How has Kenmwel been with the new CDW MC waiver?

wojazz3 · Guru

How has Kenmwel been with the new CDW MC waiver?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

I have been using Kemwel (from the link on my own Car Rental page) for the past few years. There is no problem whatsoever using my business MC. When you choose the vehicle you want from the list click on "Select" next to Basic. That is the rate with no CDW.

My rental has always been through EuropCar and I usually rent in Shannon. They have nice people manning the desk and try to upgrade people who are nice to them. Extra charges that are paid to EuropCar directly are airport surcharge and road tax. You also return the car empty and have to pay for a full tank on arrival.

That's all the fine print I can think of. But be sure to read it on the bottom of the Kemwel page for yourself to be sure it is what you want. I do get a small commission if you book from the link on my "Car Rental" page, however you will pay no more.

Let me know if you need any more info.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

Thanks Michele. I have Kemwel bookmarked through your site. I figured it helped you on that regard. I was wondering who they used in Ireland. Their price is quite good. I've used Europecar before, never out of Shannon though. I'm flying into Shannon even though Cork is closer. The difference in price was over $100 for both of us and we have a day to get there. We'll stay near Shannon the 1st day.

We may stay in Ennis. I never have and I always feel like I've missed something. Driving through and stopping never impressed me, but many have enjoyed it so I need to give it a better shot. Any suggestions there?

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

I don't have any personal recommendations in Ennis. However, one forum member was very happy at the Temple Gate Hotel. Another member recommends Lakeside Country Lodge. I suppose it depends on if you want to be within walking distance of town. A stop at Custy's Music Shop is a must! They will be up on all the trad in town.

Michele

yesiree · Guru

I stuck my head in at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis. It looked like a safe bet, but I didnt' ask to see a room and can only comment on it's great location - right in town centre with the tourist office and the Glor Irish Music Centre within walking distance...I believe they had off-street parking.

The two main streets in Ennis remind me of a mini version of Kilkenny...the roads most people take through the city to get to the Cliffs don't do the town justice.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Dia Duit, Bill,

I have stayed in Ennis several times. I am partial to Newpark House for its history and the marvelous hospitality. Newpark is my Shores It isn't close to city center, which means you would have to drive in and park but for me, it was worth it. For lodging that is City Center, I prefer the Old Ground Hotel to Temple Gate for no other reason than it has the Poet's Corner Bar. They were also nice enough to give me a tour when I asked. Temple Gate was rather snippy when I inquired.

If you decide to go to Ennis, because of your music background, you will enjoy Custy's music shop and the Glor-Irish Music Centre. O'Halloran's and Tom Steele's are usually excellent places to find Trad music. If you ask at Custy's or at the Glor, they can point you in the right direction for some ceoil agus craic (singing and fun).

You might also try to find time for the Clare Museum, a compact museum but bursting with interesting artifacts and historical gems. I spent a full day in there on one trip, sending the others on to go where ever they wanted. You can also take a walking tour of Ennis to learn of its history.

Have a Jameson's for me, would you?

Slan Go Foill,

Bit

shashie50 · Veteran Member

We stayed at Rose Cottage Guesthouse in Ennis in 2003 and 2006. www.clare-rosecottage.com It is not a long walk to town, fits my budget (I'm frugal!), and Carmel is very welcoming. Easy to get to from Shannon -- doesn't require driving through town.

Old Ground Hotel is a good location -- good pub food, I hear, and I believe it because we could never get a seat! Also has a nice looking formal restaurant. We tried to catch a session there one night in 2003, but by the time they got going the place was so crowded and noisy with conversation, we gave up.

Temple Gate Hotel is right in the center -- it is 'new' and I assume very nice. The Visitor's Center is on the same courtyard.

Queens Hotel adjoins Cruise's Pub, which is a great place for music and pub food. They are still serving Irish Stew, which we found very hard to come by on this last trip, and it is excellent. Nice people, too. Don't know anything about the hotel accommodations, though.

Hmm. I'd better get busy on my trip report -- I can't remember the names of the other places we ate... I know I wrote it down somewhere...

I think you will enjoy Ennis!

Marsha

wojazz3 · Guru

Thanks guys. Newpark and Lakeside both look nice, I like the price of Lakeside. I tend to stay outside of town usually, though in town wouldn't be bad for this particular night.

You can retire now Michele, I booked my car.

I'll more likely have wee dram o Connemara (but the effect will be the same).

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

You do keep us laughing. If the Kemwel rates are anywhere as good as what I found for Feb I can retire when I'm 130! But thanks. Every penny helps the bottom line.

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Bill,

You won't usually find me at town centre, with the exception of Roscommon Town. There, I stay at Gleeson Townhouse.

One of the reasons I have for loving Newpark is that Declan & his mother are some of the most wonderful people that I have ever met. The other reason is the expansive grounds on which Newpark sits that beckons you to come out for a walk. There is a lot of history there that speaks to those who take the time to listen to the silence. The rooms are phenomenal. We had two rooms which shared a veranda. It was one of the best night's sleep that I had been able to have in quite sometime. We were advised of the "tenured guest" who might drift through from time to time. She is a friendly spirit but a bit mischievious.

I am glad that you have rented your car, Michele can afford a cupppa now!

Jameson has been my drink of choice for many years. I'll toast to you & you'll toast to me with Connemara, Slainte.

Slan Go Foill,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bit,

Who knows? I might even be able to afford a 6-pack of Smithwick's from my local grocery store!

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

Newpark actually looks fabulous and if I thought I would be alert enough to enjoy it, I woould probably stay. This will not be the relaxing day on the trip as we will arrive late in the afternoon and head south for Castletownshend the next morning.

I just took a look at Rose Cottage. I like the idea I can walk to town. The website syas 5 minutes, so I figure 15. The Irish have a different sense of how time passes while walking.

Thanks for all of the help. I hope I have the energy to enjoy Ennis on that first night.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

I have heard mixed reviews of Rose Cottage. If you stay please let us know what you think.

Michele

shashie50 · Veteran Member

Michele,

We have stayed there twice, and I would call it "modest and comfortable." It depends on the individual's expectations, but for the price, I think it measures up to other B&Bs we've stayed at. Not the Shores, of course, but that is an exceptional value And certainly, if you pay more, you get more luxury. I don't want to oversell it -- but it seemed fine to me for the price.

They were doing some work when we were there in November, including on the kitchen in the attached restaurant. So, Bill, if you are really beat, you can eat and have a Guinness right on the premises! And yes, about a 10 minute walk to town, and another 5 minutes to get into the center of things.

Bill - if you do stay there, I too would like to know your impressions. Have a great trip.

Marsha

Michele Erdvig · Host

Marsha,

Thanks for your feedback on Rose Cottage. When hearing from people that stay there it is really hard to judge since people have differing ideas of B&Bs. I also find that if they have just stayed at a spectacular place the night before (like The Shores) sometimes a regular B&B can be a letdown. I have to do that balancing act all the time when I am traveling around. If I can I try to stay at modest B&Bs first and more upscale places later. Sometimes that is not possible so I must keep a level head and judge each accommodation on its own merits.

Michele