Ireland: Does anything sound crazy?
Jan 16th, 2007, 10:38 AM
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Ireland: Does anything sound crazy?
Yes - it's yet another itinerary for your comments.
We are Torontonians planning on visiting Ireland for 2 weeks. We are a family group consisting of my parents (in their 60s), my husband and I (30s), my nephew (16) and my 17-month old son.
My father's family is from the North of Ireland - Ballymena - and we plan to trace some of our family tree. Other priorities include music (we're all musicians), pubs, scenery, relaxing.
Here's the plan:
Fly into Belfast - arrive 7 a.m. on March 31st. Spend day and first night in Belfast
Hoping to rent a mini-van (any suggestions?) and head out mid morning-ish, drive straight up freeway (not coast) to Portrush/ Bushmills area where we plan to rent a 3/4 bedroom house.
Stay there for 5 nights doing daytrips to the coast and sites in area.
Drive to Wesport - I know this is a long drive - 4 hours? 5? 6? We are happy to make a full day of it and stop to look at sites, etc. This is likely to be Good Friday, so we will pack a picnic lunch just in case things are closed.
Stay in a rented 3/4 bedroom house in Wesport Village for four nights. Do daytrips - Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, maybe some salmon fishing is also an idea.
Drive to Dublin - again a long drive but we will take all day and do it at a leisurely pace. Is it 4 hours, 5? 6?
Stay in Dublin (hotel) for 2 nights. See city sights.
Leave Dublin mid morning-ish for Belfast. Stop to see Newgrange - arrive dinner-time-ish.
Stay over in Belfast - fly out at noon.
Any thoughts? We don't want to move around too much but are comfortable knowling we have 2 days that will be pretty heavy on driving. We plan on splitting up at times for daytrips (especially with the baby in tow) and we are all content to take some time just hanging out in the house and exploring the immediate area on foot. I want to make sure the rental houses are within walking distance to shops, pubs, ect but that doesn't seem to difficult to manage based on what I've seen available.
Thank all of you in advance for comments and suggestions. What a wonderful forum this is!
Kelly
We are Torontonians planning on visiting Ireland for 2 weeks. We are a family group consisting of my parents (in their 60s), my husband and I (30s), my nephew (16) and my 17-month old son.
My father's family is from the North of Ireland - Ballymena - and we plan to trace some of our family tree. Other priorities include music (we're all musicians), pubs, scenery, relaxing.
Here's the plan:
Fly into Belfast - arrive 7 a.m. on March 31st. Spend day and first night in Belfast
Hoping to rent a mini-van (any suggestions?) and head out mid morning-ish, drive straight up freeway (not coast) to Portrush/ Bushmills area where we plan to rent a 3/4 bedroom house.
Stay there for 5 nights doing daytrips to the coast and sites in area.
Drive to Wesport - I know this is a long drive - 4 hours? 5? 6? We are happy to make a full day of it and stop to look at sites, etc. This is likely to be Good Friday, so we will pack a picnic lunch just in case things are closed.
Stay in a rented 3/4 bedroom house in Wesport Village for four nights. Do daytrips - Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, maybe some salmon fishing is also an idea.
Drive to Dublin - again a long drive but we will take all day and do it at a leisurely pace. Is it 4 hours, 5? 6?
Stay in Dublin (hotel) for 2 nights. See city sights.
Leave Dublin mid morning-ish for Belfast. Stop to see Newgrange - arrive dinner-time-ish.
Stay over in Belfast - fly out at noon.
Any thoughts? We don't want to move around too much but are comfortable knowling we have 2 days that will be pretty heavy on driving. We plan on splitting up at times for daytrips (especially with the baby in tow) and we are all content to take some time just hanging out in the house and exploring the immediate area on foot. I want to make sure the rental houses are within walking distance to shops, pubs, ect but that doesn't seem to difficult to manage based on what I've seen available.
Thank all of you in advance for comments and suggestions. What a wonderful forum this is!
Kelly
Jan 16th, 2007, 10:43 AM
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Thanks to the person who suggested I repost this with Ireland in the name. I got another reply suggesting we fly out of Dublin/Shannon but we would like to stick with Belfast any other airport from Toronto involves a stop-over and I really need to avoid that as I'm travelling with a 17-month old. Thanks for the suggestion though - all intrest is much appreciated!
