cas4075

We are in the early stages of planning a trip to Ireland next summer. We plan on 14 days plus travel days. Like many of the posters here, we've learned not to try to pack too much into one trip. We'd rather see less and enjoy the culture. Initial plan is to fly into Dublin and out of Shannon. A couple days in Dublin and then rent a car and head towards Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, Kenmare, Kilarney, Kerry, Dingle and back up to County Clare, Galway and Shannon. We hope to find a couple places to stay 3-5 nights and others 1-2. We love scenery, hiking, want to bicycle the Dingle Peninsula, castles, monuments, pubs, traditional music, explore the villages and meet some locals. Most itineraries I see for 14 days take you further north and into Northern Ireland. Will there be plenty to see and keep us busy for 14 days on this route? Where would you suggest the 3-5 day bases?

Ozarksbill

So as a first responder I wish you a wonderful journey. Ireland has so much and it looks like you will be both east and west. We also flew into Dublin and out of Shannon some years ago. You mention places without regard to details...and some will warn you not to forget travel time on unfamiliar roads.
Yes, do take in the pubs with trad music.

Tony2phones

With 2 weeks and the new road layout airports are less important factors than they were, SNN is though a far more user friendly airport than DUB.

14 days is the minimum to go round the Islands coast or about 70% of it. there is no need to do a road trip and 4x3nights and a couple of 1 night stays fill the time just as well..

Starting with 3 nights in Dublin before setting out will let the jet lag clear. The obsession with Dingle is something I don't understand and might just use a one night stay there 2 at most. Ennis I like as a good touring base for the whole of Clare so 3 nights including the last (1/2 hr from SNN) would be my personal choice.

If considering the above that would leave 6 or 7 nights for elsewhere.

cas4075

Ozarks - thanks for for well wishes. I didn't post details as we are in the very early stages and just trying to figure out how much of the island we want to try to see. You'll probably see another post in a few months with more specific questions.

Tony - I will check out Ennis. What do you mean by "no need to do a road trip"? Does that mean different place every night?

Tony2phones

Just about every night. The other alternative I recommend to some people is to have 7 days Sat-Sat Self catering in a touring base and 7 days on the road from place to place.

aine223

Based on what you are looking for- scenery,hiking, local villages etc. I would keep at least 2 days in the dingle area. I say area because I like dingle but in summer there are a lot of tour buses. I would suggest staying out int the peninsula somewhere - dunquin/ballyferriter are my personal favorites. Ballyferriter is barely a block but has 3 pubs and Usually music. There is also nice easy hike (but can be muddy like all irish hikes) with great views of ceann sibeal that starts at clogher beach which is also a great place to see when the ocean is stormy. Beal ban is a great beach to walk especially when the tide is out. Also, lunch or just a cup of tea at the golf course is nice. On a clear day it has beautiful views. As you can probably guess, I really love this area. I would even skip ring of Kerry to stay longer here. Ring of Kerry is really nice too but you get a lot of the same. Best of luck with your trip! Enjoy!