Suprise 50th B-day/20th Anniversary Trip for my husband (HELP)

This year was my first visit to Glendalough and it is wonderful. Our last trip we almost accidentally stumbled on Rock of Cashel which is well worth the time to get there. Just west of Kilkenny; north of Waterford. Near Waterford is Hook Head which is on my list for next time. Bunratty Folk Park and Castle are interesting to my family. Right near the Shannon airport that might be a good thing for your last day, but Limerick has much to see as well and is near enough to the airport to be squeezed in before your return. If you've checked out RS Best of Ireland you will find that your 6 nights isn't much to see this wonderful place.

Yes, Linda I agree 6 nights is far too short of time but it is better than not going at all. I'm fully aware this is going to be a quick peek. We are planing an extended visit with our 2 kids in a couple of years.

I'm interested in hearing what others think about the driving route I've thought about thus far...anything I should add/deleate? I'd like feedback on sights we should include and best routes.

Our first night will be around Dublin area but after that I'm not certain where our best stops should be for overnights. Is it important to having everything prebooked this time of year?

Replys much appreciated,

We had what sounds like the same package on our first trip to Ireland in 2001 (I've been back twice since). We flew into Shannon and stayed our first night in Liscannor, near the Cliffs of Moher. The second day we drove up through the Burren, then down to Killarney. We were unable to see what we had hoped to there because the national park, etc., were closed do to the foot and mouth disease precautions at the time, so we went on. We saw Kenmare, then drove on to Cork, where we stayed in a B&B south of town. The next day we saw Blarney and Cahir, staying in Cashel. The next day we saw Kilkenny and stayed near New Ross, touring the Waterford factory the next day. From New Ross we drove up the coast, staying on a farm in Newtownmountkennedy. On the last day, we drove into Dublin, did the hop-on, hop-off bus and a little shopping, then headed for the airport. As for the night of the 23rd, you're likely to be going to bed early due to jet lag.

Wow Nancy luck you 3 trips to Ireland since 2001!
Well our departure time is sneaking up on me and after reading my tour book and visiting this site I’m having a harder time deciding on an itinerary. I realize this is going to be a quick peek into this beautiful country but it is better than not going at all. I know it will be a dream come true for my husband (whose now deceased parents were both born in Ireland).
So now I need specific suggestions on sights we should include/delete and best routes. (I really appreciate any and all advice)
Our first night 9/23 has been reserved in the Dublin area but after that I'm not certain where our best stops should be for overnights. Of course it all sounds wonderful. Is it important to have B&B’s pre-booked this time of year? (Which sights need reservations?) Also, I’m reading it is strongly advised not to drive in Dublin yet we have a car rental waiting at the airport, I’m not sure what to do, any thoughts? Our 1st B&B reservations are in S

Wellets try that post again....Our 1st B&B reservations are in Sutton, Dublin13 (whatever that means). We arrive early (6:50) to Dublin (what do travelers do w/luggage?) I thought we would most likely eat breakfast than do the hop on/off bus tour, a little sightseeing, short nap if we can check-into B&B then out for nice dinner and pubs. Hmmmm, any words of advice to make this smooth? (This is our official 20th Anniversay Day)

Day 2 on the road to East Ireland:
Glendalough
Kilkenny Castle to Waterford or
Rock of Cashel or Cahir Castle (?)
Thought about Glen of Aherlow
Where should we overnight? (This is husband’s official 50th B-day)

Day 3 on the road to Southwest Ireland:
Kinsale
Midleton Distillery
Blarney Castle
Where should we overnight?

Day 4
Kemare
Muckross House
Gap of Dunloe or

Day 5
over to Dingle Peninsula
Where should we overnight?

Day 6
Buratty Castle/Folk Park (Medieval Banquet ?) or
Is it too far to see Cliffs of Moher? (

To answer your last question first, the Cliffs of Moher are not that far from Bunratty. When we arrived in Shannon we got lunch, shopped, went to Bunratty Castle, then drove to out B&B before 5:00 PM (we arrived around 9:00 AM). I'm thinking that the Cliffs are maybe 45 minutes or less from Bunratty (I don't have a map nearby to check that, but it's not far). No idea about Dingle, since I haven't been there -- sorry.

Muckross House is one thing we missed that first trip because things were closed. In the Blarney area, we had a wonderful B&B in Blarney, just blocks from the castle, called The White House. Unless you are whiskey drinkers, I'd skip Midleton. My son and I went on my last trip, and the tour there is fairly expensive, mainly because of a "gourmet" whiskey tasting at the end. Cahir and Cashel are easily reachable from Blarney (avoid going through Cork -- terrible traffic). Dublin traffic is pretty bad, yes, but I did it, and I'm not a city driver.