Jan 16th, 2007, 10:54 AM
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Just a couple of observations:
A day trip from Westport to see the Cliffs of Moher involves a long drive, mostly on roads not made for fast driving. I suggest you forget it. There is a wealth of wonderful stuff within easy reach of Westport, so go for those things.
Try to get to Newgrange early -- certainly earlier than lunchtime.
Overall, I don't think you are trying for too much, and it is wise to treat the transfers as travelling days rather than to pretend that they don't eat into your time.
Clonmacnoise, near Athlone, might be an interesting stop on your route to Dublin.
A day trip from Westport to see the Cliffs of Moher involves a long drive, mostly on roads not made for fast driving. I suggest you forget it. There is a wealth of wonderful stuff within easy reach of Westport, so go for those things.
Try to get to Newgrange early -- certainly earlier than lunchtime.
Overall, I don't think you are trying for too much, and it is wise to treat the transfers as travelling days rather than to pretend that they don't eat into your time.
Clonmacnoise, near Athlone, might be an interesting stop on your route to Dublin.
Jan 16th, 2007, 11:07 AM
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Hi Canuck,
I think it sounds like a great trip and very doable. You're wise to settle down in two places. We've done that, with a long drive in between our switch and really enjoyed that. When you're looking at your drive you can spot interesting places on the map to stop along the way. We liked Carrowmore in Sligo as a stop betw Westport and Donegal but not sure if it's in your path.
In Westport - definitely don't go to Cliffs of Moher. I wouldn't go to Aran Islands either as Clare Island and Achill Island are right there and are spectacular. Clare is especially nice (IMHO) as you take a boat across and simply wander around the island on foot.
The cliffs on Clare, the cliffs at Achill and at the Antrim Coast more than compensate for the Cliffs of Moher. I'm convinced they're on every list because they're lovely and are close to Shannon Airport. I think there are other, equally special cliffs in Ireland!
As Padraig pointed out, if you arrive after noon at Newgrange you may be out of luck for the tour. Try to arrange to be there by 10 or so as it's well worth seeing both Newgrange and Knowth.
We love renting apts or houses in Ireland for that 'hanging out' activity. I find even the butcher shop to be a spot of great fascination! The one in Westport is great, there's a green grocer right by it and then the pubs are very fun there!
I think it sounds like a great trip and very doable. You're wise to settle down in two places. We've done that, with a long drive in between our switch and really enjoyed that. When you're looking at your drive you can spot interesting places on the map to stop along the way. We liked Carrowmore in Sligo as a stop betw Westport and Donegal but not sure if it's in your path.
In Westport - definitely don't go to Cliffs of Moher. I wouldn't go to Aran Islands either as Clare Island and Achill Island are right there and are spectacular. Clare is especially nice (IMHO) as you take a boat across and simply wander around the island on foot.
The cliffs on Clare, the cliffs at Achill and at the Antrim Coast more than compensate for the Cliffs of Moher. I'm convinced they're on every list because they're lovely and are close to Shannon Airport. I think there are other, equally special cliffs in Ireland!
As Padraig pointed out, if you arrive after noon at Newgrange you may be out of luck for the tour. Try to arrange to be there by 10 or so as it's well worth seeing both Newgrange and Knowth.
We love renting apts or houses in Ireland for that 'hanging out' activity. I find even the butcher shop to be a spot of great fascination! The one in Westport is great, there's a green grocer right by it and then the pubs are very fun there!
Jan 16th, 2007, 11:14 AM
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I second the suggestion of doing Achill Island (and/or Clare but, having not been there, I can't specifically comment on it) instead of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs are wonderful. But, as has been pointed out, it's a long drive if you're planning to return to Westport that evening. And Achill Island is truly beautiful. We really enjoyed our daytrip there from Westport, stopping at Burrishole Abbey (sorry if I've misspelled that) and taking the Atlantic Drive.
Jan 16th, 2007, 11:41 AM
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Welcome to the Forum,
If you haven't started your research yet in Ballymena, here are some links to get you started:
http://www.from-ireland.net/extrs/b/...enabirths1.htm
http://www.genealogylinks.net/uk/ireland/antrim.htm.
AA Ireland has a great route planner, http://www.aaireland.ie/routes/. A word of advice, don't believe the time shown, most roads are best traveled at 335 mph. Autoeurope.com is worth looking at for a van rental. We were very satisfied with the van they rented us in July, an automatic, 9 passenger model. It was well maintained and good on petrol.
You might take a look at Ballylinny Cottages, http://www.giantscauseway.co.uk/ballylinny.htm, for your stay in the Portrush/Bushmills area. Whilst in Portrush, make sure that you visit Derry, as it is a fascinating city.
