June Trip!

Bonniep · Member

June Trip!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bonnie,

Thanks for being a repeat customer! I have your order here on my desk and your new book will be in tomorrow's mail. You will see many changes since 2001.

It will probably take around 2 1/2 hours (more if you hit Dublin traffic) up to Downpatrick. I have a new B&B to recommend there that is just as cute as can be called Rosebank. Wonderful hosts too. See my "Lodgings" page for a link. There is a new highway that goes all the way up the coast to Dundalk so you will make pretty good time.

Tramore can be a slightly touristy but it is a good location. Also nearby is Dunmore East, which I think is a bit more picturesque. Dungarvan might be another good location, depending on the sights you want to see. No problem driving to Avoca from there in one day.

I don't have any personal recommendations in Bantry. However, my favorite small town in Ireland is not too far from there. Kenmare is an excellent base for the southwest.

I don't know your exact dates but be aware of a Harley rally in Killarney June 22-25. The town and roads around there will be full of motorcycles then.

My best advice for two women traveling around Ireland is for the one not driving to be the navigator. She should study the map in advance, know the route, towns along that route and be prepared to direct the driver properly.

I hope you are planning to see the Antrim coast and Giant's Causeway? It is spectacular.

Michele

Bonniep · Member

Hello again,
Thank you so much for your quick reply! Thanks for the heads-up about the bike rally. We should be in the south the first week in July...

Looking forward to your book. We'll need suggestions on restaurants, pubs, and where to find music.

Our flight will arrive 9:30am on the 23rd of June. My friend lives in Canada and I am in western New York, we'll be flying out of Toronto. This trip has been planned via phone calls and e-mails. She did visit once, so we had a chance to look at B&B's. We made all the reservations ahead, because we did not want to be spending time looking for a place to stay at the last minute and wanting rooms with 2 beds.

I have purchased the spiral bound Frommer's Road Altas, which seems to be very detailed and we also have the Michelin foldout map. I have looked them over and we will have time to study the maps on the plane too... The airport seems to be north of Dublin slightly ( my husband and I stayed in Ballsbridge last time) and hopefully we'll be able to avoid heavy traffic. We would like to stop in Newgrange on the way North. My friend booked the first night at the Swan Lodge and then the 2nd night at the Valley View in Bushmills so we can spend time at the Causeway. Do you know either of those B&B's?

Is there an "easy" way around Belfast in order to take the coast road near Carrickfergus, Larne up to Ballycastle? Is that a nice route to take, or should we head directly to the Causeway area? We both tend to be drawn to the coast roads.

We then will go to Donegal (Water's Edge), Westport (Carrabaun House), Oughterard (River Walk), Galway (Marless House-have stayed before), Doolin (Dubhlinn House) & Dingle (Lighthouse B&B). Any remarks on these B&B's? We both have done the Ring of Kerry (by bus), and the Dingle Pennisula. We are there on a weekend, so we are hoping for some good music...

We picked Bantry because of Mizen Head-didn't know what type of drive it would be from Dingle to stay out near there if we have time. I tried for a couple of B&B's on the road to Mizen Head, but they were full.

Tramore (Glenorney by the Sea) seemd like a good spot to stop between Bantry and Avoca. Is there an easy way around Cork and still stay near the coastline or would that take too much time? Are there ferries to get you around across the bays and also a ferry near Waterford?

I know we are squeezing in alot of area, but we want to experience different B&B's along with everything else.

I will be driving. My husband is a great navigator and he even wanted me to drive on our last trip and also on 2 trips to Scotland. He'd rather concentrate on the maps. My friend is quite good at mapping, but I hope the road signs are good for her to direct me!!... We really don't want to take the motorways.

I have a "fashion" question.....Are the women wearing capri pants in Ireland?! I don't want to take them if they are not in fashion.

Sorry for all the questions. Our trip is getting close... Thanks for your help and for any suggestions and info.
Bonnie

Bonniep · Member

Hi,

Sorry if I asked too many questions. I get ramblin' on when I'm getting close to a trip....

Is there an easy way around Belfast and is the coast road near Larne a good choice up to the Giant's Causeway?

Do the ferries save much time in Cork and Waterford?

Thanks for the help.

Bonnie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bonnie,

It is not too many questions, it is just that I am so busy I haven't checked in here for a few days. I am trying to clear my desk but the more I do the more piles up! You know how that goes?

The two maps you have will be excellent for your trip. You are right that Dublin Airport is north of the city. However, at certain times of the day you can still hit heavy traffic for a while in the area.

Swan Lodge is okay. I haven't yet had a chance to visit Valley View since they were not home last time I stopped by. I have had negative reports from my readers and other B&B owners about Carrabaun House. They were to be listed in my book several years ago but too many negatives reached me and they never got in. Dubhlinn House in Doolin in nice and run by a very friendly woman.

You could stop in Skibbereen instead of Bantry after doing Mizen Head. There is also a good B&B on the Mizen Peninsula called Fortview.

The motorways around Belfast are generally excellent and you should whiz through quickly. Just be sure your navigator reads up on it before the journey. From Larne up the Antrim coast to Bushmills is one of the most scenic drives in Ireland.

The ferries in Cork and Waterford can save time depending on your route and traffic.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

In Oughterard I stayed at the Waterfront House which I liked very much. The views are superb. The boat trip to Inchagoill is wonderful on a clear day. The restaurants in the area seem pretty good and better prices than in other places in the SW and SE.

I believe women are wearing capri pants and what made me notice was that I saw a man wearing capris.

Another vote for the Antrim Coast Road.

The ferry in Waterford is a time saver. I don't like driving through Waterford. I found the road around the south side of Cork very fast the times I have taken it. It's more of a beltway. Unless you hit at the wrong time, I think it moves pretty well. Of course, the ferry takes you into Cobh which is worth a visit.

Hope this helps.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

What I want to know is did the guy's nail polish and lipstick coordinate with the capris? Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Michele

Bonniep · Member

Michele,
Thanks for the heads-up on Carrabaun House... We are rethinking that one. One reason we chose that one was because your name is mentioned on their website?! Cillcoman Lodge is full the night I requested. Do you know anything about Glenderan B&B in Westport?

Is the road to Mizen Head a decent road?

Bill,
Thank you for the suggestions-especially about the capris!! What type of shoes are the guys wearing these days with their capris?!

We'll take the ferries to save time. Don't mind going around Cork and we'll check out Cobh.
Neither of us have been on the southern coastline. Anymore suggestions on quaint villages to visit on the southern coastline?

Might even check out the boat ride-just checked out the information on ireland.ie. So much depends on the weather... I guess that will just leave more time for shopping!

Thanks again,
Bonnie

Dude · Guru

Bonnie, check out Seapoint House in Westport. http://www.seapointhouse.com . It's off the beaten track, but is quiet, right on Clew Bay and not too far from town. Three years ago when we stayed there the lady of the house was in hospital having their first child, but Dad handled everything well and we enjoyed our stay.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bonnie,

I have been in touch with Carrabaun House and asked them to remove my name from their website. I suppose they will do it the next time they update their site. Till then I must be patient.

In Westport try Knockranny Lodge: http://www.knockrannylodge.ie/ It is very nice. I stopped by Glenderan a few years ago and it didn't meet my standards. However, I do revisit places because many do change over the years. They are about due for another visit from me.

I have one bookmarked to look at, however last time I stopped by no one was at home and I couldn't see it. It looks lovely on the website: http://www.boffinlodge.com/

The road to Mizen is fine. On the coast road you might like the towns of Youghal, Ardmore and Dunmore East. http://www.theirishriviera.com/

Michele