Back in Sept 2010 we surprised our Mother with a trip to Ireland. An all adult trip, no kids, with our Mother. She has never been out of the country "Canada" does not count. We have been planning for months and we have 1 week today before we head to the Land of GREEN.
Here are the planning stages . . . .
The First Email From Dave (my brother)
What up clan members? This is the DL on Ireland. Mom wants to go to the following "hot spots" of the Irish- Killarney, Cork, Waterford.
This is my proposal:
- Shannon to Cliffs of Moher- One hour in a car (CLiffs of Moher is what you typically think of when you think of Ireland-ocean big cliffs)
- Cliffs of Moher back to Shannon- One hour back in a car
-Shannon to Tralee- 2 hour drive
-Tralee to Dingle-not dingleberry- 1 hour drive (Dingle Peninsula is supposed to be a pretty amazing drive around the coast and through some small towns)
-Dingle to Killarny National Park- 1 hour drive (Killarney National Park is supposed to be amazing with lakes and gardens and the goods)
-Killarney National Park around Ring of Kerry-not to be confused with Ring of my butthole- 3 hour drive ( Ring of Kerry is supposed to be one of the most scenic drives in all of Ireland and lucky we are going in March as they say from about Mid-April to September the road is packed with tourists)- not us we will be cruising, chasing sheep as we go.
- Killarny to Bantry- One hour drive (Bantry is supposed to have some famous castle)
-Bantry to Cork- 1.5 hour drive (Cork really has nothing, but some of the surrounding areas are supposed to be cool-castles, gardens, old churches and the like)
-Cork to Wateford- 2 hour drive (nothing in Waterford either- but surrounding areas are cool)
-Waterford to Cahir- 1 hour drive (Cahir is going to have some cool castles and a "Swiss Cottage"- mom will love along with those that like Nomes)
-Cahir to Cashel- 30 minutes- ( more castles and gardens)
-Cashel to Tipperary- 30 minutes(same as above)
-Tipperary to Limerick- 40 minutes (city)
-Limerick to Shannon Airport- 30 minutes (city)
Total of 17 hours of driving- not too bad as long as we can all get along for that long in a car over a 10 day period and we dont pass too much gas.
My recommendation would be that we spend as little time in the places of no interest and more time in Killarney and Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, outside Waterford...
As far as I know this is everyone's basic itinerary :
- we all fly in on March 25th in the morning some time- I believe it is around 5:30 am- we get a hotel in Shannon and we try to stay awake as long as possible all day Friday just tooling around Shannon until we cant stand it any longer and we have to sleep then back to the hotel in Shannon and sleep it off.
Saturday- March 26th- up and at it early to Cliffs of Moher and back to Shannon and if we are really ambitious we could make it to Tralee that same day
Sunday March 27th- Dingle and Dingle Peninsula- stay in Killarney that night
Monday- March 28th- Killarney National Park- all day- stay in Killarney again that night
Tuesday- March 29th- Ring of Kerry- Stay in Killarney again that night
Wednesday- March 30th- Head out to Bantry and Cork and surrounding areas- stay somewhere around Cork that night
Thursday- March 31st- Head to Waterford and surrounding areas- stay in that area or somewhere around there that night
Friday- April 1st- Head out to some of the surrounding areas of Waterford and make it to Limerick that night- stay in Limerick
Saturday April 2nd - tool around Limerick and whatever and then head up to Shannon and stay close to the Airport in Shannon and return cars that night as flight leaves 9:00 am on Sunday.
Any objections to the above speak now or forever hold your peace. Let's try and not make this any more complicated then I already have. I will be trying to look online and see about getting hotels and costs and what not as soon as I hear back from you bit$%!'s- that is a term of endearment in Ireland- get used to it.
Wow the was long- have fun reading all of that and if you want more info visit this website: http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/eipts.htm
Below is our Confirmed Trip and Plans!
MARCH 25th DROMOLAND CASTLE SHANNON (AMAZING) WE ARE SURPRISING MOM SHE HAS NO IDEA ABOUT THE CASTLE STAY!
CHECK INStacey/Dave (1 room)
Mom/Deirdre/Michelle (1 room – I double state Anne (Requested a King)
DIRECTIONS Newmarket-On-Fergus, Co Clare, Ireland.
Dromoland Castle is ideally located 8 miles from Shannon Airport in Clare just outside Newmarket on Fergus. The proximity of this beautiful castle hotel in Clare
CONTACT NUMBER Tel: +353 61 368144
GPS GPS Stats: 52' 46.52 N - 8' 54.1
Get there AM
Spa 2:00 30 minutes – Jacuzzi/Snack
Welcome to the Spa at Dromoland
The Spa at Dromoland is a luxurious haven of calm and tranquillity. Ideally located in the heart of the Castle walls, the intimate spa consists of six luxury treatment rooms, two dedicated manicure and pedicure suites and a hair salon. The spa also boasts a magnificent outdoor hydro spa hot tub covered with a gazebo for all year round use which has been specifically designed to enhance the peaceful relaxing ambience.Time will stand still while you are immersed in our relaxation suites during your spa experience.
