Holiday to Ireland: any suggestions?

[EnglishMartyn]

My dad wants to go on one last holiday before he turns 80 and his travel insurance goes through the roof, so he decided he wants to go up the West coast of Ireland.

All that we know for certain for now is that we're flying out on the 8th and back on the 17th of September. How we fill that time (apart from spending most of it looking after my increasingly grumpy mother) is anyone's guess.

One point to take into consideration: Mum can walk short distances only.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated (and we know about packing raincoats)!!

[S.o.S.]

Hello EnglishMartyn. I think you have put this in exactly the right forum and I shall not move it!! Our Cabin is usually a fountain of knowledge when this kind of request is made.

[hum]

https://www.flyingboatmuseum.com/

[MarcK]

Good timing. My wife wants to go to Ireland this summer to visit the town her Grandmother came from (Kiltimagh). I don't even know how to get there :)

[krismiler]

Ireland is quite small and easily drivable so no need to limit yourself to the west coast. The Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty castle are worth a look if you're in the Shannon area.

[PAXboy]

EnglishMartyn we have the same situation, trying to find a last overseas trip for aging parents, also with restricted mobility.

Agreed, krismiller. It is many years since I went to the West Coast with my then wife whose family were from County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher are as indelible on my memory as the Victoria Falls, way beyonds words to describe them. I'm sure the roads are a lot better since 1985 and more shops open for those driving of an evening or Sunday.

The Ring of Kerry was lovely - but CHOCK with tourists coaches in high summer. However, you only had to get away from the main roads and it was much better. I expect that you will find lay-bys and places to look at the view without having to always get out of the car.

[Rower]

Hi

Suggest you base yourselves in Galway, a medieval city on the west coast. It is approx 50 minutes from Shannon Airport or about an hour from Ireland West Airport.
Galway sounds ideal for you as there is easy access to tourist attractions (Cliffs of Moher as mentioned) or into the rugged landscape of Connemara.
There are plenty of short walks, including the prom overlooking Galway Bay which looks across the bay to the Burren in Co. Clare. The Arran Islands is just a short boat trip from Rossaveal fishing port.
There are also numerous other attractions and restaurants, festivals etc

PM me if you wish.

Rower

[blind pew]

Great road ..fabulous scenery..beech hill hotel outside Derry where the American convoy escort was based..dingle..achil island..westport..limerick..there is an Irish web site with offers but we tend to just drive then book where we fancy.. quiet in September.. then there is the north and west cork

[Repos]

Good timing. My wife wants to go to Ireland this summer to visit the town her Grandmother came from (Kiltimagh). I don't even know how to get there :)

With the motorway, it's about 2 hours from Shannon now or 40 mins from Knock West of Ireland. I have family up there so know it reasonably well.
Let me know if you need to know any more.

[Repos]

St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick - (can't post URLs)
Interesting historic builing in Limerick and about 30 mins from Bunratty Castle and Folk museum.
The major roads in Ireland have improved a lot over the last 20 years ago but there are still some that are not for the faint-hearted. Just don't be in a hurry!
For accommodation don't be afraid to search out local B&Bs, usually good value and more authentic feel of Irish hospitality.
I have family in Mayo, Clare and Kerry so ask here or PM if you want any more.

Rower - Somehow haven't been to the City yet - one the list!

[S.o.S.]

Welcome to the Cabin Repos Limerick Cathedral c/o Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mary%27s_Cathedral,_Limerick)
EnglishMartyn, told you!

[vctenderness]

You could get in touch with this man for some advice and guidance....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhGbpatmplQ

[Rower]

Repos

Definitely worth a visit, always something going on
As my moniker suggests I spend a lot of time on the river and the lake, give me a shout when you get here and I will arrange a spin in the coaching launch with a crew, you can get double entertainment watching the crews pacing and the incredible scenery


Rower

[EnglishMartyn]

Welcome to the Cabin Repos Limerick Cathedral c/o Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mary%27s_Cathedral,_Limerick)
EnglishMartyn, told you!
Yeah, OK. You win :)

[Repos]

OK thank you, that sounds really nice. The closest view I have had was from high up in the Buren which was splendid.
I may well take you up on the offer.

[Rower]

You are welcome
PM me when you are coming

Rower

[heidelberg]

The Wild Atlantic Way is "your only man"!!!
Click on - https://www.wildatlanticway.com/explore-the-route

[Una Due Tfc]

Ring of Kerry is the prettiest part of the country for me, followed by Connemara.

If you are up the Donegal diraction, go see the Slieve League Cliffs, 3 times the height if the cliffs of Moher and nobody has heard of them so they are much more natural and unspoilt by crowds.

[The Range]

And where is the good fish to eat?

[magruder1980]

When you get out West remember the roads are fairly narrow and twisty - and can have a fair bit of slow tourist traffic - it always takes quite a bit longer than you'd think. And of course you'll keep stopping yourself - I'd suggest 30 mph for planning purposes

[Soddit]

Too tips...if you are planning to drive from Dublin Airport keep in mind these...

