Joni_and_Terry

Hello Everyone,
Myself and the most wonderful man in the world would like to plan a romantic, scenic and interactive trip to Ireland the first part of August. We would like to be away 10 days including travel all together. (fly into Shannon) Have been reading ideas here and it seems like we should drive and plan our own itinerary. Could you recommend an 8 day itinerary including B&B's or romantic hotels, scenic places to be sure and see and restaurants,pubs and night life that we should not miss in each town? We love to meet new people, laugh and have fun and so appreciate the beauty of Ireland. This will be our first trip. Relaxed and easy, we want to enjoy each other and everything that we see along the drive. You are so wonderful to help us. Looking forward to your thoughts and ideas. Can skip "touristy" sights uless you truly recommend them. Joni

emeraldeyes

I can recommend scenic places in the south/southwest. The Rock of Cashel, Swiss Cottage, Cahir Castle, the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Pennsula., the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren,and Dingletown, Kenmare, Doolin for nice towns, also Adare.

I'm sure many others with many Ireland trips in their experience will have more suggestions.

Joni_and_Terry

Thank you so much Emerald Eyes! I reposted this request with the word "Ireland" instead of "Irish" and have received so many helpful suggestions. Everyone is so kind. I appreciate your thoughts so much! I'm factoring what you said into my research. : ) Joni

Powell

Consider staying at Heaton's Guest House in Dingle. It is a cross between a small hotel and a B&B. Wonderful breakfasts; have the porridge with Drambuie. The proprietors are very friendly and the accommodations lovely. It is a bit upscale but well worth it. It also is convenient to Slea Head that is a scenic marvel. Dingle has fun pubs, etc.

Kinsale is fun. Visit Charlesfort. Take a sail. Dining is excellent.

You might finish your visit with a stop in Dublin that is full of historical sights, great dining, etc. We normally land in Shannon then return home from Dublin.

Failte!

Anthony

GreenDragon

Also, check out www.irelandyes.com. Michele has been to Ireland something like 40 times, and is a wealth of information.

pontoon

If you are into romance and good food check out:

http://www.irelands-blue-book.ie/
or
and: http://www.hidden-ireland.com/

I've tried a few of them and they all have a high standard of food - they are pricey but a few could salt and pepper your trip to make it extra special.

edhodge

We made a big 8 in our travels over 8 days. Started in Doolin, then to Clifden via Cong. We loved the Connemara. In fact, it was my DH's favorite part of Ireland. Not crowded with tour buses either. Then we drove to Spiddal where we took the ferry to Inishmor. Incredibly beautiful! Spiddal is so small that just hanging in the pubs will put you in touch with the locals (which is truly the best part of Ireland). Then we headed to Dingle and toured the Dingle peninsula which was my favorite part. On to Killarney and Bunratty to fly home.

Definitely romantic (our 25th anniversary) and definitely scenic. Try Karen Brown's book for B&Bs that are a little more upscale.

Not matter where you go, you will be with the man you love. Go slowly, leave plenty of time to stop and walk.

Joni_and_Terry

Oh my gosh, thank you over and over again to everyone. You have no idea how much Terry and I appreciate you! This should be the most wonderful trip ever!