Already have tix SEA-SNN for mid-June, arriving Shannon 8:40a. Rearranged itin during great RS phone consult (thanks Rich!), so now need separate same-day flight to London, but don't want to miss it if USAirways into SNN gets delayed. Do we take 1:10pm or 5:30pm to London on Aer Lingus? (I'm a mom traveling w/2 teen girls.) Is it crazy to take 5:30pm? We could go explore Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, forcing us to get on local time-- afraid if we take 1:10, we'll sleep all morning while waiting inside the airport.
Liz - I'd take the 1:10pm flight to London, then again I'm not a big fan of the Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.
I'm just remembering my daughter's flight home from Spain which was 7 hours late. Since this London flight can't be tacked onto my USAirways flight, it's a gamble-- pay 45-69 Euro now for Low or Plus fare and hope we make it. If missed, it would cost over 200 Euro each (with Aer Lingus' policy of paying change fee & difference between fares). Hence, the 5:30 flight, and hope any previous delays would still allow us to make it. What else could we go see in 6 hours besides the castle? Another option... pay the big bucks now for fully changeable/refundable Flex fare of 188 Euro...ouch!
I did not enjoy the castle but loved the folk park. If you are that concerned, go for later flight. Have tea at dirty nellies by castle, not sure about about spelling though.
Go for the later flight. Bunratty is just six miles from the airport, and is a nice first stop. There is a little shopping center right across from the castle with a good cafeteria, and a Blarney Woollen Mills store just beyond Durty Nelly's. You could see the castle and folk park in a couple of hours.
Thanks everyone! I'll book the 5:30pm flight. 2 last questions:
1) How to get around-- is there bus service? Otherwise, taxi?
2) Left Luggage-- For the 3 RS Rolling Carry-ons, I see Shannon Airport has a place to store luggage. Has anyone used this service?
http://www.shannonairport.ie/gns/Passengers/Prepare/left-luggage.aspx
I have always had a rental car, so I don't know about buses, but a 6 mile taxi ride couldn't be all that much.