1.The M50 Dublin ring road gets extremely busy and slow moving to the north and west
2. The road which joins the M50 to the M7 and M8 is not a motorway. By the town of NAAS there are widening works ongoing( since years) which make this section truly horrible. AVOID AT ALL COSTS
3,Consider leaving the M50 to join the M6 in the direction of Galway making that part of your itinerary
4. Several car rental companies have contracts to pay the M50 tolls electronically and recharge the customer.All other tolls MUST be paid in cash at the respective toll plaza...keep coins handy.

FINALLY...to avoid the tourist buses clogging up the Ring of Kerry consider doing the Ring of Beara instead.even more spectacular and the roads are too narrow for the full size buses/ coaches

[mutt]

If you are coming from the UK, why don't you drive and avoid the rental car charges? Go to Rosslare and avoid Dublin completely. Base all distances / times on distance km / 50 kms.

[Impress to inflate]

If your in south Dublin, I can recommend Jonny Foxes Pub for the meal and show as well as Powers Court House and gardens

[davidjpowell]

Too tips...if you are planning to drive from Dublin Airport keep in mind these...

1.The M50 Dublin ring road gets extremely busy and slow moving to the north and west
2. The road which joins the M50 to the M7 and M8 is not a motorway. By the town of NAAS there are widening works ongoing( since years) which make this section truly horrible. AVOID AT ALL COSTS
3,Consider leaving the M50 to join the M6 in the direction of Galway making that part of your itinerary
4. Several car rental companies have contracts to pay the M50 tolls electronically and recharge the customer.All other tolls MUST be paid in cash at the respective toll plaza...keep coins handy.

FINALLY...to avoid the tourist buses clogging up the Ring of Kerry consider doing the Ring of Beara instead.even more spectacular and the roads are too narrow for the full size buses/ coaches

1. Agreed.
2. unless heading away from Dublin at rush hour it's rarely bad.
3. Would also work
4. Most if not all tolls now take card also.

[EnglishMartyn]

Too tips...if you are planning to drive from Dublin Airport keep in mind these...

1.The M50 Dublin ring road gets extremely busy and slow moving to the north and west
2. The road which joins the M50 to the M7 and M8 is not a motorway. By the town of NAAS there are widening works ongoing( since years) which make this section truly horrible. AVOID AT ALL COSTS
3,Consider leaving the M50 to join the M6 in the direction of Galway making that part of your itinerary
4. Several car rental companies have contracts to pay the M50 tolls electronically and recharge the customer.All other tolls MUST be paid in cash at the respective toll plaza...keep coins handy.

FINALLY...to avoid the tourist buses clogging up the Ring of Kerry consider doing the Ring of Beara instead.even more spectacular and the roads are too narrow for the full size buses/ coaches
As we're flying into Cork (my bad, forgot to mention) most of those tips would be better for others. Good shout about the Ring of Kerry/Beara though, thank you :)

[EnglishMartyn]

Hi

Suggest you base yourselves in Galway, a medieval city on the west coast. It is approx 50 minutes from Shannon Airport or about an hour from Ireland West Airport.
Galway sounds ideal for you as there is easy access to tourist attractions (Cliffs of Moher as mentioned) or into the rugged landscape of Connemara.
There are plenty of short walks, including the prom overlooking Galway Bay which looks across the bay to the Burren in Co. Clare. The Arran Islands is just a short boat trip from Rossaveal fishing port.
There are also numerous other attractions and restaurants, festivals etc

PM me if you wish.

Rower
Good plan, liking that idea. Our itinerary is flexible (so far) as we have not booked hotels etc. yet. You'll probably be getting a few messages from me in due course :)
Thanks for the help :)

[S.o.S.]

Many thanks for all contributions on a destination closer to base than we are usually asked for. EnglishMartyn you will see that mentioning your airport [ORK/EICK] is a vital part of cabin conversation! :} Some passengers in the past have asked about transfers and all sorts - without mentioning those magic letters. Then they have to have it dragged out of them :uhoh:

Being a public holiday in the UK, it must be time for a cup of tea. :ok:

[TLDNMCL]

Take plenty of spending money, and make sure you are hungry (the Irish don't skimp on food portions). Galway as a base is a good call. Whatever you decide to do, it's difficult not to enjoy Ireland!

[KelvinD]

Speaking of motorway tolls in the Dublin area; at least one of them"clocks" your car going through and you can then go on line and pay the toll later. I can't remember which motorway just now but I will remember by tomorrow as I shall be driving that way, en route to Carrick on Shannon.

[Rower]

If you are travelling to Galway from Cork Airport you will by pass Limerick, St Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle (yes, That King John) are worth a visit, both are in the same area of the city
The main road between Limerick and Cork is not great but once you are 10 miles south of Limerick you will pick up the motorway and it is then only an hour to Galway at motorway speeds.

There are numerous restaurants in Galway with a great selection of seafood places, McDonaghs in Quay St. is frequented by the locals.
A walk down Shop St on Saturday morning would remind you of the Gothica in Barcelona with markets, stalls and buskers, full of life. Call in to Garavan's Pub for a quit pint and local chat.

Jeez I must sound like a tourist brochure but it has a wonderful atmosphere with every nationality under the sun wandering about

Rower