Ireland Scotland Travel Blog

Self Drive Ireland

Casual go-as-you-please vouchers or a pre-reserved itinerary with a self-drive car rental is available. Choose from "hidden off-the-beaten-path" places, recommended by guidebooks.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com>

You may choose from the best Irish B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

Spectacular Ireland luxury escorted tours

Small group luxury tour of Ireland - This tour is limited to 10 persons.

This tour follows a special theme each day, a thoroughly enjoyable pursuit of such diverse topics as stately homes, crystal and pubs. Only the best MANORS AND CASTLES in deluxe royal Ireland are used. Your stay will not just meet, but exceed your expectations.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com>

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

Irish Melody Family Vacation

This very special small group guided tour combines enriching experiences in the heritage towns of Ireland with some extraordinary accommodations at guest houses, hotels, and inns, and even a stay in a romantic castle in Ireland - a perfect Ireland itinerary. Enjoy the music of magical evenings. Listen to a tale well told, a song well sung, applaud a dance well done. Fun adventures include boat trips, bicycling, horseback riding and traditional music. This is an escorted family vacation with activities for children in Ireland. Join in, take part, you’re very welcome.Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com>

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

Everyone’s Singing the Praises of Lynott Tours’ IRISH MELODY!

New York, February, 2008) - Lynott Tours is proud to continue offering our most popular tour, "An Irish Melody. This beautiful, fun-filled 11-day tour is still hugely popular with singles, groups and families alike. What better way to see most of Ireland than in the comfort of a motorcoach with no more than fourteen people at your side?

This very special tour combines enriching experiences in the heritage towns of Ireland as well as larger cities such as Shannon and Dublin. Your three- and four-star accommodations include hotels, bed and breakfasts and even a night in a romantic castle.

Families are welcome on this tour. Some activities children will enjoy along with adults include bicycle riding on the Dingle Peninsula, one of Ireland’s natural wonders. There’s a dolphin watch and horseback riding as well. Visit a graveyard in the town of Cobh, where many Titanic passengers were buried. There’s even a town known for its witches!

Prices start at $2,199 and include accommodations, nine hearty breakfasts, airport transfers, dinner at Cabra Castle, sightseeing, entrance fees, your expert guide, taxes and service charges.

Please give Lynott Tours a call at (800) 221-2474 or visit our website www.lynotttours.com

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com>

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

BEST IRELAND ITINERARY 2 WEEKS

Day 1 – CLIFFS OF MOHER/BURREN Arrive in Shannon and travel along the Cliffs of Moher to the Burren. The Burren is a special area with treasures to uncover for both the botanist and the explorer of historic ruins. With breathtaking views across Galway Bay, Gregans Castle Hotel is the ultimate hideaway. This is an oasis of comfort with Irish hospitality, good food, and peace and quiet.

Day 2 – GALWAY AND CONNEMARA Picture a deep quiet valley. A lake at your feet, a mountain behind you, a welcome ahead of you. The Lough Inagh Lodge is set snugly in the aptly named Recess of Connemara. If you would like to relax, in addition to fishing, activities include pony trekking, hill climbing and walking.

Day 3 – CONNEMARA/MAYO A visit to the west of Ireland is not complete without experiencing the beauty and tranquillity that is Kylemore Abbey and Garden, home of the Irish Benedictine Nuns. Enjoy a stroll to the restored Gothic Church; view Kylemore Abbey pottery. Continue through County Mayo to visit Ballintubber Abbey – called “the Abbey that refused to die” as it was used continuously for worship since its foundation in 1216. The Stella Maris Hotel has been both a coast guard station and a convent. Antiques are interspersed with comfortable leather furniture to create a tranquil setting with views of one of the most picturesque sea stacks in Europe.

Day 4 – SLIGO/DONEGAL The Céide Fields are over five and a half millennia old. The remains of stone field walls, houses, and megalithic tombs are preserved beneath a blanket of peat over several square miles. Then you are off to Sligo where Yeats, the prize-winning poet, based many poems on the delightful countryside. Drive along the picturesque shores of Lower Lough Erne to Belleek Pottery Factory to see how the craftspeople create the world-famous fine china. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean overlooking miles of secluded coves and sandy beaches is the Sandhouse Hotel.

Day 5 – DONEGAL The rugged frontier of Donegal is yours to explore. You travel along the coast to Killybegs, a Victorian fishing port, and on to Glencolumbkille folk village, with cottages dating from 1700. Visit Ardara, renowned for its Triona designed Irish tweeds. See demonstrations of spinning, weaving and knitting and enjoy tea with scones. Feast your eyes on more scenery as you drive to Ballybofey and Barnesmore Gap to Donegal town.

Day 6 – DUBLIN Travel the midlands today to Dublin’s fair city. Located in the fashionable heart of Dublin City, three minutes stroll from Grafton St., Dublin Castle and Trinity College, Brooks is a designer/boutique hotel with high standards throughout, appealing to the discerning international traveler.

