This years trip

Michele Erdvig · Host

This years trip

Roy · Guru

Arrive in Dublin at 5:00. Going to Whitehall. Would taxi be best all around way to get there in early morning?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I think a taxi is the best bet. From what I can tell, the first bus (other than the Airlink) doesn't run until 7:15 AM and drops you at DCU, which would be a "15 minute walk" (so, probably closer to 20-25 minutes! biggrin biggrin ) from Whitehall.

Roy · Guru

Thanks Bob. I was thinking the buses didnt run that early. My SILs House is actually close to DCU. We plan on going there, catching a shower and a short nap, before heading out for day one.

Roy · Guru

Current plans are after three nights in Dublin to stay in Ballina (Mayo) for two nights, which catches the end of the Salmon Festival. Next, Belmullet for two nights followed by five in Sligo. Not sure how this will evolve further but this is where I'm at.

Roy · Guru

Some updates before getting to my request for feedback.

Dublin (3) to Ballina (2) to Belmullet (2) to Westport (1). I booked tickets to see Sean Keane perform in Westport. After Westport, I am looking at two options for the next 4 nights:

Sligo Town (Riverside Hotel)

or

Tubbercurry (Murphy's Hotel or Oghan Lodge)

Seeking opinions as well as pros and cons of the two locations. Always interested in trad music night life.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Roy -- If you can catch a 'Special', Belleek Castle https://www.belleekcastle.com/ would make for a memorable stay. It's a bit 'pricey', otherwise. hmm hmm

We also scored a pretty good deal at the Glasshouse in Sligo. Our room had a balcony over-looking the river, the Yeats statue and the Bridge -- although the 'loud', modernistic décor might not appeal.

https://www.theglasshouse.ie/ We were there during SligoLive http://www.sligolive.ie/ so finding music wasn't an issue!

We enjoyed a four night stay in Westport some years' back, at http://www.theharbourmill.com/ ---- BUT, I know your wife isn't a fan of self-catering and it's out at the Quay, rather than right in town. It worked for us as we needed a few days to 'decompress' --- and to take advantage of the washer and drier! biggrin biggrin

The pub next door to Matt Malloy's (The Porterhouse ) seemed to have more / better music options when we were there . . . but, that WAS a while ago . . . confuse confuse

http://www.mattmolloy.com/

https://theporterhousewestport.ie/

Roy · Guru

Hi Bob,

Weve staying in Westport before twice staying in the Quay. We are only making a stopover for the show otherwise I wouldnt be making a stopover there. Im trying to decide between Tubbercurry and Sligo for the four days at this point. Under no immediate pressure but need to make a decision. Ive already went against my wisdom and broke the trip into several 1 or 2 night stays instead of longer ones, so this is my chance for a 4 nighter.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Roy -- I would think Sligo would have more appeal (nite-life wise). Although I've visited Tubbercurry a few times (wife's O'Dubhda ancestors hailed from the area), I've only ever stayed in Enniscrone and Sligo town.

If you've gotten a decent price there, I think the Riverside Hotel has pretty decent ratings and a good location but, it doesn't seem to offer free parking -- if that's an issue.

Roy · Guru

I had a 5 night booking through Expedia for the Riversidweat a really good price through a sale. Discussions about 3rd party bookings aside, the reservation was cancellable but not changeable. This was before Tubbercurry even came on my radar. A call to Expedia confirmed my guess that canceling and rebooking at 4 nights would cost more then my 5 night reservation. To Expedia's credit, they called Riverside and the hotel agreed to book me directly for four nights at the Expedia price. I was transferred to Riverside Hotel (on Expedia's phone call they made to me) and rebooked directly with the hotel.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Looks like things are moving along Roy. Glad Expedia came through for you.