Off topic big time..... Ireland Info

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Elsie - 04 May 2004 13:27 GMT

Hi guys,

I know, this is completely off topic, but I can't seem to get any
straight answers out of anybody around here. Maybe somebody on this
group is from Ireland and can tell me what I need to know....

We're going to Germany this summer. My daughter is NOT pleased.
She's had her fill of my Mom (my family lives in Germany) when they
were over here taking care of me after the surgery. To add insult to
injury, we're going to be in Germany during her birthday in July...

So, to soften the blow a little bit, I told her that we would make a
special trip just for her. Pick a city, any city in Europe and we'll
go there...

Well, she picked - not Paris, London, Rome or whatever - she picked
horsebackriding in Ireland. She wants to be riding a horse on the
beach in Ireland on her birthday.

Now I am looking at the schedule for Ryan air, car rentals, train
schedules and bed a breakfasts in Ireland: Here's the plan so far.
We're flying into Kerry and we'll make our way via car or rail through
the country to some other airport Ryan air flies into. I'm planing on
arriving in Dublin, Shannon, whatever about 5-6 days later.

Now, here are the questions.

1. Should I go by car or rail (1 adult, 2 kids) for the everyday
travel? One thought was to take a car for every day and stay in one
area, but then take the train to Dublin. How far can I go by car in a
few hours driving? I heard stories of sheep and such on the road, so
I guess making 60 miles in an hour is not in the picture?

2. Are there even beaches around Kerry? Should I be at a completely
different area to ride horses on the beach?

3. Should I make reservations? We're going in July, or am I save
making a few reservations an taking my chances other than that?

4. Anybody out there from Ireland, who can answer additional dumb
questions as they come up?

I know, this is seriously off topic, but I'm trying to book the flight
with Ryan air ASAP. They've got some seriously good specials goingon
right now...

Thanks,
Elsie

Reply to this Message

J - 04 May 2004 17:53 GMT

> <snip>
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Thanks,
> Elsie

Hi Elsie,

Have you talked to a travel agent and maybe visited their outlet to pick
up current brochures and information about what's going on in Ireland
these days? And Ryan Air
http://www.646industries.com/mt/beyond_s/archives/000148.html

I don't recall any poster recently from Ireland here. (not to say there
aren't any reading who might reply).
Another resource (and we're not allowed to crosspost according to the
Charter) is ie.general (newsgroup).
I see questions there about visas, hotels, train/ferry, etc

Some other questions..clothing..- I saw mention of heavy rubber boots -
maybe mucky over there - also unknown what protocols are about sheep or
beef - there were some problems in UK about trekking mud from one farm
(area) to another.
Clothing - what will the weather be like where you are going - do you need
"wool" to stay warm etc.
Healthcare availability in the areas where you are going.

Also I would want to know what the general view of Americans or Germans is
in the areas you are going to (based on a few posts I saw on
soc.culture.irish ) so you don't get in harm's way.

Here's are some web sites you might want to have a look at. (one or both
has contact informaton there).
http://www.horseriding-holidays.com/killarney-kerry/ireland-horseback.htm
http://www.horse-riding-ireland.com/
complete with pictures of views of horse-riding
(I have no financial interest in either of these).

Gad, I wish I was going though. It looks beautiful.

Let us know (please) what you decide and before you leave (how long), so i
don't worry if I don't hear from you.
Hugs
J - not an expert in travel either.

Reply to this Message

Elsie - 05 May 2004 13:26 GMT

Thanks for looking up all that info, J.

My brother has been flying with Ryanair all over creation, but I'm not
sure how much he ends up paying on these super cheap flights. I'll be
careful, though.

I'll let you know what I end up doing and when we'll be gone. It'll
probably be in the beginning of July.

Thanks again,
Elsie

Reply to this Message

D. Smyth - 05 May 2004 00:40 GMT

Hi Elsie,

Been lurking here for about 2 months, saw your post and decided it was time
to say something.

> Hi guys,
>
> I know, this is completely off topic, but I can't seem to get any
> straight answers out of anybody around here. Maybe somebody on this
> group is from Ireland and can tell me what I need to know....

I'm from the Emerald Isle, about 60 miles North of Dublin.

> We're going to Germany this summer. My daughter is NOT pleased.
> She's had her fill of my Mom (my family lives in Germany) when they
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> horsebackriding in Ireland. She wants to be riding a horse on the
> beach in Ireland on her birthday.

