Our "Guest Stories" provide an opportunity for you to see what tailored itineraries our Guests have enjoyed for their self drive Ireland vacations .In this case, Jerry is planning to see a lot on this short trip. Check back here to see how his plans develop and how he enjoys his visit to Ireland.
DAY 1 and 2 - ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE AND NEWGRANGE
We enjoyed the St Patricks day parade immensely. We were even interviewed by Dublin Channel TV3. They asked where we were from and how we thought the parade would be. Then we strolled the Temple Bar area and St. Stephens green. After an early dinner, Jet lag caught up with us.
The narrow roads to NewGrange were challenging but well worth the efforts to visit the sight. Our windy climb up the hill of Tara was not to be missed. The view was far reaching and it was a haunting place.
We stayed in the Belgrove B&B at 302 Howth Rd, Dublin. Paul and Gussie are great hosts. Their recommendations for dining, transportation and where to stand at the parade was spot on. The only drawback was no bath ensuite and no sitting room. Great place otherwise.
Day 3 - CASHEL, MUCKROSS AND DINGLE
Started out sunny and enjoyed the walk through the grounds at powers Court before heading off to Cashel. We enjoyed our self guided tour of the Rock of Cashel with the help of Rick Steve’s Ireland. The old ruins were most interesting. The crows were soaring and crying overhead as we explored the church and graveyard. Most enjoyable!
ACCOMMODATION
Ard Ri House
Dualla Rd
Cashel
Comfortable well-appointed sitting room with a fire place made my night complete. Lovely B&B in a very quiet neighbourhood. Lovely large room with a king bed and huge bathroom. Aileen’s breakfast was well presented and plentiful.
DAY 4 AND 5 - KILLARNEY AND DRIVE TO DINGLE
We then drove on to Muckross House. We enjoyed strolling the grounds before our 45 minute guided tour of the large manor house where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed in 1861. The rock garden was fun to climb around. The setting on the last next to Killarney National Park was beautiful and green. We took the short drive to a waterfall in the National Park. Beautiful green walk through the trees covered in moss to the sounds of the rushing water. We walked to the falls and took wonderful pictures o the water cascading down.
Next it was on to Dingle Peninsula. We stopped and put our feet in the Atlantic at Inch, gathered shells and took pictures. We arrived in Dingle about 6pm. Denis recommended dinner at Paudie’s. We took his advice and walked 10 minutes into town for an enjoyable dinner.
Next morning we drove the spectacular Slei Head. Words cannot explain the wild beauty and rugged, sometimes stark landscape. Shopping in Dingle for sweaters, hats and jewelry in the afternoon.
ACCOMMODATION
The Lighthouse
Dingle,
Co Kerry
Very good B&B. Breakfast here was plentiful with 5 breakfast entrees to choose from with fresh fruit and all kinds of juices.
DAY 5 and 6 - BUNRATTY, DOOLIN, CLIFFS OF MOHER
We started with the drive over Connor Pass. It was narrow and thrilling as we expected. Sleet and some clouds kept us from staying outside at our stops for very long. But well worth seeing. Next we drove to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. It was interesting and my husband enjoyed it. I have been to Spain, England, Germany, Austria and France so I found the folk park and the lovely people we spoke to more interesting then the castle.
We arrived outside Doolin and chose to see the Cliffs of Moher about 6pm, as the weather was glorious. They did not disappoint, wild and wonderful! We were there with only a handful of other tourist and it was though the place was ours alone. We had a lovely dinner at Gus O’Connors pub. Unfortunately there was no live music.
ACCOMMODATION
Doonagore Farmhouse,
Count Clare
Doolin
Our farmhouse accommodation, while not luxurious provided everything we needed, including an Atlantic Ocean view.
DAY 7 - THE BURREN, GALWAY & DUBLIN
We began the day at Doolin Harbour. The views of the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Island are impressive. We drove the coastal drive through the Burren. We had lunch in Galway. We arrive in Dublin at 7pm.
ACCOMMODATION
Sandy Hills B&B
Mary Buckley
Rush Rd
Co Dublin
Marys B&B is definitely 4 stars. Close to the Dublin airport.
I would highly recommend for 1st and last night for a stay.
DAY 8 - SLÁN ABHAILE
We are sad our time in Ireland has come to and end. We loved meeting and connecting with the people. The people of Ireland are real treasures. The sites are awesome and varied but the people are the best memories.
"Sorry this is so late but I just wanted to say Thank you so much for planning such a wonderful trip! We enjoyed every aspect of it. I just wanted to let you know that the tax on the Bed & Breakfast's was a Dublin tax." -- Audrey
