Pixie106

My husband and I are traveling to Ireland in August. We are both in our 40's and want to soak in as much culture as we can. We are also foodie types - though looking for authenticity vs. fine dining. We will rent a car and the hubby will do the driving.

Sadly we only have 7 nights. We are flying into Dublin and out of Shannon. And I am struggling a bit with our itinerary.
Here is what I have so far and am hoping for some feedback:

Arrive Dublin - stay 2 nights
Drive from Dublin to Kinsale with stop along the way in Kilkenny to break up the drive.
Stay 2 nights in Kinsale
Drive from Kinsale to Dingle (not sure best place to explore along the way - is it terrible to not do the Ring of Kerry?) stay 1 night in Dingle
Drive Dingle to Galway - stay 2 nights in Galway

Is this a doable itinerary without being exhausted? Is Dingle worth spending the night? Are there other charming villages we should stay instead? Any help would be much appreciated.

Padraig

I think going by Kilkenny on the route from Dublin to Kinsale is too much like work. It might be easier to stop at the Rock of Cashel and make a visit to Cahir to see the castle.

Have you thought about what you might do with the full day at Kinsale? There are good day-trip options.

You miss the point if you arrive late in Dingle and leave early the next morning - the point being that the big deal is the Slea Head drive. Head directly (insofar as the roads allow) from Kinsale to Dingle; take a breather, and get out and do the tour of the western tip of Ireland.

Dingle to Galway is a moderately long drive, but by no means too much. But it does involve skipping past some places that you might enjoy visiting. Have you a reason for choosing Galway?

Pixie106

Thank you Padraig! I like your suggestion about stopping at the Rock of Cashel on the way to Kinsale.

In terms of Galway - we aren't married to it, but had heard it's a great city to visit.

If we cut those 2 nights in Galway, do you have a suggestion for reallocating our nights?

PS - where is your favorite place to visit?

Padraig

My favourite place is Connemara, and Herself and I feel it necessary to go there every year.

After that, the south-west - probably the Dingle Peninsula as the favourite place, but ask me tomorrow and I might say West Cork.

I'm not trying to dissuade you from visiting Galway. It's just that there is a good deal worth seeing in County Clare, which is a bit closer to Dingle, and also convenient for a Shannon departure.

Macross

I love Doolin with a day trip to the aran islands. You also have the Burren to explore there. Galway is ok but I love north of Galway more than Galway itself.

Kinsale is ok but not sure about two nights, I like Cobh, very historical. Cork also. I think a night in Kinsale is all I would do.

Pixie106

Thanks so much for the helpful feedback. Here is what I am thinking and would love feedback:

Arrive in Dublin
2 nights Dublin
2 nights Kinsale (will also visit Cork while here)
2 nights Dingle
1 night Ennis
Depart from Shannon airport

Padraig

I think that is a bit easier - but I'm into gently-paced tourism, and some people prefer a more frenetic pace.

On this model, you can make something of the transfer from Kinsale to Dingle, because you have a full day to go "back wesht" around Slea Head.

One option is to follow a coastal route from Kinsale to Kenmare, thence to Killarney (the road from Kenmare of Killarney is one of the loveliest in Ireland) and then head for Dingle. That route involves more than 5 hours driving, and you won't get the full benefit unless you allow for about 5 hours stopping, so start early!

I take it that you know that both Kinsale and Dingle have some very good restaurants, particularly for seafood. In August, you might need to book. Your accommodation providers will probably help with this.