We flew Aer Lingus from JFK and arrived at Shannon airport around 5 am. At the rental car agency we had some second thoughts about renting a manual shift with the added challenge of sitting on the right side and driving on the left. There were no automatics available at Dan Dooley, so we had no choice but to take on the challenge.
Helpful Hint…
If you're renting a car in Ireland, absolutely get the Super CDW insurance. Although several credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit, Ireland has strict coverage requirements. Opting for the Super CDW is the only way to make sure you're covered if you incur damage; and one way or the other, you will. The great thing is that you can literally return it with a mirror hanging off and they will gladly accept it back as covered damages.
Our first night was supposed to be at Bunratty Castle; however, due to a booking oversight on their part, we were moved to Radisson Blu hotel down the street. They were very accommodating and let us check in around 8am instead of 3pm to nap. That was a life saver because we were exhausted!
In the afternoon, we explored Bunratty Castle and ate at Durty nelly’s bar which, is covered in patches. In the evening, we went to the cinema in Limerick and watched “The Festival”. It was somewhere between American Pie and Superbad. It’s definitely not a watch again movie, but it had some funny parts.
Food & Drink…
Durty Nelly’s: I had the steak here, I should note that they cook meat well done in Ireland; so, for those of you who love their steak basically bleeding, you won’t find it here. The food is very bland, they do not season with herbs or spices. Salt and pepper is available for you to use at your discretion, and the only condiments you’ll find are brown sauce, mayo, malt vinegar, and ketchup. To be completely honest, I was not a fan of the potatoes in Ireland but, I’m also not a fries person to begin with so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
Beers…
Smithwick’s Pale Ale: Too bitter and sweet all at once for me. I really don’t like IPAs.
Carlsberg Pilsner: Very light, easy to drink.
Hop House 13 Lager: This was one of my favorites, and it’s made by Guinness.
Cliffs of Moher
I did a ton of reading up before I went and realized, a lot of people visit the cliffs wrong. You’ll need a rental car or driver to use this travel hack, but it will save you from annoying long lines, fences and nets, endless tour buses etc… Most people enter from the welcome center. Instead, you can walk the Liscannor path along the opposite cliffside. Along the way you won’t be sharing the path with cars or buses, only a few cows. There is a small car park to leave your car. I would definitely pack a light coat as it is very windy. The walk can be however long you make it.
Use this address: Kilconnell, Liscannor, Co. Clare, V95 D361, Ireland
Accommodation…
Radisson Blu: The staff was very accommodating and helpful. Our room was good sized and clean. It took us a minute to figure out how to use the lights as you have to insert your room card into a slot in order to activate the electricity, I guess its a good way to be eco friendly and a way to keep track of your room card. When we arrived back to the room at night we had a bottle of wine and chocolates sent to us from Bunratty Castle due to their scheduling error. Breakfast was great!
Getting Around…
If you’re going out for the night and don’t want to drive MyTaxi is the app they use in Ireland. It’s a lot like Uber but I think they do a much better job of ensuring safety and quality. When you request a Taxi the app provides you with a photo of your driver and the model car they will have as well as their registration number and customer reviews.