Holiday to Ireland: any suggestions?
 

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)!!

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.

Worth a visit
 

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 :)

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.

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.

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

Wild Atlantic way..
 

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

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.

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!

Welcome to the Cabin Repos Limerick Cathedral c/o Wikipedia
EnglishMartyn, told you!

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

Yeah, OK. You win :)

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.

You are welcome
PM me when you are coming

Rower

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

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.

And where is the good fish to eat?

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