Staycation Ireland.. Anyone doing it

Spanish Eyes

bladespin wrote: »

Have a look at The Beach Bar’ in Sligo, far more than just a pub, properties close by for bb&b and rent, lovely spot and amazing food.

Wow, that is in a stunning location. Thank you for the tip. We had been thinking of Mullaghmore but now.....

We really have a beautiful country, undiscovered by many up to the current situation.

Spanish Eyes

krissovo wrote: »

Rent a posh boat on the Shannon and cruise around lough Derg to lots of great pubs in Garrykennedy, Terryglass, Portumna, Mountshannon, Shannon Bridge etc. Its the ultimate staycation in my eyes and September should have availability.

Failing that a combination of bookings.com, tripadvisor and google maps is a good start.

The other half doesn't like boats

I did the Shannon/Erne with friends a few years ago, it was really enjoyable. Lots of places to stop that you would never think existed from the road.

Caranica

sasta le wrote: »

See this one pop up on social media alot how did you find it

Like sleeping in a garden shed. Horrible

anewme

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Ashford Castle Lodge was absolutely beautiful. Staying now at Station House Hotel Apartments, Clifden. I just can't really take it much more, considering the huge price I paid, and the fact they stayed they are luxury apartments. When I spent the one night at Ashford Lodge B&B (sumptuous) with fine dinner with two huge glasses of wine at Cullens in the estate it came to total if €230 single, I am paying very well over €300 per night where I am in Clifden for self catering, albeit with two bedrooms. I hD been prepared to splash out a bit for the advertised "luxury". Would have been a lot better off staying at Ashford a bit and being pampered .

Mind you, when the sun is out, the scenery on the Connemara coast is the mist stunning in the world! It deserves fitting hotels.

I'm thinking of going away myself for a few days. Would you recommend Ashford Lodge for a single person?

I stayed at Station House Hotel a few years back and I wasnt mad about it.

gaillimh

anewme wrote: »

I'm thinking of going away myself for a few days. Would you recommend Ashford Lodge for a single person?

I stayed at Station House Hotel a few years back and I wasnt mad about it.

I live just a few miles away from the Lodge at Ashford. Lovely spot. Haven’t stayed there but have been in several of the rooms and have eaten in the restaurant a few times.
For a night or two away without kids it would be ideal

anewme

gaillimh wrote: »

I live just a few miles away from the Lodge at Ashford. Lovely spot. Haven’t stayed there but have been in several of the rooms and have eaten in the restaurant a few times.
For a night or two away without kids it would be ideal

Thanks a lot. I've no kids. Was just thinking of taking a few days out to explore the area.

beggars_bush

gaillimh wrote: »

I live just a few miles away from the Lodge at Ashford. Lovely spot. Haven’t stayed there but have been in several of the rooms and have eaten in the restaurant a few times.
For a night or two away without kids it would be ideal

Fun fact, my wife's granny worked there when the Quiet Man was being filmed.
Met all the stars and she has an original script from the movie at home.

HeidiHeidi

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Enjoyed reading all your posts.

Now can anyone tell me if there is a portal out there where I could book a luxury cottage/house by the sea, near a pub/restaurant/shop, in other words put in your criteria and suggestions will pop up. Not used to booking anything here for years, although we do have a few mini breaks during the year and they are easy enough to find. Suggestions very welcome.

Going to treat us to a nice break, Doesn't matter where and budget is generous, as long as it's got everything we need and is in the right place. Not doing anything else, the few bob is there so gotta spend it at home. September time, no kids with us now.

We could go to a luxury hotel but I'm a bit clumsy and I find it hard to relax around hushed tones, white tablecloths (always spill a few drops of red wine lol), and obsequious attention. So...... Help me please!

I stayed here https://www.qc.ie/ a few years ago for a weekend...... the ultimate in casual luxury, in the most amazingly scenic area of the Iveragh Peninsula. Couldn't recommend it highly enough ( with the caveat that it WAS a few years ago so may have changed in the meantime, but I would hope and think not). The food in their restaurant was amazing, and there were a couple of other class eating places in/near the town.

Dodge

gaillimh wrote: »

I live just a few miles away from the Lodge at Ashford. Lovely spot. Haven’t stayed there but have been in several of the rooms

Look at Pat Mustard over here!

Jim Root

Down in Kerry, we bought a rack for the car and brought our bikes, having a great time. It’s all about having the right attitude I think. No Americans clogging up the shops & restaurants too making everything more manageable!

JimmyVik

Jim Root wrote: »

Down in Kerry, we bought a rack for the car and brought our bikes, having a great time. It’s all about having the right attitude I think. No Americans clogging up the shops & restaurants too making everything more manageable!

