Trip for 3 generations

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Trip for 3 generations

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Glad to hear you are planning a return visit! Welcome back. biggrin

Will there be three travelers? That will impact your accommodation plans as you will either need two rooms or all family rooms.

Our April 2012 'Irish Wedding' Trip started off via Wicklow. http://ireland.activeboard.com/t49038325/scenes-from-a-wedding-april-2012/

Our June 2011 trip concluded with four days in Wicklow: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t44203126/abbeying-ireland-again/

Maybe some ideas there? confuse biggrin confuse

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Thanks Bob for the sites. It will now just be myself and my mother making the trip next August. She is so excited about the trip. We have gone over some plans for a itinerary and this is what we have so far.

Day 1 Leave Logan Airport, Boston, MA
Day 2 Arrive Dublin, check in to hotel (still looking for a place to stay, close to the center and the HoHo)
Day 3 Dublin for the day
Day 4 Leave Dublin and head toward Kilkenny via Wicklow and the coast. Still working on the route. My mom really wants to see castles, the country and lighthouses. Arrive Kilkenny, stay at the Rosquille House.
Day 5 Kilkenny for the day
Day 6 Leave Kilkenny and head to Killarney, via Waterford and Blarney. Arrive Killarney, stay at Larkingly Lodge
Day 7 Killarney for the day
Day 8 Leave Killarney and head to Ennis. Stay at Grey Gables
Day 9 Ennis for the day
Day 10 Leave Ennis and head to Shannon.
Day 11 Head for home from Shannon airport

If you have some nice places to stay in Dublin, not too pricey, we could use some ideas. My mom has a somewhat hard time walking, so I am hoping to be in the central area. She also would need places that offer walkin showers or handicap bathrooms.

As for the rides from place to place, any ideas on scenic stops, castles or lighthouses, would be greatly appreciated.

I am soo excited about returning and very excited that my mom gets to experience the wonderful scenery and the wonderful people.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Try the O'Callaghan hotel group in Dublin. Most of the east coast is not that spectacular and much cannot be seen from the main road. You have to get off the main road to see the beaches, etc. Have you been to Glendalough? I always enjoy it although it does require walking. Have you seen those canes that turn into a seat when unfolded? Could one of them work for your mother? It would allow her to walk and then sit for a while.

I recommend Loop Head Lighthouse. You could see it on the drive from Ennis to Shannon.

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Well, we have all our B&B's and hotel booked for our trip next year. We finally decided to stay just outside Dublin in Swords, this way we can also see a little of Swords on our first day in Dublin (after a quick nap) and the next day will be spend in Dublin.
We are still trying to take a scenic route down towards Wicklow and yes, we may be stopping in Glendalough as we drive to Kilkenny. Thanks Michele for suggesting it. I wanted to see that area when my husband and I were there in 2014, but Kildare's Horses were the things that I really wanted to see.
Next on our list is getting car rental and airline. I have been reading some of the blogs on the car rental and gps. My husband and I went through Dooley and had no problem with them. Yes, we did use there insurance but for the time we were there, the overall price was not too bad. Glad we used them and I am sure we will be using them again.
As for the gps, we brought ours from home. We bought the update with the Ireland maps for it and it worked perfect. We still have them, so we will be using it again.

So far, this is our itinerary for the trip. Again, if there is anything that would be really nice to see along our way or a better route to take to each point, we would love to hear it.

Swords (2nights-visiting Dublin) - Kilkenny (2nights) - Killarney(2nights) - Ennis(2nights) - Shannon (1night).

Castles, scenery, light houses (Loop Head), Cliffs of Moher, and the Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty are some of the places that are on our list.

Any help with our itinerary and also places to see, is always appreciated. I like finding the little treasures that Ireland has to offer around each bend in the road.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Another option to Swords is Malahide, which I like better. You can get DART right into Dublin from Malahide.

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Well, I just found out that one of our B&B's is not going to be available for us due to a wedding. I know that Michele mentioned Malahide, is there a B&B that you could recommend? I don't have you book right now. Mom has been looking at it. Also, if there is another one in Swords that is recommended we could look into that as well.

As ususal, thank you for all the recommendations.

Geno · Guru

We stayed at this place in Swords two years ago and really liked it. Incredible hosts and a great property. Here is what I wrote in the trip report if it helps you.

