NC1990

I just booked a trip to Ireland with my parents (I'm in my 20s, they're in their 50s) for 10 days in March. We're experienced road trippers (driving is not an issue) and enjoy nature, hikes, historic sites, and architecture. Would really appreciate some advice regarding my rough itinerary below:

Day 1 & 2: Dublin
Attractions: Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol, Guinness Brewery, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, Temple Bar area, etc.

Day 3: After a half day in Dublin, drive to Kinvara via Dublin - Galway - Kinvara
Attractions: Galway (Quay Street?), Burren

Day 4: Doolin
Attractions: Cliffs of Moher

Day 5: Drive to Dingle via Doolin - Bunratty - Dingle
Attractions: Bunratty Castle, Slea Head Drive, Inch Beach, Conor Pass

Day 6 & 7: Killarney
Attractions: Killarney National Park (including Muckross Abbey), part of Ring of Kerry via Killarney - Kenmare - Killarney National Park

Day 8: Drive to Cork via Killarney - Kinsale - Cork
Attractions: Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle

Day 9: Kilkenny
Attractions: Kilkenny Castle

Day 10: Dublin - flight leaves in the AM.

A few specific questions:
- Does my time spent in each area/city make sense in relation to the sights to be seen?
- I listed some of the major attractions we'd like to check out, but am I missing any must-sees along the way?

Thanks in advance!!

janisj

Just a quick comment- I think you are underestimating your drive times in general, and specifically on your last day. I would not stay in Kilkenny the night before a morning flight out of DUB. It is about a 2 hour drive plus you need to allow time to return the rental car.

Tony2phones

"We're experienced road trippers (driving is not an issue)" an introduction to a disaster if ever there was one.

Have you ever driven in Ireland?

Point to Point fine, coach drivers do that sort of run 35 weeks a year, I do those sort of runs every now and then when folk pay me to. This is your vacation its not supposed to be a challenge. You have to prioritise your sights, Your average off motorway (95%+ of your itinerary) will be lucky to reach 40 mph, under 30 on scenic sections.

1) Turn this on its head. Get off the flight and drive straight to Kilkenny. see a bit of Kilkenny, rest up if not for your 20yrs for ur parents 50yrs.

2) Kilkenny to Cork via Cashel, Cahir fine, Blarney is best first thing before the tour bus's arrive or if only doing a quick hit after they have gone after 4.

3) Cork to Killarney either via Blarney or via Kinsale take time to go over the Healy Pass on Beara.

4) Killarney middle day, counter clockwise round the Ring, include the Skellig loop.

5) Killarney 1/2 day, drive Dingle via inch. Slea head is 35 miles clockwise scenic route, so either day 5 or 6.

6) Connor pass to Ennis (better than Doolin) or ? taking in Bunratty, possibly Quin Abbey or a couple of options like Listowel or Limerick sights. some but not all..

7, Ennis to Galway via west Clare, Cliffs and bit of the Burren

8) Galway to Dublin

9) Dublin

10) Depart.

NC1990

Thanks for the advice so far! I didn't realize driving off motorway would be quite so slow - obviously I need to rearrange my expectations that we won't be speeding down highways like our Canada and US road trips Not that we want to fly through the scenic spots anyway though!

I had wanted to explore Dublin first in hopes of beating the St. Patricks Day crowds (we will be in Ireland from May 8-17). If I follow the opposite itinerary above, would I run into any issues doing Dublin first? The only potential problem I can see is that on Day 9 I would probably be driving from Ennis to Dublin via Ennis - Cliffs - Burren - Galway - Dublin. Google Maps is telling me 4 hrs 49 minutes driving time, and I would be budgeting quite a few hours of sightseeing along the way as well...

janisj

Never EVER rely on google maps drive times in Ireland (or the UK)

You need to add between 25% and 75% to the calculations. No, driving in Ireland is NOTHING like driving in North America

Macross

If there during St Patrick's day then do Dublin first. I know you meant March 8th-17th. I like doing Dublin first as you can do what you want that first day if jet lag hits. Your hotel should hold your bags for you so you can explore.

Maybe look at Malihide for your last night though. You are Canadian but would still give yourself three hours. It is close to the airport but a very nice seaside town. You can even get the bus back into town if you desire. I just think hotels will be booked on that end of the trip in Dublin or very high.

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Dublin/Galway I like using this for a guide.

Tony2phones

There won't be too many crowds in Dublin the 15-16th although prices will be higher. So yes fit a night at an airport Hotel for the 16th

civiclx

Hi NC,

Although I have been to Ireland once, I'm afraid I won't be able to offer much advice unless you're interested in how to get into a car accident and survive haha Will you be staying the night in Kilkenny or just visiting for the day? I really was in a car accident while there and I ended up spending 47 days recovering in Kilkenny so I got to know it pretty well

dugi_otok

>> I had wanted to explore Dublin first in hopes of beating the St. Patricks Day crowds (we will be in Ireland from May 8-17). If I follow the opposite itinerary above, would I run into any issues doing Dublin first? The only potential problem I can see is that on Day 9 I would probably be driving from Ennis to Dublin via Ennis - Cliffs - Burren - Galway - Dublin. Google Maps is telling me 4 hrs 49 minutes driving time, and I would be budgeting quite a few hours of sightseeing along the way as well...

NC1990

Really appreciate all the input! I've modified my itinerary and would love additional thoughts on whether it's doable + additional recommendations/advice

civclx - Your accident sounds like it's got quite a story behind it! (47 days recovery?! Hope everything is okay now). I took out Kilkenny from my plans but if you have some strong must-sees there I would be interested to know about them!

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Day 1 & 2: Dublin
Attractions: Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol, Guinness Brewery, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, Temple Bar area, etc.

Day 3: Kinsale (Dublin - Cork - Kinsale)
Attractions: Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle

Day 4 & 5: Killarney (Kinsale - Healy Pass - Killarney)
Attractions: Healy Pass, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry (Skellig Loop)

Day 6: Dingle (Killarney - Dingle)
Attractions: Slea Head Drive, Inch Beach, Beehive Huts, Conor Pass

Day 7: Ennis (Dingle - Bunratty - Ennis)
Attractions: Bunratty Castle, Quin Abbey

Day 8: Galway (Ennis - Cliffs - Burren - Galway)
Attractions: Cliffs of Moher, Burren National Park

Day 9: Dublin (Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin)

Day 10: Fly Home

dugi_otok

Two thumbs up, way up!!! Very doable.

No Conor Pass on Day 6. You will drive Killarney-Inch-Dingle. Later another circular peninsula drive starting to the west: Dingle-Beehive Hut-Dunquin-Ballyferriter-Kilmalkedar-Feohanagh-Brandon Mountain-Dingle. You can terminate and return to Dingle at any place on the route. You can route this on google maps if you have time to take a look.

On Day 7 you can drive over Conor Pass on your way to Ennis.
Drive the N86, if not wanting Conor Pass, out of Dingle as an alternate.Both drives meet before Tralee.

Connor pass

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJdGtLKqucI

Healy Pass from Day 4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TBEaZN1IWU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyqb4A98t8U&t=69s

civiclx

Hi NC,

I am fine now thanks No, if you took it out, you're going to be busy doing lots of other fun things. I hope you have a great trip!