sherwoodforest

My wife and I are traveling somewhere for two weeks in early August, we're just not sure where. Thailand is high on our wish list but we want three weeks for such a journey and that's not in the cards this year. Ireland is receiving serious consideration but then we realize our travel time would overlap three days with the London Olympics, among other major British Isle festivities. Should we schedule our first trip to Ireland next year instead ... or will August be the calm after the storm? For the record, visions of us maneuvering Ireland's narrow roadways in line with zillions of other confused motorists makes my wife nervous (me, too, despite having driven virtually every corner of Europe on previous travels).

littlejane

The London Olympics shouldn't have any major impact, unless you need to fly through London (in which case I would suggest booking the flights ASAP).

If driving is the concern, I think sometimes the concerns are overstated - there are good motorways linking most major towns, and in the tourist spots it is expected that you will be meandering along at your own pace. There will never be "zillions" of other motorists - maybe on the Ring of Kerry you will find yourself stuck behind a tour bus for a while, but if you can put up with that you will be OK!

allisonm

The first time we went to Ireland was at the height of the tourist season. It was also the first time we drove on the "wrong" side of the road. We visited a lot of popular attractions and did a lot of driving without any issues.

I think you will be fine. What areas are you thinking of visiting?

sherwoodforest

Thank you! FYI we're Rick Steves-O-Philes but haven't bought the book. Based on his online advice, however, a two week trip would include Dublin, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Belfast (1 day), County Clare/Burren, Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast, Aran Islands, Wicklow Mountains, Kilkenny. We haven't looked into it enough to know what what order those recommended destinations would be or how much time to devote to each. Recommendations on this excellent board are welcomed and encouraged!

SeeDee

Just to put some order on your wish list,if you were to visit all your desired destinations; your itinerary would be Dublin -Wicklow - Kilkenny - Dingle - Co Clare/Burren - Galway/Aran - Belfast/Antrim Coast - Dublin.
A lot of miles to fit into 14 days, with two particularly long sections - Kilkenny to Dingle and Galway to Belfast.

In terms of time allocation, leaving Dublin in the morning will get you to Kilkenny by late afternoon, having seen Wicklow en route (Glendalough is the most popular spot to stop and explore).

Your drive to Dingle will take a full day anyway so you might take a slight diversion through Cashel en route.

If you have only overnighted in Kilkenny, it will be time to take a few days to savour what the Dingle area has to offer.
An overnight in Liscannor/Doolin/Ennistymon should be enough to take in the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.

Galway merits a number of nights both to experience the city itself and travel over to the Aran Islands; a day excursion out to Connemara is also an option.

Travelling up to Belfast will take up a full day but you should have a few days left to see the Antrim Glens, the Giant's Causeway and of course the spectacular new Titanic Exhibition in Belfast itself.

Back to Dublin is an easy run and if you haven't checked out the city at the start of your tour, then you will have no problem spending a day or two crying into your pint of Guinness at the prospect of having to pack up and go home....

sherwoodforest

Thank you, SeeDee, this is very helpful. If this is too much for 15 days (Aug. 9-25), are there any changes you would recommend to reduce the miles or otherwise ease the stress of trying to do too much in too little time?

Tony2phones

Please get a decent guide book for Ireland, one written by someone who knows what they are talking about and is fair and impartial.

Then get a map and consult a route planner Google maps or AA route planner. Add at least 10% to all journey times. Only you can decide what to cut out or at least rush by.

sherwoodforest

Thank you, Tony2phones. Good advice. As next steps, we will of course deepen our homework, which includes a planned consultation with our neighbor (Irish born and raised).

flirtinfilly

I went to Ireland last year for my nephews wedding. Travelling with my aunt (80) and my Mom (85) made planning the trip a bit of a challenge. However, it all worked out. First we stayed three nights at Ashford Castle so they could relax for a few days. We then went to Clairmorris for the big day - a quaint, typicall Irish village. The reception was at the Mulranny Parl Inn out by Westport.

In order for me to relax and have fun (think Guiness!) I hired a driver for the whole trip. http://www.callachauffeur.com/tours.html It was the smartes thing I did, and all in all cost about the same as a rental - without the worry. Granted, we didn't have the ability to "stop in that cute little village" but it all worked out.

One final thing - we flew into/out of Shannon, which was just wonderful. Ireland is simple beautiful - you won't go wrong!

Tony2phones

I have driven the coast of Ireland from Belfast anticlockwise to Dublin twice. 14 days is just about enough time to rush through with only about 3 two night stops. If you have a local library try getting Round Ireland with a Fridge (comedy also a film http://www.movietube.me/movieList.ph...h+a+fridge)and McCartheys bar (shares my view of Dingle) Not guide books but might give some ideas.

Tony2phones

Sorry link merged somehow. http://www.movietube.me/movieList.ph...+with+a+fridge