HMIreland

My husband and I are starting to plan our trip to Ireland for the beginning of May. We plan on going for 7-10 days and are interested in seeing Western Ireland (we want to fly in and out of Shannon).

We have done a little research and found a couple of places we would like to see...Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, etc. Does anyone have any recommendations for anything else that would be a "must see"?

Also, we aren't planning on renting a car and would like to hub at one location for the first part of our trip (possibly hub from a second location for the last part) and go out from there...is this doable or would be disappointed? Any places you would recommend to stay - hotel or B&B...we're open to both...we're willing to spend up to $100/night.

Thanks for your help!!

HMIreland

I forgot to mention...my husband and I enjoy the outdoors - hiking, running, biking, etc. We would also like to experience the local culture as well.

Budman

I would think it would pretty difficult to see Ireland without renting a car unless you are on an organized bus tour. The Dingle Peninsula is a "must see" in my opinion. Maybe catch a bus to Dingle and take a tour of Slea Head.

Most of the B&B's in Ireland run between 30 to 35 Euro per person, so you should have little problem staying well within your budget.

We've always driven, so maybe someone who is familiar with bus/rail transportation might be able to chime in.

Budman

Oh, outdoors/hiking? then Killarney would be a good base for a few days.

JOHNOD

I agree with Budman. If you do not rent a car or sign up for a bus tour you are going to be very limited. Ireland has an excellent bus system but on a 7-10 day trip you can spend alot of time waiting around terminals or sitting on buses. Driving in Ireland has become alot easier in the last 5 years. Most of the major roads have been greatly improved.
Killarney would be a good choice for two days, you can do the hike through the Gap of Dunloe and perhaps rent a bike and see some of the National Park, Other than that Killarney is no longer a town but rather a small city.

Dingle is a must see and the Aran islands are great. If you go the the islands out of Doolin you have a great view of the Cliffs of Moher from the sea. If you manage to do this without renting a car and still have a day or two get out on the Beara or Sheepshead penninsula and spend a night or two in one of the small villages and visit the local Pub for a little chinwag with the locals. Have fun

IrishEyes

Seven to ten days is not a lot of time in Ireland but better than nothing. You must decide if you want to spend a lot of your time trying to get around by public transportation or whether you prefer to be footloose and fancy free, going at your own pace. There is a lot to be said about renting a car and being independent. Good plan to fly in and out of Shannon.

Go to the Ireland bus and rail sites to check schedules and see what I mean: http://www.irishrail.ie/home/
http://www.buseireann.ie/site/home/

enzian

If you enjoy cycling, the ride around the Dingle Peninsula is very scenic and enjoyable, and there is not too much traffic. You can rent decent mountain bikes for the day right in Dingle.

SandyBrit

Book marking

chip

I agree with above that without a car you will be limited by using one or two locations as a hub and getting to experience the best of Ireland...

that said...

you could split time between Killarney and Galway and take some bus tours that are offered from these towns.

Killarney...you have the park and the gap of dunloe to explore. You could do a day trip of the Ring of Kerry. I am sure there would be some nice hiking or biking day tours to join up from there...may even be a tour that includes Dingle Pen.

From Galway you could go on a day tour of the Connemara then a day tour of the Burren/Cliffs of Moher. Then maybe spend a day/night visiting Aran Islands.