Help with Driving Itinerary - 7 days

Susan · Veteran Member

Help with Driving Itinerary - 7 days

CowboyCraic · Guru

Susan,

Welcome to Michele's Forum! You couldn't have come to a better place.

I would recommend

Arrive Dublin (1 nights lodging)

Look at Kilronan Guesthouse (www.dublinn.com) or Stauntons on the Green (www.stauntonsonthegreen.ie)

On your first day, Catch a Hop on/Hop off Open Top Bus Tour, www.irishcitytours.com., which will allow you to see some of Dublin's Major atrractions on narrated tour. You can get on & off as often as you would like in a twenty-four hour period after purchasing your tickets

As you are coming in the height of the summer season, make your reservations now. Dublin will be very busy.

On Day two, Drive to Kilkenny (2 nights lodging)

Spend the afternoon scoping out Kilkenny on the day you arrive

Day three, day trip to Waterford

Day four, Drive to Blarney (1 night lodging)

Blarney Park Hotel, http://www.blarneypark.com/playroom.htm, might be a place to try

It takes 2 hours to reach Blarney from Kilkenny, which will give you plenty of time to visit Blarney Castle

Day five, Drive to Ennis (2 nights Lodging)

Enroute to Ennis from Blarney, take a side detour to Rock of Cashel, spend the afternoon exploring Ennis or head to Bunratty Folk Park

Day six, day trip to Cliffs of Moher, Doolin for Lunch (Gus O'Connor's Pub) and then the Burren

Day Seven - Depart Shannon

In this itinerary, all driving times are under or right at 2 hours, which is about when even teenagers start to fidget. Put this tool in a safe place, http://www.aaireland.ie/routes/default.asp. It will come in handy in planning your routes.

Ennis is only a short 30 to 45 minute drive from the Shannon Airport. It is a phenomenal city with loads of Traditional Music. Michele has a great book on Ireland for kids. You should consider purchasing it.

Have a Grand adventure,

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit Devine

Cowboy Craic

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

Welcome from me as well. I agree with Bit that departing from Shannon is a good idea. It will cut out having to back-track to Dublin and a cross-country drive. Do use the mapping site to check on your drive times. But keep in mind that the computer generated times can be very optimistic. To find actual driving times get the mileage and divide by 35.

Since you will be in Ireland during high season you should make your reservations in advance as soon as you all agree on a firm itinerary. I do want to say that the focus of my book is not kids but it does have plenty of family friendly places to visit and nice places to stay and eat. I find when I plan family trips that having a good mix of things for the adults and young people to do is essential. That way no one feels slighted and they know that sooner or later during the trip their needs will be catered to. Planning a multi-generational trip can be tricky. But with some work you can have a trip to please everyone.

Michele

Susan · Veteran Member

Dear Bit -

Thank you so much for all your wonderful ideas. The itinerary you describe sounds perfect! I'm going to start researching and planning our trip!

Have a happy New Year and thanks again!

Susan

Susan · Veteran Member

Dear Michele,

Thank you so much for the personal attention and getting back to me so quickly. Your website is absolutely wonderful and will be a great resource for our trip planning. The itinerary that Bit gave us is perfect and I'm so excited to start planning. Thanks again and happy new Year!

Susan

yesiree · Guru

Bit's itinerary has a great mix and will provide a perfect framework to base your research.

My sixteen-year-old nephew loved the mummies at St. Michan's church, Kilmainham Gaol, St Stephan's Green and the buskers on Grafton Street.

If you end up including Kilkenny, be sure check out my walking tour. The copy I have posted is still in draft form. I'm trying to update it, but haven't had much free time to get it done. Check it out at: http://irishfireside.com/downloads/downloadkilkenny.html

Somethings I really enjoyed on that route that you could consider would be the tour of Barryscourt Castle between Waterford and Cobh...also enjoyed the ocean walk at Ardmore. Athassel Priory near Cashel.

There are also some podcasts at www.irishfireside.com that cover Dublin, Waterford, the Rock of Cashel and the Cliffs of Moher. You might find those useful.

