Wedding in CulleyBackey...trip then to Shannon

Hope · Member

Wedding in CulleyBackey...trip then to Shannon

Michele Erdvig · Host

Hope,

Welcome to the forum. You are in for a treat since you will be attending an Irish wedding. If you get some spare time and have decent weather try to see the Antrim coast. It is spectacular. I have a bit on No. Ireland in my next newsletter.

When are you heading off to the south? On March 18 or 19? What airport are you leaving from?

It sounds like you want to see off-the-beaten-path places. Renting a car will be the best way to do that. Prices depend on many different factors. See my "Car Rental" page for lots more info. Just click on IrelandYes Index near the top of this forum and on the link in the box that pops up. I also suggest you look at my "Lodgings" page for places to stay.

As for what route to take and what to see, that will depend on what you like. I suggest you read up on the areas, do your homework and decide what sights you want to see. Keep in mind that in March not everything will be open, so plan accordingly.

The vow renewal on the Aran Islands sounds very romantic. You might take a look at this site for options on finding a Catholic priest: http://www.catholicireland.net/

Feel free to post any itinerary you come up with and we will be happy to comment. Also, let us know if you have any other questions.

Michele

Hope · Member

We booked our plane tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who-hoo!!!!! Got a great deal at Orbitz. Looking forward to much planning and conversing with you all about the trip!

Hope

Michele Erdvig · Host

Hope,

Congratulations on snagging your tickets! I know you will enjoy the planning. Let us know how we can help.

Michele

Hope · Member

Ok, so beginning to look at itinerary. We get into Belfast on Thursday March 15th. Friends will pick us up and take us to CulleyBackey where the wedding will be held. So Thursday-Sunday will be spent in CulleyBackey for the wedding. I am in the wedding, and it will be great to spend time with my dear friends and watch her get married. We are staying at Galgorm Manor - which is gorgeous! Sunday we will head out for our adventure. I am still unsure what to see in the North and on our way down to Galway and the Aran Islands where we will be renewing our vows. We need to be to Galway by Wednesday, possibly even Tuesday. So I was thinking we drive to Derry and then take the train down to Donegal Town and spend a night there. I feel like I may be missing something though on the Northern/NorthWest coast. What do you think? Then from Donegal Town we would make our way down to Galway in train (is there a train from Donegal Town to Galway?)...Also, might want to stay a night in Clifden or Sligo. My husband is excited about renting a car and driving, I am terrified! lol, I have lived there and know how scary that prospect can be! Anyway, then after the Aran Islands for one or two nights, we will head down towards Shannon where we will be flying out Saturday. Am unsure where we should stay night before we leave to fly home. Any suggestions and input greatly appreciated! Thanks a Million! Hope

CowboyCraic · Guru

Hope,

Blessings to your friend as she gets married and Blessing to you as you renew your vows. Cullybackey is the place to which I can trace my ancestors on my Dad's side. I have yet to make it there.

With four days Sunday through Tuesday, to make it to Shannon, remembering that daylight is shorter in March, You could still drive to Derry and then down along the Coast to Donegal and make it to Galway by Wednesday. That time of year, the traffic will be lighter and the sights breath stealing. I would definitely have to vote for Driving over public transportation. If you rent a small car from Kemwel, the cost will be minimal and the white knuckle effect small.

You could do something like this:

Sunday: Belfast to Derry (Overnight)

Monday: Derry to Donegal (Overnight)

Tuesday: Donegal to Clifden (Overnight)

Wednesday: Clifden to Galway

Leaving early each day will allow you time when you reach your destination to explore the town. If you can, sign up for a walking tour in Derry, they are the best way to experience Derry in a time crunch. I am not sure if they offer them in the off season, though.

Inis Mor is one of my favorite places in the world, not just Ireland! I feel so at home there. The B&B that I always stay at is well off the beaten path but Joe & Maura take such good care of me that I wouldn't stay anywhere else.

I look forward to a trip report upon your return!

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit Devine

Michele Erdvig · Host

Hope,

There are no trains that head down the west coast of Ireland. Your best bet is to rent a car if you want to be able to do any sightseeing at all along the way. Since you are so close to the Antrim coast I really suggest you see it along with the Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle. The walls of Derry are always a good stop if you are interested in history. That should take up a good portion of your Monday. Depending on when you want to be in Galway, you should probably head south immediately after that. Not much time for dilly-dallying.

For places to stay check my "Lodgings" page. Bunratty would be a good last night stay as it is very near the airport.

Michele

Hope · Member

Thank you so much for the suggestions. Does anybody have any ideas about if we decided to go the other direction? Like down to the southeast and then over to Galway? I have never seen the Southeast, I saw somebody mention Kenmare, but that me be to out of the way for a our timetable.

Yes Cowboy, I feel the same way about the Aran Islands. Feel more at home there than anywhere on earth. This is why I chose to renew our vows there!

Ohhhhhhhh....I am so excited!

Hope

Michele Erdvig · Host

Hope,

Since you need to be in Galway pretty soon after Northern Ireland you probably don't have time for the southeast. Stick to the west.

Michele

Hope · Member

Ok. A few more questions. How much would you average to spend daily for two people in Ireland? Including lodging, food, and car rental, gas, misc? We will nnot be staying in glamerous places or anything, just pretty modest digs is what we are after.

Can we use our Mastercard (checking debit card) most places in Northern Ireland and the Republic? Use the ATM? My goodness, it has been ten years since I lived there! So much has changed!

Any suggestions on places to stay in Donegal Town and Clifden?

Any suggestions on how to find old friends? A UK e-mail directory or something?

I know I will have so many more questions!

Thanks a million! Once again feel so grateful to have found your site Goldilocks ;)

Hope

Michele Erdvig · Host

Hope,

There are ATMs all over Ireland. Just look at the back of your debit card to see if it has Plus or Cirrus on the back. You need a 4-digit PIN. Call your bank to inform them of the trip. Go to my "Money" & "Tips & Tricks" pages for more.

This is the British Telecom Directory online (NI): http://tinyurl.com/c4zmh Republic: http://www.goldenpages.ie/

Go to my "Lodgings" page for places to stay.

For expenses you are looking at two countries. I assume you already have the wedding portion taken care of and you know what you will be spending for hotel, etc.? The exchange rates are very different for the euro and pound sterling.

B&Bs: 35-45 euro pps. 20-35 pounds pps.

Food: Can run from a few euro to a few hundred per meal!! Go to my budgeting page and dining page for tips. Stop at supermarkets or petrol stations for low cost sandwiches and snacks. Breakfast included in B&B rates. Pub lunches: 4-10 euro (soup/sandwiches). Dinner: 12-50 euro pp (depends on restaurant and what you order). Pubs are a lower cost alternative. There are also fast food restaurants that are cheaper.

Petrol: Depends on your car, driving style and how far you go. Generally fill it up a couple of times a week.

Michele