visit (and CLIMB) the Round Tower at St Candace's -- as well as enjoying a few other of Kilkenny's delights! biggrin

This way, on Day 2, I'll only need to 'swing by' THREE Round Towers on our way to our Cottage in Mourne Abbey. So, I just MIGHT actually have a shot at 'Sticking To The Plan' -- at LEAST as far as the 'Round Tower Quest' goes. biggrin biggrin biggrin

Hopefully, we'll reschedule the Kildare meet up for later. Need to see those guys, even if they make me feel like an untalented slackard. Ciaran has some new tunes and Mario has just released ANOTHER book! confuse confuse

Some dramatic progress has happened on the Genealogy front, as well! I've made contact with a fellow named Mike that is living in Washington State, who is the current owner of a house just two doors down from the one my wife's Great-Grandmother was born and raised in. He inherited it from his mother -- she was BORN there. Also, co-incidentally, his Second Cousin is the current owner of the Big Farm that my wife's Great Grandfather worked at, for a number of years.

The Cousin is also an Amateur Historian (!) who knows MUCH about the Townland and the immediate area. I'm currently working out a 'Meet and Greet'. Mike also knows the current owners of the Ancestral home and is sending me contact info. PLUS -- Mike's mother was Best friends, growing up, with the NIECE of my wife's Great-Grandmother -- a Nun, who currently lives (he thinks) -- in Dublin!

This could all get QUITE interesting! biggrin confuse biggrin

Michele Erdvig · Host

Glad to hear you have been able to shuffle the deck according to the new circumstances. That's wonderful news about finding new relatives. Ireland is a small neighborhood. It seems that everyone knows everyone else.