Whilst in Westport, visit Roundstone if at all possible and the Roundstone Music store. Their Bodhrans are the best! Brookside Cottage might be an ideal self-catering choice for your family, http://westport.mayo-ireland.ie/Brookside.htm. It is 3 and a half miles from Westport, has four bedrooms, a private garden for the little one to run in and the nicest of Hosts. A Killary Harbor Cruise would be another nice day trip. Westport to the Cliffs will be a long drive. I would suggest that you take in the impressive Slieve League Cliffs which are closer to Westport and, in my opinion, are more breathtaking. They are the highest cliffs in Europe, I believe. Achill Island, http://www.visitachill.com,is well worth a visit from Westport. You will find some fantastic music in Westport and the surrounding area.
As for your time in Dublin at the end, you can take a hop-on/off Bus tour, which will take you to all the main attractions, allowing you to get on & off at leisure. The second day, I would suggest that you take a Bus tour to Newgrange. By taking the bus tour, you are guaranteed a tour of Newgrange. If you go on your own, you put your name on a list and you might or might not make the tour that day. If you decide to do it enroute to Belfast, make an early morning departure to arrive there no later than half past eight.
This should give you a good start. Its good that you will split up on some day trips. Self Catering is an excellent choice when traveling with a toddler. there is nothing better for a cranky tot than being able to run around a garden for a half hour.
Have a marvelos trip, remember to relax and savor each memory as its created, let spontaneity take control sometimes and give yourself up to the magic of Ireland.
Slan Agus Beannacht,
Bit Devine
www.cowboycraic.com
If you haven't started your research yet in Ballymena, here are some links to get you started:
http://www.from-ireland.net/extrs/b/...enabirths1.htm
http://www.genealogylinks.net/uk/ireland/antrim.htm.
AA Ireland has a great route planner, http://www.aaireland.ie/routes/. A word of advice, don't believe the time shown, most roads are best traveled at 335 mph. Autoeurope.com is worth looking at for a van rental. We were very satisfied with the van they rented us in July, an automatic, 9 passenger model. It was well maintained and good on petrol.
You might take a look at Ballylinny Cottages, http://www.giantscauseway.co.uk/ballylinny.htm, for your stay in the Portrush/Bushmills area. Whilst in Portrush, make sure that you visit Derry, as it is a fascinating city.
Whilst in Westport, visit Roundstone if at all possible and the Roundstone Music store. Their Bodhrans are the best! Brookside Cottage might be an ideal self-catering choice for your family, http://westport.mayo-ireland.ie/Brookside.htm. It is 3 and a half miles from Westport, has four bedrooms, a private garden for the little one to run in and the nicest of Hosts. A Killary Harbor Cruise would be another nice day trip. Westport to the Cliffs will be a long drive. I would suggest that you take in the impressive Slieve League Cliffs which are closer to Westport and, in my opinion, are more breathtaking. They are the highest cliffs in Europe, I believe. Achill Island, http://www.visitachill.com,is well worth a visit from Westport. You will find some fantastic music in Westport and the surrounding area.
As for your time in Dublin at the end, you can take a hop-on/off Bus tour, which will take you to all the main attractions, allowing you to get on & off at leisure. The second day, I would suggest that you take a Bus tour to Newgrange. By taking the bus tour, you are guaranteed a tour of Newgrange. If you go on your own, you put your name on a list and you might or might not make the tour that day. If you decide to do it enroute to Belfast, make an early morning departure to arrive there no later than half past eight.
This should give you a good start. Its good that you will split up on some day trips. Self Catering is an excellent choice when traveling with a toddler. there is nothing better for a cranky tot than being able to run around a garden for a half hour.
Have a marvelos trip, remember to relax and savor each memory as its created, let spontaneity take control sometimes and give yourself up to the magic of Ireland.
Slan Agus Beannacht,
Bit Devine
www.cowboycraic.com
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Jan 17th, 2007, 10:44 AM
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Hi C.
I live in Northern Ireland so I will start there.
Firstly. I would ask for a 'people carrier' not a mini van. A people carrier such as a Ford Galaxy (but there are many others), would suit your needs.
You should look up Songdoc's trip report on the Antrim coast as it is excellent.
Do you intend stopping in Ballymena on the way to re-trace your family or do you intend to do it from The Antrim Coast?
