Gail,

With 8 people traveling together, I would suggest making reservations where possible. B&Bs don't have all that many rooms and in order for the group to stay in one place the logistics demand planning. You might also want to consider how the group will communicate with each other.

Where possible it really makes sense to spend multiple-nights instead of packing up and moving on each day. Do spend two nights in Galway and use it as a base for Connemara.

For the Milltown portion of your trip I really suggest Killarney. The places really close to Milltown like Castlemaine and Kilorglin are very small and don't offer a lot of lodgings, restaurants, etc. Killarney will be an excellent base and not too far a drive between the two.

Wednesday - Cobh, maybe Blarney/Cashel.  Not sure whether to overnight back in Kinsale or start heading back toward Shannon.  * Cashel would be ideal.

The 2006 Coupon Pack is ready, however some of the coupons have changed for 2006. For instance, I don't yet have any coupons for the banquets or Bunratty Irish Night, Knappogue Castle, etc. Many other venues have been added (such as theaters, festivals, music shows and other events) so perhaps it will compensate. If you are interested in golfing please let me know. I do have golfing discounts available but will only send them as a special request since I have a limited supply. The later in the year you can wait to get the Coupon Pack, the more will become available. If you will order about two weeks in advance of your trip you will get the maximum available at that date.

This is the ordering page: http://www.irelandyes.com/couponinfo.html Or you can order via Pay Pal: http://www.irelandyes.com/paypal.html
 
I will be updating my website shortly to reflect the changes for the 2006 Coupon Pack.
 
Michele
 
P.S. Thanks so much for your lovely comments about my book and the forum!
 
 

I don't know what your experience of planning trips for groups of friends is.  But in case it's worth anything, I have a couple tips.  I planned a trip last year for 5 friends, and we had a great time.  But generally, it's a good idea to have a plan, otherwise you spend lots of time milling around, getting nothing accomplished.  Most people are happy to have things planned for them, and really don't want to be presented with choices--they'd rather just happily go along.  At least, that's been my experience.  Also, with that many people, as has been said, you will not be able to stay together unless going to hotels or guesthouses.  However, you should easily be able to stay in 2-3 different B&Bs that would be near each other.  It's another thing that I think is best planned beforehand, just so you don't waste time.  On my own, I never book ahead, but with a group it's easier.