Ireland Itinerary - feedback requested
Sep 3rd, 2014, 07:45 PM
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Ireland Itinerary - feedback requested
Finally booked our trip to Ireland! I originally posted a few years ago when my boyfriend (now husband) were trying to go. Fast forward a few years, we're married and ready for our trip! Now comes the hard part, finalizing details. Please provide feedback on the below itinerary
Thurs Day 1 Arrive Dublin 8am [sleep dublin]
Day 2 Dublin sightsee [sleep dublin]
Day 3 pick up rental car (to be booked, advice welcome) drive to cork [sleep cork]
Day 4 lunch in kinsale, drive to kenmare [sleep kenmare]
Mon Day 5 kenmare national park ? Other options? [sleep kenmare]
Day 6 dingle [sleep dingle] horseback riding etc
Day 7 dingle [sleep dingle]
Day 8 drive to galway stop at cliffs of moher [sleep galway]
Day 9 galway [sleep galway] Aran islands, other options?
Day 10 morning galway, afternoon drive to sleep someplace close to Shannon (recom on where to stay?)
Day 11 depart Shannon
Debating a night or stop in doolin ? Any and all comments are welcome! Thank you!!!
Thurs Day 1 Arrive Dublin 8am [sleep dublin]
Day 2 Dublin sightsee [sleep dublin]
Day 3 pick up rental car (to be booked, advice welcome) drive to cork [sleep cork]
Day 4 lunch in kinsale, drive to kenmare [sleep kenmare]
Mon Day 5 kenmare national park ? Other options? [sleep kenmare]
Day 6 dingle [sleep dingle] horseback riding etc
Day 7 dingle [sleep dingle]
Day 8 drive to galway stop at cliffs of moher [sleep galway]
Day 9 galway [sleep galway] Aran islands, other options?
Day 10 morning galway, afternoon drive to sleep someplace close to Shannon (recom on where to stay?)
Day 11 depart Shannon
Debating a night or stop in doolin ? Any and all comments are welcome! Thank you!!!
Sep 6th, 2014, 03:30 AM
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The most important thing is that it is practicable.
Why Cork? I quite like the place, but it's not very high on most visitors' hit-lists. That said, giving yourself a day to get from Cork to Kenmare is a good idea: it gives you time to stop and look at things, and there is plenty to see in West Cork.
I take it that you mean the national park at Killarney. Yes, doing it from Kenmare works well. The road between Kenmare and Killarney is particularly lovely.
The trip from Dingle to Galway will be a bit of work, but I think that's okay because you are not doing big drives every day. I take it thatyou intend to use the Tarbert-Killimer ferry.
I gather that you are not planning much tourism near Shannon airport. You might spend yor last night in Ennis (a real town) or in Bunratty (a tourist village, but attractive). Shannon town is not very interesting.
You could even out the driving burden by going from Dingle to Galway through Limerick, omitting the Cliffs of Moher; then, on your last full day, go from Galway to see the cliffs, thence to Ennis. That way, you can also make some time to see the Burren.
Why Cork? I quite like the place, but it's not very high on most visitors' hit-lists. That said, giving yourself a day to get from Cork to Kenmare is a good idea: it gives you time to stop and look at things, and there is plenty to see in West Cork.
I take it that you mean the national park at Killarney. Yes, doing it from Kenmare works well. The road between Kenmare and Killarney is particularly lovely.
The trip from Dingle to Galway will be a bit of work, but I think that's okay because you are not doing big drives every day. I take it thatyou intend to use the Tarbert-Killimer ferry.
I gather that you are not planning much tourism near Shannon airport. You might spend yor last night in Ennis (a real town) or in Bunratty (a tourist village, but attractive). Shannon town is not very interesting.
You could even out the driving burden by going from Dingle to Galway through Limerick, omitting the Cliffs of Moher; then, on your last full day, go from Galway to see the cliffs, thence to Ennis. That way, you can also make some time to see the Burren.
