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skleice


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Planning trip for parents! and
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Hello,

My parents have recently retired and my siblings and I are sending them on a trip To Ireland!  My wife and I have been twice and learned from our travels (and from here a great deal).  We have no itinerary yet, but I'd like your thoughts on a basic plan. We were originally looking at groupons or other packages, but I can't really find the right fit for my folks.  They will be driving themselves around.  One big consideration is that my father had a knee replacement a couple of years ago, he is mobile, but not going to be interested in long treks, hiking, etc.  

Im thinking that they should fly in directly to Shannon and explore the southwest.  From what I recall, the roads are much easier to navigate and well marked.  I'm thinking Killarney would be the best base for them.  Lots of things to do, places to eat, public transportation, etc.  I think it would be a great base for daytrips if they want to hit Dingle, Blarney (though my Dad is not going up thos steps!), ring of Kerry, Cobh, etc.  They could also drive around or take buses if they choose.  My Mom also likes to shop, so I think Killarney would be good for that too.

Does this sound like the best option?  Other base options or secondary base?  I'm thinking 7-10 days.  Open to other suggestions...

 

Are there tour buses from Killarney to Cob?  Is Cobh worth the visit?  

 

Thanks so much!  



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skleice


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I should also add that Cliffs of Mohr and Inishmore are must stops, so we could use a good base up there. Tx

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Michele Erdvig


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Welcome to the forum. What a lovely gift for your parents. I know they will love it. Flying in and out of Shannon is very easy. It is my airport of choice in Ireland.

Why not choose two bases? Since the COM and Aran Islands are must sees I think that a few days in Galway would suit them. If they can spare three days for Galway then they could also do Connemara. The rest of the trip in Killarney would work well and allow touring the SW. Blarney/Cobh is about 2 hours from Killarney. They could keep that on the "back burner" as sightseeing options if they run out of local things to do. If they don't want to drive, they could take the train to Cork and bus from there to Blarney and Cobh.



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skleice


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Thanks, Michele. I think two bases would be a good way to go...maybe Killarney and something further north, closer to the airport. I'll have to talk to them more to see what would interest them most.

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Itallian Chauffeur


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As Michele said, Galway is best suited for their second base, based on a trip to Aran Islands being "Must".  With the Ferry departing from Rossaveal and flights, from Inverin, both of which are quicker and MUCH less weather-dependent than from Doolin, it also makes an excellent base for exploring Connemara and County Clare.  The flight option can also include an aerial tour of the Cliffs -- which might be preferable to attempting the foot paths leading up from the Visitor's Center.  confuse  confuse 

http://www.aranisland.info/getting-here/

If they don't want to stay in the City, there are a number of small-town options around it.  Spiddal, Oughterard, Oranmore, or Kinvara come to mind.  The latter two would be equally well-suited for both the Arans and the Cliffs.



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Bob

Help Us to Help You.  The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
skleice


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I've seen some trip offers with B&B vouchers. How widely are these accepted? Can they be booked in advance?



-- Edited by skleice on Friday 20th of January 2017 08:21:40 AM

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Itallian Chauffeur


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As to pre-booking with vouchers, it depends on the brand and the B&B.

As a general rule, Many B&Bs don't care for vouchers and even those that accept them, generally do so only reluctantly.  The voucher company takes a cut and then, the operators have to wait (sometimes Long after you leave) to receive their money.

The only people I know that recommend using vouchers are those that Sell them.  Choices and availability usually make them a poor choice -- even in the 'off' season.



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Bob

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Michele Erdvig


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Vouchers greatly limit where you can stay.

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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skleice


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Thank you!

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