Day 7 – DUBLIN One of Europe’s busiest capital cities, Dublin dates back 1,000 years. Learn its “colorful” history by visiting Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Then through Temple Bar, Dublin’s arty leftbank district to visit Dublin’s City Hall, now beautifully restored, which houses many of the city’s treasures including the Great Civic Sword and Mace. Last but not least, visit nearby Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in the 12th century and perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, Dean of the Cathedral between 1713 and 1745.

Day 8 – KILDARE The world famous Japanese Gardens are situated south of Dublin, in the 1,000 acre Irish National Stud, which is also home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds. Dating from 1180, Kilkea Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. A swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room are available on the grounds as is an 18-hole golf course. Kilkea Castle is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets.

Day 9 – WHISKEY/BLARNEY/KILLARNEY A tour of the Old Middleton Distillery is a journey through the story of Irish whiskey – some of these buildings date back to 1795. Blarney Castle’s stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing). The grounds of the castle are a curious place of ancient trees and stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin. The place has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch’s Kitchen, Druid’s Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past. Overnight in Killarney, where the Great Southern Hotel Killarney has been welcoming visitors since 1854.

Day 10 – RING OF KERRY The highest concentration of ancient sites are in County Kerry. From Killarney you can travel on the Ring of Kerry and see some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. See the Lissyviggeen Stone Circle, Ross Castle, Muckross House, the 15th-century Muckross Abbey and Crag Caves. Optional activity: 3-hour horseback riding.

Day 11 – DINGLE PENINSULA/LIMERICK The Dingle Peninsula has been inhabited for almost 6,000 years and has more than 2,000 archaeological remains. Your destination is in Limerick where Dan Mullane’s famous restaurant, The Mustard Seed, continues to garner rave reviews. Stay overnight in one of the delightful bedrooms and enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of the restaurant. Wander through the flower garden in the afternoon sunshine to research your dinner in the organic kitchen garden with its unusual collection of herbs.

Day 12 – KILLALOE/BALLINA EXCURSION The majestically-arched bridge allows the River Shannon to pass gently seaward from the beautiful Lower Lough Derg, where Ireland’s most famous king, Brian Ború, held court just one millennium ago. Killaloe, on the left bank in County Clare, is a network of charming narrow streets, flanked by old shops and houses, that climb up the steep hillside and look down over the 13th-century cathedral. Just upstream, a new marina makes Killaloe/ Ballina one of the best centers for water activities. The old canal banks, disused railway line, and narrow streets and footpaths of the old town make the twin towns a most delightful place to wander through.

Day 13 – HOME FROM SHANNON Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com>

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

FRIENDS OF TED SEEK HELP WITH ROUND IRELAND MILK FLOAT PUSH!

FRIENDS OF TED SEEK HELP WITH ROUND IRELAND MILK FLOAT PUSH! madcap charity adventure scheduled to take place over 40 days and 40 nights commencing in January www.friendsofted.org Planned to take place over forty days, from Sunday 20 January to Friday 28 February 2008, forty different corporate teams (8 members each) will take on one daily route to push the Father Ted Milk Float all the way around Ireland. Starting and finishing in Galway, the Milk Float will travel north to Derry, east to Belfast, south to Dublin, through Carlow and Kilkenny to Cork, and home through Munster. Each leg will be represented by a person with Down Syndrome and they will “share the journey” with each team. Bank of Scotland (Ireland), have committed a team to compete in this unique corporate challenge while Boston Scientific Ireland Limited has signed as the opening team for first leg from Galway to Tuam. The Milk Float is scheduled to end its mammoth journey on Friday 28 February back in Galway City, just in time to catch a ferry to Inis Mór Island for the 2008 Father Ted Festival, ‘TedFest ’08’. Peter Phillips, from Friends of Ted said ‘The amount of people who want to go to Tedfest would sink Inis Mor. Therefore the idea is to take Tedfest to the people. Our friends at Paddy Powers offered to make this Road Trip happen and if it benefits Down Syndrome we will all go to Heaven.’ Bookies Paddy Power discovered the Father Ted Milk Float deep in the bowels of Ardmore Studios and have faithfully restored the vehicle to its original glory. They will be offering a variety of bets around the Milk Float push including the fastest and slowest section times, best individual performances, King of the Mountains and lots more. All profits from will also be donated to Down Syndrome Ireland. Only forty teams will be chosen for the challenge but every offer of support will be welcomed with open arms, volunteers, logistics, serving food, promoting the event. Padraig Delaney from Down Syndrome said “The Father Ted Milk Float challenge represents the challenges and the push that people with Down Syndrome face every day for access to health care, access to speech therapy, access to quality education, access to employments, and access to an independent life. We are delighted that Paddy Power and Friends of Ted have included us in this innovative and fun initiative”

Fly Globespan To Knock - My Trip

Knock

The inaugural flight was preceded by speeches, a ribbon cutting ceremony and a big cake. A bagpipe trio performed. A festive send off. I was surprised by the spaciousness of the seats and legroo m - not any larger than any other economy flight, but, somehow I had been expecting less. The crew was friendly, and the flight was partially empty, which also meant that I could have a row to myself. What bliss!

