Adare traffic

murphy · Guru

Adare traffic

Ande · Veteran Member

I was just there last Friday. There was heavy traffic in the late afternoon. I was en route to Killarney with no time for Adare, but I saw enough that caught my eye that I believe it would be a good stop for a couple of hours, even with traffic.

A bypass would be a win-win for the town and people trying to get somewhere else.

Michele Erdvig · Host

On weekdays Adare has traffic at the rush hours. I spent a week there several years ago and loved the village. It gets a bad rap as "touristy" but once the tourists leave for the day it is different. There is parking behind the Heritage center and beside the Dunraven Arms Hotel.

Besides the thatched cottages there is a lovely park in town. I was going to suggest lunch at the Adare Manor golf club and then a stroll around the gardens but I see that it is closed for refurbishment at the moment. I would recommend Pat Collins Bar instead. Great little pub.

I think it would make a good stop on your first day.

Judy · Guru

Dan, do not skip Adare. We have always headed that way after an early morning flight. Always found parking on the street or parking lot. BTW, Adare is the main highway, unless they have built a by-pass since.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Judy -- They haven't, although since this was an election year they have once again PROMISED to! biggrin biggrin

The traffic really is only bad twice a day as workers drive through -- to and from Limerick as it IS the main route between Limerick and Killarney (and Tralee). If Dan is coming through at mid-day, I wouldn't expect it to be all that bad.

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Friday 9th of September 2016 07:33:30 PM

murphy · Guru

Thanks to all for comments!

Since this is my "shake-down" attempt at being a chauffeur/tour guide, I'm putting a little more pressure on myself to "get it right"! My Aunt and 3 cousins have assured me repeatedly that they are totally 100% confident in whatever I decide! Still, I don't want to let them down!

They have 9 days total, counting travel days. So with 7 days on the ground, I want to give them the most "bang for their buck" without falling into the "green blur through the windshield" trap!

With 6 nights-5 days headquartered in Killarney, and a 4:00PM check-in, my thought was to do Limerick/Adare on one side and cliffs of Moher on the other side (during the travel days SNN/Killarney/SNN. The Limerick/Adare portion is not as weather dependant as the Cliffs of Moher portion.

I hope for them to be able to do the one hour boat trip below the cliffs, (the 1:00 pm sailing makes the most sense) and also spend a couple hours on the cliff path up above, starting at the Doolin Hostel (or start from the south end like we did in 2014). That hike might be able to be done before the boat trip, but I need to double check the travel time from SNN to Doolin, and also the time frame requirements for customs, immigration, and rental car pickup.

I am thinking that both the boat trip and cliff hike would be great outdoor activities to keep us going on jet lag day. However, bottom line, I COULD let the weather forecast DETERMINE the final decision!

The only down side, this option looks to be more driving miles and longer time spent behind the wheel on jet lag day. The up side is that the humble driver wouldn't have to fight traffic congestion in Limerick/Adare on jet lag day!

Another option I have considered is to shave some miles off by substituting the Kilkee cliff drive/walk for Cliffs of Moher???? I have not been there before so not able to compare, although some have said on various forums that they are as impressive as C of M ????thoughts?

As for a Tesco stop (if needed) going west, I assume Enis would be the logical choice? Any others come to mind?

Dan

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I think the Ennis / Cliffs route might be a bit much on Arrival day -- but, if I remember correctly, you're an Ironman in that regard! biggrin biggrin

If you do the Cliffs of Moher, it is still quicker going to Killarney via Limerick. If you opt for the Loop Head rather than the Cliffs, you'll get the picturesque but pricier Ferry ride and the drive through Listowel -- which might be worth a brief stop for the Castle ruins and the Writer's Museum.

To get to the Tesco in Ennis, take the N85 Exit (Junction 12) and follow it West to the (second) roundabout at Clare Road (R485) and take the 3rd exit (North) into Ennis. After several blocks (you will see St. Flannan's College on your Left) you'll come to a "Y" intersection. Take the Right Hand fork (Clon Road) and follow it several blocks past the Train Station (on your Right). Just before the river there's a Painted Roundabout where you'll take the first exit (turn Left). After the turn, you will see a Penney's on the Left and an Aldi on the Right. The Tesco is next to the Penneys.

Michele Erdvig · Host

On your first day I would just plan on Limerick/Adare. Like Bob, I think fitting in the cliffs is too much. If you arrive in Killarney too early for check in you can always do some things in the area.

murphy · Guru

Ok. Advice taken! Murphy's law says it will be a "killer" nice day on arrival day, and raining sideways on the 4th of Oct. However, they could opt instead, to spend time at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park if the weather is soft! AND of course there is Durty Nellys! They are still undecided about the Medieval banquet or Corn Barn. They have decided to play it by ear and make that decision at the time, aware that venues MIGHT be sold out. Dan