Hi everyone,
Its been a very long string of changing the plans, but finally it has been decided! And now I turn to the lovely folk of Thorn Tree for your advice and past experiences.
In June I am travelling from Australia to meet up with a mate in MK we will need to get from MK to Ireland (nicest way? Any ideas?)
We will get a hire car in Ireland and travel up the coast. Drop the car in Dublin or north Ireland somewhere and then over to Scotland. Then its back to MK. I wanted to do some camping to keep the costs down and the fun up, is this feasible in Ireland? What are other cheap options?
I have 2 and a half weeks in total. 1 week in Ireland, the weekend in Scotland and then back to MK. Before you all tell me, I have heard that MK is not the nicest of locations. :o) So I might do some trips around England while the boy is at work.
What are your thoughts? Any suggestions?
Cheers guys,
Jess
Without getting into the nitty-gritty of where to go on the coast of Western Ireland, I should point out that the driving time to go from one end of the coast to the other end may be longer than you think. The coastal roads are slow (which is nice) and I think you'll be better off just choosing one part of that coast and spending your time there. After all, you don't want to spend most of your days in the car, do you? On winding roads that pass through villages your average speed can be as low as 30 mph/50kmh.
To get from MK to Ireland without a car, you can either take the train/bus to a port and then a ferry, or you can fly. If you're picking up your hire car at Dublin airport, you'll need to allow a half-day to drive to the west coast so it could be a good idea to look for a flight to the west, somewhere like Shannon, Cork (not quite the west but better than Dublin for getting there), Galway, Knock, Derry...and so on.
I wouldn't like to recommend one part of Western Ireland over another because it's all so lovely. I really like West Cork, but that's just me. It really depends on what you want out of your coast trip.
Forgive me for my ignorance, Maybe I am having an unusually stupid afternoon but where the hell is MK?
No, you're not having a blond or senior moment, archeobabe; it's a bit arcane for non-UK residents. I think it's Milton Keynes. (But I'm not 100% sure.)
For what it's worth:
1. Get a budget airline to ireland - Ryanair, easyjet etc. form Stanstead, Luton, Birmingham etc. Ferries are not the easiest. You can pick up a flight for as little as 1c plus taxes if you book now;
2. Driving is slow and stressful - too many cars, too few good roads. Be prepared for delays. Away form the main national routes - signposts can be entertaining but not very helpful ( and I live here, and am a native so...)
3. Go west - west Cork, Kerry, up into Galway. Lot fo tourist rip offs and also a lot thatv aren't - use your judgement.
4. You may find it diffcilut to get directions in pubs and eateries - a lot of non-nationals working here.
5. Best place to visit - West Cork but it can be pricey. Try Sherkin or Cape Clear islands.Enjoy your trip.
ps I'd get out of MK too...
Since #5 also recommends West Cork and also mentions Sherkin Island and Cape Clear, I'll go the whole hog. The ferries to those two islands leave from the lovely fishing village of Baltimore. There's a place there where you can camp for free.
Drive through the village centre of Baltimore (it's tiny) and down to the cove at the bottom of the hill, heading towards the beacon. Just ask if you're not sure. Turn left at the cove up the lane that climbs up the beacon; there's a cottage on the corner. About 100 metres up the hill there's a field on the right hand side of the lane where I've seen lots of people camping wild over the years; it's just where the lane bears around to the left. It's just a few metres from a little sea inlet but it's quite sheltered. You can't miss it. It's only about 6 - 7 minutes walk from the village square and (IMHO) very safe.
haha, thanks guys. Im sure Milton Keynes has Character! :|
For a 2.5 week trip im allowing AUD6,500 including flights there and back... I have accomodation in england, but not the week in ireland. might spend a weekend in Scotland, and hopefully getting tickets to the Glastonbury Festival - if i can?! I have registered.. just need to purchase.
Can that be done? Or am i pushing it... I'm hating the strength of the GBP right now...
Cheers again,
Jess
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