Planning a trip for my Mom's 60th B-day and I am Overwhelmed!

thecapells · Member

Planning a trip for my Mom's 60th B-day and I am Overwhelmed!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stacey,

If you want to plan the itinerary yourself it can be fun. However, it does take much time and planning. If you feel that overwhelmed and in need of assistance, take a look at this page of my website: http://www.irelandyes.com/itinerary.html It might be just what you need. If not, then we will be happy to help you do some planning here. Either way there is help for the trip.

Michele

thecapells · Member

Thanks Michele!

To be honest, the other reason I am not going with my Mom & Sister is that with baby #3 on the way, our budget is pretty tight. So, I am just going to have to buck up and figure it out myself- but with a little help, I am sure I can do it!!

I worked feverishly last night and here is what I have so far:

Day 1: Arrive Shannon airport at noon. Customs, get luggage, change currency, Pick up Rental car, Practice driving on the other side of the road. Drive to Bunratty Lodge (Reservation already Made) check in and freshen up. Dinner & Show 7pm at the Corn Barn Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty Folk Park.

Day 2: Drive through Adare...not sure where to yet?

Day 3: ?

Day 4:?

Day 5: Need to be in Dublin by noon or 1pm

Day 6:

Day 7: Fly Home- Plane departs Dublin Airport 11am

So- the first big questions I have are:

1- What can I fit into days 2-4 if they need to be in Dublin on Day 5? I would like to have sent them to Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula but would that be too much to squish into such a short trip?? If so, is there some other scenic coastal drive they can get along the way to Dublin??

2- Are there any good castle hotels that theycould stay at along the way? I'd like to squeeze at least one of those in.

3- Is the Blarney Stone even worth considering? Or is it too much for a 60 year old women (who is rather unadventurous) and too touristy?

4- Should they return the rental car upon arrival in Dublin or will they need it to get around and see the standard sights: Trinity College, St. Patrick's, Old Jameson Distillery,National Gallery, Kilmainham Gaol...?

5- What area of Dublin would be most convenient to have lodging? And any advice on a 4-5 star luxury hotel in Dublin??

6- Is Dublin Airport close to the city or should they switch to an Airport Hotel for the night before the flight home?

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You,

-Stacey

Dude · Guru

If I were in their broghans, I think I would start with:
Day one: Good
Day two: Drive to Cashel, stay in Cahir (Celtic Plantarum in Dundrum if they have time)
Day three: Waterford, stay in Kilkenny
Day four: tour Kilkenny, stay at Kilkea Castle Hotel
Day five: Into Dublin, stay Malahide (drop car at airport)
Day 6: see Dublin via Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour (no need to drive in Dublin), stay Malahide.

Now this doesn't get them any coast roads, but they could skip Waterford and go from Cahir to Kilkenny to Kilkea and then east to Wicklow and take the coast road up to Dublin. That might be
Day three: Cahir to Kilkenny to Kilkea Castle Hotel
Day four Kilkea to Wicklow, stay Wicklow
Day five, same as above.

Maybe this wil give you some ideas.It's a lot of driving, but seven days in Ireland, going into Shannon and out of Dublin, is going to require some wheel time.

This is fun. Maybe I missed my calling

Willie · Veteran Member

thecapells wrote:

3- Is the Blarney Stone even worth considering? Or is it too much for a 60 year old women (who is rather unadventurous) and too touristy?

4- Should they return the rental car upon arrival in Dublin or will they need it to get around and see the standard sights: Trinity College, St. Patrick's, Old Jameson Distillery,National Gallery, Kilmainham Gaol...?

Stacey, just a few thoughts...

Blarney Castle and grounds are really lovely. The Blarney Stone itself is kinda slimey-looking. We blew it a kiss as we walked by. Castle visits in general require the ability to walk and climb stairs. And I remember some of the staircases in Blarney being very narrow and circular--not the easiest to navigate. I thought it was absolutely worth it, though.

We returned our rental car at Dublin airport and took a cab into the city. Depending on where they're staying, if they don't want the expense of the cab, they might look into the Air Link bus service from the airport into the city. As for getting around to tourist attractions in Dublin, the hop-on hop-off busses go to most, if not all, the places you mentioned. We used them to get around the city. They may want to ride the bus for the full circuit of the tour, to hear all of the commentary from the driver, then start getting off and on. I think the ticket is good for 24 hours (although the busses don't actually *run* 24 hours), and you can get off and back on as many times as you'd like until the ticket expires.

wojazz3 · Guru

Stacey

Here's a start.