In the past when we have flown out of Dublin, we stayed nearby at Bewley's Hotel. Since our flights had been real early, the B&B approach didn't really matter since we would not have been able to enjoy the breakfast. This time our flight the next day was not until noon, so I researched several B&Bs in nearby Swords. We found a great one in Abbeyglenn Cottage! http://www.abbeyglencottagebandb.com/

Easy to get to and only a few minutes from the airport, this spectacular B&B is only 30 euros pps and features a breakfast that rivals Dalys House in Doolin. The gorgeous property is also across from an express bus line going into city center, but we decided instead to kick back and relax in the Swords area that evening instead.

Best regards,

Geno

Michele Erdvig · Host

Beechwood in Malahide is excellent and Joe is a character.

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Well, this trip is all set except for our first 2 nights in Ireland. I am still having a very hard time finding a place to stay either in Dublin, Swords or Malahide. The places are either booked or just too expensive. I did manage to get a hotel near the Dublin Airport but would rather be in Dublin or just outside of it with transportation from the hotel/B&B into Dublin.

I have contacted Beechwood that Michele suggested, but they are booked for the times we are traveling and Abbeyglen Cottage, also nothing available. I didn't think I would have this much trouble finding a place, but I guess I know now that everyone wants to see beautiful Ireland as much as they can.

I am still trying for a B&B in Swords or Malahide, hoping as we get closer to 2016, there might be something available then. But if there is another place close to Dublin with transportation that you can suggest, I would appreciate it.

I just want this to be my mom's best trip ever. She has always wanted to see it and is so looking forward to it.

tony2phones · Guru

Try http://www.pebblemillkinsaley.com/

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

You might consider anywhere along the Dart line. We started out in Bray, in April of 2012. Other options might be Howth, Dalkey, or Greystones

http://www.irishrail.ie/about-us/dart-commuter

A handy map:

http://www.dublintourist.com/maps/dart-and-dublin-suburban-rail-map/

Michele Erdvig · Host

Try searching B&B Ireland for availabilities. There may be something going on in the area that is filling everything up. Also Evergreen B&B.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Another thought. You are booking for next July. Sometimes the booking engines are not set up for that far in advance. Have you actually emailed some of the various places? Unless there is some great event taking place on your dates I am wouldn't think things would be full up yet.

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Thank you so much for all the help, with the suggested B&B's and the links. I was able to go on the B&B Ireland link that Michele gave me and I found a B&B in Swords and we are now reserved.

I do realized that we are a year away, but I just wanted to get at least the B&B's all set, then we just have to wait on airline and get the rental.

Thanks for the help.

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Now that are trip is getting planned, I was wondering if anyone new of some really nice pubs with Traditional music in the following areas or close by; Swords, Kilkenny, Killarney and Ennis.
We are staying in these areas and would like to find that one pub that is not the touristy attraction, a pub that is a place that is lively with locals that will just make you feel at home.
This is one of the things on my mothers list of must do's. This is her first big trip and she is really looking forward to sitting down in a nice pub, enjoying the music and talking with the locals.
I have been looking at some of the other posts and found some good pubs, but it is usually in places that we are not going to be in.
I ask for these locations not only because we are staying in these towns, but because I am the one driving this time and want someplace local, so we can walk to it or that it is not too far to drive. You know those first time American drivers, driving for the first time on the left side of the road and the wrong side of the car, I don't want to take any chances.
I look forward to your suggestions.

tony2phones · Guru

Can't help with Swords.

Kilkenny try Matt the Miller, Lannigans. The Trad Pub Crawl starts in Kytelers and worth a look if its running.

Killarney try O'Connors and Tattler Jacks which both get a mix of locals and visitors, for Tour Bus Trad the Danny Mann.

Ennis Brogans is still good for music and locals but the refurb has taken some of the "feel" newbies won't notice but as a 20yr regular I'm not sure, maybe when the new wears off.. The Diamond bar over the road is definitely a locals bar. You will get music in mixed places, depends on the night, just ask when you get there or give me a nudge.

Avoid drinking and driving over here the limits are unrealistically low.

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Thanks so much Tony.I will definitely take it easy on the drinking. I am not one for too much drinking, but we were just wanting the pub atmosphere, especially for my mom.

I was at the Kytelers Inn last year and I loved it, so that one we will be heading to. We are in each place for 2 nights, so I will see about the other places for the 1st night.

Thanks again!

Geno · Guru

Tony:

Going to Ennis for the first time next March, so I will check back with you regarding the best choices for music! Will try and stay at Grey Gables.