Let us know how your research progresses and we'll be able to give you our insight.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

I'm glad you are benefiting from the forum and all the helpful members here. Check out those links that yesiree (Corey) provided for you. The walking tour will really give you a good overview of Kilkenny. Listening to the podcasts will make you want to leave for Ireland tomorrow. I know you will have a lot of fun with the trip planning.

Corey,

Athassel was so waterlogged in September that I couldn't venture in. I really must buy myself some Wellies! I did get some fantastic photos of old milk cans lined up on a stone wall though. You never know what you will find around the corner.

Michele

yesiree · Guru

Wow, I've never had trouble with water at Athassel. They must have just gotten a lot of rain before your arrival. Thank goodness the milkcans didn't get washed away

Michele Erdvig · Host

Corey,

They must have had a deluge. Athassel was one gigantic mud puddle. I'm sure I would have fallen flat on my face in the slippery stuff. The milk cans turned out to be one of my favorite photos from the trip. My husband now agrees it was worthwhile making a U-turn for.

Michele

Susan · Veteran Member

Corey -

Thanks so much for your information. I'm sorry it took so long to respond to you - I had some computer problems! I'm having a blast looking at all the forum questions and getting a lot of great ideas. I'll definitely check out your website.

Susan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

Be sure to go to the "Trip Reports" section of the forum. There are lots of them there that are great fun to read. You will pick up endless tips from those who have gone before you. Have fun with the planning!

Michele

Susan · Veteran Member

Thanks, Michele - will do!

Susie

Susan · Veteran Member

Michele,

I have read some of the trip reports and I am so excited about this trip! A few things have changed and I wanted your advice. As it turns out, my husband and son will not be able to go on the trip (we are extremely disappointed) so it will only be my mother, my daughter and me. My mother knows of a travel service, Terry Flynn, where we can reserve a driver to take us around. We are arriving in Dublin on August 1st and are departing Shannon on August 8th. We will be staying at B&Bs around the country. Do you think getting a triple room is feasible for us or should we get a double and a single?

The original itinerary I was given still seems wonderful but I've heard so much about Killarney, that I wonder if it makes sense to see as well or instead of. Our two "must sees" are the Waterford Crystal Factory and the Blarney Stone. My daughter is 20 so the shopping/pubs is a big thing for her. I'd also like to see Kinsale and wonder if that could be incorporated before the trip to Ennis. Also, would stopping to see either Glendalough or Powerscourt be feasible on the drive to Kilkenny? I'd like to get more information on the feast at the Bunratty Castle to see if it is worth doing, or if it is more of a touristy/fun kids thing to do. I don't want to be too ambitious and would rather see the country leisurely. Now I know what everyone means when they say this is planning for my first trip to Ireland!

My mother (has been to Ireland before) suggested going to Newgrange in Meath but I'm worried with the short amount of time that going north on this itinerary might make for too long driving times. I get concerned about the length of time because my daughter has a tendency to get carsick. She will definitely be sitting in the front seat of the car!

We are purchasing our flights today so it is definitely becoming a reality! Thanks for your help.

Susan

CowboyCraic · Guru

Susan,

Glad to hear that you have booked your flight! I am sorry to hear that your husband and son won't be going along. Hiring a driver is an excellent idea if you don't feel comfortable driving on the left. If all of you are comfortable sleeping in the same room, a triple would work nicely

You can definitely stop at Powerscourt on the way into Kilkenny. If you leave early from Kilkenny, you might look at staying in Killarney instead of Blarney & visiting Blarney Castle enroute. In my opinion, there are better Castles than Blarney to be seen such as the Rock of Cashel. You should talk things over with the driver that you hire. He will know what can be fit into a day. If you opt to stay in Killarney over Blarney, try booking into either Kathleen's or Killarney Lodge.

You could give up staying in Ennis, lodge two nights in Killarney, and do the Ring of Kerry in place of the Cliffs of Moher, lodging your last night in Bunratty or at the Great Southern Hotel at the Shannon Airport. If you've an early morning flight home, the Great Southern is an excellent choice as it is directly across from the Departures terminal.

You might like the Corn Barn dinner at Bunratty over the Medieval Banquet. It all depends on whether you want Kings & queens or "common" folk.

There you are, more to consider and mull over. There will be a next time. You are smart to want a leisurely trip.