I would have suggested Dromoland for the first night for a castle hotel. These are very expensive, so you'll need to take that into consideration. Glin Castle is not far from Adare and could be a good possibility. The problem with castle stays with such a short trip is that they are meant to be enjoyed and if you are racing around to see as much as you can, the cost of the room may not be money well spent.

Because of your schedule and requirements, you are probably looking mainly at 1 night stays. Without the castle hotel you could probably get a two nighter in. I'll try to take a shot here. I have two options the second being a bit more relaxed but no Dingle.

Day 1: Arrive Shannon airport at noon. Customs, get luggage, change currency, Pick up Rental car, Practice driving on the other side of the road. Drive to Bunratty Lodge (Reservation already Made) check in and freshen up. Dinner & Show 7pm at the Corn Barn Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty Folk Park. Fine, they may fall asleep from jet lag.

Day 2: Drive through Adare...not sure where to yet?

Option 1: From here you could go on to Glin Castle. and the next day Dingle. If you don't stay at a castle hotel then go on to Dingle.

Option 2: Stay in Co Clare and miss Adare (not that big a loss). Drive the coast from there seeing as much as you can. If you can make it down to Loop Head, you will have had a great drive. If you needed a castle hotel stay, Dromoland is beautiful. If not, there is a castle or two on the way back to Dublin. You could stay closer to Galway and tour Connemara the next day.

Day 3:

Option 1: Dingle - the RoK is much bigger and takes more time. You'll get more bang for the buck in Dingle.

Option 2: Connemara

Day 4:?

Option 1: You need to get close to Dublin. Kilkenny would be a suggestion, but it's a long drive from Dingle. You could stop at the Rock of Cashel and/or Cahir Castle on the way. I would have to think about what the fastest way would be because the most direct route is on smaller roads. The other option would be to stay in Cashel and have a slightly longer drive the next morning. You'd have to have a reasonably early start to get to Dublin by noon.

Option 2: Drive towards Dublin and stay at Kinnitty Castle or Ross Castle. Easy drive to Dublin from both.

Day 5: Need to be in Dublin by noon or 1pm

Day 6: Dublin

Day 7: Fly Home- Plane departs Dublin Airport 11am

So- the first big questions I have are:

1- What can I fit into days 2-4 if they need to be in Dublin on Day 5? I would like to have sent them to Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula but would that be too much to squish into such a short trip?? If so, is there some other scenic coastal drive they can get along the way to Dublin?? See above comments

2- Are there any good castle hotels that theycould stay at along the way? I'd like to squeeze at least one of those in. See Above comments

3- Is the Blarney Stone even worth considering? Or is it too much for a 60 year old women (who is rather unadventurous) and too touristy? There are much nicer castles and Blarney is out of the way. The site is Ireland's main contribution to the tourist trap industry.

4- Should they return the rental car upon arrival in Dublin or will they need it to get around and see the standard sights: Trinity College, St. Patrick's, Old Jameson Distillery,National Gallery, Kilmainham Gaol...? Get rid of the car. You won't need it in Dublin. Do the hop on hop off tour which will provide a great introduction to the city.

5- What area of Dublin would be most convenient to have lodging? And any advice on a 4-5 star luxury hotel in Dublin?? The city center is very compact. There are some upscale hotels (Hilton, Westin etc) in the city center. Just do a search on Dublin Hotels. 4-5 stars do not fall into my field of expertise.

6- Is Dublin Airport close to the city or should they switch to an Airport Hotel for the night before the flight home? Dublin airport is north of town. It takes 30-45 minutes to get there from the city center unless traffic is terrible. Get and early start and you should be ok. No reason to stay near the airport I think. Your flight isn't that early.

Hope this helps. Either one of these options will get some excellent coastal driving. Oh, get Michele's book. It's very good to carry with you. The picture books are nice for planning, but Michele has the data. Great source for B&Bs.

Bill

-- Edited by wojazz3 at 17:58, 2006-07-31

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stacey,

I am a bit confused. You said they arrive on Sept 10 and depart on Sept 17. In your outlined itinerary you seem to be missing a day. (I have added the dates for you to try and understand this):

Sept 10: Day 1: Arrive Shannon airport at noon. Customs, get luggage, change currency, Pick up Rental car, Practice driving on the other side of the road. Drive to Bunratty Lodge (Reservation already Made) check in and freshen up. Dinner & Show 7pm at the Corn Barn Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty Folk Park.