Geno

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Thanks everyone for all the help. I have been going through some things and have come up with a preliminary itinerary for our trip.
29Jul Leave for Dublin; arrive Dublin 30Jul @ 0810 - drive/bus (still not sure if we will get the car right away) to Swords, Highfield House B&B; plan on visiting sites in Swords and Malahide after we drop off baggage.
31Jul - Day in Dublin utilizing the HOHO
1Aug - Leave for Kilkenny via Bray, Powerscourt, Glendalough; staying at Rosquill House B&B in Kilkenny. If this is a good route to take, please let me know. We are flexible, but would love to see things along this route in these areas.
2Aug - visiting Kilkenny areas (Was there in 2014 with my husband, but would love some new things to see/do with my mother and daughter)
3Aug - Leave for Killarney via Fethard, Cashel, Cahir, Blarney (maybe). If time permists, would like to visit each castle. Too much? Arrive in Killarney, staying at Larkinley Lodge B&B. (Toni and Danny are very welcoming hosts and Danny is great with his hand drawn maps/directions to where ever you want to go.)
4Aug - See the Gap O Dunlough via jaunting car ride, Muckross House & Gardens and more of Killarney area
5Aug - Leave for Ennis via Tralee, Listowel (following N69) up to Tarbert then across towards Limerick. Would love to avoid going through the city, but would still like to see King John's castle, is it worth seeing? Staying at Grey Gables B&B. If we still have time, would love to take a trip out to Loop Head lighthouse. My mom love's lighthouses.
6Aug - Cliffs of Moher boat cruise from Doolin, then heading towards Galway, scenic route. Would like to head towards Lisdoonvara, Ballyvaughan, Kinvara on up to Galway. Is this a good route to take? Is it doable? Any help on things to see in these areas is appreciated.
7Aug - Leave for Shannon - tour of Bunratty Castle and folk Park; attend Irish Evening @ Corn Barn. Would also like to stop along the route from Ennis to Shannon at some scenic stops. Would love some ideas.
8Aug Head back to the states.

This is my second try, so I know there will be many more tries to come up with a good itinerary. Please let me know if this is good so far. I know that we will not be able to see everything, but I would like some places along our routes to just see the beauty of the Island and the history that is there. I look forward to hearing your ideas and again, thanks for all your help.

tony2phones · Guru

I used to go via Bray and over Wicklow when picking folk up from Dun Laoghaire its a good option.
Killkenny to Killarney via the castles fine, long ish day but achiveable.
Nice to see Listowel mentioned in an itinerary not written by me but don't take the ferry to double back to Limerick. If you want to visit King Johns Castle then go through the city its not half the bottleneck it was as there is a tunnel under the Shannon that takes the load off. If you want to visit Loop Head then take the ferry, its an either or option in my books. Maybe see King Johns and Bunratty on the 7th.

Some sights in West Clare https://goo.gl/UtW24m

Michele Erdvig · Host

29Jul Leave for Dublin; arrive Dublin 30Jul @ 0810 - drive/bus (still not sure if we will get the car right away) to Swords, Highfield House B&B; plan on visiting sites in Swords and Malahide after we drop off baggage. * You might want a car if you are going over to Malahide.

31Jul - Day in Dublin utilizing the HOHO * Good.

1Aug - Leave for Kilkenny via Bray, Powerscourt, Glendalough; staying at Rosquill House B&B in Kilkenny. If this is a good route to take, please let me know. We are flexible, but would love to see things along this route in these areas * Doable but a long day. Start directly after breakfast.

2Aug - visiting Kilkenny areas (Was there in 2014 with my husband, but would love some new things to see/do with my mother and daughter) * I assume you saw Kilkenny Castle? Did you do the walking tour? You can join a walking tour or DIY: http://www.knockahopple.com/downloadkilkenny.html I highly recommend Kells Priory: Blog There is a lovely scenic drive down the R700 to Jerpoint Abbey and Inistoige (Woodstock Gardens)

3Aug - Leave for Killarney via Fethard, Cashel, Cahir, Blarney (maybe). If time permists, would like to visit each castle. Too much? Arrive in Killarney, staying at Larkinley Lodge B&B. (Toni and Danny are very welcoming hosts and Danny is great with his hand drawn maps/directions to where ever you want to go.) * See how the time goes on this day. Maybe you can fit it all in or skip something of lesser importance.

4Aug - See the Gap O Dunlough via jaunting car ride, Muckross House & Gardens and more of Killarney area. * Fun day.

5Aug - Leave for Ennis via Tralee, Listowel (following N69) up to Tarbert then across towards Limerick. Would love to avoid going through the city, but would still like to see King John's castle, is it worth seeing? Staying at Grey Gables B&B. If we still have time, would love to take a trip out to Loop Head lighthouse. My mom love's lighthouses. * See what the weather is like today. Loop Head is wonderful but you want decent weather. It the weather is bad go via Limerick to see King John's Castle. If you do Loop Head skip the castle and take the ferry instead.

