BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP

Subject: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: kendall
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 08:40 PM

Jacqui and I are thinking about going to Dublin and Dingles beach. Does anyone know the best way to do that?

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Jeri
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 08:42 PM

I'd probably go with an airplane...

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: kendall
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 09:06 PM

It's over 200 miles and the roads are worse than Cornwall, so we probably will fly.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: michaelr
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 09:46 PM

You could do what I did: fly into Shannon, drive west to Dingle (we took a detour south to Cork), over the Conor Pass to Tarbert, take the ferry to Kilrush, along the coast through Co. Clare (Cliffs of Moher, the Burren) to Galway, then east through Athlone to Dublin.

We took a week to do it. Lovely scenery, great music and wonderful people all along the way. I recommend the Lonely Planet guide.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 09:49 PM

Dingle, as in where my dear ancestors are from? You can go to Garvey's supermarket and sit on Garvey's bench and stay at Garvey's bed and breakfast and I can recommend a very nice B&B by another name in the heart of Dingle..and the husband gives great archeological tours. There is a Garvey's pub somewhere. And Tom Crean's pub in Annascoul..might be a relative. It is totally beautiful there and full of old ruins and oman stones and viking stuff. I might be able to go there in September if my free ticket does not have too many fees added on. And there are Kerry cows here and there which are an almost lost breed but quite adapted to poor vegetation. So I vote that you go. There are not great buses but one goes from Tralee daily I think. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: michaelr
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 09:53 PM

Oh, and Kendall, the roads are not bad at all... except the Conor Pass which is a little hairy, but the views make up for it.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 10:06 PM

Some are literally the primrose path, little lanes lined with primroses..but not the main roads of course. They seemed sort of standard to me but I was on buses and did not drive. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Rapparee
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 11:16 PM

Well, since Dingle is a fishing town there isn't much of a beach there. But Inch Strand is up towards Anascul and they used to do horse racing there in, I think, August.

You CAN drive...but since thee Irish drive on both sides of the road at once I'd suggest that Jacqui do the driving if you rent a car. Another way would be train to Killarney (stop in The Laurels for a pint and perhaps some singing and the Great Southern Hotel for an Irish Coffee, the best in the world in my opinion). Then take a BUS to Dingle. Leave the driving to someone else! And trust me on this -- if you DRIVE the Conor Pass Road you'll have far, far more to do than look at the scenery!

Naytheless, go. Visit Dublin first and get the big city outa your system. Then spend the rest of your time on the Dingle Pennisula -- Ballyferriter, for instance, is Really Deep Gaeltacht.

If you do go to Dingle, look across the harbor to the tower. To the right of the tower is a fence line. Follow that fence all the way down and the white house you see is my wife's family's Olde Homesteade -- they still own it and they turn trespassers over to the Gardi.

But you can get around pretty well by train and bus -- unlike the US. You might also include Cork, Kenmare, Baltimore, Tralee and
Kinsale (not to mention Sneem and the Slieve Mish Mountains) on your trip. Of course, north of there are places like Galway, Sligo, Limerick, and Kinvara. And there's always Waterford and Wexford and Youghal and Wicklow and Cashel and the Bru na Boine and Kilpatrick
and Downpatrick and Croaghpatrick and Kildare (where you can enter the Irish National Stud!) and....

Just go. A hint: fly there on Aer Lingus.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 11:26 PM

Once you are there though you could only go from Dingle to Ballyferriter twice a week by bus I believe..that is really where my ancestors are from..well, Dunquin, Ballyferriter, probably somewhere between in a place called Maumonorig I think near the Gallarus little stone chapel. I can send you an Mp3 of my song called pride of Dunquin if you would like..likewise a song about leaving Smerwig Harbor..in the area.    mg

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Rapparee
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 11:28 PM

There are also tour boats to the Blaskets (and the Skelligs if you're really that nuts). Read "Peig" and "Twenty Years A-Growing" (and stuff by Robin Flowers) to learn about the Blaskets.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 11:30 PM

Jacqui, did you hear that? You can enter Kendall as the Irish National Stud?! That all right with you?**BG**

Whichever you decide, it sounds lovely and I want to see pictures!:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 01:23 AM

Peig was originally from Dunquin and married into the Blaskets. She lived next to one of my relatives..no..the house he had died in during the famine. And the daughter he had who is the Pride of Dunquin. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 10:55 AM

We will be spending most of our time in England and just making short side trips to France and Ireland. Three days in Ireland. Being a country boy, I prefer scenery to cities.
What would be the closest airport to Tralee?