Is it raining there now?

krissovo

JimmyVik wrote: »

Is it raining there now?

Plssing out the heavens in South Kerry, went for a swim in the sea to dry off earlier

JimmyVik

krissovo wrote: »

Plssing out the heavens in South Kerry, went for a swim in the sea to dry off earlier

Im surprised. Usually it waits til I am there to rain

tabby aspreme

anewme wrote: »

I'm thinking of going away myself for a few days. Would you recommend Ashford Lodge for a single person?

I stayed at Station House Hotel a few years back and I wasnt mad about it.

Same opinion on the Station House, we had an evening meal on our package, which consisted of a set menu with little choice, and no, A La Carte option, lumped into a dining room with a bus load of American's, ended up eating elsewhere and got a refund, soulless place in a great location.

Jim Root

JimmyVik wrote: »

Is it raining there now?

Raining today; first time this week. Hasn’t stopped us going for a cycle, lunch, swim and now chilling before dinner. Have a nice oul farmer tan on me from the outdoor sun enjoyed in the past few days.

dubrov

Jim Root wrote:

Raining today; first time this week.

You are talking about indoors right?

Mossie1975

krissovo wrote: »

Rent a posh boat on the Shannon and cruise around lough Derg to lots of great pubs in Garrykennedy, Terryglass, Portumna, Mountshannon, Shannon Bridge etc. Its the ultimate staycation in my eyes and September should have availability.

Failing that a combination of bookings.com, tripadvisor and google maps is a good start.

Lough Derg is a hidden gem.

Jim Root

dubrov wrote: »

You are talking about indoors right?

Outdoor cycle, indoor swim. Any other questions? Off to the beach in the morning, outlook looks fine, will be setting up shop there for the day.

tabby aspreme

For anyone staying near Caherdanial Kerry, I would highly recommend the Blind Piper, for Food and Pints, my lock down drought ended there a few weeks ago

Seamai

tabby aspreme wrote: »

For anyone staying near Caherdanial Kerry, I would highly recommend the Blind Piper, for Food and Pints, my lock down drought ended there a few weeks ago

That's a beautiful part of the world, when the weather is good it's hard to beat. There's a walk I love there starting at the car park af Derrynane house, up through the forest out on to quiet country lanes with jaw dropping views that zig zag back down to the beach.

Banana Republic.

GoneHome wrote: »

It's the time of year though, why does everyone feel the need to flock to Kerry/Galway/Donegal in July or August, why can't people just wait until a different time of year

I checked the end of Sept for a Saturday and Sunday night stay over €250 upwards for 3 to stay fault pricy for just a weekend the end of Sept, not even a pool to enjoy if the weathers crap. Ireland the rip off European destination, they whinge that ppl should travel more in our own country, then once to becomes popular they’ll hikes up the prices and wonder why when it goes quiet again that they don’t get repeat custom. They’ll never learn. Sooner they learn a business is long term not getting the most out of a weekend stay they’ll all do much much better. Like stay 2 nights then we’ll give you the 3rd half price but up hardly ever see that, same with shops in Ireland they don’t want to invest in the customers long term repeat business its get as much as possible in one visit.

Cape Clear

Banana Republic. wrote: »

I checked the end of Sept for a Saturday and Sunday night stay over €250 upwards for 3 to stay fault pricy for just a weekend the end of Sept, not even a pool to enjoy if the weathers crap. Ireland the rip off European destination, they whinge that ppl should travel more in our own country, then once to becomes popular they’ll hikes up the prices and wonder why when it goes quiet again that they don’t get repeat custom. They’ll never learn. Sooner they learn a business is long term not getting the most out of a weekend stay they’ll all do much much better. Like stay 2 nights then we’ll give you the 3rd half price but up hardly ever see that, same with shops in Ireland they don’t want to invest in the customers long term repeat business its get as much as possible in one visit.

Plenty of availability here in September for 3 nights at a reasonable price. https://www.escapes.ie/offer/437788/east-clare-holiday-village
Accommodation is priced at the level people are willing to pay unfortunately. If more people haggled and did a bit of leg work in seeking out better deals it might have the effect of bringing prices down for all. The use of hotels as long term accommodation for homeless etc. has also had an effect on prices. Nobody likes to pay above the odds but sometimes it's better to take steps to reduce the amount yon pay than to moan about it.

beggars_bush

Banana Republic. wrote: »

I checked the end of Sept for a Saturday and Sunday night stay over €250 upwards for 3 to stay fault pricy for just a weekend the end of Sept, not even a pool to enjoy if the weathers crap. Ireland the rip off European destination, they whinge that ppl should travel more in our own country, then once to becomes popular they’ll hikes up the prices and wonder why when it goes quiet again that they don’t get repeat custom. They’ll never learn. Sooner they learn a business is long term not getting the most out of a weekend stay they’ll all do much much better. Like stay 2 nights then we’ll give you the 3rd half price but up hardly ever see that, same with shops in Ireland they don’t want to invest in the customers long term repeat business its get as much as possible in one visit.

