2 couples short visit between cruises

wprater1 · Newbie

2 couples short visit between cruises

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I would suggest the Kerry Airport as a destination: http://kerryairport.ie/

They have flights to/from Stansted and Luton. Once at Kerry, you have access to Killarney, Bearra, the Ring of Kerry. Killarney National Park, Gap of Dunloe and Dingle -- with, or without a rental car.

Another option (For the NW -- Sligo, Mayo and Galway), would be Knock: http://www.irelandwestairport.com/

A lot would depend upon your 'Wish List' and how much driving you are comfortable with.

wprater1 · Newbie

I'll look into getting to Stansted or Luton from Southampton. Kerry sounds like a possibility as we all want to do a bus tour of the Ring of Kerry again and possibly, also, Dingle. A few hours around Killarney would be great. We are thinking of driving up the coast, across the Shannon to Doolin and on to Galway. Don't know if we have time to see Connemara NP. I realize that a lot of this depends on airline schedules to & from Ireland, especially getting back on the 27th as the ship departs at 4:00pm.
We would probably rent a car for the whole time as we like the freedom a car gives us.
While around Doolin, which do you prefer, the view of the Cliffs from land or from boat.
Does any of this make any sense?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

It actually makes good sense, given your time constraints. It's a pity that the Galway Airport no longer serves the UK. You might consider into Kerry and then return via Shannon.

Let us know if we can help with anything else. Michele has some great Lodging recommendations that would suit. biggrin

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Friday 5th of September 2014 02:05:57 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

I like Bob's idea of flying into Kerry and out of Shannon (or vice versa). Then you can cover Kerry and Clare, with perhaps a quick jaunt up to Galway, depending on your itinerary.

wprater1 · Newbie

I like it too! Before I get your itinerary started I tried to get my transportation in place and have found that I am probably too early in planning our air travel. The local airlines I need don't schedule that far in advance. I also found that getting from Southampton to Stansted or Luton took some time and changing train or bus in London. I suspect flying into Dublin on Flybe and either driving or local flight will be most cost effective and waste the least amount of time. Looks like Christmas for Flybe schedules to be up.
How far in advance do I need to reserve B & B's?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Since there are two couples traveling together, I would book the B&Bs a month or two in advance or as soon as you have your flight reservations and itinerary.

wprater1 · Newbie

Thanks so much for all your help. I guess I'll be back in touch to get itinerary and driving directions in January.
Again, thank you.
wprater1