Sep 7th, 2014, 03:34 AM
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Depends when you are visiting (?) as to any festivals and events that might be worth a visit.
Day 3 there are a couple of options to consider for the trip between Dublin and Cork.. The most direct route would give Cashel and Cahir as main features but there are other options and that leg alone could take a couple of days.
For Cork itself, I prefer Cobh over Kinsale but Blarney would make for a good overnight option and give a chance to see the Castle and grounds outside the 10am-4pm tour bus schedule.
Kinsale is a nice place to visit but you will find it's given (rather than earned) reputation as the only town in Ireland worth eating a bit of an expensive misnomer.
Beara Peninsula would be a good option for Day 5, Ireland as it used to be 30 years ago..
Kerry National park can be taken in on the way to Dingle on day 6 and take the ride on day 7, will fill some time rather than just having 1/2 a day to wander round the gift shops.
A few options between the north and south tourism polars Doolin and Dingle http://goo.gl/maps/pKSdX before ending in Galway.. Doolin fits into my "Nice to visit, not to stay" category and with the Burren and Cliffs "Geo Park" covering twice the area of the Dingle peninsula there are lots of options which will remain for next time or to see between Galway and Shannon http://goo.gl/maps/xMOHV
I always recommend Ennis as a great touring base and overnight option but if you are setting out around 6 am you will be having an early night so Shannon and the Oakwood arms is a good option Bunratty the tourist option with Banquet option or Newmarket on Furgus as a quiet option.
Back to Galway and there are many options west of the City (town size) http://goo.gl/maps/L5ihu & http://goo.gl/Ek8bpw
You will find that 10 days is not quite as long as you might think.
Day 3 there are a couple of options to consider for the trip between Dublin and Cork.. The most direct route would give Cashel and Cahir as main features but there are other options and that leg alone could take a couple of days.
For Cork itself, I prefer Cobh over Kinsale but Blarney would make for a good overnight option and give a chance to see the Castle and grounds outside the 10am-4pm tour bus schedule.
Kinsale is a nice place to visit but you will find it's given (rather than earned) reputation as the only town in Ireland worth eating a bit of an expensive misnomer.
Beara Peninsula would be a good option for Day 5, Ireland as it used to be 30 years ago..
Kerry National park can be taken in on the way to Dingle on day 6 and take the ride on day 7, will fill some time rather than just having 1/2 a day to wander round the gift shops.
A few options between the north and south tourism polars Doolin and Dingle http://goo.gl/maps/pKSdX before ending in Galway.. Doolin fits into my "Nice to visit, not to stay" category and with the Burren and Cliffs "Geo Park" covering twice the area of the Dingle peninsula there are lots of options which will remain for next time or to see between Galway and Shannon http://goo.gl/maps/xMOHV
I always recommend Ennis as a great touring base and overnight option but if you are setting out around 6 am you will be having an early night so Shannon and the Oakwood arms is a good option Bunratty the tourist option with Banquet option or Newmarket on Furgus as a quiet option.
Back to Galway and there are many options west of the City (town size) http://goo.gl/maps/L5ihu & http://goo.gl/Ek8bpw
You will find that 10 days is not quite as long as you might think.
Sep 9th, 2014, 05:24 AM
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Rental car - I've had great service from Dan Dooley. Their price quote includes everything, no hidden charges.
I would go straight to Kenmare (love that town!) and perhaps just visit Cork/Kinsale if it's a must-see. The Ring of Beara is magnificent and unspoiled for a day trip, as well.
Is Galway a must-see? You can visit the Aran Islands from the Doolin Harbor, staying in Ennis (as others have suggested) or Doolin itself. You can also day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren from either.
I would go straight to Kenmare (love that town!) and perhaps just visit Cork/Kinsale if it's a must-see. The Ring of Beara is magnificent and unspoiled for a day trip, as well.
Is Galway a must-see? You can visit the Aran Islands from the Doolin Harbor, staying in Ennis (as others have suggested) or Doolin itself. You can also day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren from either.
