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Post Info TOPIC: Galway to Killarney
travelbabie


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Galway to Killarney
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Hi, How long does it take to drive from Galway, visit the Cliffs of Moher, take the car ferry from Killmer across the Shannon to Tarbert on then on to Killarney? Assume that we spend 3 hours at the Cliffs. Thank you.



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Csalamy
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According to   http://www.theaa.ie/routes/   the QUICKEST route is NOT via the Ferry (though it IS the SHORTEST).

They state Via Limerick:  167.9 Miles -- Where as, the route via the Ferry runs 148.7 miles.   They also say that an experienced, Irish driver can make the Limerick route in 4 hours and 3 minutes but the Ferry route will take 4 hours and 15 minutes.  One would ASSUME that is only if you catch the ferry departure at the optimal time -- otherwise, depending on time of year, you could add 30-60 minutes to that as 'wait' time.

In reality, given road quality, unfamiliarity and possible distractions, I would 'guesstimate a drive time of 5 to 5 1/2 hours.  If you add in 3 hours AT the Cliffs, a fair guess would be an 8 - 8 1/2 hour day.  The Coast road in Clare is QUITE photogenic.  So, too, is the route through Limerick and Adare -- ALL of which can easily add in additional delays, but MY estimates should allow for a few, quick photo stops.



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Bob

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travelbabie


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Thanks so much, Bob! Do you mean by 'wait' time, that I might not get on the ferry, because it had filled up before I got there? I will be there during hight season, the first week in August.

Is there a website where I can buy tix?

Thanks, again.

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Geno


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You do not need to spend three hours at Cliffs, although you could if that is what you want to do.  If you instead stayed an hour or so -- which I think is plenty of time -- you could continue south and see Loop Head as well, and then go to Killarney via the ferry. Just another option to think about!  Loop Head is remote and wonderful and not commercialized like Cliffs is now.

While you can purchase tickets for the ferry ahead of time, it not really something you need to do. If you do, however, they do offer an online discount. Whatever way you get your tickets, just get your car in line when you arrive and enjoy the journey across the Shannon -- it's a nice way to relax. The wait time Bob speaks of can be that you arrive there just moments after one has taken off, so you have to wait awhile for it to return and board again on your side. The time table for the ferry is here, so you can plan a solid time to arrive there.

Geno



-- Edited by Geno on Thursday 29th of January 2015 09:42:32 AM

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Itallian Chauffeur


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Actually, 'wait' time means you arrive -- JUST as they are pulling away.  furious 

From June 1st through  August 31st, they have a sailing every 30 minutes (except Sundays)on the hour and half-hour but, the rest of the year it is only every hour on the hour.

The website: http://www.shannonferries.com/  Advanced purchase of tickets earns a 15% discount.

In August, you will have more daylight than you will know what to do with!  aww aww



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Bob

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Geno


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I really enjoy getting out of the car and walking around on top of the ferry as we go across the Shannon.  Always seems like I am ready for that moment to relax!



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travelbabie


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Thanks so much, Geno and Bob! I appreciate all the extra notes you add. I'll probably have some more questions.
Either of you know anything about the Fringe Festival in Scotland? That's where I head after Ireland.
Thanks again.


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Michele Erdvig


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Sometimes there are long lines at the ferry although I've never had to wait for the next one once in line. But it could happen. I like getting out of the car and walking around on the ferry too.

Let us know if you have any other questions as your planning continues.

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tony2phones


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If you are heading to Edinburgh in August, Book Now. The city gets packed out during festival month and prices rise with the influx.

Slight caution, take the usual crowd precautions, keep your purse close and closed. Crime isn't a major problem but unfortunately there are those that take advantage of big events where peoples eyes are on the entertainment rather than the crowd around them.

Other than that you will have a great time with a good mix of entertainments, there are lots of sights around and about plus the weather is generally good.

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travelbabie


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Thanks Tony and Michelle. In Edinburgh, should I stay in City Center? I assume I can take public transportation to all the Fringe events, yes?

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tony2phones


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If you are not bothered about high end accommodation then the Premier Inn on Princess St is a good option http://www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/EDIPRI/edinburgh-city-centre-princes-street?cmp=GLBC 

Rabbies run some good one day tours from the City https://www.rabbies.com/one_day_tours_scotland_ed.asp?lng=en Stirling Castle is my must see.

If you are a Ghost or History type then Mercat do a range from the serious to the light hearted http://www.mercattours.com/



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Itallian Chauffeur


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In 2007, we visited Edinburgh for a couple days in June -- So, NO Fringe . . . aww

We stayed in a B&B on the corner of Elder and York Streets, a couple of blocks North of Waverly Station and the Castle.  Only drawback was you had to climb three flights of stairs as there was NO lift.

Didn't mind that too much, until I discovered that EVERYTHING in the city is Uphill -- BOTH ways!  disbelief  disbelief  The Location was PERFECT for us and our stay quite enjoyable.

http://www.elderyork.co.uk/accommodation     The website makes it appear that they might have undergone a change of ownership, so . . . confuse  confuse

Some of our details at the very beginning of this LONG report:  http://ireland.activeboard.com/t12825158/ics-07-voyage-of-discovery-tour/

 



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Michele Erdvig


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Some friends of mine stayed at the Premier Inn in Edinburgh and liked it a lot.

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travelbabie


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Thanks, Michelle, Tony and Bob. The Premier is sold out and am certain I can't do 3 floors, no lift If you have any other suggestions, I'd appreciate your sending on. I'm so glad I found this forum!

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Csalamy
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When we went, this is where I searched for places:  http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/



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tony2phones


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The Waverley http://www.oldwaverley.co.uk/ is a good option that used to have special offers in but not in August.  The problem you have is that Edinburgh gets booked year to year.  Just out of the centre might be easier to find rooms try the Brooks http://www.brooksedinburgh.com/ (recommended by a friend in the UK) 



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travelbabie


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Thanks Bob and Tony. Waverly looks nice. We're also thinking now of an apartment since we'll be there for a week. It never ends!

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tony2phones


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2nd word of warning, a self catering flat in Edinburgh in August is likely to come in at over £1000/week if available. The city is expensive anyway but come August its think of a figure and double it.

Maybe ask on the Tripadvisor Edinburgh forum? http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowForum-g186525-i108-Edinburgh_Scotland.html



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travelbabie


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Good advice, Tony!

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