shaughn87

okay...i have been reading the GREAT advice given and now i need some help!!! my family is planning a trip to ireland june 22st to july 2nd. here is the plan so far: arrive the 22nd morning in dublin...2 nights in dublin, 3 nights in kinsale, 1 night (as of now) in dingle, 1 night somewhere close to cliffs of moher, 2 nights in galway, and then 1 night in bunratty...leaving from shannon on the 2nd!! okay...here is the question, is it a better idea to stay 2 nights in dingle and then stop at the cliffs of moher on the way to galway? or should we stay 1 night in dingle and then stay close to the cliffs of moher for a night?? also, one more question (for now!!) where would you recommend we stay if we should stay near the cliffs of moher for the night. please feel free to give me any suggestions. i am feelin a little overwhelmed!!! thanks

wojazz3

hi shaughn:

If it were me, I'd take a day off of Kinsale and add that to Dingle. You can certainly see the cliffs on the way to Galway. At that time of year, they will certainly be very crowded and I prefer to see them either early in the day or for better photo ops, late in the day.

The drive from Dublin to Kinsale will be a full day especially if you choose to stop and see any of the fine sights in between. Kinsale will likely be a zoo at that time of year. The drive along the coast and up through Bantry and Kenmare is wonderful. It might be worth a night in Kenmare, then on to Dingle for two and then on to Galway.

Just some suggestions, but whatever you do, have fun.

Bill

MaryZ

I'd agree with Bill. Spend 2 nights in Kinsale, and add a night to Dingle. This way, you can still spend a night near the Cliffs on your way up to Galway and that will keep your driving times in the reasonable range.

The town of Dingle is fun and the scenery of the peninsula is incredible. I think you'd regret having to leave after just one night.

If you want to stay near the Cliffs, take a look at Moher Lodge between Liscannor and Doolin. You'll also find lots and lots of B&Bs in Doolin.

Jackie

We only had one night in Doolin and wished it could have been more, but since we didn't have a reservation, they were booked. We went from there to the Cliffs and spent the night in Doolin. Doolin was my least favorite place in Ireland--probably because we did not have a reservation in a B&B and got the last room available. It's also famous for its pubs and music. The pubs were so packed it was not enjoyable--I guess it depends on your age and what you are looking for. If I had it to do all over again I would do 3 nights in Dingle (we stayed at Heaton's) and head straight to Galway from the Cliffs.

shaughn87

great ideas!! thanks, it is exactly what i needed to hear. one more thing (hopefully)...if we do stay only two nights in kinsale, is it doable to stop in cork and do the blarney stone before heading over to either kenmare or dingle for the night? that was the main reason for staying the three nights in kinsale...golf one day and then a trip up to cork on the second. could we do it on the way?? thanks again!

Patrick

The Blarney Stone takes maybe 5 minutes. I want to say forget it, it is so horribly touristy, but I must confess -- how can you go to Ireland and NOT kiss the Blarney Stone?
We were happy with just one night (and all afternoon) in Kinsale. I agree to take that time away and add it to Dingle or to Doolin.

And honestly, although we spent two nights in Cork and saw a good play there, I wouldn't have minded missing it entirely. Not much there, although I've never seen so many people peeing on the sides of buildings when the bars closed. I'm surprised the whole town didn't flood.

twoflower

Doolin and thereabouts is reasonably handy to the Cliffs of Moher. I toured Ireland and didn't kiss the Blarney Stone - maybe because I was told that some of the more mischievous guides pee on it at the end of the day. Near to there though, on a side road off one of the main roads up to Blarney from Glengariff, is a delightful spot called Gouganne Barra - mirror-surfaced lake with chapel etc.

wojazz3

I've been to Ireland 5 times and never kissed the Blarney Stone. It depends on what time of year you go, but my understanding is that the line to kiss the stone can be quite long during the high season, which July definitely is. If you arrive just after a tour bus or two gets there, you'll get to wait for all of them to kiss it two. My suggestion would be to by pass the stone, but that's me. Some people just have to do it. If you must, then go ahead.

Golf in Kinsale? I presume you mean the Old Head. You may have to set a tee time. I have no idea how booked up they get. It is a very expensive and exclusive course. As I remember, once you make your reservation, you'll lose 50% of the fees if you cancel more than 30 days out and all of it if you cancel less than 30 days out. One of the most spectacular golf locations in the world.

Bill

shaughn87

thanks for the help... i think the blarney stone is a necessity as my father has waited his whole life to go to ireland and i think it is important to him. anyway, as far as golf goes, if not old head, where else could you recommend??? i know about old head and i wasn't really thinking that we would be able to golf there for many reasons. is there any other good golf courses in the kinsale area or is there any others in other areas that you would recommend?? also, we are taking your advice about 2 nights in kinsale instead of three!! we are thinking of staying in kenmare a night and then dingle for two, is there any b&b recommendations for kenmare? thanks, your help is much appreciated!