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 11:10 AM

Kerry airport in Farranfore. Ryan air uses it.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 12:15 PM

"Ballyferriter"
If you have time go and see the beehive houses - fascinating historical monuments with spectacular views.
We were camping in the area years ago, and were just eating breakfast when a couple of Americans on bikes stopped and asked in the broadest of accents - "Hi - is this where Ryan's daughter was from?"
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,Leamaneh
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 12:23 PM

Just three days in Ireland? What a shame.

As Peter says, Ryanair flies to Kerry Airport, but, unless you're willing to rise impossibly early to catch the daily 7.30am flight from London Stansted your only other option is the daily 11am flight from Luton. Catch the right train from St. Pancras and Luton's only 25 minutes away.

If you want to catch some great scenery and music sessions, I'd strongly recommend flying to Belfast, hiring a car and taking the coast road all the way round to Derry (from whose airport you can fly back to London).

I'm presuming you're going to be based in London or thereabouts. If not, you'll waste most of those three days travelling back and forth between the UK and Ireland.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 12:29 PM

think sea. I think there are ferries between France and Cork? Don't know. Then there are probably buses to Tralee. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 12:34 PM

http://www.irishferries.com/gb/ferry-to-dublin.asp

some ferries between France, Wales and Ireland.

Do you have a strong desire to go to Dublin or is it a logistic? mg

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 12:51 PM

WE will be looking at heading for Ireland from from my daughter's home in Newark, Notts. We really can't afford to spend too long in Ireland - funds and time constraints won't allow for it.

I think that the drive to Dingle from and back to Dublin, where we were thinking of staying, would be too much to do in a day. My memory of the roads in the South West was that they can be quite slow, that was about eight years ago.

To take the ferry from the UK we would have to drive virtually all the way across England and Wales, then spend just over three hours on the ferry. The cost for travel alone would exceed the total cost of a three night break with flights.

What we really need to know is roughly how long it would take to drive from Dublin to Dingle and whether there is a sensible route by public transport that won't cost us an arm and a leg.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 01:11 PM

Train to Tralee, but from there to Dingle. Irish Rail and Buseireann websites will give the cost and travel time. If you only have three days, you'll be wasting an awful lot of time travelling.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,Leamaneh
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 01:24 PM

It's only 220 miles from Dublin to Dingle, Jacqui, but one hundred of those are on a motorway. The AA (http://www2.aaireland.ie/routes_beta/) reckons you can do this in 4hr 20min, but that doesn't take into account the time of day when you leave Dublin and all manner of hold-ups that might occur on the way. I'd bargain for six hours.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 01:51 PM

We flew Continental from Newark to Shannon, and from Dublin to Newark on the return trip. It was a smaller plane - 757, I believe - but it was fine. There seemed to be no problem arranging to arrive at one airport and depart from another. I don't know whether rental car companies would go along with that, though.
Can't say it would be a horrible thing to drive across Ireland twice, if you had to use the same airport for arrival and departure. Those narrow roads sure don't thrill me. I'm glad I wasn't driving. I've sworn I will never drive in Europe.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 02:04 PM

I've sworn I will never drive in Europe.


It a whole continent with a lot of different countries and a lot of different road infrastructures. You may have made a bit of a hasty decision, based on the irish roads as they were whenever you were here (a few motorway crossing the country and by passes avoiding towns along the way have been put in place during the past decade).

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 03:14 PM

Joe, I kinda like driving 70 pmh on the "wrong" side of the road.

My main focus is to see some Irish country side, including Dingles Beach and Donnybrook. I would also like to hear some traditional Irish music.
Tell me what you know about those things.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 03:26 PM

Plenty of music in Ballyferriter and the general Dingle area.

Google Earth/streetview can give you a bit of an indication on what the roads and the countryside will look like along your route.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 04:34 PM

I think your best bet might be to ask around here and mutual friends and see if anyone in Ireland could drive you around for a couple of days in exchange for gas money and food and lodging. You could have a great time. Dave Ingerson I think is there right now but he has lots of contacts. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: olddude
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 04:43 PM

Been there many times Captain, I will dig out some info and send it to you. I usually fly into Shannon but it depends on what you want to do and see.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 04:49 PM

I think it's well worth considering using Ryan air to fly from Dub to Kerry and maximise your stay there. A lot more worthwhile than driving through the midlands. But then, I don't like driving very much.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Newport Boy
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 04:57 PM

London-Dublin by train and ferry is easy, convenient times and CHEAP! Details on the wonderful Seat 61 website - it's called
SailRail

Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: michaelr
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 05:22 PM

Wow! SailRail looks great, what a bargain.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: DougR
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 06:02 PM

We drove from Dublin to Killarney, and you are right, Jacqui, it is a long drive. The highway is very good though.

