Is this Ireland Itinerary Plausibe? Please Help!
Apr 30th, 2008, 03:12 PM
#24
Blarney Castle is the Loch Ness of Ireland. Meaning - not great places to visit - just famous. Many think Blarney is <b><i>the</i></b> castle to visit in Ireland and Loch Ness is <i><b>the</b></i> loch to visit in Scotland. Neither is true. They are just two places most first-timers have heard of.
May 1st, 2008, 08:58 PM
#26
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This is Reggs, i am diligently on the hunt for places to stay. We nixed Limerick and Shannon as instructed and I have sent questions to 3 Farm Houses in Ennis. I thought my kids would get a kick out of staying on a farm being that they have grown up their entire lives in the'Concrete City' of Bangkok Thailand!
Anybody have any reports on these Farms in Ennis?
1)Eden Hill House
2)Elmdale
3)New Park House
Does anybody have a link they can give me so I can check out reviews on the accommodations we are leaning towards?
We haven't recieved the exact time of our arrival in Shannon, but if we get there early enough and have the energy we will take your advice wojazz3 on Bunratty the day of arrival, thanks.
Are most B&B's in Ireland nonsmoking?
I also am looking into a place to stay in Kenmare instead of Killarney (as instructed). Any feedback on Abbey Court B&B?
wojazz, what is the name of the Crystal place in Kinsale you are reccommending? And isn't Glendalough in Waterford? I also keep reading to my Son how much he owes me!!!
Is Wicklow Jail too scarey for a 9 year old? I have emailed them directly to no avail. They say their is screaming on the web site, but they don't say if the manicans on display move or not. I hope they don't because I am certain that would push my daughter over the edge.
Also, can you please give me some names of places in Dublin to spend 2 nights on the 24hr Hop on Hop Off bus route if you have any!!!
And what is typical check in and out times in B&B's in Ireland?
Thanks ever so much, Reggs
Anybody have any reports on these Farms in Ennis?
1)Eden Hill House
2)Elmdale
3)New Park House
Does anybody have a link they can give me so I can check out reviews on the accommodations we are leaning towards?
We haven't recieved the exact time of our arrival in Shannon, but if we get there early enough and have the energy we will take your advice wojazz3 on Bunratty the day of arrival, thanks.
Are most B&B's in Ireland nonsmoking?
I also am looking into a place to stay in Kenmare instead of Killarney (as instructed). Any feedback on Abbey Court B&B?
wojazz, what is the name of the Crystal place in Kinsale you are reccommending? And isn't Glendalough in Waterford? I also keep reading to my Son how much he owes me!!!
Is Wicklow Jail too scarey for a 9 year old? I have emailed them directly to no avail. They say their is screaming on the web site, but they don't say if the manicans on display move or not. I hope they don't because I am certain that would push my daughter over the edge.
Also, can you please give me some names of places in Dublin to spend 2 nights on the 24hr Hop on Hop Off bus route if you have any!!!
And what is typical check in and out times in B&B's in Ireland?
Thanks ever so much, Reggs
May 2nd, 2008, 01:44 AM
#27
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Glendalough is in Co. Wicklow, not too far from Wicklow Town. You asked for suggestions on where to overnight after visiting Wicklow Gaol, and I think that is the standout candidate.
B&Bs are normally non-smoking. Usually there is not a formal checkout time, but the presumption is that you leave not too long after breakfast. I'd feel I was in the way if I was there later than about 10.30.
B&Bs are normally non-smoking. Usually there is not a formal checkout time, but the presumption is that you leave not too long after breakfast. I'd feel I was in the way if I was there later than about 10.30.
May 2nd, 2008, 05:45 AM
#28
as for check in times - it totally depends on the B&B. Some have a specific window of time for check in (like 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) that can be changed if you contact them ahead of time. Some ask you when you will be arriving and will be at home then.
B&Bs are usually very small, family-run places and people are not there all day to let folks in. They have shopping to do, school runs, and just general "life". So once you pick a B&B you need to talk to them about check in. Usually - when you book they will ask you when you plan on being there.
