Trying to plan a trip to Ireland
Replies: 5 - Last Post: Oct 1, 2012 2:27 AM Last Post By: tony2phones
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Trying to plan a trip to Ireland
So my brother and I are thinking of planning a trip to Ireland for my parents 35th anniversary. We want to buy the tickets for Christmas to give them. One of the stops we would love to see is Redwood Castle (we are Egans after all) and then would love to take one or two of the nice scenic routes. We would not mind driving a good amount but since this will be the first family vacation in many years I would like to spend more time exploring and less time couped up in a car. Looking at Redwood Castle it appears to be by Lorrha, in the middle of the country, and by not much else. Any ideas?1
Where are you travelling from ?Redwood Castle is close to Portumna, County Galway
closest airport to fly into try SHANNONAIRPORT.COM /
Use Galway city as a base
using Google MAPS you can build your intending routes
while your in Galway visit Connemara
Youtube the following : "AT YOUR SERVICE PART 1"
followed by PART 2 and PART 3
enjoy your trip.
2
Great plan and what a nice idea for your parents gift!As you said Redwood Castle is right in the middle of the country, a fantastic spot to admire the Irish countryside and to explore the immense Irish heritage... Birr in Co. Offaly, home to Birr Castle Demesne which was developed by the Parsons family over the last four hundred years is just 20 minutes away by car. A bit further up in Co. Westmeath there is Athlone with its castle and the nearby Lough Ree is popular among anglers, birdwatchers, and swimmers. No worries, to explore the West Coast you wouldn't need to drive for long time... In 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lorrha you can reach Galway, visit the vibrant city and also take a day-trip to the Aran Island from there! As we say here, go where Ireland takes you... And enjoy it! ;)
Happy planning!
3
im actually from Lorrha so might be a little biased about the area and what attractions/activities you can expect. Egan certainly is a good strong Lorrha name. Lorrha and the midlands area of Ireland generally are not top of a tourists must see list for Ireland. However there is still plenty to see and do....if you are into history and ruins Lorrha is a good place to spend a day or even two..as well as Redwood Castle you have Lackeen Castle and the ruins of St. Ruadhans Abbey and an Augustinian Abbey and the local catholic church has panels from the famous Stowe Missel. The nearby towns of Portumna and Birr also have big castles. As #2 said flying into Shannon airport would be most convenient for exploring this area, Lorrha is about an hours drive form Shannon and also an hours drive from Galway...so easily reached if you plan on basing yourself in the west of Ireland. what time of year is your trip planned for? the summer months would genrally be best and Redwood castle is usually open to the public from June to September (though im sure if as an Egan you got in touch an opening could be arranged for you). if you want any other info on Lorrha feel free to send me a messageger
5
It is nice to have a family interest, but how long would your trip be for and when? What are your other interests other places you might want to see. Would you be looking to stay in one place for a few days, a week or just have an overnight somewhere close.ger_power as a local has been a big help, we drive the road from Tumna to Birr once a month and have been to Redwood a couple of times. To be honest before the new M6 the old road through Birr was our route to Dublin so don't feel limited to a Shannon arrival / departure. (Although Shannon is a more pleasant experience)