Good Friday from Antim Coast to Westport will be hectic. You are wise to arrange a picnic but you should also arrange your evening meal as almost everthing is closed in the Republic on Good Friday (not the case in NI so stock up before you cross the border).
When in Westport do visit Kylemore Abbey and gardens and the Sky road in Connermara.
Helen
I live in Northern Ireland so I will start there.
Firstly. I would ask for a 'people carrier' not a mini van. A people carrier such as a Ford Galaxy (but there are many others), would suit your needs.
You should look up Songdoc's trip report on the Antrim coast as it is excellent.
Do you intend stopping in Ballymena on the way to re-trace your family or do you intend to do it from The Antrim Coast?
Good Friday from Antim Coast to Westport will be hectic. You are wise to arrange a picnic but you should also arrange your evening meal as almost everthing is closed in the Republic on Good Friday (not the case in NI so stock up before you cross the border).
When in Westport do visit Kylemore Abbey and gardens and the Sky road in Connermara.
Helen
Jan 17th, 2007, 02:09 PM
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It actually looks like a pretty good plan to me also and the advice has been quite good. Yes, the Cliffs of Moher are out. Here is my trip report from 2005. Check the next two days that follow also:
http://tinyurl.com/2o35nn
Cowboycraics driving is as fast as her typing ... 335MPH might be a bit quick. Sadly, I have to repsectfully disagree on Roundstone musics bodhran's. They are really quite average or below average. Malachy's cheaper bodhrans aren't much less quality that the more expensive ones. They don't make a double skin which I believe (as do many others) is far superior to the single skin and their single skins cost about as much as many folk's double skins. If you want to get one there, and you live in an arid climate, I understand he makes a drum "made for America" with a looser skin. My bodhran was actually made in Germany and I am very fond of it.
If you want to get technical, I believe the highest sea cliffs in Europe are said to be on the Faroe Islands .... but who's counting. Achill is spectacular.
Bill
http://tinyurl.com/2o35nn
Cowboycraics driving is as fast as her typing ... 335MPH might be a bit quick. Sadly, I have to repsectfully disagree on Roundstone musics bodhran's. They are really quite average or below average. Malachy's cheaper bodhrans aren't much less quality that the more expensive ones. They don't make a double skin which I believe (as do many others) is far superior to the single skin and their single skins cost about as much as many folk's double skins. If you want to get one there, and you live in an arid climate, I understand he makes a drum "made for America" with a looser skin. My bodhran was actually made in Germany and I am very fond of it.
If you want to get technical, I believe the highest sea cliffs in Europe are said to be on the Faroe Islands .... but who's counting. Achill is spectacular.
Bill
Jan 17th, 2007, 03:53 PM
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Click on wojazz3's name and you'll get some wonderful advice about Ireland plus really good trip reports. He along with others here on Fodor's made my last trip to Ireland so much more enjoyable. Have a wonderful trip. Joan
Jan 17th, 2007, 09:20 PM
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One other thought - the cliffs at Slieve League that Cowboy suggests are in Donegal and out of your way unless you spend a night there along the way. They're incredible but the road is harrowing. Unforgettable but probably not in a good way and with a 17-month old... Well, you'll think you're putting your child at risk. I wouldn't go there on this trip.
You should be able to find a nice place right in Westport, walking distance to some of Ireland's finest pubs!
You should be able to find a nice place right in Westport, walking distance to some of Ireland's finest pubs!
Jan 18th, 2007, 12:06 PM
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Padraig, Padraig, Padraig .... how can you say such a terrible thing about a drum ... oh yea, it's a drum, never mind. Still, they are a blast to play and when played at appropriate volume (and rhythm), hide the fact that the whistle player and the fiddle player aren't playing together 
.
.
Jan 18th, 2007, 01:42 PM
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Oh Dear, what have I started between Padraig & you, Bill? I appreciate your input on the Bodrhans of Roundstone. It was my instructor who suggested that I go there. She is very pleased with the one that I purchased. As I progress, I will pick your brain for a better bodrhan.
Slan Go Foill,
Bit
Slan Go Foill,
Bit
Jan 18th, 2007, 03:27 PM
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Just to throw in my two cents, which I'm sure isn't worth even that...I've never been a big drum fan. But I love the big kettle drum in symphony orchestras (timpany? My brain's a bit addled at the moment, not that that's particularly ununsual.
) and I love the bodhran! There's just something about it that I find very moving.
) and I love the bodhran! There's just something about it that I find very moving.
