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fennellkevin


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Shannon Ferry questions
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Hi Michele,


We are departing from Killarney on the morning of Easter Sunday and our destination is Galway (Salthill).  Your previous advice was that if weather is good, travel up the coast using the ferry.  Your logic was that we won't know what the weather might be on later days, and so should take advantage if the weather is good on this travel day. Several questions:


Does the ferry run on Easter Sunday?  How frequently?


Is it realistic to try to do Loop Head, and Cliffs of Moher and still get into Salthill at a reasonable hour?  (we plan to get an early start)  The map/directions site I am using (aa.com) never gives me an itinerary that includes the ferry, but always routes me around through Limerick, and when it does that, it estimates my travel time at 5 hours and change.  I don't mind that as long as its about all we're doing.  But the logic about going along the coast as long as the weather is good makes sense to me.  I just want to make sure it's doable.  I guess the question is: How much time will I save by using the ferry as opposed to going around through Limerick?


I've read several warnings about contruction on the visitors' centre at the Cliffs of Moher.  Will the fact that it is Easter Sunday affect our visit in any way (ie: will the parking be closed)?


And lastly, am I reading my map correctly: Do I drive from Killarney up N22 to Tralee, then N69 north to get to the ferry?


One more: Even if the weather is not a factor, is the coast/ferry route quicker anyway?


Thanks,


Kevin



-- Edited by fennellkevin at 16:05, 2006-03-26

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Michele Erdvig


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Kevin,


The AA route planner is computer generated. Unfortunately, the computer has never driven the roads and often tends to give very optimistic times. In the case of Killarney to Galway it actually overestimates the time. Killarney to Limerick is 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Limerick to Galway is 1 1/2 hours.


The ferry does not save time especially if you arrive and have to wait for a while. It simply cuts out a lot of mileage and traffic in Limerick and Ennis. It makes perfect sense if you are doing the coast of Clare. If you want to go directly to Galway and skip the coast, then take the main roads. This is the website for the ferry: http://www.shannonferries.com/ It will answer all your questions about timetables, routes and prices.


The route you posted to Tarbert is correct.


You could do Loop Head if you get a real early start, however I would backtrack on the same road and skip the rural routes through Carrigaholt on the way back. Slow going thorough there. This route will take all day and you will most likely not get into Salthill till late afternoon or early evening. But it depends on how much you linger.


The Cliffs of Moher are always open.


Michele



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