B&Bs are usually very small, family-run places and people are not there all day to let folks in. They have shopping to do, school runs, and just general "life". So once you pick a B&B you need to talk to them about check in. Usually - when you book they will ask you when you plan on being there.
May 5th, 2008, 09:58 AM
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The company is Kinsale Crystal. Anyone in town will be abloe to tell you how to find it. A number of years ago, Waterford offered many of their cutters and early retirement option (at least this is how I heard the story) as they had too many and they were going to a more shallow, quicker cut and didn't require as many cutters. Dingle and Kinsale were owned by brothers (though I've heard the Kinsale brother died by strange circumstances) and took the offer from Waterford. Both opened thier own shops and when back to the deeper cutting styles. They really do appear, even to this not so discerning eye, much nicer.
I've also heard good things about Abbey Court in Kenmare, though never stayed there. Generally, the rule is to check in between 4-6 at B&Bs but it is always good to call ahead and let them know you are coming as janis says.
Bill
I've also heard good things about Abbey Court in Kenmare, though never stayed there. Generally, the rule is to check in between 4-6 at B&Bs but it is always good to call ahead and let them know you are coming as janis says.
Bill
May 6th, 2008, 03:07 AM
#32
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Thanks Guys. I ended up getting confirmed at:
New Park House in Ennis Co. Clare.
Abbey Court in Kenmare was unfortunately booked out ,so they reccommended me to 'Island View', which is supposed to have great Family Rooms. I hope it is nice...
In Cashel we are booked at Derrynaflan House where they evidently make their own cheese. (The kids should dig that!)
I am waiting to hear back from Balley Knocken Farmhouse in Asford Wicklow.
In Dublin we have been confirmed at the Harcourt Hotel which is supposed to be in the heart of the city and has great reviews on ' Trip Advisor.
After Dublin we are going to go see Bru na boine, and the tombs of New Grange and knowth. We need to spend that night around there somewhere and the next night we stay I think in Coleraine. Where should I look for a place for our Meath Sightseeing day? Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth? Any recommendations you can give me?
For the last night I found a great place in Coleraine, 'Heathfield Farm' and I am praying for confirmation.
The following morning we leave for Larne to catch the Ferry to Scotland.
Are All B&Bs without pets inside the house as well or does it vary?
I guess that's it for now. I would really appreciate any feedback ASAP!
Thanks, Reggs
New Park House in Ennis Co. Clare.
Abbey Court in Kenmare was unfortunately booked out ,so they reccommended me to 'Island View', which is supposed to have great Family Rooms. I hope it is nice...
In Cashel we are booked at Derrynaflan House where they evidently make their own cheese. (The kids should dig that!)
I am waiting to hear back from Balley Knocken Farmhouse in Asford Wicklow.
In Dublin we have been confirmed at the Harcourt Hotel which is supposed to be in the heart of the city and has great reviews on ' Trip Advisor.
After Dublin we are going to go see Bru na boine, and the tombs of New Grange and knowth. We need to spend that night around there somewhere and the next night we stay I think in Coleraine. Where should I look for a place for our Meath Sightseeing day? Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth? Any recommendations you can give me?
For the last night I found a great place in Coleraine, 'Heathfield Farm' and I am praying for confirmation.
The following morning we leave for Larne to catch the Ferry to Scotland.
Are All B&Bs without pets inside the house as well or does it vary?
I guess that's it for now. I would really appreciate any feedback ASAP!
Thanks, Reggs
May 6th, 2008, 06:26 AM
#33
"<i>Are All B&Bs without pets inside the house as well or does it vary?</i>"
LOTS of B&Bs have pets inside the house. One reason (among several) so many B&Bs say "no pets" is because their own animals are in and about.
LOTS of B&Bs have pets inside the house. One reason (among several) so many B&Bs say "no pets" is because their own animals are in and about.
May 6th, 2008, 08:09 PM
#34
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Hi, sounds like you have things well in hand. Our kids are still moaning over not seeing the Giant's Causeway, so I feel your pain...
