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Question about pre-booking some in Ireland

Posted by (Massachusetts, USA) on

Hello,
We will be in Ireland this May. We are very interested in a tour of the Kilmainham Gaol. I know that tickets go on sale 28 days in advance. So, when counting backwards to figure out what date tickets will go on sale, do we count the actual day we want to visit the Gaol?

While staying in Galway, we are also interested in the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Tour with Aran Island Ferries. Approximately how far in advance should I book this tour? We haven't decided yet if we want to do a pony and trap tour on the island or the bus. Is this something we can decide when we arrive on the island? Or do we have to make advance reservations for this, too?

Is it necessary to reserve a visit to the Book of Kells? And if so, how far in advance should we do this?

Thank you!
Karen

Posted by
1070 posts

for Kilmainham, I'd do a test booking to find out exactly when the calender is updated. I think it's at midnight GMT, so do the test booking a minute or so after. Same with Kells.

when we were on Inishmore a few years ago, it looked like traps were available. I'd wait for someone with more recent experience.

I'd book the boat trip as soon as you know when you want it. we took just the Moher portion last year in late May and it was full.

Posted by
2200 posts

jjgurley, thank you so much for your helpful advice. I will check the Gaol's website about 30 or 31 days out to see if our date is available.

Do you remember how far in advance you booked the Aran Islands ferry?

Posted by
1070 posts

It was months in advance because our B&B operator said they would not accept a reservation if we were coming from Doolin due to weather reliability, even in mid-May. Since we were spending the night, I made the reservation from Rossaveal as soon as our itinerary was set. I don't think the Galway harbor for Cliffs drive-by trips had begun yet in 2023. The Rossaveal ferry is fairly large, and I'd think a few days in advance would be okay for all but a large group.

My policy for travel is to book as soon as you know the place and time. Most places will honor a cancellation if it's not at the last minute although my plans tend to be fairly rigid far in advance. Our May 2027 trip is firm enough that I would make reservations if people didn't laugh at the requests :-)

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