We're a family of four planning a trip in mid-September. Our daughters are in their twenties. Is there a central location where we can stay for the entire trip, with easy access to bus/train to Dublin/Galway/Cork and travel is no more than 2-3 hrs one way? We're trying to limit taking our luggages onto the bus/train and we thought doing day trips from our hub/base would be more convenient. We thought of renting a car but after reading about driving in Ireland in Rick Steve's book and other online sources, it sounds intimidating!
I would also appreciate tips on lodging in this central location, we don't mind sharing a family room that has sofa beds plus regular bed.
Thank you.
Posted by
SoCal
1144 posts
If I were doing your trip, I'd rent a car. For me, Ireland was my first time driving on the left, and adjusting to it was not a big deal. Auto transmission only, of course.
Irish motorways linking the major cities (which Dublin, Galway and Cork qualify as) are excellent. We stayed in Limerick and found it to be an excellent home base for trips to Galway, Ballybunion, Kinsale and Cork. I will say that driving on narrow Irish country roads away from the motorways can be nerve-wracking.
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
933 posts
With only ten days, and without a car, you will find you will not be able to see as much as you like. If you look at the map of train routes you will see they fan out from Dublin, and some places tourists want to go are not served by train, and by bus it’s difficult and time consuming.. Dingle would be a good example of this, without a car, the best way to see it is via a guided bus tour from Killarney. But, if you were to spend your entire time in Killarney, you would miss out on many other areas because Killarney is four and a half hours by train from Dublin, and to get to Galway from Killarney you have to go back through Dublin by train, or figure out a long day on a bus. I did not drive in Ireland as it was a budget backpack/hostel/train pass trip for me, but I did drive in Scotland on my own, and found I got used to it quite quickly. If you really don’t want to try it, then with the time you have I would suggest splitting your time between Dublin and Galway. There is a variety of guided day trips from both places, and easy and frequent train service.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you! A co-worker travelled to South Ireland this past September and she said their home base was in Limerick and they rented a car. This sounds like the better way to go.
We're flying from Seattle to Dublin and will stay in Dublin for 2-3 days, then rent a car to drive to Limerick and make that our home base for the next 4-5 days, then back to Dublin.
I have not booked the flights yet, doing tons of research. I would appreciate suggestions for the best booking sites. I would prefer AK Air partner or alliance for the mileage and so far, Icelandair is the cheapest. We have not used this carrier before, so any comment (good/bad) about this airline would be great. I read that you have to pay for the in-flight food.
Also, we're looking for accommodation outside Dublin (suburbs), any recommendation on the neighborhood/town (which places to avoid, etc).
Thanks!
Cora
Posted by
SoCal
1144 posts
Clontarf Castle Hotel is located in a suburban setting that is nonetheless only about 25 minutes by foot to the city center. Personally I found the walk to be very enjoyable, though you go through a couple of gritty areas. The hotel itself is fantastic.
Posted by
1588 posts
I have not flown Iceland air recently but have friends who regularly fly it using saga class, sort of like premium economy . He’s 6’4” and well over 200lbs. There’s also a number of regulars here who use Iceland air and seem satisfied.
Areas outside Dublin to consider for lodging include Ballsbridge and Howth,