Insider advice sought - September trip

Hiya,
I agree with stiofan. Although the Sheldon is a nice hotel its not the best of areas. Also the hotels he has mentioned is closer to city and musch nicer areas. I'll have a look at some others around for you.

Thanks again for the heads up. We were able to change our reservations. they were a little more but seems to be well worth the difference, especially given a sea view.

Oh great where did you get?

Did you book the Tara Tower?

Yes that is the one. Looks like a decent place. We spent some time looking at Newgrange which led us to several other such places. trying to map out which ones we will be able to see.

That's a lot better area. 45mins walk approx to St stephens green. Actually maybe more, but nice walk if the weather is nice. I know the area well. Might join you for the walk!

Agree that a rental car in Dublin is more of a hassle than it is worth. Lots to do/see around there...you can even take a bus to Newgrange or when you pick up your rental car, head out there for a tour. Well worth it. Galway, of course, is always magical as is Connemarra. If you are heading down to Cork and want to go to a cool out of the way town try Kinsale.,,a lot like Sausalito in the bay area. Also, Killarney is really a touristy town...I prefer Killkenny. And, skip the Ring of Kerry, instead head out to Dingle Peninsula...very similar without the hordes of tourist. And brace yourself, either drive is a bit challenging. Dingle has LOTS of great pubs, etc w/music...a day to visit the Blasket Island is also fun.

September is when the matchmaking festival occurs in Lisdovarna...great craic, usually lots of people, but mostly Irish. Lots of music too.

Cliffs of Moher are definitely high on my list, but don't go there on a rainy or drizzly day..just not as much fun. If you can take a day or two and go over to Inishmore (one of the Aran Islands) that's always fun, unless they are having an "event' there, then it is much too crowded.

Blarney...you've received good advise. Don't even go out of your way. If you do want to have an experience of a restored castle try Bunratty for the medival dinner...it really is fun, albeit touristy, the folk park has many cottages etc that used to be present (not that long ago...before the Celtic tiger) in Ireland. I remember visiting relatives who lived in similar cottages.

The Guinness brewery has amazing views from the top floor...where the tasting occurs.

Wow! Bresmamo that is a whole lot of great sounding advice! Don't know how can thank you for all that?

We had heard that Dingle Peninsula was great and the cliffs, first time i have heard advice to avoid the Ring of Kerry. Seems i should heed the locals advice and avoid the Blarney castle in favor of others. We live in a heavily touristed area and there are definitely some things we would tell people to avoid so i will defer t the locals on that point.

Would love to know a bit more about the challenging drives, particularity why you call them challenging? Although I will have a car and am a very experienced driver, having driven for 35 years on all kinds of roads, I do not want to be cocky and assume I can handle it when everything is on the opposite side; I especially do not need to spend any of my time dealing with an accident. is this something where an experienced driver can handle a long as he is careful or is hiring a local car and driver more advisable? I wonder how much that would cost?

The drive around the peninsula is on a narrow winding road, just don't do it while tired or jet lagged. By the time you get there you should be comfortable enough driving on the "other side"...tho' my husband never is so I do all the driving there. Although it is more expensive, rent a car with an automatic transmission then you won't have to think about shifting with your opposite hand. The Ring of Kerry road and the Dingle Peninsula road are similar....but much less tourist traffic on the Dingle road.

If you would like a splurge, try one night in the Dromoland Castle, near Shannon airport. It is cool, but pricey. In Dublin I like staying at the Radisson St Helens and taking the bus into the main part of town. Also, staying at the Clarence (owned by Bono) near the center of action is fun....it is always amazing who one might run into in the Octagon Bar.

Enjoy...I go there every other year (born in Galway)...so quite partial to certain areas. If you have some time, doing a self drive boat on the Shannon is tons of fun. Le Boat is a good rental company

Thanks again - I found some pictures of the road arounf dingle. We live near Going to the Sun road in Glacier Park and i have driven that a dozen or so times. Nothng i saw in the pics seemed qute as narrow as GTTS so I think I wi be fine. Will loo into Dromoland ccastle thanks.