Sept 11: Day 2: Drive through Adare...not sure where to yet?

Sept 12: Day 3: ?

Sept 13: Day 4:?

Sept 14: Day 5: Need to be in Dublin by noon or 1pm

Sept 15: Day 6:

Sept 16: Day 7 ?????????????????? Is this another Dublin day?????????????????????

Sept 17: Day 8: Fly Home- Plane departs Dublin Airport 11am

Please clarify how much time there actually is.

Michele

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig at 23:57, 2006-07-31

thecapells · Member

Hi Michele!

Apparently it would be better if I were actually awake when I post things!

You are right- Day 7 is another day in Dublin- Thanks for pointing out my booboo!

Also Thanks to Dude, Willie and Wojazz for all the awesome suggestions- keep them coming!!!

I did not realize when I made the plane reservations that my Sister was going to insist on being in Dublin for most of Day 5- so that has really thrown a wrench into my plans because they have so much ground to cover in so few days!

Luckily, my sister LOVES road trips and they don't mind staying in a new place each night- they pretty much always travel that way.

Here is what I am thinking now-

If they skip Kerry and Dingle completely, is there any coastline drive even comparable on the southeast shore???

Perhaps after Bunratty they should just head east/south east right away and save the west coeast for another trip?

I know they really want to see they Waterford factory- so- I was thiniking of an evening in Waterford Castle- heard anything about that one??

Thanks,

-Stacey

Dude · Guru

Oooh, yes, Stacey, I have stayed in Waterford Castle and it is magnificent. It is on its own private island in the river, reached by ferry. I can't believe I forgot about that one; apparently because I stayed in Kilkea Castle more recently.

I highly recommend it. It's expensive but really, really nice. Our bathroom was as big as our entire suite at most B&Bs, with a claw footed tub in the middle of the room, and one of those nifty old water closets with hand-painted porcelain and the tank 'way up in the air.

wojazz3 · Guru

A few things to know. Road trips in Ireland are not like road trips in the States. Though enjoyable, driving is VERY tiring and require constant attention to roads that rarely have straight sections. 6 Hours of driving in Ireland is brutal. The driver doesn't get to sit back and put one hand on the wheel and gaze in every direction. Have either of them ever driven of the left side of the road? It's not terribly difficult but the 1st time is always an adventure.

If they have to go to Waterford, then they must, but with only three days and a desire to see some coast line, it wouldn't be my choice. It's out of the way. You can buy the stuff anywhere and Waterford is not considered the best cut crystal in Ireland. Just the most famous. Dingle, Kinsale, Galway and Tipperary are considered better.

Without going to Dingle, the Loophead drive is fantatsic in Co. Clare. It also gets very little tourism.

Waterford Castle is apparently beautiful. I've never stayed there. It sits on an island in the middle of the river. Again, very pricey.

Bill

yesiree · Guru

Stacey - could you post your new itinerary thoughts...I'm trying to follow the thread, but I don't want to misread any details you may have added or cut.

My thought would be:

Day 1: Bunratty (doing a show could be risky because of jet lag, but it would definitely be a good addition or they could do an afternoon or evening drive up to the Cliffs of Moher).

Day 2: Stay in Cahir or Cashel (Cahir Castle, Swiss Cottage, Glen of Aherlow, Rock of Cashel are great sites)

Day 3: Head to Waterford via the Vee and then the coast road between Dungarvin and Tramore and then to Waterford...the stretch of road west of Tramore is really beautiful. See the factory and stay at Waterford Castle (only downfall is that if they do the Vee and the coast road (they will need to get an early start and try to get to the castle as early as possible to make the most of their stay).

Day 4: Head directly to Dublin

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stacey,

Lots of great recommendations from everyone here. I think you need to just try and fill in the blanks with the info you have been given. Also, take a look at my "Castle Hotels" page for listings.

Michele

thecapells · Member

Hi All!

I can not say enough about all the wonderful advice and support you have been giving me! This endeavor has turned out so much more frustrating and time-consiming than I had expected and you have all been my saviors!!! (lesson learned: NEVER plan a vacation for other people if you do not get to go!)

As for the "type" of traveller my sister is, let me just say that she is the complete opposite of me: she has been sky diving on all 5 continents, has run in 5 major marathons, has done driving tours in places like Costa Rica and Tunesia, and has racked up more frequent flyer miles than the President! I am not the least bit worried about how she will handle the driving or anything, but I do need to keep in mind that my Mom is not used to such a crazy pace all the time! Also, she is determined to go five-stars all the way so I am not really concerned with the budget (thankfully, I am not footing the bill!)