Sep 9th, 2014, 06:49 PM
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Great advice everyone-really appreciate it.
Kinsale is a must visit for personal reasons, is it possible to go from dublin to kenmare with a stop in kinsale for lunch or is that too much in one day? We were thinking an overnight stay in cork or kinsale or cobh perhaps would break up that leg, but would reconsider if it could be done in one day.
Galway we heard that we would enjoy that's why it's on our list - recommend otherwise?
Ennis recommendation is great mad thinking we will look to make that our last night before we fly out of Shannon.
Definitely going to look into the beara as that seems to be quite popular!
Kinsale is a must visit for personal reasons, is it possible to go from dublin to kenmare with a stop in kinsale for lunch or is that too much in one day? We were thinking an overnight stay in cork or kinsale or cobh perhaps would break up that leg, but would reconsider if it could be done in one day.
Galway we heard that we would enjoy that's why it's on our list - recommend otherwise?
Ennis recommendation is great mad thinking we will look to make that our last night before we fly out of Shannon.
Definitely going to look into the beara as that seems to be quite popular!
Sep 12th, 2014, 12:00 PM
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Galway is a nice city, but still a city for all that. I prefer the smaller towns and villages, and the character of the people, the countryside, etc. I've been to Galway, and got out pretty quickly. Each to their own!
Sep 12th, 2014, 02:18 PM
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Galway makes sense as a touring base for a couple of nights..
You do not have to stay in the city itself if you don't fancy a busy town atmosphere.. South of Galway on the top edge of the Burren region Kinvara is a good option.. West of the city you have the options of say Spiddal, Moycullen or Oughterard.
Yes Dublin to Kenmare via Kinsale in one day is bordering on UPS scheduling rather than vacationing. You can do it but why would you?
You do not have to stay in the city itself if you don't fancy a busy town atmosphere.. South of Galway on the top edge of the Burren region Kinvara is a good option.. West of the city you have the options of say Spiddal, Moycullen or Oughterard.
Yes Dublin to Kenmare via Kinsale in one day is bordering on UPS scheduling rather than vacationing. You can do it but why would you?
Sep 27th, 2014, 05:48 AM
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Thank you everyone this has been very helpful, we've made some adjustments
Thurs Day 1 Arrive Dublin 8am [sleep dublin]
Day 2 Dublin sightsee [sleep dublin]
Day 3 pick up rental car, drive to kinsale (stopping at rock of Cashel [sleep kinsale] old head
Day 4 morning kinsale, drive to Kenmare [sleep kenmare]
Mon Day 5 kenmare national park [sleep kenmare or do we head to dingle in the afternoon?]
Day 6 dingle [sleep dingle] horseback riding
Day 7 dingle [sleep dingle] mount brandon
Day 8
Option 1 - drive to galway stop at cliffs of moher/burren [sleep galway] (or do we drive to galway through limerick as recommended above)
OR
Do we drive to Doolin, staying in Doolin and making a day trip to Galway?
Day 9 galway [sleep galway] Aran islands
Day 10 morning galway, afternoon drive to Ennis
Day 11 depart Shannon
Debating on where we stay during the last leg, whether we stay in Doolin and just visit Galway for the day, or we stay in Galway. We really want to see the Aran Islands, and are not sure what else we can see in Galway, not sure if its worth staying for 2 nights vs. staying in Doolin. Thank you!
Thurs Day 1 Arrive Dublin 8am [sleep dublin]
Day 2 Dublin sightsee [sleep dublin]
Day 3 pick up rental car, drive to kinsale (stopping at rock of Cashel [sleep kinsale] old head
Day 4 morning kinsale, drive to Kenmare [sleep kenmare]
Mon Day 5 kenmare national park [sleep kenmare or do we head to dingle in the afternoon?]