As you confirm your overnights in B&B's, you can inquire about their check-in preferences, presence of pets (husb. is badly allergic to cats, so we had to ask), flexibility of breakfast schedules (since you're driving, you might want to blast off early one day...), as well as their advice, knowing you have children in tow, on where to eat, hear music, or to head for(our hosts often would telephone around for us to find out what was on). Maybe we were lucky, but we chose smaller places and found them very responsive and patient with our efforts to reliably predict our arrival times.
By the same token, you can let them know if any of your kids have strong food preferences before your host serves them a big pile of something for breakfast that ends up wasted.
Random Advice Department:
-get your kids their own digital cameras
-take along a tub of wet wipes and extra zipper-lock bags; keep a plastic bag for trash in the car. +/- a roll of paper towels once you're there.
-take washcloths if they're important to you--you may not get them
-keep a can of Pringles in the car. oh, all right then, a few apples too.
In terms of our scheduling and what our kids liked:
We flew to Shannon, got car (take photos with yr digital camera and save till you return the car, Just In Case....Ours only had 350 miles on it but already had major dents and no housing on side mirrors...make sure hubcaps are secured on) and drove to Ennis for lunch and walked around. The little museum is interesting, and sells the good driving maps in its shop. Then we drove on to Lahinch,base for 2 nights. Took a private-guided tour (arranged by host)of ruins and the Burren, one place our children absolutely loved. We came back along the coast from Ballyvaughan. Music was close by in Kilnefora and Doolin, but our 9 year olds couldn't stay awake long enough to take much in except in Lahinch. We went to Cliffs of Moher (a very short drive from Lahinch) the next morning and beat the flocks of buses.
Things to know: 1- there can be obscuring fog, so you have to be somewhat flexible and try to get there when it's clear; 2- there is a protective wall you now must look over, set well back from the actual edge of the cliffs, which dims the visit; some tourists defy the no trespassing sign/ropes at the end of the wall to try to regain the wild feel of the place, but it's really not safe 3- We paid skeptically for the "Cliffs Experience" at the visitor center (itself a nice, kid-friendly display)but the kids loved it, it's a giant-screen immersion-video which takes the viewer on a gull's eye tour of the cliffs.
Area faves
ne of the best times we've ever had was rolling up our pants and walking along the sea at Fanore beach, just north of Doolin-- we collected dozens of limpet shells and waded through mossy tidal pools among the rocks.
We only spent 20 minutes here or there in the car, and still didn't get to see the caverns or perfume factory in the Burren, our rainy day options.
Other things our kids loved:
1) the drive down to Loop Head(at the mouth of the Shannon River)and walk on the cliff top. We debated doing this, as it was the same day we drove to the Dingle Peninsula. but didn't have an atom of regret. It's breathtaking-- there's an old natural rock bridge which has fallen in, a footpath you follow through pillowy clumps of grass out to the point, with the waves crashing FAR below and throngs of sea birds in the niches and along the ledges of the cliffs.... and only one other person. It took us only an hour or so of driving to get there from Lahinch,not counting the stop in Kilkee to inspect the rocky pools in the bay and to photograph the "winkle wagon"; another 45 minutes or so to get to the ferry on time. 2) the Tarbert ferry ride.
It took us till late afternoon to get to our B&B in Inch-a bit east of Dingle, around 3 more hours of driving, I think.
Kids loved: 1)the beehive huts; there's more than one place to visit them, but we stopped at the property of Mary O'Halloran (that's close, I think)--you can wander up among the huts with a great view out (um, is it Blasket Sound?). There's a small admission fee. We saw tour buses pull up across the street from her house a time or two, but they just took a photo and zoomed off. (This is where the film "Far and Away" was shot, with lots of locals as extras)
2) Connor Pass- spectacular views, no problem driving, kids a-leaping
3) Gallarus Observatory- actually, the kids were far more enchanted by the blooming hedges of fuchsia on the lane. But it was raining.
4) Anascaul Pottery- out of the rain, and magical.