That being said, I am trying to talk my kooky sister out of her plans to be in Dublin on Day 5. Assuming that works, here is what I have come up with:

Sept 10: Day 1: Arrive Shannon airport at noon. Customs, get luggage, change currency, Pick up Rental car, Practice driving on the other side of the road. Drive to Bunratty Lodge (Reservation already Made) check in and freshen up. Dinner & Show 7pm at the Corn Barn Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty Folk Park.

Sept 11: Day 2: Drive to Cliffs of Moher & the Burren. Then back to Killimer. Ferry to Tarbert. Overnight in Tralee.

Sept 12: Day 3: Drive the Dingle Penninsula & back to overnight in Killarney. (Possibly stay at the Agadoe Heights Hotel- any opinions?)

Sept 13: Day 4: Killarney National Park, Ross Castle. Drive to Blarney to see castle & grounds (probably will skip the actual stone-kissing). Drive to Waterford for overnight stay at Waterford Castle.

Sept 14: Day 5: Tour Waterford Factory, Drive to Kilkenny to see Castle, THomastown JErpoint Abby & the Kells Priory, Overnight someplace near Glendalough. Sightseeing near there if there is time.

Sept 15: Day 6: Drive to see Wicklow mountains, Gardens, etc. Drive into Dublin, return rental car, check into hotel (I have a reservation at the Merrion), start city sight seeing at places within walking distance.

Sept 16: Day 7: Hop-on-Hop-Off bus to see whatever is most important to squeeze into one day.

Sept 17: Day 8: Fly Home- Plane departs Dublin Airport 11am.

OK- so now what I need is honest feedback! Please tell me if my itinerary sucks - and why- OK? Also, I could use advice on which specific places are most worth seeing in the small amount of time they have.

Thanks so much!!!

-Stacey

Dude · Guru

Day 4 makes me tired just looking at it. We drove from Waterford to Killarneyon one trip and about all we did besides drive was a quick trip to Dursey Point to take the cable car across the Atlantic, and then a brief stop at Staigue Fort. I'm not sure how to fix this, though. I'd hate for them to be too tired to enjoy Waterford Castle. Maybe someone else has a fix?

wojazz3 · Guru

Day 4 and 5 make me tired. She probably won't get to all of the things on day 5 or if they do, it will just to say that they have been there. Drive by touring.

Instead of staying in Tralee, which I find rather industrial, drive on through to Castlegregory (another 20 minutes or so) and stay at The Shores Country House if she still has a room. Much, much, much better option. Give her a call at 353 66 7139196 353 is the country code. Tell Annette that Bill and Michele told you to call. If she doesn't have a room, she may be able to suggest one very nearby. The views of the longest beach in Ireland are spectacular.

Bill

thecapells · Member

In view of Bill's suggestions I have a couple questions:

1- I had chosen Tralee for the overnight because it seemed such a long driving day already- would the Shores Country House be impossible to find if it's already dark out?? And- if they are arriving late already, is it really that much better than the Brook manor Lodge in Tralee?

2- How about on day 4 I drop Blarney and go directly to Waterford? Blarney has been getting mixed reviews from what I have seen anyhow.

-Stacey

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stacey,

Planning someone else's trip for them can be problematic. You still have too much crammed into the time available. This is what to do. Make a list with the most important things to see first. Then cut out the less important things at the bottom of the list. You must be ruthless and pare it down or else it will be the dreaded "Green Blur Tour" where they just see Ireland from the window of a moving car. Only your mother and sister know what is most important. Have them make the list.

Michele

yesiree · Guru

On your Bunratty and Dublin days, you've taken into account things like getting oriented to the area and freshening up...things that allow them to make the most of their time in the area. In the other parts of your itinerary, you don't leave time for such things. There are a lot of long days that don't allow for doing much more than stopping for a few photos along the way.

As Melissa mentioned in one of her posts recently, there is a lot of concern about "missing out" on something when you are planning the itinerary, but once you are there, you don't even miss the things that were cut.

Don't get discouraged. You no longer are in a spot where you don't know where to begin. You've got all the pieces...it's just a matter of determining which pieces are the gems.

thecapells · Member

OK- I have tried to eliminate a bunch of the "duplicates" but I would like to make sure they see one of everything- ie. one castle ruins, one scenic shoreline, one quaint irish town, one waterfall, one gardens, etc. So, I eliminated the Cliffs completely and I think I am happy with Days 1-4. It's days 5 & 6 that I am still struggling with: not sure where is the best place to go after the Waterford Factory- Kilkenny, Carlow, or Avoca are all possibilities. On day 6, is a scenic drive into Dublin worth it- or would the time be better spent exploring Dublin itself? I could also use some reccomendations on places to eat along the way. Thanks!