Dromoland Spa offers an environment of quiet and calm for its guests who are 16 years and over.
Robes and slippers are provided with robes, towels and slippers on arrival.
Day guests will be provided with robes, towels and slippers on arrival.
If you would like to avail of our complimentary Hydro Spa Pool before or after your treatment, please contact the Spa Reception desk.
Run/Exercise
Carriage Ride/Photos – Lunch Baskets Picnic on the grounds (Nice Weather)
Dinner/Fig Tree Restaurant
Tour THE CASTLE GROUNDS. RELAX
SATURDAY 26TH - CLIFFS OF MOHER (CHECK THESE PHOTOS OUT OF THE CLIFFS BEAUTIFUL), CLIFFS TO KILLARNEY ( 2.5 HOURS)
MARCH 26TH-29th STAY AT THE MOUNTAIN DEW KILLARNEY
CHECK IN 1PM
DIRECTIONS
ITSOO191
3 ROSS ROAD
KILLARNEY/COUNTY KERRY
From Killarney follow the Muckross Road for 300 yards and take a left at Amber Filling Station on the N71. The Mountain Dew is the third house along this road.
CONTACT NUMBER (353) 064-6633892/ MRS EILEEN O CARROLL
"Killarney is famous all over the world for its breathtaking scenery and natural beauty. As well as enchanting lakes and towering mountains the local area offers a whole host of activities including angling, horse riding, walking, cycling and there are also a number of top class golf courses to choose from. For an evening out, Killarney is second to none when it comes to entertainment, with an abundance of traditional Irish music and top class restaurants."
SUNDAY MARCH 27TH
PICK UP DREW AT 8:00AM SHANNON AIRPORT
CHURCH AT 11:00
KILLARNEY TO THE DINGLE PENINSULA 4 HOURS ROUNDTRIP
The Dingle Peninsula is in south-west Ireland just along the Atlantic Ocean. Along the peninsula is a ridge of mountains, which include Ireland’s second tallest peak, Brandon, which is 3,127 feet above sea level
READ MORE HERE
MONDAY MARCH 28TH
Killarney To the Ring of Kerry (2.5 hours roundtrip) READ MORE HERE
The Ring of Kerry (or Iveragh Peninsula to give it its correct name) is part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits. The Ring of Kerry has some of the finest beaches (See Rossbeigh in the Ross-Maine area) in Europe that provide all the facilities for a traditional seaside holiday. Above all the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland - see the Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. Visitors to Ireland should not miss a trip to the beautiful Ring of Kerry
This photo of County Cork is courtesy of TripAdvisor
TUESDAY MARCH 29th
Killarney to the National Forest - 5 minutes from where we are staying in Killarney
Chill Day
Killarney to Cork - 2 hour drive
WEDNESDAY MARCH 30th STAY AT THE CASTLE TOWNSEND IN Skibbereen CORK
CHECK IN 5-7 PM
1 SEA ROOM SLEEPS 4
1 NON SEA ROOM SLEEPS 4
DIRECTIONS
N71 To Skibbereen & Then R596 From Skibbereen To Castletownshend Village.
NUMBER (353) 433354013
Anne Cochrane-Townshend
tel: 003532836100
"Castle Townshend has been the seat of the Townshend family in Ireland for many generations. The centre part was built around 1650. The original Castles were destroyed in the 17/18th Centuries. The two towers were then added to the present Castle, using the stone from the ruined Castle. It stands in spacious grounds facing southeast, overlooking the peaceful waterfront of Castletownshend harbour.
The castle contains much of the original furniture, portraits and oak panelling. There are 7 guest bedrooms which are are all ensuite with bathroom or shower room, most of them have lovely sea views."
Cork to Waterford 3 hours and 30 minute drive
THURSDAY MARCH 31st STAY AT THE BEACH HAVEN IN TRAMORE WATERFORD - A SEASIDE RESORT
CHECK IN ???
FROM CORK 2.3O HOURS 134 KM
DIRECTIONS
From Cork, follow the N25 through Midleton, the Youghal bypass and Dungarvan. 2 miles after passing through the village of Kilmeaden, take a right turn onto the R682 at Butlerstown Cross.
CONTACT NUMBER (353) 0 51 390208
AVERY AND NIAMH CORYELL
"Beach Haven House is a unique and inviting family run house close to everything in Tramore and Waterford City. We can also arrange fun activity packages for you including surfing lessons or equipment hire, nordic walking blo-karting) or other activities during your stay with us. Just let us know if you would like more information about these activities or check out."
Waterford to Adare, Limerick 2 hour drive
FRIDAY APRIL 1ST STAY AT THE CARRIGAN HOUSE IN LIMERICK
CHECK IN ???
Reserved 2 Rms for 4 people
Directions from Limerick:
Take N20 out of Limerick until joins with N21. At this point continue straight on the N21 towards Adare At the first roundabout take a left We are the 2 nd house on the right
CONTACT NUMBER +353 (0) 61 396778.