We drove back through Limerick to Bunratty (I have to check records, but think this took around 5 hours), had the early,non-medieval-castle dinner/dancing/storytelling, which all the children enjoyed, utterly. We had an evening flight out the next day, so spent the day at the Bunratty Folk Park. Half a day would really have done it for us, but our school-age kids learned quite a lot.
As you confirm your overnights in B&B's, you can inquire about their check-in preferences, presence of pets (husb. is badly allergic to cats, so we had to ask), flexibility of breakfast schedules (since you're driving, you might want to blast off early one day...), as well as their advice, knowing you have children in tow, on where to eat, hear music, or to head for(our hosts often would telephone around for us to find out what was on). Maybe we were lucky, but we chose smaller places and found them very responsive and patient with our efforts to reliably predict our arrival times.
By the same token, you can let them know if any of your kids have strong food preferences before your host serves them a big pile of something for breakfast that ends up wasted.
Random Advice Department:
-get your kids their own digital cameras
-take along a tub of wet wipes and extra zipper-lock bags; keep a plastic bag for trash in the car. +/- a roll of paper towels once you're there.
-take washcloths if they're important to you--you may not get them
-keep a can of Pringles in the car. oh, all right then, a few apples too.
In terms of our scheduling and what our kids liked:
We flew to Shannon, got car (take photos with yr digital camera and save till you return the car, Just In Case....Ours only had 350 miles on it but already had major dents and no housing on side mirrors...make sure hubcaps are secured on) and drove to Ennis for lunch and walked around. The little museum is interesting, and sells the good driving maps in its shop. Then we drove on to Lahinch,base for 2 nights. Took a private-guided tour (arranged by host)of ruins and the Burren, one place our children absolutely loved. We came back along the coast from Ballyvaughan. Music was close by in Kilnefora and Doolin, but our 9 year olds couldn't stay awake long enough to take much in except in Lahinch. We went to Cliffs of Moher (a very short drive from Lahinch) the next morning and beat the flocks of buses.
Things to know: 1- there can be obscuring fog, so you have to be somewhat flexible and try to get there when it's clear; 2- there is a protective wall you now must look over, set well back from the actual edge of the cliffs, which dims the visit; some tourists defy the no trespassing sign/ropes at the end of the wall to try to regain the wild feel of the place, but it's really not safe 3- We paid skeptically for the "Cliffs Experience" at the visitor center (itself a nice, kid-friendly display)but the kids loved it, it's a giant-screen immersion-video which takes the viewer on a gull's eye tour of the cliffs.
Area faves
ne of the best times we've ever had was rolling up our pants and walking along the sea at Fanore beach, just north of Doolin-- we collected dozens of limpet shells and waded through mossy tidal pools among the rocks. We only spent 20 minutes here or there in the car, and still didn't get to see the caverns or perfume factory in the Burren, our rainy day options.
Other things our kids loved:
1) the drive down to Loop Head(at the mouth of the Shannon River)and walk on the cliff top. We debated doing this, as it was the same day we drove to the Dingle Peninsula. but didn't have an atom of regret. It's breathtaking-- there's an old natural rock bridge which has fallen in, a footpath you follow through pillowy clumps of grass out to the point, with the waves crashing FAR below and throngs of sea birds in the niches and along the ledges of the cliffs.... and only one other person. It took us only an hour or so of driving to get there from Lahinch,not counting the stop in Kilkee to inspect the rocky pools in the bay and to photograph the "winkle wagon"; another 45 minutes or so to get to the ferry on time. 2) the Tarbert ferry ride.
It took us till late afternoon to get to our B&B in Inch-a bit east of Dingle, around 3 more hours of driving, I think.
Kids loved: 1)the beehive huts; there's more than one place to visit them, but we stopped at the property of Mary O'Halloran (that's close, I think)--you can wander up among the huts with a great view out (um, is it Blasket Sound?). There's a small admission fee. We saw tour buses pull up across the street from her house a time or two, but they just took a photo and zoomed off. (This is where the film "Far and Away" was shot, with lots of locals as extras)
2) Connor Pass- spectacular views, no problem driving, kids a-leaping
3) Gallarus Observatory- actually, the kids were far more enchanted by the blooming hedges of fuchsia on the lane. But it was raining.
