Prebook or wing it?

Ingrid · Newbie

Prebook or wing it?

CCJPO · Member

I may as well be the 1st to say it. You may be trying to cram too much travel into to short of a time period. Think GREEN BLUR. You may want to re-think your trip, and try to stay at least two nights at each B&B.

Which ever way you decide, I would suggest winging it, except for your 1st and last nights.

Enjoy your trip

Andi · Senior Member

I can only speak of my own experience; I've been to Ireland 3 times during June and July and always winged it as far as B&B reservations. That said, there have a couple times when I was frustrated due to a festival or something happening, making it difficult. I've found it useful when in doubt to call ahead the day before and book something, or even early the same day. It's easy to get a phone card, and a large B&B index such as "Town and Country" can be acquired from the Irish tourist board. The guide will have pictures, prices, etc. I think, especially with such an ambitious plan, that it's uncomfortable to feel you have to meet a schedule. It's more fun to let yourself go with the flow once you're there.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ingrid,

Since you know that the days will be short, I suggest you try to stay in a few places for multiple nights. For instance, Killarney is a good base for doing the Ring of Kerry, the local area and even Dingle. The smaller places will be very quiet in November and many B&Bs will close down. However, you can definitely wing it in Nov.

You can get from Dingle to Doolin in a day by taking the ferry across the Shannon. No need to stop in Listowel.

Go back to the drawing board for your itinerary and put in those multiple night stays. You will be glad you did.

Michele

yesiree · Guru

Winging it won't be a problem. Although many B&Bs close, there are still enough open to accommodate the visitors.

You can reduce the stress by planning one or two days in advance while on-the-road. It's not too hard to book rooms for your next destination. That could mean having a list of B&Bs with you who you call a day or two before, or you could stop by the tourist offices in the larger towns (the smaller ones won't be open in Nov) and let them book for you. Also, you're hosts in Kerry may be able to recommend a B&B in Clare who might be able to suggest a place in Galway...so consider them a resource as well.