So I put this on my earlier thread but figured I'd start a new one...
I have done quite a bit of research last night and today and have more of an idea of the areas we'd like to be. Let me know what you guys think or any suggestions you may have. FYI- we've planned for June. We are also looking into the open jaw flight prices to fly into Shannon and leave out of Dublin (which we're hoping for). The below itinerary is for Dublin-Dublin. We will reverse it if we end up flying into Shannon.
Saturday, Day 1- Arrive in Dublin at 8:25 am-- pick up rental and head on the road to Kilkenny and hit (options, obviously not all) Dunmore cave, rock of cashel, cahir... Thinking of staying the night around here as we will be tired from travel. Any good suggestions in that area? More importantly, any good pubs? We will definitely need a pint or 3 after our first travel day!
Sunday, Monday, Day 2 and Day 3- Head back on road early. I think we're going to skip Cork and Kinsale unless I'm convinced otherwise. Maybe we will stop by Blarney on the way to Kenmare but I feel that may be too much driving? What do you guys think? We plan to do 2 nights in Kenmare/Dingle area taking a look at (again options) Dingle peninsula, ring of kerry and killarney national park. What would be your suggestion of taking that on and what towns would you stay in both nights?
Tuesday, Wednesday, Day 4 and Day 5- Head up early to County Clare/Galway and within those 2 days see (options) Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Connemara, Doolin.
Thursday, Day 6- Head back over to Dublin and return the rental car to save money. Stay in a hotel/B&B for 2 days and tour the city!
Saturday Day 8-Leave
Thoughts? Things I should rule out? Too much? Keep in mind we are both in our late twenties, in shape and active.
Thanks!
7 night self drive S. Ireland Itinerary... suggestions appreciated!
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Since you are young and in shape, I think this itinerary is doable.
You could spend the first night in Kilkenny after you have toured around the area. In Kilkenny there is plenty of things to see and do, like the Kilkenny Castle, the St Canice Cathedral, the National Craft Gallery & Design Centre. As for pubs and night-life there is also a good choice there, the Tynan's Bridge House, John Cleere and the Grapevine are all good options. The Pumphouse is great for live music.
Staying for the night in Clonmel could also be an idea, as it is just half way to the Blarney Castle and really close to the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle. Sean Tierney and Phil Carrol are some of the good pubs you can find in this small but lovely town.
From the Blarney Castle, just outside Cork city you can take the N22 and head for Killarney in County Kerry. Killarney is in a good position from which you can reach the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula and you will find lots of B&Bs there. You can spend one night in Killarney and do the Dingle Peninsula and the following day in Kenmare. Kenamare has lots of quality craft shops and there are also good pubs like the Crowley's and the Florry Batt's.
Killarney is famous for its amazing National Park, it's full of good restaurants and great for night-life. The Grand is a good pub right in the centre where you can listen to traditional music and watch Irish dance.
When you are driving along the Ring of Kerry you can stop at Castle Cove, there you will find Ireland's only beach bar and if you are lucky to get a sunny day, a stop there for a pint or some seafood is definitely a must.
In the Dinlge Peninsula do not miss Inch beach, just before Annascaul. Dingle is a lovely town as well, from there you can take a boat tour to see the popular dolphin who lives in the bay : Funghi.
Dingle offers a great variety of restaurants and fish and chips, nice shops and cafes.
Day 4 and 5 I'd suggest you to stay in Galway, ideal position to reach the Cliffs, the Burren and Connemara. Glaway is great for night-life, An Tucan is a good pub if you like live music and if you want to an authentic Irish experience.
In Dublin do not miss the Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Castle and the Guinness Storehouse. Take a stroll in Temple Bar, one of the most vibrant area of the city. Enjoy!