My husband and I are considering the Heart of Ireland tour May 7-14 tour. We would like to fly into Dublin a few days early and take the train to Ennis to meet the group. Anyone made this trip? Cost/time? And ideas about where to spend the 2 extra nights (Dublin, Ennis or anywhere in between?) Would love to find a castle where we could spend 1 night.
Posted by
Michigan
375 posts
Seems like you might want to see something or somewhere that is not included in the tour already. So maybe explore Galway before you meet up in Ennis and end in Dublin.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Buying Irish train tickets online can score you up to 50 percent off the full fare charged at station windows — and with no particular advance-purchase deadline. See http://www.irishrail.ie/fares-and-tickets/tickets-explained.
Posted by
OP
135 posts
Thanks to both of you---looks like there is a 10 euro special (usually 30 euro)right now going from Dublin to Ennis. I've found a room at Clondarf castle in Dublin for one night so we may head to Ennis on Saturday so we are not rushed to meet the group on Sunday pm. Ideas on what to see in Dublin and Ennis that will NOT be covered on the 8 day tour? Anything I need to prebook NOW?
Posted by
Washington, DC
31 posts
I did the heart of Ireland tour last year and loved it! You'll definitely have a good time if you take this tour. I spent extra time in Dublin and went to Kilmainham Gaol. I highly recommend that. If you're into beer, the Guinness Storehouse is fun and if you like whiskey, the Jameson museum is also fun. Dublin itself is just a great city to wander around in. I think you'll appreciate having extra time there.
Posted by
OP
135 posts
Thanks Beth---was not sure if any of those were covered on the organized tour. Glad to hear from someone who has been on the tour--what time of year did you go? How far in advance did you get your tickets to the Gaol? What hotel did you use during the extra days? Any other words of advice??? We have been to England several times but this is the first trip to Ireland as well as being our first RS tour.. Thanks!
Posted by
Washington, DC
31 posts
We went on the tour in mid-September. I prefer traveling in the shoulder to off season to have less crowds to deal with! The Gaol was initially supposed to be on the tour, but for some reason, I think they were temporarily not allowing tour groups. I looked at the itinerary for this tour in 2017 and didn't see the Gaol on it. Didn't buy tickets ahead of time as I wasn't sure when we were going. There wasn't much of a line and it was pretty easy to get in. Since the Gaol was not covered, the tour took us to the Guinness Storehouse instead, although it doesn't look like that is included now. For the hotel, we stayed at the Juris Inn Christchurch. It's a pretty good location, not too far from the train station. It was a pretty quick cab ride to the station if I remember correctly.
One thing I have to say about this tour -- Dingle is absolutely wonderful! Probably one of my favorite places I've ever been. It's such a charming town. In a dream life, I'd own a vacation home there! Make sure to go to Murphy's Ice Cream and try the brown bread flavor. So unexpectedly delicious! This tour was my first and only time in Ireland and second RS tour. I highly recommend this tour as your first Ireland trip and RS tour.