Posted by PAT on January 21, 2004 at 23:32:10:
In Reply to: Trip Over Easter posted by Jean on January 21, 2004 at 22:39:34:
: My daughter will be attending Limerick University this spring term. Her aunt and I plan to visit her over her Easter break. We will be in Ireland from April 8 to April 16, flying in and out of Shannon. From the 9 - 12 my daughter will travel with us. Will many attractions/ businesses be closed over Easter weekend? We will rent a car. What would be your suggestion for a travel plan. We would like to see a few things well, instead of every sight in the country. We also like to shop - any suggestions. I really want to bring home one of those wonderful handknit sweaters.
: Thanks for the help,
: Jean
Dear Jean,
To answer your first question, attractions have a busy weekend over the Easter period. Easter Monday is a very big day as is Easter for visits by Irish families. Only Good Friday is a day when attractions are closed.
AS to a travel plan for APril 8-16, here goes:
April 8 - arrive at Shannon and settle in to a nearby town, either Ennis, Bunratty or out near the university (Castletroy) area of Limerick. Sightsee locally, perhaps to Adare or Killaloe, and overnight.
April 9 - pick up your daughter. This is Good Friday so it will be mainly a driving day, head to Killarney and settle in. Although main attractions like Muckross House will be closed, you can walk around Killarney, and drive along the Lakes, to Aghadoe Heights, Ladies View etc. O/N Killarney
April 10 - Ring of Kerry Drive. O/N Killarney
April 11 - Dingle Peninsula drive or enjoy the open attractions in and around Killarney on Easter. O/N Killarney
April 12 - (Easter Monday, a bank holiday but attractions will be open). Drive via Tarbert (take the ferry over to Killimer) and up the Clare Coast to see the CLiffs of Moher. Continue to Limerick and take your daughter back to university. Check in to a hotel at Adare, Bunratty or Ennis for the night.
April 13 - drive through the Burren area to Ballyvaughan and then on via Kinvara to Galway. Check into your hotel and enjoy Galway city on foot. Stop into O'Maille's Shop on High Street to look over the woollens there. Ann O'Maille carries the work of many local knitters and is a knitter herself.
April 14 - all day for Connemara. Be sure to visit Kylemore Abbey and Standun's of Spiddal (one of the best sources for handknit Aran sweaters) for over 50 years.
April 15 - take a trip to the Aran Islands for a day (more handknits!) or just enjoy Galway and or a visit to Cong (Quiet Man setting) and Ashford Castle.
April 16 - head back to Shannon for flight departure. Note: if your flight is in the morning, you may have to spend the night of April 15 in Shannon area.
This should get you started!
PAT