4) Anascaul Pottery- out of the rain, and magical.
We drove back through Limerick to Bunratty (I have to check records, but think this took around 5 hours), had the early,non-medieval-castle dinner/dancing/storytelling, which all the children enjoyed, utterly. We had an evening flight out the next day, so spent the day at the Bunratty Folk Park. Half a day would really have done it for us, but our school-age kids learned quite a lot.
May 6th, 2008, 08:55 PM
#35
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Sorry, the site wouldn't let me edit the above.
You have to reserve the Bunratty dinner in advance if you're going to do it. You can do it directly with no fee and no cancellation penalty at the Shannon Heritage site http://www.shannonheritage.com/AboutUs/
they even called me when they got openings for our family for the Irish Traditional Night.
Also, make sure your kids have a fleece and a rain jacket--we were there mid-July last year and needed them.
You have to reserve the Bunratty dinner in advance if you're going to do it. You can do it directly with no fee and no cancellation penalty at the Shannon Heritage site http://www.shannonheritage.com/AboutUs/
they even called me when they got openings for our family for the Irish Traditional Night.
Also, make sure your kids have a fleece and a rain jacket--we were there mid-July last year and needed them.
May 7th, 2008, 10:09 AM
#36
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Reggs,
I've been worrying about your stay at Harcourt Hotel in Dublin. I stayed near by a few years ago and walked by it and remember it was not a place I'd like to be with children. Maybe it has changed and does not have a night club any more. Just now I looked at Trip Advisor and did not see rave reviews, I saw most of them were not good ones. The place I stayed was Russell Court Hotel and I'd not recommend it with children. If you do decide to stay at Harcourt, maybe have ear plugs. The rest of your accommodations look fine.
Have a great trip, Joan
I've been worrying about your stay at Harcourt Hotel in Dublin. I stayed near by a few years ago and walked by it and remember it was not a place I'd like to be with children. Maybe it has changed and does not have a night club any more. Just now I looked at Trip Advisor and did not see rave reviews, I saw most of them were not good ones. The place I stayed was Russell Court Hotel and I'd not recommend it with children. If you do decide to stay at Harcourt, maybe have ear plugs. The rest of your accommodations look fine.
Have a great trip, Joan
May 7th, 2008, 03:47 PM
#37
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Hi catham,
Thanks for the warning.They did say there would be noises. Does that mean it is not safe? The children will be with my husband and myself the entire time. Now I am nervous...what does that mean....drunks? I will research for more reviews. We are definately not party people.
Thanks, Reggs
Thanks for the warning.They did say there would be noises. Does that mean it is not safe? The children will be with my husband and myself the entire time. Now I am nervous...what does that mean....drunks? I will research for more reviews. We are definately not party people.
Thanks, Reggs
May 8th, 2008, 10:19 AM
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Reggs,
I think it would be safe, but you'd have drunks around. A lot of young people go to Dublin from other countries for parties. I wish I could tell you of a reasonable place to stay in Dublin but I gave up and stayed on my other trips outside Dublin. I did read one good report on Trip Advisor by someone who stayed in an Annex of Harcourt and they said it was nice and quiet. I wish someone on this board would give you some good places to stay that might be better. If not, you and the children will be fine, Ireland is a very safe and friendly place. As I said, ear plugs.
Have a great trip, Joan
I think it would be safe, but you'd have drunks around. A lot of young people go to Dublin from other countries for parties. I wish I could tell you of a reasonable place to stay in Dublin but I gave up and stayed on my other trips outside Dublin. I did read one good report on Trip Advisor by someone who stayed in an Annex of Harcourt and they said it was nice and quiet. I wish someone on this board would give you some good places to stay that might be better. If not, you and the children will be fine, Ireland is a very safe and friendly place. As I said, ear plugs.
Have a great trip, Joan
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