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit Devine

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

Looks like it is back to the drawing board! I'm glad that the trip was not canceled and you will still be going (but without your husband & son). Hiring a driver will certainly make for an easy driving experience. You can all just sit back and enjoy the scenery without worrying about getting lost.

Triple rooms are readily available at most B&Bs. However, you should be making a firm itinerary so that you can make reservations. Since many B&Bs have limited triple rooms they will go fast.

If you can, plan on arriving at Dublin and departing from Shannon. That will cut out backtracking.

If you want personal help I do provide an itinerary service that is very affordable: http://www.irelandyes.com/itinerary.html But if you feel confident to plan it yourself we are all here to help on the forum.

The banquets and the Irish Night in the corn barn are well worth going to. It is a fun night out with entertainment and dinner. If it fits into your budget I think everyone would enjoy going.

Let us know when you have your airfares and know your arrival and departure points.

Michele

Susan · Veteran Member

Bit,

Thanks for your input. So much to think about! The Corn Barn sounds like fun and something I'm going to look into. We probably will spend one night around Blarney Castle so we can day trip to Kinsale and then spend one night in Killarney so my daughter can shop! I think you gave me good advice to ask our driver what is feasible to do in a day. I know August will be here before we know it! We need to get our itinerary finalized so we have the opportunity to book the B&Bs in advance. Thanks again for all your help.

Susan

Susan · Veteran Member

Michele,

Our flights are booked! We will arrive into Dublin the morning of Wednesday, August 1st, and are departing from Shannon the afternoon of Wednesday, August 8th. So, we have 7 nights to explore Ireland. I really appreciate all your help and this forum is fantastic! Thanks again -

Susan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

I know you are very excited to have your flights booked. Now the trip is a reality. Start back to work on your itinerary.

Michele

Susan · Veteran Member

Michele -

I have a preliminary itinerary that I would love feedback on. I've changed some of our original plans. I found that Kinsale has a crystal factory similar to Waterford's that I would probably enjoy just as much and thought that would cut out going to the city of Waterford.

Please let me know if you think I am being too ambitious and if I should spend more or less time in each place. Here goes!

Wednesday and Thursday (Day 1 and Day 2): Dublin

Friday (Day 3): Drive to Kilkenny via Powerscourt or Glendalough and spend night in Kilkenny

Saturday and Sunday (Day 4 and Day 5): Drive to Kinsale via Blarney and spend 2 nights in Kinsale

Monday (Day 6): Drive to Killarney via (open to suggestions!) Spend night in Killarney

Tuesday (Day 7): Drive to Ennis via (open to suggestions) Spend night in Ennis or Bunratty (need suggestion)

Wednesday (Day 8): Return to Shannon Airport - flight departs at 1:25 PM.

I'm hoping that won't be too much driving in the car. I tried to limit to around 1.5 to 2 hours a day. Thanks so much!

Susan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

Kinsale Crystal is nothing like Waterford Crystal Factory. It is a small shop with a workshop where you can watch them cut the crystal. They do not blow the crystal there but buy "blanks" and cut them in Kinsale. If you want to see the entire process from melting the ingredients to blowing the crystal to cutting and etching Waterford is the place! That being said, I suggest you might want an overnight stay near Waterford rather than Kilkenny. You will not have time to see Kilkenny anyway since it is just an overnight stop. See day-by-day comments below:

Wednesday and Thursday (Day 1 and Day 2): Dublin * Fine

Friday (Day 3): Drive to Kilkenny via Powerscourt or Glendalough and spend night in Kilkenny * Suggest staying near Waterford instead.

Saturday and Sunday (Day 4 and Day 5): Drive to Kinsale via Blarney and spend 2 nights in Kinsale * If it were me I would skip Kinsale (especially on a weekend when it is a zoo!). You would be much better off with three days in either Killarney or Kenmare.

Monday (Day 6): Drive to Killarney via (open to suggestions!) Spend night in Killarney * See comments above.

Tuesday (Day 7): Drive to Ennis via (open to suggestions) Spend night in Ennis or Bunratty (need suggestion) * You could go via the coast of Clare and Cliffs of Moher. See my "Lodgings" page for suggestions on where to stay.

