Rosie_the_Rivetor

Hello, a few of us gals will be in Scotland for a research conference. After, we would like to fly to Cork and drive to Dublin. We only have 3 days. We have found a flight on Aer Lingus for 41.00. Is the best way from Edinburgh to Cork/Dublin by plane? We were hoping by driving from Cork to Dublin we would be able to see a bit of the Southwest (Dingle Peninsula, Blarney Castle) and then party a bit in Dublin.

Any suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated!

Cheers, Rosie

opus

Edinburgh to Cork—fly. Cork to Dublin, drive—if you feel comfortable right hand drive. I'd have to say that driving that route is a great way to see that part of Ireland. The whole trip is only two and a half to three hours direct and the M7 and M8 are pretty good. You could break it up with a stop or two to make it a nice day's travel—dependent on what time of year it is The Dingle Peninsula is a probably a big detour for a one day but, Blarney Castle is within reach (not direct). By autumn the daylight hours are few and either drive direct,train or coach. Hiring a one way car can be a challenge but there are several agencies that allow you to do so,

Tony2phones

No Jet lag so fly into Cork. If this is an afternoon flight then just pop up to Blarney and back to Cork.

Drive down to Kinsale and follow the Coastal route to Killarney for night 2. Beara is far more scenic than Dingle peninsular and Killarney a better night out than Dingle town.

From Killarney you can go over to Dublin via Limerick or cut across east and Catch the M8 after visiting Cahir/Cashel.

Rosie_the_Rivetor

Thanks for the replies opus and Tony2phones!

I have traveld to Europe quite a bit but never to Ireland so I really appreciate your guidance.

We changed the plan up a bit since flights were cheaper to Dublin and out of Cork. Let me know what you think of the itinerary!

Cheers, Rosie

Day 1:
We fly into Dublin at night.... Hit some Pubs (Temple Bar)

Day 2:
Morning- in Dublin (Christ Church, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College)
Afternoon-Drive through Wicklow mountains, stop at Glendalough 1hr, Waterford Crystal 1 hr, late lunch in Kilkenny, 1 hr Rock of Cashel (closes at 7pm), Spend the night exploring Cork City (B&B Corck City)

Day 3: Spend the entire day driving the Peninsula's (Dingle/Beara) (B&B Corck City)

Day 4: flight leaves at 5 pm from Cork, morning explore Cork City, afternoon Blarney Castle, head to airport to return car ~2pm.

opus

I think it's swell if you can handle the aftermath of a fun night in Dublin with serious driving. You'll see a lot, enjoy the scenery and a quick circuit—have fun. Cork is a terrific city and you'll enjoy your stay. Exploring Dingle AND Beara may be a tall call though....we're talking some seriously slow driving not just distance and you'll want to get out and explore but on that itinerary no time. Maybe just look at a map the morning of and head out figuring you'll head back when you've gone far enough and the hour is getting late? Often people on this site feel they have to plot every move.

Rosie_the_Rivetor

Opus, You are right. I just looked on google maps and there is no way we could do both Dingle and Beara. After reading a bit I am leaning towards Beara and Sheepshead and if there is time take the cable car to Dursey Island. Thoughts?

Also, looking at the mileage we probably cant fit in Waterford and Kilkenny either. So it seems we will try for 1/2 day in Dublin then drive through Wicklow Mts and spend an hour at Glendalough then head straight to Rock of Cashel before spending the night in Cork.

Really looking forward to this trip! Thanks for the advice!

jaja

If I had to choose, and I have in the past, I would drive Beara. The western coastline is spectacular. Taking the cablecar to Dursey Island is fun but be warned that they take a long lunch "hour" so get there in plenty of time. Healy Pass is an exciting drive and if you have time go visit Gleninchaquin Park.

Lots of people love Dingle (certain ones excepted, of course) so you can't go too wrong whichever you choose. It would be a long drive from Cork City, though.

That Day 2 is pretty full, too, even leaving out Waterford and Kilkenny.

Tony2phones

Consider heading over to Galway day 2 down the Clare coast past the Cliffs of Moher and overnight in Ennis.

You could then trip round Dingle on the way to Killarney. from there past Blarney into Cork.

You would miss the best South West peninsula's but Ennis and Killarney should satisfy your nightlife requirements and you get to see 2 of the places everyone assumes that I don't like.

tenaya

Hi Rosie ..

I (American female) live in south west Cork near start of Beara Peninsula.
Just returned from 2 weeks in and around Connemarra (Counties Galway and Mayo).
I truly think your itinerary - once you've arrived in Cork - verges on impossible.
Perhaps I've misunderstood that the time period is three days?

Rosie_the_Rivetor

Thanks for the reply Tenaya.

once we get to Cork we will be spending 2 nights. the full day we were thinking of just taking the day to explore Beara and the half day to go see Blarney castle walk around cork before heading to cork airport. Does this plan still seem unreasonable to you?
Cheers, Rosie