-Stacey

Sept 10: Day 1: Arrive Shannon airport at noon. Customs, get luggage, change currency, Pick up Rental car, Practice driving on the other side of the road. Drive to Bunratty Lodge (Reservation already Made) check in and freshen up. Dinner & Show 7pm at the Corn Barn Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty Folk Park.

Sept 11: Day 2: Enjoy Breakfast at the B&B. If they get an early start, visit the Bunratty Folk Park in the morning (if not, skip it). Drive to Adare (21 mi. 29 min.) for lunch at The Arches (known for home-cooked foods and fabulous salads) on Main Street (opens at 12 noon). Explore Adare a little before or after lunch. Drive to Shores Country House in Castlegregory (68mi, 2 hrs) to check in for the night and rest. Dinner???

Sept 12: Day 3: Drive the Connor Pass and the Dingle Penninsula & back to overnight in Killarney (70mi, 2hrs 45 mins total). Sights and Lunch along the way??? (Possibly stay at the Agadoe Heights Hotel in Killarney- any opinions?) Dinner???

Sept 13: Day 4: Killarney- Muckross Estate- Jaunting car ride- Torc Waterfall. ??Ross Castle if theres time??. Lunch?? Drive to Waterford (118mi, 2.5hrs) for overnight stay at Waterford Castle. Dinner??

Sept 14: Day 5: Tour Waterford Factory, Drive to Kilkenny to see Castle Thomastown Jerpoint Abby & the Kells Priory, Overnight someplace near Glendalough or Kildare.

Sept 15: Day 6: Drive through Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains into Dublin, return rental car, check into hotel (I have a reservation at the Conrad), start city sight seeing at places within walking distance.

Sept 16: Day 7: Hop-on-Hop-Off bus to see whatever is most important to squeeze into one day.

Sept 17: Day 8: Fly Home- Plane departs Dublin Airport 11am.

China Cat · Veteran Member

How about for day 3, they drive the Conor pass, then take the 10:30 AM Scuirid tour of the Dingle Peninsula. This will cut down on the driving a little, and give your sister some time to enjoy the sights. It finishes at 1PM, leaving time for lunch in Dingle Town, then drive straight to Killarney.

I didn't find much to see on that drive. Its a little less than 2 hours, if I recall. They'll get to Killarney by late afternoon. They can shop in town, or drive to one of the scenic overlooks (Torc Waterfall might be possible if they are not too tired), or take one of the shorter jaunting car rides if the wanted to.

I recommend Bricin for dinner in Killarney. We ate in 4 different places in this town, and Bricin was the best.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stacey,

I'm sure you have a guidebook or two. They should be giving you options for dinner, sightseeing, etc. for the trip and for each area. I will give you my comments below in red:

Sept 10: Day 1: Arrive Shannon airport at noon. Customs, get luggage, change currency, Pick up Rental car, Practice driving on the other side of the road. Drive to Bunratty Lodge (Reservation already Made) check in and freshen up. Dinner & Show 7pm at the Corn Barn Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty Folk Park. * Fine. They may want a nap before the evening entertainment.

Sept 11: Day 2: Enjoy Breakfast at the B&B. If they get an early start, visit the Bunratty Folk Park in the morning (if not, skip it). Drive to Adare (21 mi. 29 min.) for lunch at The Arches (known for home-cooked foods and fabulous salads) on Main Street (opens at 12 noon). Explore Adare a little before or after lunch. Drive to Shores Country House in Castlegregory (68mi, 2 hrs) to check in for the night and rest. Dinner??? * Fine. If Annette is cooking eat dinner at The Shores.

Sept 12: Day 3: Drive the Connor Pass and the Dingle Penninsula & back to overnight in Killarney (70mi, 2hrs 45 mins total). Sights and Lunch along the way??? (Possibly stay at the Agadoe Heights Hotel in Killarney- any opinions?) Dinner??? * The drive time is not realistic. Slea Head Drive can take many hours, especially if stops are made along the way to see anything at all. Just driving from Dingle town to Killarney will take about 1 1/2 hours. It would be easy to spend most of the day on the Dingle Peninsula. Aghadoe Heights Hotel is several miles outside Killarney town with lovely views, a spa and gourmet restaurant.

