Comment on my plans for the first week

Silverstreak02 · Veteran Member

Comment on my plans for the first week

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

At the end of May, daylight will be lasting QUITE late.

Deros Tours offers a small bus tour of Dingle that starts off in Killarney -- If it's all about the driving.

Personally, I wouldn't find a daytrip there by car TOO difficult -- There are, after all, LOTS of opportunities along the way to stop and enjoy.

If you are feeling 'feisty', a drive through the Black Valley and the Gap of Dunloe makes for a very nice evening. I usually START about 5:30 or 6 PM and find that I have the road pretty much to myself at that time.

As to your FIRST week --

The Cliffs are about an hour from Bunratty. If you drove there on the morning of your second day and THEN to Cong -- Google Maps calls it 2 hours and 50 minutes, for 111 miles -- door-to-door, from Headley Court to Ashford Castle -- so, DRIVE time should be no more than 4 hours.

JUST South of Cashel is Cahir Castle and the Swiss Cottage.

Michele Erdvig · Host

That will work. I like Joy's in Cashel because of its location. You can park in their off-street lot and walk everywhere in town and to the Rock. If you want something more upscale try Bailey's.

tony2phones · Guru

Not sure why you are aiming from Cong to Galway so you can take a bus tour of Connemara and Cong (one option) have a night in Clifden after Cong and rather than Galway drop to Kinvara or Ballyvaughan to see the cliffs on the natural run south, aiming for Cashel under Loughdreg over the Killaloe/Ballina bridge. Or have that night on Inis Mor and head for Cashel in the morning either under or over Lough Derg

Not sure what you call the end of May but the Fledh runs in Ennis until the 27th.

Silverstreak02 · Veteran Member

Well I booked one night at the Ashford castle today. That was pricey, but hopefully worth it. The reason for two nights in Galway is to position ourselves for a day trip to the Aran Islands. If the weather is bad my out was touring Connemara. Is this a bad idea or waste of time?

I'd like to see the Rock of Cashel and other sites in the area. Is two nights there a bad idea? The Cahir castle looks interesting and I think I will add that to the list. Thanks for all the help. Does anyone have other suggestions?

We arrive in Shannon May 25th.

Jeff

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ashford is very pricey. It has recently been sold and I understand it is going to be undergoing some renovations. About time because some friends of mine stayed there and were not that impressed with the rooms. Be sure to watch "The Quiet Man" before you go. You will recognize Cong and Ashford in the movie. If you follow signs toward the falconry and go through a tunnel you will find the Dannaher farm from the movie. Just opposite the Abbey is the Playfair cottage. And in town is Cohans. That has been sold since I was last there. I hope the new owner is more friendly to tourists.

I suggest you take the guided tour of Cahir Castle, which is excellent. Once done you are free to explore the castle on your own. About a mile from the castle is the Swiss Cottage. It is unique in Ireland and very romantic. I really like Kells Priory between Stonyford and Callan south of Kilkenny. You might want to take a walking tour of Kilkenny. There are guided ones from the tourist office or you can download Corey's free one on my discount page.

murphy · Guru

The stay at a castle is pricy, but we likewise are going to splurge one night at Ballyseede. We will have to compare notes when we get back!

Dan

-- Edited by murphy on Sunday 11th of May 2014 11:19:30 AM

Silverstreak02 · Veteran Member

Michelle I'll add Kells Priory to my list of things to do thanks

murphy · Guru

Kell's priory is a worthwhile stop. We had a great guide and that definitely allows you to get more information,

Dan

-- Edited by murphy on Sunday 11th of May 2014 11:12:19 PM

-- Edited by murphy on Sunday 11th of May 2014 11:13:05 PM