We entered a raffle at the Dallas Travel Expo last month and just found out we won a trip to the Kironan Castle in Ballyfarnon, Roscommon, Ireland. We have never traveled to Ireland before. What are some other areas to visit, or things that are a "must see"?
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35400 posts
CONGRATULATIONS, Michelle!!!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32494 posts
Michelle, Congratulations! You'll be enjoying some very posh accommodations at Kilronan Castle. How long will you be there and when will this trip be taking place? Since you'll be staying in the Castle, I'm assuming you'll want to only take day trips to nearby locations? Renting a car would probably be the easiest way to get around. I'd have to do a bit of research to determine good day trips from that location. Galway might be one possibility, and perhaps the Aran Islands (although that might be stretching it for a day trip). I'm sure one of the others will have some suggestions. Sláinte!
Posted by
Spring, Texas
635 posts
You didn't give specifics but I'll assume you only get a couple of nights there. You can easily arrange a good Ireland trip around a few posh nights at Kironan Castle. You need to decide how long you will stay in Ireland and what your interests are. I suggest you pick up a couple of good guide books (Rick Steves' Ireland comes to mind). As for "must see" sites, I suggest 2 or 3 days in Dublin. Newgrange and Knowth are close by and are neolithic tombs. Clanmacnoise or Glendalough are good for early Christian sites. There are the Cliffs of Mohr, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Aran Islands.... The list goes on and on.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32494 posts
Michelle, You might enjoy having a look at THIS video. Also, the Rick Steves Ireland & Scotland DVD is currently on sale for $9.99 (half price) so that may give you some ideas on places that might be of interest. The Ireland 2013 Guidebook (available now) has lots of information on sightseeing, hotels, etc. Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Denton, Texas, USA
3 posts
Thanks for the comments, we have not been told what the travel restrictions are yet, or when we are supposed to travel by. I just ordered the RS book online about Ireland, and I'll check our local library for the DVD to rent. I think renting a car would be the best option to get around, but we'll see what the package includes.
Posted by
Mission Viejo, Calif., USA
1010 posts
My husband and I took a two week TAUCK tour of Ireland last June. It was fantastic. We really enjoyed staying at the Ashford Castle. It used to be the summer home of the Heineken brewing family. We also enjoyed staying at the Mount Juliet Hotel. Both were beyond gorgeous and the surroundings were spectacular. Ireland and its people are wonderful. It rained almost the full two weeks, but none of the 24 people on our tour cared. It was so unbelievably green.