Wednesday (Day 8): Return to Shannon Airport - flight departs at 1:25 PM. * I would stay in Bunratty since international check in is 2 1/2 to 3 hours ahead of departure time.

Michele

Susan · Veteran Member

Michele,

Thanks for the information on Kinsale Crystal Factory. I really want to see how the crystal is made and Waterford Crystal is my absolute favorite so I don't want to miss it! I'll re-think my itinerary to include Waterford and stay, as you suggested, at a B&B for 3 nights. That will be more relaxing as well. Do you recommend Killarney or Kenmare? I'm learning toward Killarney since my daughter is 20 and would probably enjoy the shopping there but I'm open to all suggestions. Is Killarney too big to get a feel for an Irish town and should we stay out a little from the actual city? I'm sure there are a couple day trips we could make from there! Thanks again!

Susan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

Killarney is really not a huge town. I consider it a medium-size Irish town. Kenmare is much smaller. They will both be crowded in August especially on a weekend (but no where near as crowded as Kinsale!). There are benefits to being within walking distance of Killarney since you don't have to search for parking spaces. However, if you prefer to be out of town take a look at Friar's Glen or Loch Lein Country House. Once you make a decision get your reservations for accommodations made.

Michele

YaYa · Guru

I like the itinerary Michele has given you. I thought Kinsale was highly overrated. It is very pretty but I wouldn't go again. I loved my 6 night stay in Kenmare. You can easily get over to Killarney from Kenmare. Both places have lovely scenery and very good accommodations.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Joan,

Welcome to the forum! Six nights in Kenmare sound heavenly. It is my favorite small town in Ireland. I am looking forward to several days there on my next trip. I have found some wonderful new B&Bs that I must stay at and review. Tough job but someone must do it.

Michele

Susan · Veteran Member

Michele -
I was reading in one of my travel books last night that the first Monday in June and August are "Bankers Holidays". Do you know if this is correct and, if so, how will that impact our visit. We will be there on August 6th-we depart on the 8th. I can arrange a long driving day if stores and shops are closed. I'm busy looking at Killarney and Kenmare! I absolutely love this website! Thanks -
Susan

Susan · Veteran Member

Joan -
Thanks for the input. I'll be traveling with my mom and daughter. Staying a couple nights in the same place will be great since we will be driving to a different town every day. We still haven't finalized our itinerary because we aren't sure we want to bypass Kilkenny altogether. I'm looking into both Killarney and Kenmare. Glad you had a wonderful trip. I'm so excited to go but unfortunately have to wait 7 months!
Susan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

There is indeed a Bank Holiday the first Monday in August. That means you should book you lodgings for that Friday through Sunday ASAP! Things associated with tourists will be open just not schools, banks, etc.

Michele

P.S. August will be here before you know it!

Susan · Veteran Member

Michele -
I just purchased your Ireland Guide Book so as soon as it arrives, I'll finalize our itinerary and book the accommodations. I really appreciate all the information and help you've provided. I'll keep you posted as we progress!
Susan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

I have your book order here. It will be in the mail on Thursday. It will have so much info in it that you really need and that could never all be covered here.

Michele

Susan · Veteran Member

Michele -

Your book arrived on Saturday and I've had a great time reading and planning. How does this sound for our final itinerary:

Wednesday and Thursday (Day 1 and Day 2): Dublin

Friday (Day 3): Drive to Kilkenny via Powerscourt or Glendalough and spend night in Kilkenny (I'd like to see either of these two places but have been warned in all my travel books that they will be extremely busy during the summer so if you have another suggestion of a fun place to see on the way to Kilkenny from Dublin, I'd be interested.)

Saturday (Day 4): Morning touring Kilkenny and afternoon touring Waterford Crystal Factory. Drive to Blarney and spend the night in Blarney.

Sunday and Monday (Day 5 and Day 6): Tour Blarney Castle and then drive to Killarney. Spend two nights in Killarney.

Tuesday (Day 7): Drive to Ennis via Cliffs of Moher. Spend the night in Bunratty

Wednesday (Day 8): Return to Shannon Airport - flight departs at 1:25 PM.

I'd like to book all our accommodations this week, if possible. I'm hoping that we can stay at some of your suggested B&Bs! Thanks again -
Susan