Short break in Southern Ireland

[barres]

Hi, my husband, myself and 2 friends are visiting Ireland in July to celebrate my husbands 50th birthday, we will be flying into Shannon and will have 4 full days for site seeing, so we would like some ideas on where to go, we don't want to spend all the time travelling, and should we make a base or a different B & B each night. Any suggestions on where to go and where to stay would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Sue

[scubadiver]

I'd travel north towards Galway. Stop at the Cliffs of Moher, drive through the Burren (the Ailwee Caves are worth seeing) and if you like traditional music, then spend at least one night in Doolin. Just south of Galway is Clarinbridge, where you should try some seafood at Moran's Oyster House. Galway itself is great for shopping and music.

That should be enough for 4 days. Alternatively, you could travel south and take in the Ring of Kerry, The Blarney Stone, Cork, Cobh (where the Titanic set sail from) and Kinsale (the "Gourmet capital of Ireland") - another 4 days worth.

Either of these options would be enjoyable and don't involve huge amounts of travelling.

[patsyann]

Everything scubadiver has told you is exactly what I had intended to say.We have done all those things in the wonderful Emerald Isle.We have never booked any B&B's in advance as they are plentiful,usually in a lovely bungalow or house with the greatest hospitality and we have never been disappointed.Have a lovely holiday

[smurfchops]

I agree with both scubadiver and patsyann. Southern Ireland is our favourite holiday - the people are so friendly, the small villages are quite safe to walk about at night, I almost felt I was writing those two reports myself - and don't forget, on the way down to Kinsale you must stop at Dingle and go out on the boat to see Funghi the dolphin - what an experience. If you go to Kinsale, walk around Lovers Lane past the supermarket and the Perriville Hotel away from the town, up the hill around and follow the road to the right along the river, a lovely peaceful walk. And say Hello - everyone will say Hello back !! The only place I would retire. But Kinsale and Dingle are quite expensive now to eat and stay, we eat in pubs but not in the dining room. We usually find B&Bs with a Clover Leaf outside, part of the Irish Tourist Board so they have been checked out, but always look at the room before you decide and try to get a good view. I can't quite remember where it is but get a travel guide and look up Muckross House, a brilliant old country house where you can wander around. You lucky things .. Enjoy yourselves.

[maimai]

Agree with the previous posts. It's either Kerry/Cork or Clare/Galway. I am Irish born living in London, but go to Clare a lot (not my home, just love it). Last year for my 40th I brought my english partner and friends over. We rented a house in Doolin. But I normally stay at Maeve's in Churchfield http://homepage.eircom.net/%7Echurchfield/

Depending on days/times my itinerary would include following.

Dromoland Castle. Drive in and have a drink. If its not weekend you may be able to get a non-rack rate discount. We negotiated on a thur night and had an upgrade all for �30 each!! (in Jan though). Then drive up to Ennis. Take the coast road to Lahinch/Liscannor and Cliffs of Moher Driving down to Doolin. Spend at least one night there. Then drive coast road up to Galway (dont take short cut inland.) Alternatively I would Drive straight up to Galway and work way down by coast (as it's easier to see the sea on the right if you are driving.). Pubs in Doolin - in order, McGanns, McDermotts and O'connors. The latter okay in the daytime early evening. The first two are great after 9.30/10pm. And my partner is a smoker so you can sit outside and hear the music. And Churchfield is next door. The roadford restaurant (behind churchfield) was great last time. Both McGanns and McDermotts do good 'homely' food. Good 'links' pitch n put up at Doolin Pier. Galway lots of good restaurants. Monks in Ballyvaughin okay now. Beside it a lovely tea room for plates of cheese or cakes. (craft shop near church in doolin great for coffee/snack in day ~ but believe it's chanign hands). If you chose to go down the kerry way you will still have a good time. I love it. My man just wants to go back this year ~ couldnt believe the pitch and putt and the late evenings. C

[maimai]

Ok and I forgot. It's v touristy, but worth driving into Durty Nellies (Bunratty Castle) either just after picking up your car at Shannon (about 15 mins) or before going back. I prefer the former when I am bringing friends over. See a castle, have a guinness and a toasted salmon sandwich and apple pie. And visit the Avoca store next door. But crowded at the weekend and evenings so I tend to do when fly in around midday and go for my quick stop lunch. then turn back and head on your way. If you want any specific info on b&bs, hotels and restaurants I find that the threads on Trip Advisor are good as well (not as good as here obviously)