Ireland (south) - Advice on Early Itinerary
Sep 23rd, 2013, 11:48 AM
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Ireland (south) - Advice on Early Itinerary
My husband and I (60 years old) are going to Ireland from Chicago for 8 nts late March-early April 2014: flying in & out of DUB. We are staying just south of Limerick (in Adare) for 6 nts, and Dublin for the last two.
I've researched Ireland for years, and now the time is drawing near (relatively speaking!). I am definitely taking heed to those in the know relative to not trying to see too much in too little time. I'm also concerned about the driving aspect, a rental is part of our package.
I would like to decide for certain where & when we will be and begin to delve into specifics of what to see/do in each area. Here's my early (although much labored-over) itinerary:
Arrive Tuesday 9 am Dublin - drive to Adare Village - look around a bit, buy groceries, check into Villa and chill (we are in this condo for 6 nts)
Wednesday - The Burren and Cliffs of Moher
Thursday - Limerick, Galway City and a bus tour of Connemara
Friday - Killarney National Park
Saturday - Cobh, Kinsale & Youghal
Sunday - Dingle Penn or Cahir/Cashel
Monday - Newgrange/Clonmcnoise or Powerscourt/South Coast tour with that night's stay in Dublin
Tuesday - Dublin (staying north of downtown) Hop on Hop Off use
Wednesday - flight home not until 3:45
Probably our only trip to Ireland and there's an endless list of places to see. I want to experience Ireland, but be relaxed and soak in the culture. Thank you all (in advance) for your help!
Jill
I've researched Ireland for years, and now the time is drawing near (relatively speaking!). I am definitely taking heed to those in the know relative to not trying to see too much in too little time. I'm also concerned about the driving aspect, a rental is part of our package.
I would like to decide for certain where & when we will be and begin to delve into specifics of what to see/do in each area. Here's my early (although much labored-over) itinerary:
Arrive Tuesday 9 am Dublin - drive to Adare Village - look around a bit, buy groceries, check into Villa and chill (we are in this condo for 6 nts)
Wednesday - The Burren and Cliffs of Moher
Thursday - Limerick, Galway City and a bus tour of Connemara
Friday - Killarney National Park
Saturday - Cobh, Kinsale & Youghal
Sunday - Dingle Penn or Cahir/Cashel
Monday - Newgrange/Clonmcnoise or Powerscourt/South Coast tour with that night's stay in Dublin
Tuesday - Dublin (staying north of downtown) Hop on Hop Off use
Wednesday - flight home not until 3:45
Probably our only trip to Ireland and there's an endless list of places to see. I want to experience Ireland, but be relaxed and soak in the culture. Thank you all (in advance) for your help!
Jill
Sep 24th, 2013, 02:29 AM
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Jill,
Are you flying from the States? Adare is a bit of a drive from Dublin on unfamiliar roads and driving on the left, jet-lagged. Is there any way you can fly into Shannon and out of Dublin or do the reverse and start your trip with the two days in Dublin?
Generally speaking you are trying to cover a lot of ground as I'm assuming you're heading back to the Adare condo every night. Driving on the roads is much, much different from the U.S.--beautiful scenery but for the most part narrow, two-lane roads.
If you have a car you can certainly do Thursday on your own--I would concentrate on Galway and Connemara. If you have a sunny day, spend most of your time in Connemara. Galway is fun, I lived there for a year, but can't match the beauty of Connemara.
So, you should think about how hard and fast you want to travel. Perhaps you can base in Adare for 2-3 nights then drive in a counter clockwise direction from Adare, staying in B&Bs.
Are you flying from the States? Adare is a bit of a drive from Dublin on unfamiliar roads and driving on the left, jet-lagged. Is there any way you can fly into Shannon and out of Dublin or do the reverse and start your trip with the two days in Dublin?
Generally speaking you are trying to cover a lot of ground as I'm assuming you're heading back to the Adare condo every night. Driving on the roads is much, much different from the U.S.--beautiful scenery but for the most part narrow, two-lane roads.
If you have a car you can certainly do Thursday on your own--I would concentrate on Galway and Connemara. If you have a sunny day, spend most of your time in Connemara. Galway is fun, I lived there for a year, but can't match the beauty of Connemara.
So, you should think about how hard and fast you want to travel. Perhaps you can base in Adare for 2-3 nights then drive in a counter clockwise direction from Adare, staying in B&Bs.
Sep 24th, 2013, 02:58 AM
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In anticipation of more itinerary critiques, this is a purchased package deal. 
Cannot make changes. Flights Chicago to Dublin, Adare first, Dublin last 2 days. My originally planned trip was the B&B method; but the price was right with the package deal. Arch!
Cannot make changes. Flights Chicago to Dublin, Adare first, Dublin last 2 days. My originally planned trip was the B&B method; but the price was right with the package deal. Arch!
Sep 24th, 2013, 04:11 AM
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I thought that might be the case. Do you have to pick the car up in Dublin? If so, just take your time driving and if needed pull over in a rest stop and snooze for an hour or so, that always revives me.
Wednesday and Thursday look like fairly easy driving days from Adare. Is the Thursday itinerary on a bus? I still think you could do Connemara on your own and enjoy it more but if already paid for, the tour will be fine.
Wednesday and Thursday look like fairly easy driving days from Adare. Is the Thursday itinerary on a bus? I still think you could do Connemara on your own and enjoy it more but if already paid for, the tour will be fine.
Sep 24th, 2013, 07:59 AM
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Yes..must pick up the car in Dublin. I've traveled to Europe before and longer flight to Hawaii. Usually jet lag not too bad as I sleep on the plane and am excited upon arrival. Later that day it hits me which is why I've not planned much for day 1.
