Itinerary Input Please

Joanne in Florida · Member

Itinerary Input Please

Andi · Senior Member

The ferry to the Arans from Doolin is a little less reliable than the one from Galway (or the bus to Rossaveal + ferry that you get from Galway). If the weather is rough, it won't go. This may be a remote possibility, but it happened to me when I was there. If you're only going for the day, the worst is that you'd have to give up the trip; because likely if the ferry goes, the weather will be such that it's able to return the same day. In my case, we went out from Doolin, but upon our return 2 days later we had to return via Rossaveal and make our way back by bus.

wojazz3 · Guru

Joanne:

This is certainly not too little to fill an itinerary. Most of it is doable though I think days 8-10 will not be particularly relaxing. Below are some comments.

I agree that the Doolin trip can be iffy in rainy or windy weather. You might, as suggested by Andi, consider traveling from the Galway area. With four of you, I believe there is a discount on Aer Arann http://www.aerarannislands.ie/ for four or more poeple. That could help. It's a 10 minute flight and no real risk of sea sickness which is possible on a long boat trip. I too was stuck in Doolin but we made the trip around to Inverin and caught the plane. This would not be an option for a day trip. If you needed to, you could add a day to Galway and cut a day in Doolin.

The drive to Castlegregory is doable, though it could be a long day depending on how much you like to stop. I presume you are staying at The Shores. Tell Annette that Bill and Felicity say hi.

It's easy to spend a full day driving around the Slea Head drive if you stop a lot. You will see signs for an animal farm that is sort of cute. Your 9 yo will probably love it. They have some interesting animals and he may get to feed a sheep. It's on the north side, not far from Brandon Creek. You will see lots of signs for it and it seems to take longer to get there than it should. Last I checked, you can get short pony trekking trips on Dingle, and hour or two. You might want to check for age restrictions for the 9 yo. Also, it could be pretty rough on a 72 yo. If everyone is experienced though, probably not a problem. You probably can't get a Fungi tour, horseback ride and tour of Slea Head drive into one day. You'll have to make some choices. Fungi and horses would fill up a day.

Day 8-10 are doable but all one night stays and not particularly relaxing. I can't guess how the older and younger folks will deal with that. 8 is actually pretty easy and the walk to the waterfall is short and level. 9 has a fair amount of driving in it and you need to make sure you can get to Cahir on time to see the castle. I would choose Cahir over Blarney if it comes down to a choice.

Bill

Melissa5 · Guru

Joanne, you're zipping through a lot of beautiful areas. A bit like trying to watch a great movie when you have hit the fast forward button on your machine, in my view of things. (We enjoy having 2 or 3 nights in each fabulous destination so we can thoroughly enjoy discovering all the nooks and crannies. When we go too fast I come home with an empty journal which is regrettable to me as I like to find it full of poetic descriptions!)

Skip Galway, and add that extra night to either County Clare or Dingle or near Loop Head.

I wanted to see Loop Head, but it was just too far out of our way. We drove from our b&b in Dingle up to our b&b in Ballyvaughan, County Clare. We did take the ferry. But we found that Loop Head was just too far out of our way, and had to miss it. Especially since we planned to visit a pub that evening for traditional Irish music.

I think you've got a great start on planning your itinerary, but I would tweak it a bit.

Enjoy gorgeous Ireland!

Joanne, I just noticed you're leaving in 2 weeks so I don't know how many changes you are able to make at this point! Whatever happens, have a good time.

-- Edited by Melissa5 at 15:46, 2006-08-17

-- Edited by Melissa5 at 15:47, 2006-08-17

-- Edited by Melissa5 at 15:48, 2006-08-17

Michele Erdvig · Host

Joanne,

If it were me I would skip Galway entirely. Add those days to the southwest instead. You could also add Bunratty Folk Park to your last day, and on your first day head for Doolin. That would make for a more relaxed itinerary.

Since you are going in just two weeks get very busy ASAP. Finalize your itinerary and make whatever reservations you require.

Michele

Joanne in Florida · Member

Updated Itinerary - How's this?

Sean · Member

RE: Itinerary Input Please

Michele Erdvig · Host

Joanne,

That looks a lot better. I would stay in Cashel instead of Tipperary town. There are more and better accommodations there. Also, you would have to backtrack to do the Rock of Cashel in the morning.

The drive from Doolin (doing Loop Head) and ending in Castlegregory will take a good part of the day. Especially if you stop frequently and spend time walking around at Loop Head.

On Sept 5 I don't think you will fit everything in. If the weather is good Slea Head Drive is a must. I would do that over everything else.

I like the Foynes Flying Boat Museum and they have just recently added a new exhibit of a flying boat! Did you know that Shannon Airport's runway used to be the Shannon River? The planes actually landed on the river. That is just one of the fascinating things you will learn about the beginning of transatlantic flight. It is also very hands-on so your son will enjoy fiddling with the dials, flying the plane and working the radio, etc.

Michele