Now that's a proper whinge

Banana Republic.

Cape Clear wrote: »

Plenty of availability here in September for 3 nights at a reasonable price. https://www.escapes.ie/offer/437788/east-clare-holiday-village
Accommodation is priced at the level people are willing to pay unfortunately. If more people haggled and did a bit of leg work in seeking out better deals it might have the effect of bringing prices down for all. The use of hotels as long term accommodation for homeless etc. has also had an effect on prices. Nobody likes to pay above the odds but sometimes it's better to take steps to reduce the amount yon pay than to moan about it.

Thank you that looks great, I’ll check them out in depth later

Banana Republic.

beggars_bush wrote: »

Now that's a proper whinge

when the floodgates open lol but entirely true.

Cape Clear

Banana Republic. wrote: »

Thank you that looks great, I’ll check them out in depth later

Lovely accommodation we stayed there twice before and they are often reasonably priced. No harm in looking them up on ebookers as it can come in cheaper again with a discount code.

CrankyHaus

bladespin wrote: »

Have a look at The Beach Bar’ in Sligo, far more than just a pub, properties close by for bb&b and rent, lovely spot and amazing food.

Love that spot. Great fun paddleboarding in the bay it overlooks. That whole part of the Sligo coast is excellent IMO.

ChelseaRentBoy

Banana Republic. wrote: »

I checked the end of Sept for a Saturday and Sunday night stay over €250 upwards for 3 to stay fault pricy for just a weekend the end of Sept, not even a pool to enjoy if the weathers crap. Ireland the rip off European destination, they whinge that ppl should travel more in our own country, then once to becomes popular they’ll hikes up the prices and wonder why when it goes quiet again that they don’t get repeat custom. They’ll never learn. Sooner they learn a business is long term not getting the most out of a weekend stay they’ll all do much much better. Like stay 2 nights then we’ll give you the 3rd half price but up hardly ever see that, same with shops in Ireland they don’t want to invest in the customers long term repeat business its get as much as possible in one visit.

We looked at Kinsale for the 3 of us for mid August for 3 nights. Laughable prices and we'll just give it a miss. Will put the money towards a proper holiday next summer with guaranteed good weather.

Banana Republic.

ChelseaRentBoy wrote: »

We looked at Kinsale for the 3 of us for mid August for 3 nights. Laughable prices and we'll just give it a miss. Will put the money towards a proper holiday next summer with guaranteed good weather.

Can’t blame you it’s ridiculous, I know Kinsale is amazing but the prices are crazy and greedy, if they had a long term vision The would have repeat business time and time again instead of having to make or break in one visit. I’d say what happens is The Ocean Hotel sees The Sands is charging 150 a night so they match that instead of going we’ll do it for 100 instead. Like the rental market kinda way it’s run I’d guess.

afkasurfjunkie

ChelseaRentBoy wrote: »

We looked at Kinsale for the 3 of us for mid August for 3 nights. Laughable prices and we'll just give it a miss. Will put the money towards a proper holiday next summer with guaranteed good weather.

Kinsale is one of the most desirable and popular towns in the country. If you got a cheap deal there for mid August it would be a miracle. You might need to lower your expectations somewhat. Or book now for August 2021.

SmithySeller

Jim Root wrote: »

Down in Kerry, we bought a rack for the car and brought our bikes, having a great time. It’s all about having the right attitude I think. No Americans clogging up the shops & restaurants too making everything more manageable!

Certainly is, we're bringing a Boat

https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0730/1156405-flooding/

gourcuff

Spent a week in Mulranny, beautiful place and plenty to do, great food especially, did lots of touring around west mayo as well, great scenery

Jim Root

SmithySeller wrote: »

Certainly is, we're bringing a Boat

https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0730/1156405-flooding/

Epic rain yesterday evening and overnight. Been clear all day today so haven’t been too affected. Out for a cycle as normal. Beach was busy (if a little windy) and couldn’t even get a bite to eat at the restaurant at castlecove as it was full!! More options in Sneem thankfully.

Feel very sorry the flooded shops, what a kick in the teeth for them.

