Fill-in-the-Blanks

murphy · Guru

Fill-in-the-Blanks

Michele Erdvig · Host

Looking good Dan. Have you heard of the Cork City Gaol? I found it very interesting and there is a back way there from Blarney and it is just a couple of miles away. I'm sure your hosts at the White House will direct you if you go there. There is an interesting museum at Cobh and St. Colman's Cathedral.

Judy · Guru

As Michele suggested, the museum at Cobh, "The Queenstown Story". Our GD enjoyed it and also the site of the old pier (now in ruins) where family members departed Ireland.

murphy · Guru

We visited St Colmans and Queenstown Story in 2006. Have edited them into itinerary above. Missed the Cork Goal in 2006 and again in 2010 so also added that. We really enjoyed going thru the English Market in Cork City. All of these additions would be good if we get rained out at Fota and Charles Fort.
Dan

murphy · Guru

Day 4 Sunday Oct 5: Early seating for breakfast and then head west to Glengarriff. First stop Prince August Toy Soldier Factory in Kilnamartyra village west of Macroom. GD wants to do the workshop, choose a casting mold, pour the mold and paint it. Next stop heading west will be Gougane Bara for sight seeing and a light lunch snack. Next stop Kealkill Castle. Arrive in Glengarriff. Check in at Casey's Hotel 2 nights B&B. {103K or 64 miles- 4 hours drive time} (If time take the ferry to Garnish Island, if not take the first ferry in the morning). (Or an early evening drive over Priest's Leap and back!)

Day 5 Monday Oct 6: Take first ferry to Garnish Island (if unable on Sunday). Next a drive out to Mizen Head peninsula. Check out Levi' Bar and old arch railway bridge in Ballydehob. Drive on out to the west end of peninsula. Take the bridge out to Mizen Head Lighthouse. (Light house tour?)

(If time check out Sheep's Head Peninsula). (Find Medieval Church north of Kilcrochane) (and the shrine at top of Goat Path Road for panoramic views of the area). Return to Casey's Hotel 2nd night in Glengarriff. {166K or 102 miles 4-5 hours drive time}

Day 6 Tuesday Oct 7: HUGE DAY!!! Early breakfast, check out of Casey's and head west on R572 to drive the Bearra Peninsula. (Right turn at Adrigole on R574 to Healy Pass if not cloudy/foggy do a u-turn and head back south) then west on R572 to Dursey Cable Car. Take the cable car out to Dursey Island and explore. Next head eastbound on North side of peninsula to Eyeries. (Ballycrovane Ogham Stone-largest in Europe), (Kilcatherine Church/cemetary), (Ardgroom Stone Circle), (Uragh Stone Circle), on to Kenmare. IMPORTANT detour west on N70 to Sneem to visit Dan Murphy's Bar! Back eastbound to Killarney to check in at Murphy's Guesthouse/B&B. {203K or 126 miles. Drive time 5 hours}. Would really have to have all our ducks in a row to do all this, with accurate waypoints preloaded into the trusty Garmin Nuvi GPS!

Day 7 Wednesday Oct 8: Duros tour of Killarney National Park. Load coach at Duros (just around the corner from Murphy's B&B to Kate Kearney's cottage, Pony Trap ride thru Mols Gap, boat ride back thru on the lakes to Ross Castle and board coach back to Duros office. (If time and feel up to it, a late afternoon drive out to Torc Warerfall, Muckross gardens and Abbey). 2nd night at Murphy's B&B

Day 8 Thursday Oct 9: early breakfast (do you see a pattern here!?!). (Torc water fall, Muckross Gardens and Abbey if not done on Wednesday) then on to Ross Castle for tour. Next head for our splurge night at Ballyseedy Castle! 2 possible routes: direct towards Tralee on N22 thru Farranfore OR Westerly route on N70 thru Killgoran. Advice anyone? Anything to do or see on either route? {35K or 22 miles direct/ 45K or 28 miles on west route-30 to 60 minutes drive time) Check in time at the Castle is 3 PM so might as we'll stop early for a change and enjoy the castle!

more to come!

Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

There is a "light station" at Mizen so don't expect a tall skinny lighthouse. You have to walk out to it across the bridge.

I think I would head directly to Ballyseede Castle. With what you have planned for the day you will probably arrive right at check-in time. If you have some time to spare you could drive out to Blennerville to see the windmill. Or in Tralee perhaps the museum.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Our 9 year-old Grandson enjoyed the 'Thomas The Train' inspired, Tram tour of Cobh. His grandparents enjoyed riding up and down the hills -- rather than walking them! biggrin

He also seemed to enjoy our 45 minute stop at Kilcrea Abbey, just off the N22, near Ovens, County Cork.