Day 6 dingle [sleep dingle] horseback riding
Day 7 dingle [sleep dingle] mount brandon
Day 8
Option 1 - drive to galway stop at cliffs of moher/burren [sleep galway] (or do we drive to galway through limerick as recommended above)
OR
Do we drive to Doolin, staying in Doolin and making a day trip to Galway?
Day 9 galway [sleep galway] Aran islands
Day 10 morning galway, afternoon drive to Ennis
Day 11 depart Shannon
Debating on where we stay during the last leg, whether we stay in Doolin and just visit Galway for the day, or we stay in Galway. We really want to see the Aran Islands, and are not sure what else we can see in Galway, not sure if its worth staying for 2 nights vs. staying in Doolin. Thank you!
Oct 2nd, 2014, 08:23 AM
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Day 5 - do you mean Kenmare or Killarney? I love the town of Kenmare, but it's Killarney National Park 
You can reach it pretty easily via Kenmare, though.
A day trip to Galway from Doolin is a long day, just saying. A one way trip from Dingle to Galway is also a long day. A lovely day, mind you, through the Burren, but there is so much there to explore.
You can get to the Aran Islands from Doolin, just a longer boat ride.
You can reach it pretty easily via Kenmare, though. A day trip to Galway from Doolin is a long day, just saying. A one way trip from Dingle to Galway is also a long day. A lovely day, mind you, through the Burren, but there is so much there to explore.
You can get to the Aran Islands from Doolin, just a longer boat ride.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 12:40 PM
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No its a shorter boat ride GD just means going to Inis Oirr from Doolin rather than the more tourist popular Inis Mor from Rossaveal the Inis Oirr ferry is one of the better reasons for going to Doolin
On a tight schedule I would be reluctant to spend 2 nights in Dingle.. Castlegreggory might also be a better option for the Dingle peninsula especially as you are considering mount Brandon and Maharees' beaches for the beach riding..
the Inis Oirr ferry is one of the better reasons for going to Doolin On a tight schedule I would be reluctant to spend 2 nights in Dingle.. Castlegreggory might also be a better option for the Dingle peninsula especially as you are considering mount Brandon and Maharees' beaches for the beach riding..
Oct 2nd, 2014, 04:37 PM
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Glad you won't try to drive in Cork - it can be quite an "experience".
Kinsale is lovely and I think you can hit the best parts for the time you have allotted
I think the number of nights in Dingle is fine - the drive over Conor Pass is stunning! And the pub scene is always good.
Kinsale is lovely and I think you can hit the best parts for the time you have allotted
I think the number of nights in Dingle is fine - the drive over Conor Pass is stunning! And the pub scene is always good.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 12:18 PM
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Padraig..If you wanted to do Mt Brandon and Beach riding.. where would you stay?
If people want to go to Dingle fine, I don't have to like the way the town has gone. I like the Castle Gregory area and it is a better location in this case..
http://www.castlegregorykerry.com/
http://www.gokerry.ie/locations/maharees/
If people want to go to Dingle fine, I don't have to like the way the town has gone. I like the Castle Gregory area and it is a better location in this case..
http://www.castlegregorykerry.com/
http://www.gokerry.ie/locations/maharees/
Oct 4th, 2014, 03:08 AM
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Couple of maps for After Dingle http://goo.gl/maps/pKSdX & http://goo.gl/maps/xMOHV
See #7 in http://goo.gl/eqcchU & Padraig seems to be this particular forums disciple for a certain 0.6% of the Island
See #7 in http://goo.gl/eqcchU & Padraig seems to be this particular forums disciple for a certain 0.6% of the Island
Oct 4th, 2014, 03:57 AM
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jenn2126, you need a backup plan for day 7. Mount Brandon is often shrouded in mist. There are good walks to consider, close to sea level, or a boat trip to the Great Blasket (this is one operator: http://www.blasketislands.ie/ but I have not used that particular service). If you are sufficiently energetic to consider an ascent of Mount Brandon, you could consider hiring bikes either to go around Slea Head or to explore part of the peninsula.
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