Knock House Hotel - Very close by the Shrine at Knock, and this hotel works in tandem with the Shrine.

Enniscoe House, Co. Mayo - an historic house hotel, with an authentic atmosphere of an 18^th centure Georgian House. Just 6 bedrooms, and I highly recommend it.

Mt. Falcon, Co. Mayo - We used to sell this when it was called Mt. Falcon Castle. It was never a castle, but has new owners. It has been totally updated, is really 4 star and has spectacular grounds. We stayed at the lodges on the property ( which are sold as vacation homes for E895,000. We could have been at Yosemite - very woodsy a-frame lodges. I would prefer the main house.

National Museum of Ireland- Turlough - The highlight so far. This site, a branch of the National Museum of Ireland, shows rural life and customs and crafts in a Smithsonian-like environment. Everyone should make their way here if they are in the area - just outside of Castlebar. The film of rural life is quite moving, and the recreation of a bootmakers shop, blacksmith, etc. are authentic reproductions.

Westport town - always nice, won the tidy town award. Is the only planned town in Ireland, not higgily-piggly streets, but well laid out beautiful streets.

Delphi Adventure Center. In the middle of nowhere - no cell phones or internet, just walking, fishing, mountain climbing, etc. A complete get away.

Leenane - the films "The Field" and part of "The Quiet Man were filmed here.

Galway Bay Hotel - spectacular view over Galway Bay, in the Salthill section of Galway City, close to town, amusement park nearby. Good food.

Walking tour of Galway with Conor. May historic sights plus cemetray, masonic associations. Exellent.

Galway City Museum - nothing special

Lough Key Forest Park - wonderful park with a castle in the center island. Treetop walks, and a kids activity center.

Strokestown House in non refurbished, original condition, in private hands. Famine museum.

Abbey Hotel Roscommon very nice country hotel with excellent food.

Return flight was simple the best, fastest flight with the same excellent staff and finally - food. We arrived an hour early and had not problem with customs and immigration or baggage.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

Flea Markets in Ireland

For a list of flea markets in Ireland, take a look at:

http://www.carbootsrus.com/ireland.htm">http://www.carbootsrus.com/ireland.htm

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

Car Information Ireland Britain

AGE: The driver must be between the ages of 21–74 in Ireland (26–65 for BMW, Mercedes, or minibus; 30–70 for a car in group G, M, H, or J) and have a license without violations. There is no upper age limit in Britain (except at Pembroke, and Carmarthen where the age limit is 75 years. Plymouth, Exeter, Newquay Taunton, Southport, Wigan, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich the upper age limit is 70 years.)

Did you know? Among other things, credit card car rental insurance usually does not cover the cost of replacing each day's rental income, if the rental car you damaged (or the car is stolen while you are responsible for the car) prevents that car from being hired while it is in repair, to cover the lost revenue the company has while a car in their fleet is not available for hire.

Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Small country lanes are very often narrow, with ancient thick walls of rock defining either side. Don't, however, shrink from driving such roads, as they can be avenues to beautiful scenery and fun to drive; but when doing so you must be almost constantly prepared to bring your vehicle to a crawl and negotiate some sort of compromise with the oncoming traffic, mostly cows and sheep.

Did you know?  You can have CDW coverage offered "free" by your credit card company but it often may only cover property damage (and that after a deductible), but it may not cover the loss of rental revenue for the company until the rental car is back in the fleet due to down time caused by whatever reason, damage or theft.

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

Rathlin Island Northern Ireland

Rathlin Island

Routes

Ballycastle - Rathlin Island

Unexpectedly beautiful and tranquil, Rathlin is the perfect destination for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers.

Lying just six miles offshore from the Antrim coastline in Northern Ireland, Rathlin Island is a great place to get away from it all. Look out for puffins, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes at the seabird viewpoint, admire the carpets of wildflowers in summer or simply take a walk along the shore road and watch the seals.

The Boathouse Visitor Centre is a good starting point for those interested in learning more about the island's fascinating history and there is also the opportunity to explore the island's three lighthouses; including the 'upside down' West lighthouse.

Rathlin Island also has a thriving cultural tradition and music, song and dance. Ceilidhs and festivals are at the heart of island life and visitors are more than welcome to join in!

There is a range of accommodation available (we recommend you book before travelling), a pub and a restaurant. Meals and accommodation are also available at the National Trust owned Manor House. The service is passenger only (cars by special permit only) but bike hire and public transport is available on the island.

As the majority of passenger seating onboard MV Canna is outside,visitors are advised to bring wet weather gear.

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com>

Our other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master