Sept 13: Day 4: Killarney- Muckross Estate- Jaunting car ride- Torc Waterfall. ??Ross Castle if theres time??. Lunch?? Drive to Waterford (118mi, 2.5hrs) for overnight stay at Waterford Castle. Dinner?? * Again, the drive time is way out of whack. It will be more like 4 hours. Skip all of the Killarney sightseeing, drive directly to Waterford Castle to enjoy the estate and ambiance. Why stay at a castle if you won't enjoy it but only sleep there?

Sept 14: Day 5: Tour Waterford Factory, Drive to Kilkenny to see Castle Thomastown Jerpoint Abby & the Kells Priory, Overnight someplace near Glendalough or Kildare. * Skip Glendalough entirely as there is no time for it. There may be time to see Kilkenny Castle but seeing the rest is up for grabs. Stay in Kilkenny.

Sept 15: Day 6: Drive through Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains into Dublin, return rental car, check into hotel (I have a reservation at the Conrad), start city sight seeing at places within walking distance. * See comment above. Drive directly to Dublin.

Sept 16: Day 7: Hop-on-Hop-Off bus to see whatever is most important to squeeze into one day. * Fine.

Michele

thecapells · Member

OK- here is my latest revised itinerary. I think I have pretty much got it this time! However, I am still somewhat perplexed by the "driving time" issue. I have been using the AA website for approximations but they are sometimes far off from Michele's. I'm more inclined to believe actual human experts rather than a computer but even the people I have spoken to have given me different answers. I guess so much of it depends on weather, traffic, drivers confidence, navigation success, and sheep!

Here it goes:

Sept 10: Day 1: Arrive Shannon airport at noon. Customs, get luggage, change currency, Pick up Rental car, Practice driving on the other side of the road. Drive to Bunratty Lodge (Reservation already Made) check in and freshen up. Dinner & Show 7pm at the Corn Barn Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty Folk Park.

Sept 11: Day 2: Enjoy Breakfast at the B&B. If they get an early start, visit the Bunratty Folk Park in the morning (if not, skip it). Drive to Adare (21 mi. 29 min.) for lunch at The Arches (known for home-cooked foods and fabulous salads) on Main Street (opens at 12 noon). Explore Adare a little before or after lunch. Drive to Shores Country House in Castlegregory (68mi, 2 hrs) to check in for the night and rest. Dinner at the Shores.

Sept 12: Day 3: Drive the Connor Pass to Dingle (15.5 mi, 50min if there’s no stopping) & take the Sciurid Archaeological Tour 10:30am-1pm. Lunch in Dingle. Drive back to overnight in Killarney. (44mi, 1hr50min). Check in at Earls Court House. Dinner at Bricin Restaurant in Killarney.

Sept 13: Day 4: Breakfast at B&B. Killarney National Park- Jaunting Car Ride- see Torc Waterfall, Ladies View, & Muckross Estate on the ride. Drive to Waterford (118mi, 2.5hrs) & stop for lunch along the way. Overnight stay at Waterford Castle. Dinner at the Restaurant in Waterford Castle.

Sept 14: Day 5: Breakfast at Waterford Castle. Tour Waterford Factory, Drive to Kilkenny (30mi, 37min.) to see Castle, Explore town a little & have Lunch (Daniel Boland’s Bar restaurant?). Drive to Kildare/Naas area (50mi, 1hr) for the evening. Dinner??? Lodging???

Sept 15: Day 6: Breakfast in B&B. Drive to Enniskerry (47mi, 53min) to see Powerscourt Gardens then drive into Dublin (15mi, 26min), return rental car, Lunch Dwontown. Check into hotel (I have a reservation at the Conrad), start city sight seeing at places within walking distance.

Sept 16: Day 7: Hop-on-Hop-Off bus to see whatever is most important to squeeze into one day.

Sept 17: Day 8: Fly Home- Plane departs Dublin Airport 11am.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stacey,

It is doable. There are still some long days. On day four they will not see Ladies' View from a jaunting car. It is miles away from Killarney on the road to Kenmare.

I don't have any personal accommodation recommendations in Naas or Kildare. Go to my Links page and click through to hotel and B&B sites from there.

On day six I doubt if they will be lunching in Dublin. Probably still in Co. Wicklow. They will discover the realities of driving in Ireland when they are there. You should ask them to make note of how long it takes them. You will be amazed. 35 mph is the average.

Michele