If you make it to the Goat's Path viewing site on the Sheeps Head, continuing along it will bring you back, into Bantry -- with interesting views of the Bay.

If you have decent weather -- and the time -- the views (and the desserts aww ) --- at Josie's are WELL worth the detour!

murphy · Guru

Michele &Bob,

Thanks for the advice. Will check it all on my old friend "Google"!

Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Here is my blog about Josies: http://irelandyes.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/tea-at-josies/

murphy · Guru

Day 9 Friday Oct 10: After breakfast at Ballyseede, head north on N69 to Talbert & take the ferry across the Shannon River. Take a left on N67 to Killimer, Kilrush, and Kilkee. (If time, tour Loop Head Peninsula, Lighthouse, and Bridges of Ross. Back to Kilkee (if time, 5K Kilkee Diamond Rocks Walk). On North to Lahinch (stop at the cliffs of Mohr Visitors Center if weather is good today and forecast to be "soft" tomorrow). then on to Doolin {138K-86 miles or 188K-117 miles with Loop Head Peninsula}. Check in at Doolin Hostel. Our first Hostel experience. Have reserved a family room, superior Ensuite for 64 Euros. (That evens out the splurge night at Ballyseede! From riches to rags?!?). For 1 night, it will be fine as they have good reviews for their "superior" private rooms. DW wouldn't go for a dorm style situation! Pub grub and then Trad music?

Day 10 Saturday Oct 11: if good weather,we want to do the 5K cliff walk self guided. Will either start in Doolin going south or start at CofM visitors center parking lot heading North back to Doolin, utilizing the shuttle bus or a taxi for the dead head leg. Don't think we will be up to doing a round trip. Do the Cliffs boat ride from Doolin Peer at hopefully noon. (Other option 3PM, but may be too Kate in the day for getting to Clifden)

(Possible stops in afternoon or on Oct 14 from Ennis: Burren purfumery, Caherconnell Ring Fort, Poulnabrone Dolman) definite want to arrive at Ailwee Cave for the guided tour available every 20 minutes, as well as take in the 2 or 4 PM birds of prey flying demonstrations. Final destination for the day, but I have a fear that it will put us thru Galway during the evening rush hour(s). Got caught there once before, but do not see any alternate route or ring road On map???

Check in at A l c o c k & Brown Hotel in Clifden For 2 nights. Not much else planned except Mass at St Josephs Church at 7pm. since it appears to be a full day {149K or 94 miles, estimated drive time 3 hours}

Day 11 Sunday Oct 12: Sky Road. Clifden Castle. Head north east to Conemara Park Visitors center and climb/hike Diamond Hill Loop if good weather. (Kylemore Abbey rainy day option) Drive around explore Rinvyle Peninsula. Killary Sheep Dog Demonstration near Bunowen. (Cong Abbey and Quiet Man Bridge, and Ashford Castle). Return to Clifden for 2nd night at Alc. & Brown Hotel.

Last 3 days upcoming!

Dan

murphy · Guru

We were at Josie's for Tea and Scones in 2010. Really enjoyed it for a mid afternoon stop!

Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Galway shortcut: If you turn left in Oranmore and drive along the bay that is the old road to Galway (before the motorway). It might be less congested than the motorway. It brings you out at Eyre Square (really can't totally avoid Galway). Follow the signs to Salthill and head out the coast road for a few miles. Then turn right to cut across to the N59.

Great views from Josies on a good day. It is interesting seeing what is below the pass through the Kerry mountains.

Did you see Corey's article and podcast about "boutique" hostels? http://irishfireside.com/2014/08/01/best-boutique-hostels-along-irelands-wild-atlantic-way/

yesiree · Guru

I was at Doolin Hostel two weeks ago. You definitely won't be "slumming it" there... it doesn't "feel" like a hostel and the rooms are bright, clean, and the en suite bathrooms are very nice. The rooms look pretty much like the photos you see online, so nothing misleading there; and there's easy onsite parking.