We've been to Ireland 3 times & definately have some favorite places. 1st, contact your B&B in Dublin & see if you can leave your luggage with them upon arrival. We've found that most B&B's will let you do this prior to check-in if you let them know in advance.

If you have to choose between Cahir Castle & Rock of Cashel, I'd definately choose Rock of Cashel - much more interesting.

Although I love Muckross House, Abbey & grounds, it has become rather commercialized in the past few years. You may want to spend just a few hours there & head over to the Dingle Peninsula. The scenery & people are amazing - we keep going back & find something new each time. I suggest staying at Heaton's B&B in Dingle town. Nice folks & they serve the best breakfast I've ever had in all our travels. If they're full, their son (also a chef) owns the B&B next door.

Other faves: Cliffs of Moher, walking/hiking in Glendalough, Avoca woolen mills, Aran Islands (day trip), pubs

Have a great trip!

Thanks for your words of wisdom Nancy & Kathy, I was able to make reservations at Blarney & Dingle as suggested. OK, I'm playing with yet another itineray idea. Please let me know your thoughts.
Day1 Dublin (9/23) (Hop on/off bus tour, a little sightseeing, short nap then out for nice dinner and pubs for music)
Day 2: To Kilkenny (9/24) Castle, (maybe via Glendalough or drive down to Waterford? (Please suggest your vote)
Drive via Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle,
Day 3 To Blarney (9/25) Castle, Folk Park
Drive via Muckross House, Killarney
Day 4 To Dingle Peninsula (9/26)
Day 5 Buratty (9/27) Castle/Folk Park (Medieval Banquet ?)
Day 6 Ennis (9/28), Cliffs of Moher

Hi, Suzi: I am temporarily living in Malahide which is very close to Sutton. If you wanted a special dinner for your anniversary I would recommend the Portmarnock Hotel in Portmarnock -- close to Sutton. There are no pubs in Sutton as far as I know. Ask at your B & B. Lots of traditional music in Dingle. Have fun, Linda

My first trip to Ireland I 'lovingly' call my "stop&click" tour. I have been many times. I have read all of the postings. I feel that your choice of what to do in Dubs is great, however, I think on day two you should head south to Glenalough and you should stay over-night in Waterford and there are tons of B&B's on the main road from Waterford to Youghal(toward Middleton to Cork). Since you have small amount of time I suggest you skip Cashal to maximize your time. I would suggest doing the Middleton Distillery and stay in B&B in Kinsale (beautiful seaside town). In regards to the 'ring of kerry' and muckross house. I would not do the entire ring but just the upper portion and Torc falls(it is in Killarny National Park) and then head to Dingle via Inch. The beach at Inch is breathless any time of the year.

Continued:... After staying in Dingle you can head up toward Clare - there is a ferry that crosses the Shannon and is so off the tourist track. Take road up to Clifs and then over to Bunratty - you may need to go online to see for availbility. There are pleanty of B&B's in Clare/Ennis which is very close to the airport and the roads in Clare are SO much better than they used to be. The Cliffs of Mohar has had a face lift and their new visitors center should be open when you go. FYI: Ireland has Tourist Information offices all over the country and they are very helpful if you need to book B&B's along the way. The one in Waterford is right down on the Quay(waterfront) you cannot miss it! I hope I have helped you. Just enjoy! I wish it was me going, but I'll have to wait until June 2008, darn it!

Wow Ursala thanks for all the great info. Hmmmmmm…..now you have me thinking.
So in your opinion Waterford over Killkenny/Rock of Cashel? And then Kinsale over
Blarney? Then Dingle to Clare/Ennis, how about Doolin? And then last night in Bunratty….

Also, I read your post regarding vouchers. I’m having a horrible time making B&B reservations. I have e-mailed nine B&B’s in various locations with two replies (1 full, 1 available). I have 6 open en suite vouchers that came with our package and a book listing homes accepting vouchers….I thought this would be easy and I’m finding it very frustrating. At this late date I’m getting nervous.

Everyone has their own opinions, of course, but I found not a lot to do in the Waterford area except the crystal factory. The Jameson Distillery tour in Midleton is OK, but there is nothing else there, and unless you want a "gourmet" whiskey tasting, it's kind of pricey. I would definitely go to Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny!

The ferry across the Shannon runs from Killimer to Tarbot, and is a great timesaver. I'd also choose Blarney over Kinsale. The castle and grounds are beautiful, and there's Blarney Woollen Mills for shopping, as well as lots of cute little restaurants.

