Travel

Travel Note

Suggested Itinerary

Ireland is an easy country to navigate and fairly small, but it's helpful to have a plan for what you want to see. We encourage you to explore as much of the country as you like. Aside from the wedding itself, any other activities we plan are totally optional, so don't feel bad if you want to do some sightseeing instead. If you do plan on following the wedding agenda, we recommend arriving in the Galway area on Saturday so that you can check into your lodging, do some local exploring, and meet up with friends before we kick things off on Sunday afternoon. There's a lot to see and do within 90 minutes of the area, including highlights like the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Ailwee Caves, Kylemore Abbey, the Aran Islands, and Doolin. On Monday, check-in at Ashley Park House is at 4:00pm (TBC, possibly as early as 2:00pm). It's about a 1:15 drive from Galway, and there are fun stops on the way, including the adjoining towns of Killaloe and Ballina, and Lough Derg with waterparks and lunch spots like Larkin's and The Whiskey Still. On Monday night, dinner is on your own before a communal gathering at The Pepper Mill for dessert and bubbly. There are several restaurants right in Nenagh, plus fun options like The Thatched Cottage a short drive away. Later in the evening, the house pub at Ashley Park House will be open late for guests staying there. On Tuesday, the ceremony doesn't start until almost 4:00pm, so there is time to explore the nearby countryside. If you'd rather focus on getting ready though, there are a number of salons and barbers in Nenagh, plus lunch spots and shops, including a menswear store. On Wednesday, with the wedding done, you're free to roam, but we'll be heading east to Dublin for the night. We don't have any formal plans, but we'll probably connect with folks individually. If you haven't been to Ireland before, Dublin and the surrounding areas in the east are more urban/suburban, while the west is more rugged and scenic.

Travel Note

Rental Cars

It's a good idea to rent a car in Ireland. There's an easy (and lively) train between Dublin and Galway, but otherwise the country isn't known for it's public transportation. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore and the thrill of driving on the other side of the road. Just be sure to check you meet the age restrictions for renting and that you book a vehicle with the appropriate transmission type, automatic or manual. As people begin to make plans, let us know if you'd like travel buddies and we'll do our best to connect groups.

Travel Note

Restaurants and Pubs in Galway

Breakfast/Brunch: Most every hotel will include breakfast, but if you want variety, try some of these spots. 1) Dela (farm to table), brunch daily from 9:30am, no reservations 2) 56 Central, breakfast daily from 9:00am-11:45am, no reservations 3) Arb Bia at Nimmo’s (one of our favorites), cafe from 10:00am-3:00pm daily, no reservations 4) Hyde Bar (bit of a party scene, but good food and gin & tonics), brunch Fri-Sun from 11:00am-4:00pm, reservations suggested 5) The Misunderstood Heron (gourmet food truck on the Wild Atlantic Way), Wed.-Sat. 11:00am-6:00pm and Sun. 12:00pm-5:30pm. Looks like a great spot for lunch outside by the sea! Dinner: 1) Dela (farm to table), dinner Thurs-Sat from 6:00pm, reservations suggested 2) Ard Bia at Nimmo’s (one of our favorites anywhere), dinner from 6:00pm daily, reservations suggested/max six (potentially more if you email them) 3) Ean (wine bar with sharing plates), dinner Wed.-Sun. 5:30pm-11:00pm 4) Hyde Bar (bit of a party scene, but good food and gin & tonics), dinner daily from 5:45pm, reservations suggested 5) Kai, dinner Tues.-Sat. from 6:15pm, reservations required 6) The Dough Bros (pizza), lunch and dinner daily 12:00pm-10:00pm, no reservations; there are also numerous other nice restaurants nearby on Middle Street 7) Hooked (seafood), Fri-Sun. 1:00pm-9:30pm, reservations recommended Pubs for Music: 1) Tig Choili, music sessions on Fri-Sat at 6:00pm and 10:30pm, Sun. at 2:30pm and 8:00pm 2) The Crane Bar, music nightly Late-night pubs 1) The Quays 2) The Kings Head 3) An Pucan Slightly Quieter Pubs (Though It’s Relative) 1) Tigh Neachtain 2) The Dail Bar

Travel Note

Hotels in Galway

Most Galway hotels are perfectly adequate, but nothing special. If you're looking for a nicer experience, we recommend the G Hotel. It's about a half mile outside of downtown, so an easy walk or lift. For more of a party scene, the Hyde Hotel near Eire Square is your place. The Hyde Bar on the ground floor has great food and gin & tonics, and it's very lively. Most hotels will offer breakfast as part of your rate, but check when booking. There are also some beautiful Airbnb options around the nearby towns, and they'd get you out into the country and on the coast.

Travel Note

Restaurants Near Nenagh / Ashley Park House

The food at Ashley Park House is very good, but aside from the wedding, they only serve breakfast and drinks. Nenagh has quite a few restaurants, but there are also some fun spots within a 20-30 minute drive by Lough Derg or in Killaloe and Ballina. 1) The Thatched Cottage (upscale pub food), neat little cluster of traditional Irish buildings about 15 minutes from Ashley Park House 2) Larkins (upscale pub food), very cute lakeside cottage on Lough Derg, about 20 minutes from Ashley Park House 3) RAW Interiors and Cafe (pizza and coffee), cute restaurant and shop in Killaloe with very good pizza, 30 minutes southwest of Ashley Park House 4) The Whiskey Still (upscale pub food), near Lough Derg in town of Dromineer, 15 minutes west of Ashley Park House For more restaurants in Killaloe, check out: https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/killaloe-restaurants-guide/