Maura Linnane
"The village of Adare is one of Limerick's special places. With thatched roof cottages and Tudor style houses, beautiful gardens and ivy clad medieval churches in beautiful surroundings on both sides of the street beside the river Maigue.
For those who want to linger and learn more visit the Heritage centre and step back in time.
People come from all over the world to visit and tour this amazing location and some even choose to get married in one of the fantastic churches in the area."
ADARE TO BUNRATTY CASTLE - 40 MINUTES
SATURDAY APRIL 2ND STAY AT THE BUNRATTY GROVE GUESTHOUSE
BUNRATTY GROVE GUESTHOUSE 252261
• You may check in from 14:00 hours onwards.
• You must check out by 12:00 hours.
Reserved 2 family rooms that sleep 4
DIRECTIONS BUNRATTY, LOW ROAD BUNRATTY
5-miles from Shannon Airport.
The scenic village of Bunratty and Bunratty Castle are just a 3-minute drive away. The guesthouse provides free transport to and from Bunratty
CONTACT NUMBER 35361369579
I am pleased to confirm this reservation as per your request below. The booking confirmation number is: 418067.
The cost per person is €59.95. However, if you wish to secure a special rate of €50, payment is required at your earliest convenience.
5:30 Bunratty Castle Midieval Banquet Online Reservations (FOR 8 people)
Check out Shannon Heritage explaining the evening.
Hi Siblings!!!!
Okay since Christmas was basically canceled this year, mainly because
of the Ireland Trip just right around the corner, March 22nd for 7-10
days, we need to start planning and preparing for the trip YES 8
MONTHS OUT, or basically it won't happen.
This trip is being planned for our dear mother, who has done so much
for each one of us . . . yes let's think back, and we all can because
even though we don't remember somethings we either have children or
have tended children and we all know what it is like to wipe dirty
bottoms, clean walls and cribs and kids full of poop, YUCK, clean
puck, console us and be there for each one of us with all our CRAZY
DRAMA. I don't even know if we will ever know how many tears and
prayers she has said for each one of us individually. What a great
opportunity to say THANK YOU. Her FIRST TRIP EVER WITH HER CHILDREN.
HER FIRST TRIP OVERSEAS, to the place where it all began for us, for
her, for FAMILY, OUR FAMILY.
Since this trip is a gift to our mother we would LOVE, APPRECIATE AND
SINCERELY HOPE that each sibling, YES ALL 7 OF US - WHETHER YOU ARE
GOING ON THE TRIP YOURSELF OR NOT, can you believe she gave birth to 7
children?. . . even twins YIKES, will pitch in for mom's travel
expenses so she will be taken care of and will not have to spend any
money on this trip. With all of us pitching in, it will pay for her
Ticket round trip, food and lodging for the 7-10 days.
LET'S ALL BE HER 7 LUCKY LEPERCHAUNS THAT BRING HER GOLD AT THE END OF HER RAINBOW . . . I know sounds cheesy, but I almost started to cry. She has given us so much
and has been so unselfish her entire life . . . since she was 19 yrs old . . .never thinking of herself only of raising US AND GIVING TO US WHEN WE NEEDED HER TIME, MONEY AND ATTENTION.
****ALSO THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT . . . THIS IS AN ONLY ADULT TRIP. WE
ALL NEED TO MAKE APPROPRIATE PLANS FOR OUR CHILDREN IF WE WANT TO
ATTEND THIS WONDERFUL EVENT. IT WILL BE REALLY HARD ON THE KIDS TO FLY
OVER TO EUROPE, GET USED TO THE TIME CHANGE, WE MAY BE TRAVELING AND
PULLING ALL NIGHTERS, THERE WILL BE NO SET TIGHT PLANS ON THIS TRIP,
IT WILL BE VERY FLEXIBLE AND WE MAY STAY IN HOSTELS AND HOTELS THAT
MAY NOT BE IDEAL FOR CHILDREN. ADULTS CAN HANDEL THESE KINDS OF TRIPS,
BUT NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN. BESIDES, ONCE AGAIN THIS TRIP IS FOR
MOM TO ENJOY, NOT TO WORRY ABOUT GRANDKIDS BEING SAFE AND BABYSITTING
. . . SHE WOULD OR MAY FEEL OBLIGATED TO CARE FOR ANY CHILDREN THAT
MIGHT BE THERE AND WE DON'T WANT THAT.
I do hope I communicated well enough and that we all still feel the
love after this email. We love you all! Please let me know what your
families would be able to do for mother, so we can start planning!!!
Top O' To The Mornin' is that even correct?
Love,
DRE (Deirdre - - my name is irish, I am so stoked to go on this trip!!!)
"Sound so fun! Thanks for all you do Dre. I appreciate your willingness to step up and get this organized. It is what you do best. I am super excited about all the accommodations. It looks super cheap too. LOL."
Michelle
"This seems SUPER cheap and if so, BRAVO TO YOU!!!!"
Shayna
Amor & Adeus por agora, (Galician for Love & Bye For Now)
Wish we could have seen this before we left!!!
Happy Travels,
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