Thanks Nancy, we will take the tip regarding the ferry for sure. How does this sound?
Day 1 Dublin (9/23)(Hop on/off bus tour, a little sightseeing, short nap then out for nice dinner and pubs for music) Day 2: To Kilkenny (9/24) via Glendalough area, see castle Day 3 To Killarney(9/25) via Rock of Cashel,Cahir Castle,Blarney Day 4 (9/26)To Dingle via Muckross House (Gap of Dunloe?) Day 5(9/27)ferry across the Shannon from Killimer to Tarbot (stay in Ennis/Doolin?) Day 6 Cliffs of Moher then to Buratty(9/28)Castle/Folk Park (Medieval Banquet?) We will save Waterford for next time...and we aren't whiskey drinkers currently but who knows after a week in Ireland! Thanks to all of you who are so kind in helping me plan this trip. I really appreciate it....now if I could just reserve those B&B's so I knew where we will be resting our heads I would feel much better.

For your day 5 B&B, try Moher Lodge in Liscannor. It's toward the Cliffs of Moher (actually, the cliffs are about five minutes further on). Doolin is a short drive from there for dinner and music. The rest of your itinerary looks great to me! Have a wonderful time!

Another suggestion for day 5 might be Lahinch. There are a number of B&Bs there. Ours was a bit plain vanilla (Auburn House), but my parents had one that they really loved. Lahinch is just around the bay from Liscannor.

Suzi

Your schedule is too heavy. for instance:

"We arrive early (6:50) to Dublin"

That's 10:50 pm Redding time. You're going to need one day to get on Irish time. Fight through the sleepiness. Don't try driving much. Your on the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road.

"Day 2 on the road to East Ireland: Glendalough Kilkenny Castle to Waterford or Rock of Cashel or Cahir Castle (?) Thought about Glen of Aherlow Where should we overnight?"

Skip Waterford. The tour is boring. From Dublin go through the Sally Gap to Glendlough. You'll spend an hour or so. Drive to Kilkenny. Stay overnight. This is where you'll hit the wall. If you like a good pub - Laylor's - refurbished rooms above. Very clean.

Day 3 Southwest Ireland: Kinsale Midleton Dist. Good choice. Kinsale - See old Fort. Eat at bulmans or spinaker

I would play day 4 and 5 by ear.

It takes time to get from place to place. Times 2

Day 1 Dublin (9/23)(Hop on/off bus tour, a little sightseeing, short nap then out for nice dinner and pubs for music)
Day 2: To Kilkenny (9/24) via Glendalough area, see castle
Day 3 To Killarney(9/25) via Rock of Cashel,Cahir Castle,Blarney
Day 4 (9/26)To Dingle via Muckross House (Gap of Dunloe?)
Day 5&6 are flexible and may or may not happen depending on varibles.....
Day 5(9/27)ferry across the Shannon from Killimer to Tarbot to Liscannor (Does Moher Lodge take vouchers?)
Day 6 Cliffs of Moher then to Buratty(9/28)
Castle/Folk Park (Medieval Banquet?)

Nancy, thanks for all your help and suggestions. Steve, our itinerary is just a plan...we are fully aware life happens and things may change while on the road..that's the fun of traveling...

Still no word from any B&B's and we leave in 2 weeks.
This part of the plan is frustrating...

Suzi, yes, Moher Lodge takes vouchers -- at least they did when we stayed there.

Well with only 8 days until we leave for the Emerald Island I think we have succesfully booked our accomadations and have an itinerrary.
Here is what we have: (Feel free to make any last minute suggestions)We arrive Dublin Sept. 23 6:50AM (Pick up rental car and rental phone)We depart Shannon Sept. 29 2:00 PM 1 night Dublin (9/23) Resv. at Almara B&B - Hop on/off bus tour, a little sightseeing, short nap then out for fun dinner and pub for music. (This is our offical Anniversary)
1 night Kilkenny (9/24) Resv. at Lawcus Farm - via Glendalough area, see castle (This is hubby's B-Day)
2 nights Killarney (9/25&26) Resv. Redwood Country House & Irish Night at Kat Kearneys Cottage - Rock of Cashel,Cahir Castle, Blarney - Muckross House (Gap of Dunloe)1 night Dingle (9/27) Resv. at The Shores House - Explore Dingle Town
1 night Bunratty (9/28) Resv. at Park House drive to the Cliffs of Moher for a visit; Medieval Banquet.

While you're in Kilkenny, be sure to go across the street from the castle and visit Kilkenny Design Center. It's full of craftsmen of different types, and lots of local artwork. It used to be the carriage house for the castle.

While in Kilkenny, you'll see some of the best deals on wool sweaters, right downtown there's a couple of shops if that's in your plans. The de$ign center is good to browse. What we found interesting about the castle The room full of portraits etc was impressive. But no ropes to keep people back etc. It felt more exclusive. Several good pubs - Lawlors by the train station was just remodeled, and one (dais?) right behind Dunn's (The Irish version of Wallmart!) two level pub. Remember, Guiness is healthy for you!