Hello Everyone:
I remember planning a family trip through Europe- coming out of Iran with Frommer's guide - and years later coming out of Africa with our newly discovered Monastery stays.com - with 5 children- - it was interesting. This amazing forum allowing us to communicate real-time with individuals with hands-on - and recent - experience - is remarkable.
This will be our 1st trip to Ireland - arriving 5/12 for two weeks - just the wife and myself. We will be leaving the Cotswolds area in England after a 2 week stay an AirB&B facility - (not sure how best to get to Dublin from there) - and anticipate renting a car in Dublin. Looking at the map of Ireland - and considering RS Best Destinations advice - I have the following questions:
Starting in Dublin - by car - going South - the apparent distance to Glendalough - 25 miles - then to Kilkenny - 30 miles - to Waterford - 20 miles etc.
1. Could we expect to find a place to stay overnight in any one of these places without a prior reservation? Those listed above as well as Waterford, Kinsale, Kenmare or Dingle? Are there local Inns with rooms available for travelers?
2. From Kinsale - driving up the West coast from Dingle to Galway appears to be about 200 miles - the first 100 miles to Cliffs Of Moher - wold there be any places to stay overnight if you wanted to spend a couple of days at each location?
3. The apparent distance between Galway and Dublin is- plus or minus- 110 miles. It looks like nothing much between the two. True?
4. Are the road conditions for the trip presented here suitable for two health people in their mid-seventies?
5. And lastly - Are there any public - or private - transportation alternatives that could be utilized to accomplish this trip comfortably?
So - that's a lot - Thanking you in advance for any consideration, I am,
Sincerely,
Calvin
Posted by
North Carolina
2493 posts
Looks like you posted prematurely - what do you have in mind for your trip, and what would you like to ask?
Posted by
1585 posts
As healthy people you shouldn't have any problems traveling in Ireland and seeing the sights. However, others on this forum have noted that there may be a rental car surcharge for those over the age of 75. Regarding reservations alot depends on the time of year, your price range and how picky you are about where you stay. But generally speaking, the towns you have listed have a variety of B&Bs, inns and hotels. Driving times are generally 25-30% longer than Google maps estimates. There are all kinds of private drivers and group tours throughout Ireland.
Posted by
Florida
509 posts
Calvin,
Having driven most of those routes in 2019, your estimated distances (especially Dublin/Glendalough/Kilkenny) appear too short. I just looked at a few of them on GoogleMaps and confirmed that to be the case. You might want to double-check your calculations. We enjoyed driving (mid-70s as well) and experienced no serious problems. With GPS or some advance map study, you'll be fine. Signage is generally good, other motorists are courteous, and there's no shame in doing multiple laps around a traffic circle until you're certain of the correct exit.
An exception might be the Ring of Kerry. We booked a private tour with the highly acclaimed Paul Brown, but had to cancel due to a health issue. http://www.kenmaretaxitours.com/about-us.html If we return, we'll definitely try again -- the main advantage is that you and your wife will both get to enjoy the scenery and not worry about the buses, sheep and narrow roads.
The question about stops along the Galway/Dublin leg is a common one on this Forum. Try putting those words in the Search box above and you should find some good advice. (We've responded a couple of times with a suggestion to consider Irish National Stud in Kildare - gardens, excellent tour of the impressive facilities, restaurant.)
Posted by
OP
58 posts
rca:
Thank you very much. Just the information I needed to put this portion of the journey at ease.
Calvin
Posted by
Main Line PA, USA
108 posts
Calvin it looks like we will be in the same neighborhood at the same time. I'm planning two week driving tour with my wife for 5/11-24. Debating whether to fly into Dublin or Shannon.
Posted by
7 posts
Gee Calvin, I am not going to answer all of your questions, but I suggest that you do some of your own research. I am 72, and this is what I do: read Rick's book on Ireland, access the rome2rio.com website and key in the towns you are driving between, which will give you approx. driving times. Look at websites like airbnb, trip advisor, expedia, etc. to see what accommodations are available in each town. The information is all there for you. If you're trying to figure out flights from England to Ireland, try kayak.com and you will see an abundance of information on flights/fares. If you want to get a feeling for how good a prospective airline is, go to the yelp website and read passenger reviews. There are a lot of cheap fares, but unfortunately a lot of lousy airlines that can do damage to your trip. Good luck!
Posted by
OP
58 posts
Petersonrichard
Excellent advice. Your recommendations are working!!!
Thank you for taking the time.
Calvin