I will be meeting two Bulgarian friends in Ireland in late July 2014. (Yes, I know that's the most crowded and expensive time of year, but it's also when we have time off together) They do not drive, and I am not able to drive distances because of physical limitations, so we will be using Ireland's bus and rail system. My mother and I traveled that way in 2004 by using Dublin, Killarney, and Galway as bases, but we have a glitch this time. My friends have been to a variety of European cities for work reasons and would like to be based in a village or smaller town. We are amenable to two bases, but we only have a week in Ireland and don't want to spend huge amounts of time in transit, so I am looking for suggestions for places to stay to access good walking (we are in our late fifties and like rambles with a small daypack, not heavy backpacking kits), interesting archaeological sites, and a reasonable ion of pubs/restaurants. We don't know yet if we're flying into Dublin or Shannon (the choice of airport will be determined by price and connections as I will be accompanying my friends to Bulgaria after our week in Ireland), so ideas for towns and itineraries for any part of the Republic of Ireland are welcome. Also, has anyone used Footfalls Walking Holidays? Their Wicklow Mountains walks are all based out of the Glendalough Hotel, which seems isolated (no villages near the Visitors Centre, if I remember correctly) but nice for perhaps a three-day stay.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1819 posts
Kenmare is well-located for hiking on both the Beara and Inveragh Peninsulas. It is a larger village so it might have some public transport options. It has lots of good shops, pubs, and restaurants. Virginia's is a good reasonably priced place to stay.
Posted by
Westport, Ireland
80 posts
Stayed in Avoca recently (at The Cherrybrook Country Home) and it was a perfect spot for getting to Glendalough for hiking.
Posted by
OP
Parkersburg, WV
5 posts
Thanks for the suggestions. We're checking them out.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
We just got back. You may want to add Dingle to your list of " possibles", but we cannot talk to the hiking. We absolutely loved Dingle. The people, the town, the food and the area were awesome. One day we drove the Dingle Peninsula Loop. About three miles outside of town (at the ruined Church of Kilmalkedar) was an awesome trail that I wanted to try, but the Boss was too tired. It was a restored ancient road that had been used for some sort of pilgrimage. You may want to contact the Dingle Hillwalking Club and get more info about what is available, etc, and see if they think the area would be fun for your group. http://www.dinglehillwalkingclub.com/
Posted by
Middleszex, NJ, USA
15 posts
I agree with the Dingle suggestion. It is a wonderful place and the Dingle ring is just as good as Kerry without the crowds. You can probably do it by bus. I personally would avoid Dublin airport. It was a madhouse the times we have been there. Shannon is easier. Wicklow and Glendalough are charming. And don't forget Conamorra. Galway is not a big city. You can find B&Bs on the water. Very cool. Ennis is also nice.
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
977 posts
Well given your criteria I would suggest that Wicklow offers the best possibilities. I would suggest you investigate the following two villages: Laragh It is only a short walking distance for Glendalough and is easily accessible by public transport from Dublin with the St. Kevin's bus. There are many walking possibilities in the area, so you should not be short of idea. If you do decide to go there it is worth considering an over night hike to Glenmalure and stay overnight at the hostel there - if it is open. Donard Donard is located on the edge of the Glen of Imaal and there are some great walks on Church Mountain, Kaedeen. However the location is also the main firing range for the Irish Defence forces, so if you do decide to got there you need to check the restrictions in force at the time. I've been there countless times and it was never a problem, so I would not consider it a show stopper. Again this one is easy to get to from Dublin, but you need to check the bus routes carefully as not all busses go to Donard and there is a bit of walking involved, although I expect your B&B would have not issue about picking you up.
Posted by
OP
Parkersburg, WV
5 posts
Thanks for the tip on Laragh; I wasn't sure how close it was to Glendalough. We're also considering a walking holiday based out of the Glendalough Hotel but weren't sure if there were any pubs within walking distance.