Can be very nice.

> Now I am looking at the schedule for Ryan air, car rentals, train
> schedules and bed a breakfasts in Ireland: Here's the plan so far.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> few hours driving? I heard stories of sheep and such on the road, so
> I guess making 60 miles in an hour is not in the picture?

Usual B***sh*t. How long is a piece of string ? Animals have less chance of
making it on the road than humans. General speed limit is 60 MPH, with 70 on
the motorways (yes we have a few). Road surfaces are normally pretty good.
Around Kerry you may have traffic problems with 'tourists'.
There is a rail link from Kerry to Dublin, slow enough though. Would you
consider flying to Dublin from Kerry. Not sure of fares, but the air fare
from Cork to Dublin is as cheap as the train fare. Road to Dublin is OK.
The airlines can usually package a car with the flight. Ryan Air fly into
Dublin also.

> 2. Are there even beaches around Kerry? Should I be at a completely
> different area to ride horses on the beach?

Some real beauties in Kerry. Particularly on The Ring of Kerry, which is
worth seeing. West Cork is also beautiful. Nice wildlife park (and golf
course) at Fota Island. Remember this is on the Atlantic coastline and the
scenery is beautiful.
Kerry can be expensive. There are also lovely places in Co. Clare (up the
coast a little) and of course Galway & Mayo.

> 3. Should I make reservations? We're going in July, or am I save
> making a few reservations an taking my chances other than that?

Might be difficult without reservations, particularly in the tourist areas.
July is high season.
While tourist numbers have been slightly down, they expect greater interest
as a result of our Presidency of the EU.
If you were to go to Donegal (North West) you would probably get away
without reservations. It is relatively unspoiled.
It's worth shopping around, prices do vary.

> 4. Anybody out there from Ireland, who can answer additional dumb
> questions as they come up?

I'll try. As I'm not from that area, and it's years since I was there I
might be a little rusty.

> I know, this is seriously off topic, but I'm trying to book the flight
> with Ryan air ASAP. They've got some seriously good specials goingon
> right now...

Where are you coming from Elsie ? Ryan Air are certainly cheap, but you need
to fly on certain days to get the maximum benefits. Usually mid week Tuesday
to Thursday, check it out though. They do a good enewsletter which can give
you a head start on the bargains. Beware the Government Taxes. Flights to
the UK (return) costing 8 cent (for 4) finally worked out at ?180 plus. Also
worth looking at the Aer Lingus site, they sometimes have deals which are
cheaper and Go also fly into Ireland.
Ryan Air have also started doing accomodation packages also.....worth a
look. Bed & Breakfasts usually give best deals and once they are approved by
Bord Failte (they will have a sign with a green shamrock) you are guaranteed
a decent standard. I believe they are all en-suite now.

Dan.

Reply to this Message

Elsie - 05 May 2004 13:24 GMT

> Hi Elsie,
>
> Been lurking here for about 2 months, saw your post and decided it was time
> to say something.

I'm glad you did :-)

> > Hi guys,
> >
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> The airlines can usually package a car with the flight. Ryan Air fly into
> Dublin also.

I figured that the animal thing was probably one of those touristy
statements. Kinda like the statement that all Germans drink beer and
wear Lederhosen...

In terms of flying or riding the train. I'll consider all means of
transportation - even horse and buggy, if it gets me where I'm going.
Do I even need to rent a car or can I get where I need to just as
efficiently with public transportation?

> > 2. Are there even beaches around Kerry? Should I be at a completely
> > different area to ride horses on the beach?
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> without reservations. It is relatively unspoiled.
> It's worth shopping around, prices do vary.

After looking at the web, I did think that it looked really neat up in
the Northwest, and that's actually where I might end up going after
all.

> > 4. Anybody out there from Ireland, who can answer additional dumb
> > questions as they come up?
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
> Dan.

I'm from the States, but I'll be flying to Ireland from Germany. I'm
actually even cosidering the train through the Chunnel or whatever
else there is to get from here (=Germany) to there :-). I figured
that Ryan air was going to get me with the taxes. I'll definitely
check the other carriers you recommended. Do you mind me e-mailing
you directly, if I have any more questions? My e-mail address is on
the top of my post, if you want to take this to e-mail.

Thanks a bunch,
Elsie

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