In an effort to connect my daughters to their Irish family, I am traveling with them and their spouses to Dublin on August 28th. We will stay with a friend there for 4 days. While there, we plan to visit the following (specific days are not determined, as weather will play a part): Guinness Brewery ( a must for them), Kilmainham Gaol, Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College, a day trip (ALL day) to the Giants Causeway. We will then take the train to Galway, and pick up 2 rental cars and make our (careful) way to Donegal. My family lives in Ballyshannon and Rossnowlagh. On the way from Galway to Donegal, I think we will stop at Drumcliff and Creevykeel. With Ballyshannon as a base, we can visit Bundoran, Slieve League and Beleek. I also thought we could do the Horseshoe Drive one day. We will be in Donegal together for 4 days. Then my daughters will return to US from Shannon. I will remain in Ireland for another week, and will leave from Dublin.
So....my current questions are:
Which electrical adapters are needed? (cant remember) and...
What would you recommend for ME, alone, to see once I drop off my daughters at Shannon Airport, and make my way back to Donegal?
Something not included already, of course. What about the Burren? I could easily spend a night somewhere on the way back, if needed.
The countdown begins. Yes, been to Glencolmcille. It is pretty remote but lovely rugged scenery. See where the day takes you when you are there. The Glengesh Pass is a nice drive.
Have you been to Achill Island before? Might make a nice overnight on the way back north. How about a guesthouse right on the beach?
Depending on your electrical items you need the adapter with three prongs that plugs into Irish outlets and a converter if your items need to convert from American to Irish current. Read Bob's article on my Blog.
Keep in mind that the matchmaking festival is on in Lisdoonvarna during your travels. Might be tough to get reservations in the Burren.
I have been to Achill. I have a 52" X 36" photo (mine) of the cliffs on the wall over my fireplace. I remember it being one of the happiest times I have spent.
There is the Burren in West Clare and you could head for Loop head from Shannon and work your way up the cast to Kinvara for the night or maybe Oranmore if you don't fancy Galway. Or go off piste, start with Quin Abbey and head up to Portumna on the Lough Derg drive, give a wave up the hill as you pass Gurtenee its only one valley over. You could overnight in Portumna or Ballinasloe or Roscommon at a push.
Never been to Glencolmcille other than passing through to Malin Beg, now that's a hidden gem of a cove.
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
My advice -- for what it's worth -- on something you noted. If you have a clear day, the view from the Gravity Bar at the top of the Guinness location is worthwhile, so if they want to go there, then why not. If it is rainy, however, save the euros and do something else.
It's not really a tour at all, and you in essence end up spending about 18 euro for a beer. We were not impressed.
Whatever you decide I'm sure you will have a great time with your family!
Geno
-- Edited by Geno on Monday 24th of August 2015 08:48:35 AM