brookums71

Hi Fodor Peeps!
Going for a 10 day drive around Ireland in October. The hubby is the brave driver. We are flying in and out of Dublin. Have already been to Dublin-so skipping Dublin. Just curious what the seasoned travelers of Fodor's can advise.
Thanks

longhorn55

If you are skipping Dublin, I would suggest flying in-and-out of Shannon. The only reason I can see to use Dublin airport is if you are getting a REALLY good deal on the airfare.

indy_dad

We enjoyed our time in Killarney, Dingle and Galway last August (flying in/out of Shannon as longhorn suggests). More below:

http://ukfrey.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/ireland.html

rushngal

My husband and I did 2 weeks travelling around the coast of Ireland. Started in dublin and ended in dublin. Its not that quick to get around ireland if you are doing the coast roads as there are mountains, lakes and beaches. Some days, we would travel for hours but on the map we hadnt travelled far. But of course if you travel across ireland it is very quick. My hubby was the brave driver also but it was easy for us as we are aussies and drive on the same side of the road as the irish. But at times you do have to be brave when you find yourself on a tiny stretch of road on top of a cliff and there is room for only one car and you hope that noone comes around the corner. But someone did and in a big people mover. My husband was the gallant one and reversed all the way down the hill and the woman didnt even say thankyou!! but that was only one instance of rudeness in that situation and we found ourselve in similar situations many times where once again we were on a thin stretch of road and of course a big truck comes around the corner. We inched by, inch by inch. The irish are used to it but we werent.

We loved Ireland but didnt think much of The Giants Causeway or the Cliffs of Mohr. It depends where you are from and we are australians. We loved everything else and had a great time.

Have a great trip!!

brookums71

Thannks everyone. I appreciate all your advice. We have been doing lots of research and are well seasoned travelers. we are unfamiliar with driving on the opposite side of the road, and I am scared over this. My husband will be doing the driving. We already purchased tickets and got an exceptional bargain. So, changing airports is non negotiable. We are going to Wexford after arrival and staying for 3 days. We are Opera buffs and the week we are going coincedentally are having an opera festival. That's all we have so far. Thanks everyone again.Keep your advice coming!