Irish_rat

Banana Republic. wrote: »

I checked the end of Sept for a Saturday and Sunday night stay over €250 upwards for 3 to stay fault pricy for just a weekend the end of Sept, not even a pool to enjoy if the weathers crap. Ireland the rip off European destination

Staying in a nice 3 star tonight in the Midlands for about 50 quid. Plenty lakes and cycleways around to keep people busy.

Anything near the coast is going to break the bank.

JimmyVik

Yesterdays weather in Kerry.

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/shocking-footage-shows-devastating-flooding-22442583

baldbear

Any recommendations with a couple of kids. 4 yr old and a 1 yr old. We are thinking somewhere with 2-3 hrs of Dublin. Have done the Amber springs before.

A Airbnb will do is now. Any nice areas with a nice playground etc. Advice welcome.

pc7

baldbear wrote: »

Any recommendations with a couple of kids. 4 yr old and a 1 yr old. We are thinking somewhere with 2-3 hrs of Dublin. Have done the Amber springs before.

A Airbnb will do is now. Any nice areas with a nice playground etc. Advice welcome.

NewPark Kilkenny is great for that age, pool, farm, playground, kids club.
Hodson Bay good too, play room, pool.

bladespin

baldbear wrote: »

Any recommendations with a couple of kids. 4 yr old and a 1 yr old. We are thinking somewhere with 2-3 hrs of Dublin. Have done the Amber springs before.

A Airbnb will do is now. Any nice areas with a nice playground etc. Advice welcome.

Cork, Fota, lots of other options too, Middleton or Carrigaline are good for kids.

Jim Root

JimmyVik wrote: »

Yesterdays weather in Kerry.

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/shocking-footage-shows-devastating-flooding-22442583

Just back from the town. Everything back to normal. Town busy, people eating outside. Nice evening.

Mossie1975

Jim Root wrote: »

Just back from the town. Everything back to normal. Town busy, people eating outside. Nice evening.

Good to hear ... Kerry fan here

knipper

Heading to Westport in a couple of weeks. Are there any pubs open where you can have a meal and a quart. Heard all the pubs in Westport are closed.

zweton

Can anyone recommend a nice place to stay in Caherdaniel? 150 max per night.

c.p.w.g.w

Was down in Doolin today for a spin...Christ the amount of yanks & Brits was scary...we just got a cup of tea and came straight back home

talla10

Going to Galway and Sligo for a week. Looking forward to it.

I think its very Irish to have a scheme for staying at home to Holiday in Ireland to keep money in the country but not applicable during the summer months

zweton

knipper wrote: »

Heading to Westport in a couple of weeks. Are there any pubs open where you can have a meal and a quart. Heard all the pubs in Westport are closed.

Just back from westport last week, stayed 6 nights in the wyatt hotel (highly recommend). No pubs open bar the ones serving food but the wyatt has a bar that was very popular with people that were not staying there. As a resident no need buy food each time so very handy that way. Guinness and food was great and had a cracking few days.

Ludo

talla10 wrote: »

Going to Galway and Sligo for a week. Looking forward to it.

I think its very Irish to have a scheme for staying at home to Holiday in Ireland to keep money in the country but not applicable during the summer months

No need to offer incentives to people to stay here during the summer. We are doing that anyway as most people are responsible and not going abroad. During winter months though people more inclined to travel to the sun. So an incentive to stay here makes sense then. It is more common sense than "Irish" as you put it really.

opinionated3

I live in Clare and it's pissed rain five days out of the last seven. Was due to travel to the Algarve in September but my government tells me I'm safer at home. And staying at home is what I'll be doing. To hell with a rain soaked staycation and to hell with the " new normal"...... Just back from a ( half empty) local bar where we had to leave at 105 mins to keep the CMO happy.

Mehaffey1

Staying four nights in Castlebar in a studio apartment Airbnb this month. Can honestly say after seeing nothing aside from four walls at home and the factory at work since the winter that I've never been as excited for a holiday since I was a kid.

beggars_bush

zweton wrote: »

Just back from westport last week, stayed 6 nights in the wyatt hotel (highly recommend). No pubs open bar the ones serving food but the wyatt has a bar that was very popular with people that were not staying there. As a resident no need buy food each time so very handy that way. Guinness and food was great and had a cracking few days.

How was the bar open without serving food?

beggars_bush

opinionated3 wrote: »

I live in Clare and it's pissed rain five days out of the last seven. Was due to travel to the Algarve in September but my government tells me I'm safer at home. And staying at home is what I'll be doing. To hell with a rain soaked staycation and to hell with the " new normal"...... Just back from a ( half empty) local bar where we had to leave at 105 mins to keep the CMO happy.

We've had to do that in the only two pubs in our town who serve grub.
It didn't ruin our night. And the time limit actually makes sense