One thing to consider, though, is Kendall's age. I don't recall how old you are old friend, but it's difficult for those 75+ years to get insurance for a rental car in Ireland. I'm not even sure if one 75+ years old can rent a car. I guess Jacqui could drive though. Doesn't sound like you will have a lot of time to be driving around much though. Too bad, it's beautiful country all over but especially in the Dingle area.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 06:31 PM

Shame its a small beach. I was hoping it was maybe a nude beach. Then Kendall could drive there and say..........yeah, I know, it be bad, but wait for it anyways........................."I drove from Dublin to dangle my dingus on Dingle"


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: kendall
Date: 23 Apr 11 - 11:10 PM

We've just about settled on flying from East Midlands airport to Dublin on a package deal which includes lodging.
I would like to see some of the country side west of Dublin.
We won't be going to Dingle, too far, too remote. We will be going to Donnybrook.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 01:07 PM

Any music in the small towns west or south or north of Dublin? I hate cities.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 01:14 PM

this would be looking into. You'll have to go to the city for it though:

Steeplesessions

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: GUEST,Leamaneh
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 01:56 PM

I'm puzzled, Kendall. What do you expect to find in Donnybrook? It's only a rather middle- to upper-class suburb on Dublin's southside, clogged with traffic most of the day and home to overpriced restaurants, bars and shops. Unless you're planning on doing a broadcast for RTÉ, which is based there, I'd give it a miss.

Drogheda and Wexford are within easy reach of Dublin - plenty of music in both towns - or you could be in Galway, Sligo, Westport, Carrick-on-Shannon, Enniskillen or Donegal town within three to four hours.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Silas
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 02:00 PM

Dingle, i'm afarid is a shithole. It used to be nice, but now it is an awful place.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: kendall
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 03:32 PM

I only want to have a picture taken in Donnybrook. A fight involving many people is called a "Donnybrook". Leamaneh, your suggestions are just what I wanted. Thanks.

One of my fond wishes is to stand on Dingle beach and sing Song for Ireland. Imagine my disappointment to learn that there is no such place. Sigh.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: michaelr
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 09:33 PM

Kendall, if it's any consolation, you could sit in Shanakyle famine cemetery, Kilrush, and sing "Lone Shanakyle". I did that in 2004. A poignant moment.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: kendall
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 01:45 PM

I was thinking of doing that in Athenry.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Fergie
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 09:10 PM

Hi Kendall & Jacqui

If your in Dublin on Friday night do not miss the Góilín Singers Club. It is very central and you will hear the best traditional singing on offer anywhere. PM me if you want some guidance or need some advice about your time in Dublin.

Fergus

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Fergie
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 09:11 PM

And why in hell is this thread down in the B.S. section?

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 11:02 PM

Sad you've chosen Donnybrook over Dingle. The Dingle Peninsula (rather than the town) would seem to offer many opportunities for a "Song for Ireland" moment:-

Dingle Beaches

Google Images (Dingle Beaches)

If time constraints mean you can't get far from Dublin, the coast north and south and Dublin Bay itself have many attractions. Further inland Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains are worth a visit.

Ross

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Silas
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 05:08 AM

There IS a beach in Dingle, however, as a previous poster has said, Inch in the place to go, its really nice.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: kendall
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 08:57 AM

It's over 200 miles from Dublin to Dingle, and I hear the roads really suck from Limerick to Dingle.
We will be doing at least one evening in Dublin. Our hotel is just outside Dublin. It's called IMI and it is on the Sandyford road just off the M 50.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Silas
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 09:19 AM

The Dingle penninsular itself is spectacular and well worth a visit. The roads are not all that bad, and the countryside you pass through makes the journey fly. Its a shame that the planning authorities in Dingle Town have allowed it to degenerate into a dirty smelly tourist trap, it used to be a delightful place to visit, with the highlight of catching a glimps of Fungi, the dingle dolphin.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: harmonic miner
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 09:28 AM

Bus or train to Tralee. Rent a bike there and cycle the rest.


http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/All-Ireland-Coastal-Route-21-Tralee-Ballyferriter

Do it over several days. Great great music

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: kendall
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 09:37 AM

We don't have several days.
Doug, you were right about that age limit to rent a car. 75 is it. I can't believe I no longer qualify!

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: Stu
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 11:22 AM

I haven't been to Dingle for about 15 years but I'd suggest sacking Dublin altogether and going straight to the west coast. Dingle was lovely when we went (twice in one holiday as there was so much to see) and Inch Strand was like a piece of heaven on earth (not small either Spaw - a long, wide white sand beach); one of the best places in the world.

As for the driving I really wouldn't worry. Unless you're a really bad driver then the roads aren't so much of a problem. My stepfather helped build the M50 so that should be all right, and the smaller roads are full of interesting sights and views etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Dublin to Dingle Beach, HELP
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 11:29 AM

Dublin now booked - that's where we will be based.