Is anyone familiar with Ireland Galway/Aran Islands?

[javaj]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could answer some questions for me about the Shannon/Galway/Aran Islands?

DH is going to be doing a field study on the Aran islands in June, and he's flying into SNN. He has 2 days before he heads to the Aran island, so he's going to stay in Galway and go sightseeing . My questions:
1. best place to stay in Galway that is reasonable (he currently has a ressie at Radisson, is that place okay?)
2. best way to get from SNN to Galway, and back
3. best ferry to get to Aran islands, and is it necessary to make reservations ahead of time
4. phones -- any problems with landline and cell availability in the Aran Island area?
5. any other tips?

Thanks!

 

[Goofyish]

Can't help much with Aran, but here's a link to the Irish airline Aer Arran, they have a number of destination within Ireland that you may fined useful:

Aer Arran

 

[Snoopymom]

Check out http://www.ireland-withpatpreston.com/

She recommends the Radisson in Galway. (I'd stay somewhere less Americanized because I love the people and you get more of a local experience, but if he's on business, then he'd probably prefer somewhere like the Radisson.)

http://www.irelandexpert.com/the_west_aran_islands.htm

on her site has the ferry info. We did not go to the Aran Islands, but we did take a ferry I think somewhere near Limerick, and it was a piece of cake.

I don't remember how to get to Galway from SNN exactly, but I remember it was very simple, one road, not confusing and quicker than I expected, the signs and maps are very accurate, the rental car company can highlight it for him.

I hope he has lots of time to do some site seeing, you can't tag along, lol?

 

[javaj]

I hope he has lots of time to do some site seeing, you can't tag along, lol?

Snoopymom, Thanks so much for the info. Your tips, and another DISer's tips (Thanks Deb!) are very informative.

I wish DS and I could tag along, but we're going to WDW/St Pete beach from 5/18 to 5/30, and DH leaves 6/1. So he has 1 day between trips, and I can't use up more vacation, gotta save some for another Disney trip LOL.

 

[Snoopymom]

Can I ask where you're staying at in St Pete? or are you just visiting for the day? We're going to WDW the week after you and we have a day planned at Daytona Beach because I heard the drive to St Pete is long with lots of construction. Is that true?

Sorry you can't go, maybe your dh can bring you back some Waterford crystal, lol!

Thanks!

 

[javaj]

Snoopymom,

We're staying at the Sirata in St Pete beach for 3 days before we go to WDW. Got it for $79 on priceline, I've heard mixed reviews but we'll give it a try.

IMO, the drive to St Pete beach is worth it. We have friends in Daytona so we're very familiar with the area. The beaches in Daytona just aren't as nice, especially since they let people drive on it.

Josette

 

[Snoopymom]

Yeah, we're pretty familiar with Daytona too, and last time we went we stayed at The Ocean Walk which is North of the pier where there's no driving allowed, so I liked it better. It's a great resort if you haven't already tried it. I think I'll check out St Pete some more. Thanks for the info. Have fun!