6Aug - Cliffs of Moher boat cruise from Doolin, then heading towards Galway, scenic route. Would like to head towards Lisdoonvara, Ballyvaughan, Kinvara on up to Galway. Is this a good route to take? Is it doable? Any help on things to see in these areas is appreciated. *The coast route is most scenic. Things to see: Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Center, Burren Perfumery, Caherconnell Stone Fort, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Dunguaire Castle.

7Aug - Leave for Shannon - tour of Bunratty Castle and folk Park; attend Irish Evening @ Corn Barn. Would also like to stop along the route from Ennis to Shannon at some scenic stops. Would love some ideas. * Quin Abbey, Craggaunowen, Clare Abbey.

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Thank you Michele and Tony. This really helps. I was hoping that I wasn't too far off on a good plan and that what I had was doable. I will definitely check weather for the areas that you suggested. I have to be careful on some of the things that we see do to my mother being 77yrs old and she is a little unsteady on uneven ground. But she has said she wants to see as much as we can and with myself and my daughter there to help her, I am sure things that are suggested to us, she is going to want to see them.

Yes, I have seen Kilkenny castle, but the others have not. It was my favorite one that I seen when I was there in 2014. I know my mother and daughter will want to see it, so it is on our list of things.

I definitely want to see Loop Head, especially for my mother. Lighthouses are her favorite, her apartment has many pictures of them, so we may skip King John's castle and try to head to Loop Head. I have seen it and the view from it and it is just beautiful, so I must bring her there.

Do you think the route that I listed to go up to Galway is a good coastal route? I have an atlas and it looked pretty good. Just want to make sure that is a coastal route that you suggested or if there is a better one. Galway is the one place that my daughter would like to see as her main choice. I have not been there, so I am looking forward to it.

I have listed a lot to see along our route from Dublin to Ennis and I know that not all will done, but I am hoping that we can see most so their trip will be something that they always remember.

tony2phones · Guru

This map has links to some of the sights in West Clare https://goo.gl/UtW24m takes the R477 along the coast by Fanore and Black head between Ballyvaghan and Fisher Street (Doolin)

Michele Erdvig · Host

Perhaps your mother can bring a folding cane for the trip to help with walking on uneven ground?

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Well, the tickets are purchased and now it is getting more real. I am getting more excited about our trip. I have been making our lists of different places to see and then will be cutting them down to a couple in each place we are staying. Once that is done, if we see something else along the way to our next destination, we will decide if we can stop.
I do have one question for all of you, is it hard or does it require anything special, to cross over into Northern Ireland? My daughter would like to see one of the locations of "The Game of Thrones". It is in the lower part and about 1 1/2-2 hours from our B&B in Swords, so we were hoping to maybe see that after we arrive in Dublin. I know it may be pushing it, after we get off the plane, but can it be done and what would we need. Your help is always appreciated.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Nothing special for going to No. Ireland. Just be sure your car company knows as sometimes it is extra. Depends on the car company. You won't even know when you cross the border from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland. Just that the signs will be MPH instead of KPH. And the route numbers of the roads change. What Game of Thrones site are you headed for?

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Thanks Michele for the info. I wasn't sure what needed to be done. We are probably going to use Dan Dooley for the car rental, so if you know that they require something from us, please let me know.
We are trying to see , "Winterfell, Castle Ward, Co Down". Possibly another site "Riverrun, River Quoile, Co Down". It really depends if you think this is doable. She is a big fan of the series and this is one of her must sees. Again, as long as it is doable.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Why don't you see how you feel on your first day in Ireland after you arrive. Depending on traffic it could take 2 hours to drive to Castle Ward. But remember, if staying in Swords, it is another 2 hours back. That is quite a bit of driving for your first day. Unless Dooley has changed the rules recently they allow you to drive into No. Ireland with no extra charges. But call them to be sure.

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

Well, it is 3 weeks till our trip. We are getting so excited! Everything is booked, plane, b&b's and car. I have a itinerary that with all your help, I think will be doable, but we will play it by ear as we go. I want my mother and daughter to enjoy their time and not walk away thinking "what did I see?" when we return home.
I have one final question in regards to money. We will be getting our money at the airport when we land and I was wondering, because we may drive to Northern Ireland to see a site or two from Game of Thrones (my daughters favorite), does the airport also give the British pounds that we will need if we decide to buy something.
thank you for all the help you have given me with this trip. I now we will have a fantastic time! I am so looking forward to seeing Ireland again. You all are so right about it. It draws you back. You can't help but want to go back and see more and more. You never get enough.