Look this over, please

Marie · Guru

Look this over, please

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sounds good. Try to visit Belleek on a weekday - more going on then. They have a nice self-service cafe for lunch. All of Donegal is pretty spectacular including Glenveagh National Park. However that is pretty far north of Ballyshannon. The Ulster American Folk Park outside Omagh is very good. If you are into ancient sites Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island has ancient idols.

Near Enniskillen are Castle Coole, Florence Court and Marble Arch Caves.

Looks like you might need more days or another trip! wink

tony2phones · Guru

"am I missing anything spectacular" you only have a few days I've been back and forth for the top end of 50 years and lived here the last 10.. There are places I haven't seen.

If you follow the coast down from Donegal to Sligo there is a side road that looks like a continuation of one of the main roads, this road winds its way towards the coast past a few houses then turns into a Bohreen, if you ignore the grass in the middle of the road rubbing the bottom of the car you eventually reach a gate. On the gate is an honesty box requesting E2 for parking on one of the best secluded beaches I have ever found. If you find it can you please make a note of the GPS settings because having found it once I have spent 10 years looking for it again.

Marie · Guru

Well, Tony....now THAT does sound spectacular! biggrin Looking for a lost, lovely beach....I will give it a try and will surely let you know if I find it. smile

Marie · Guru

So, my family has rightly wondered why we are driving to Galway to get the rental cars (booked with Budget)to drive to Donegal. Their thinking is that we should be able to get closer to Ballyshannon and rent cars there. I have searched but have had no luck yet. Looked at Sligo, Donegal Airport, etc. Anyone know something I don't know out there? If not, I will just stick with Galway.

Thanks,

Marie

tony2phones · Guru

Stick with Galway, the main players could be found at Sligo but Donegal airport is a long way out and possibly only Europecar? I have rented from Derry Airport for Donegal but you would have to get there to rent and where would you drop it back?

Why not just rent from Dublin?

Or rent and drop in Belfast? that way you could go over and down rather than across and up. do the sums it might make sense?

Marie · Guru

Yup. Sticking with Galway. Thanks, Tony. I think I just needed someone to say it. Trying to do this from over here is frustrating, to say the least. Lots of second-guessing......

Marie · Guru

Any recommendations for lodging in Ennis? Just for a night, on the way to the airport. Grey gables is full that night.

Thanks,

Marie

Marie · Guru

Oh, and dinner and some music, too......a fine send off for my daughters. (I am staying an additional 8 days.)

tony2phones · Guru

I haven't made my mind up about Brogans in Ennis, new look, new owners so after 15 years frequenting old Brogans even naming the dog after the place, it might take some time to adjust. It is nice though, I am told the food is good (not eaten there myself yet) and at the moment has music every night (same musicians) as to a place to stay? Glenomra house is a 10 minute walk into the centre and is sat facing St Finnians College so on the main road down to SNN.

Marie · Guru

Thanks again, Tony! I made reservations at Glenomra last night. Hopefully, she will respond with availability today. Great reviews on the place! :)

tony2phones · Guru

Never stayed there myself but my trusted source of local craic (information) down in Ennis always recommends the place..

Marie · Guru

Well, there is no room at the inn I wanted....trying Old Ground Hotel if they aren't too pricey. The site says price is per person. That would make a room where 3 can sleep around 400.00! Awaiting clarification on that.

Any other recommendations for a nice place to stay in Ennis for one night?

Thanks all,

Marie

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

What day/date? Ennis can get busy and pricey on the weekends.

In that case, you might want to stay outside of walking distance in order to save $$$$.

tony2phones · Guru

You are more than welcome to pitch up here if you get stuck there is a 4 berth trailer (caravan) and a 2 berth campervan both in use at the moment though..

The Auburn Lodge is a good option about 15 minutes walk into town and a taxi back. Ashford Court Hotel has reopened and is very handy for town. I would use the Queens Hotel but not on a weekend.

Marie · Guru

Thanks again, Tony. We are booked at the Auburn Lodge. Now...where would YOU spend your last evening in Ennis, flying home the next morning? :)

Thanks, too, for the generous offer of the caravan. Maybe next time!

tony2phones · Guru

Well it wouldn't be in Taylor Quigleys at the Auburn, they have Irish music now and then for tour groups, we call it the one man and a guitar show wink to be fair the tour bus crowds love it confuse

Run through a typical take the visitors out night: 6.30 -7.00 order food off the daytime menu in Brogans or Poets corner (Old Ground) (night time menu starts @ 7 generally 25% more expensive) For a more upmarket option Legends in the Temple Gate or The Town Hall in the Old Ground (although poets corner food come from the same kitchen at 1/2 the price) About 8.30 have a wander around, maybe Diamond's bar (unofficial winner of the Christina's Irish Coffee awards 2014) or over to Knox's (also a food option) someone should tell you where there will be music on the night but this is unlikely to start until 9.30.

You will want a taxi back to the Auburn, best place is probably outside the 2 shop facing the column at the top of O'Connell St.

murphy · Guru

Looks like a bit late for Marie, but for others: we liked Sleepy Hollow a few years back. About 10-15 min walk, located south of main part of town, straight shot, safe, well lit even for after dark/music type of walk.
Dan