It was included in my list of the best hostels along the Wild Atlantic Way... and as far as hostels go, it's top notch (nicer than many regular B&Bs and hotels) - http://irishfireside.com/2014/08/01/best-boutique-hostels-along-irelands-wild-atlantic-way/.

murphy · Guru

Corey,

Thanks for letting us know that we won't be "slumming it" when we stay at Doolin Hostel! We want to give our GD a variety of Lodging experiences in Ireland. It is good to see that there are options for those who want to visit Ireland on a budget, although that wasn't our primary objective in selecting this accommodation. Doolin was getting pretty booked up for that Friday and this Hostel had a great location for Restaurants Pubs etc.

Dan

murphy · Guru

Day12 Monday Oct 13: depart Clifden, (finish list Cong region from Sunday if necessary). Head East to Tuam, then south to Athenry. One of my favorite Irish songs is "Fields of Athenry". Want to visit that village, Athenry Castle and Priary. Head to Loughrea then on down to Mountshannon to see the Aistear InCealtra. It is a 4.5 acre park which has a maze and a play area for kids. The maze is a pathway or pilgrimage thru 7 distinct time periods, including artifacts and relics. Final destination for the day is Ennis. Staying at Grey Gables B&B. {249K or 154 miles 6 hours drive time? Could shorten this by eliminating Cong stops} {141K or 90 miles Clifdon direct Ennis 2 1/2 hours drive time}

Day 13 Tuesday Oct 14: Ennis Friry, (pick up any missed stops on Oct 10:Burren Perfumery, Caherconnell ring fort, Poulnabrone Dolman, Ailwee Caves & Birds of Prey). Mid-late afternoon shopping for last minute souvenirs. Anything else near/in Ennis that we should not miss? 2nd night at Grey Gables. {100K or 60 Miles 2 1/2 hrs drive time}

Day 14 Wednesday Oct 15: More last minute shopping in Ennis if necessary, head down to Bunratty. Castle tour and Folk Park. Drive to Shannon for mid afternoon or earlier check-in at Park Inn Raddison (they promised me a refurbished room!). Repack luggage/souvenirs for the flight home. Tidy up the rental car. Return to Bunratty for the early seating of the Medieval Banquet at 5:30. Return to Shannon and return the rental car to Hertz. {100K or 60 miles drive time 2 hours; 2 round trips} Final night in Ireland at the Park Inn.

Day 15 Thursday Oct 16: 5:30AM wake up call. 6:00AM Walk across the street to terminal,and check in for the 8:45 AM departure. Arrive LHR 10:15. 5 hour layover

Depart LHR 3:05 and arrive SEA 4:40 PM.

Dan

-- Edited by murphy on Sunday 3rd of August 2014 12:13:20 PM

-- Edited by murphy on Sunday 3rd of August 2014 12:36:13 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Is Brigit's Garden on your list? Your GD may enjoy that.

wckc · Guru

Dan -

The Athenry Priory is kept locked - you have to call and make an appointment to get it opened. You can peek in and see a bit, but if you call ahead and make arrangements (which we didn't do) you can see it from the inside. The day we were there the guy wasn't available to open it for us...we were bummed...

What kind of rate did you get at the Park Inn? I've booked our final night at OAk Wood Arms, but would like to have a hotel right there at the airport instead of a couple miles away...

murphy · Guru

Kieth & Wendy
I got the rate of $100.41 triple (2 adults 1 ten year old). Pre paid non-refundable. Some of the rooms that have not been refurbished are reported to look pretty marginal, so be sure to ask for a refurbished room!

Dan

wckc · Guru

Thanks Dan!

I'm assuming you booked online? Did you request the refurbished room at booking?

-wc

murphy · Guru

WC,

I emailed them a few days after making the on line booking, in care of the reservation dept, and requested a refurbished room. They responded back that they had updated my reservation with that information.
Dan

murphy · Guru

WC,

Went back and looked at the details of the booking. I had made the initial booking thru Roomstays.com and for some reason had difficulty completing the reservation regarding the cc. If I remember right I made the arrangements on the phone to do the cc information. Seems like there was a problem getting the cc transaction to go thru, hence the phone call. The booking conf says that the credit card transaction was done off line. Let me know his your process works out.

We have been very successful doing most of our bookings on line the past three trips. This time however, neither B&B asked for my credit card number to hold or guarantee the reservation. Last time they all wanted it! Maybe Ireland tourism is up enough that they are now not as worried about no-shows? I will make another email contact with all of the lodgings about 2 weeks prior, just to re-confirm all the dates and details etc. then when we are there, since I have my Ireland cell phone, I generally make a phone contact the evening before or the morning of the arrival day....just to make sure! (A way to combat "Murphy's Law"