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14 nights Dublin to Shannon. What do you think?

Posted by (Clifton Park, NY) on

I have just posted this on TA also but am so excited, I thought I would also get some RS advisors to weigh in.

After much research and reading, I think I am comfortable and excited with my itinerary.

Arrival 5/13 6:30am Dublin, Depart 5/27 11;30 am Shannon. 14 nights.

Dublin- 3 nights, Albany House is already booked.
Priorities Kilmainham Gaol, Guinness Storehouse, Croke Park Tour, Chester Beatty Library. HOHO bus or 1916 bus tour and Newgrange would be nice

Kilkenny- 2 nights, Lawcus Farms?
Priorities- farm experience, relaxing, catching a match of hurling or Irish futbol at a pub.
A bit of shopping in Kilkenny, Jerpoint Abbey, Black Abbey, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle would be nice.

Cobh- 2 nights, a room with a view of the water or harbor; Robin Hill Guesthouse or Water's Edge Hotel?
Priorities- Emigrant Center Museum, enjoying a harbor environment and water scenery.
Harbor boat tour and day trip to Cork Engilsh Market would be nice

Killarney- 3 nights Algret House (this is where our 2 adult kids join us)
Priorities- Gap of Dunloe one day, Dingle Peninsula another day, wandering Killarney town, food, pubs.
kayaking or more of Killarney National Park would be nice

Galway-3 nights, Four Seasons Bed and Breakfast
Priorities- Cliffs of Moher, McDermott's Pub in Doolin, enjoying Galway, pubs, food, Connemara Day trip
Kayaking on river Corrib or other area close by would be nice.

Bunratty- 1 night ? accomodations.
Priorities- Need to be near Shannon.
Bunratty Castle banquet if not too hokey for 20 somethings. Well, even if it is, we will prob do as mom and dad are paying:)

There is so much more that I would like to fit in but I think I will keep my list of possible activities for 'just in case' we get lost or weather interferes, or something is closed.
After picking up a car at Dublin airport, we will try to visit Newgrange on the way to Kilkenny.
From Kilkenny to Cobh we will stop at ROC and Cahir Castle
From Killarney to Galway, we will stop at COM and McDermott's Pub.
Does all this sound ok?

Posted by
439 posts

The Schedule looks good. If you are watching anything in Kilkenny, make it Hurling. They are big hurling supporters. I think their team won 9 out of the last 11?? Alot anyway. Just lost to Tipperary in the final a few weeks ago.

Posted by
9363 posts

Just so you know, the Guinness Storehouse is not a tour of the brewery. It is basically a long commercial, with plenty of buying opportunities for the same Guinness souvenirs you can buy all over Ireland. But if you don't mind paying 14 euros for a "free" pint, and it's your priority, that's your choice. In Cobh, see the Queenstown Story museum on the waterfront. In Bunratty, there are a number of nice B&Bs directly behind the castle and folk park, so you shouldn't have trouble finding some place to stay. We stayed at Dunedin Lodge. Across from the castle is a nice little shopping area, as well as Durty Nelly's Pub (see their collection of American police and fire dept badges on the walls upstairs).

Posted by
207 posts

Linda,
Sounds amazing and I just finished spending a week in Galway and Dingle which I used as a home base. If you and you 20ish children arrive, you might want to look into contacting Celtic Nature Walks and Kevin O'Shea. It was my highlight as he brought a small group in a hike of the Dingle Penisula. I saw so much from a local and his wife Claire. i also had a good guide to bring me around the Penisula but you have a car and can do that if you read the RS self drive.

But you see so much with Kevin and he tailors his hikes based ion the group. I will be back to Dingle again and again.

And of course try to be at the cliff if you get a little sun.

Galway was the best city ever and since it's a university town, it appeals to different ages. I stayed at the Petra House but your location sounds great as well.

Enjoy,

Kathy

Posted by
95 posts

Mary,
Yes, a hurling match on TV in a pub would be fun
Nancy,
Hubby would not consider going to Dublin without visiting the Storehouse. I'm ok with it not being a real brewery. I hear there is a nice view with that "free" 14 euro Guinness.
Kathy,
Petra House was one of my choices in Galway along with The Stop but a close friend just told me he has stayed at Four Seasons 3 times and loves the owners, so if I can get a reservation, I think I will go with them. Have only booked Albany House in Dublin so far.

Posted by
9363 posts

Guinness is a real brewery, but the Storehouse is not a tour of the brewery. And the view will depend on the weather. It is often dreary/overcast/foggy, though hopefully you will get a clear day. A view from maybe 10 floors up isn't all that thrilling to me, but I'm sure you wouldn't be interested in some things I consider thrilling, either. :) It's important to you, and that is all that matters. Just don't go expecting to see anything of the brewing process.

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