Please help me friends

fennellkevin · Senior Member

Please help me friends

Melissa5 · Guru

Dear Befuddled,
You sound like me! I can empathize.

I don't have your whole itinerary in front of me, but anyway I haven't been to Ireland yet! I too am planning our first trip...for July 2006.

I have combed through the details of our itinerary so many times. Then, believing it to be finished, I "rested". Alas, then I found out the Olde Railway hotel in Westport, which I had booked, is going up for auction, so I cancelled that one and am re-booking a different hotel for Westport. But being forced to change that one hotel has opened up the temptation to change more things!

I think you will have to look at your whole itinerary, and consider the balance of things. Is there something for everyone? Special things for you, and special things for your wife? And for anybody else travelling with you?

I also like to create a balance of big cities vs. small country towns; busy days and slower days; touristy days and off-the-beaten track days. You might want to look at the whole balance, and not just at whether to "lose" Glendalough or Newgrange. That might help you.

I had Newgrange on our original wish-list, but "lost" both Newgrange and Dublin before I came up with the final itinerary.

Good luck to you! Don't give in to the temptation to see only a too-short glimpse of too many places. Don't forget you will enjoy the places you visit when you arrive...it's not like you are going to walk around lamenting, "Oh, woe is me, I can't have fun because I've left out the Rock of Cashel!" (I did, actually, leave out the Rock of Cashel!)

You are planning well, I know because I recognize your name! (again!), and that is why you will love whatever you end up seeing.

Happy travels!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kevin,

In my opinion I would drop Newgrange. As you said it is in the opposite direction from your final destination for the day. Also, once you arrive at the visitor's center you must get your name on a "waiting list" to visit Newgrange. Since the inside of the tumulus is small only a limited number of people can enter the tomb an one time. You could find yourselves waiting for an hour or two (or more) before your tour begins. That really eats into your time. Althought Newgrange is extremely interesting to those interested in ancient Irish history and archaeology, Glendalough has a wider appeal. Plus you can start touring Glendalough as soon as you arrive and not have to wait.

Michele

fennellkevin · Senior Member

Mellissa5: thanks for your good wishes.

Michele,

Thank you so much for your clear advice, which has once again set me at ease, and which I intend to follow. I couldn't help my curiosity, though: why do you say Glendalough has a "wider appeal"?

Kevin

Irisheyes · Senior Member

Fennelkevin- Perhaps you can read about NEW GRANGE in this month's issue of Ireland, Land of the Welcomes. (I hope I got that title right!) Maybe reading it can help you decide. Good luck.

Melissa5 - We needed to make some last minute changes in our schedule too. Somehow the Harley motocycle rally in Killareny, wasn't on our to-do list.

Decided to stay in Kenmare instead and hopefuly it was/is the best choice.

yesiree · Guru

Irish Eyes...good idea to make the move to Kenmare.

Living in Harley's hometown of Milwaukee, I can't help but be a fan of the bikes, but I also have had my share of rallies...the trademark "potatoe-potatoe-potatoe" rumble of a Harley doesn't have the same appeal when one is trying to sleep.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kevin,

Glendalough would appeal to a wider audience. Everyone can enjoy the beauty of the setting. Families like outings where they picnic, barbecue, play sports and hike. Others go for the scenery and history. Newgrange has a narower focus of archaeology and history. Some people will not enter the tomb because of claustrophobia. Hence, Glendalough appeals to a greater number of people.

Michele

China Cat · Veteran Member

I have one or two questions about Newgrange too, as we hope to go during our trip in June.

How bad IS it for claustrophobics? I suffer slightly, but usually if they limit the number of people who go in, I will be okay. but if it is real small, or if they let people squeeze in, I have a little trouble.

Also, I've heard that one way to circumvent the lines is to go on a guided tour. We were thinking of taking one of the guided tours from Dublin, specifically the one led by Mary Gibbons. Do you have any opinions on this? Will we go right away, or will the tour group have to wait a couple of hours.

Michele Erdvig · Host

ChinaCat,

The passage into Newgrange is about 60 feet long. At some points the stones have shifted and at a couple of points you must squeeze between them. Also at certain points (if you are tall) you must watch your head. Maybe stoop down a little. Once you are in the chamber it is pretty spacious with a high roof. It is just the passage that is tight. If you have a problem talk with your guide before entering. They will be able to advise you on the best way to enter.

I have not personally done the guided tours such as Mary Gibbons. I suggest you contact them with your questions.

Michele