ledbett49

My husband and I are beginning to plan a trip to Ireland (2 years away) and plan to spend the month of July in Ireland - I would love any sample extended itineraries...have never been to Ireland and am a little overwhelmed.

wojazz3

I think a little more help may be in order for us. Are you planning to nest for a while (1 week here, 1 week there) or be on the go. Regardless, with a month I would suggest nothing less than 3 night stays most places.

Where do your interests lie? Do you want to see all the big hitters or spend a lot of time off the beaten path?

July is one of the busiest months in Ireland and so be prepared for some crowds, but you will still be able to find some quiet places. Give us a little more information and perhaps we can be more helpful.

Bill

Mimar

Do you plan to drive? What are your interests?

longboatkey

Do you fish, hike, like to cook? There are some really nice cottage rentals in Dingle along the coast.

ledbett49

Thanks for the replies - I know my posting was just a tad bit general. We would like to take advantage of as much of the country as we can but also don't want to be in the car everyday - probably staying on average 2-3 nights in each place with longer stays in well-worth spots. I realize July is the busiest month but vacations are determined by teachers calendars - we are more off the beaten path travelers where we get to really experience the town/area and meet locals while at the same time taking in the "must sees." Of course we love a good beer and great music...my husband would also like to take in some golf. Although we are pretty low maintenance travelers we will be celebrating my husband's 40th and our 10th anniversary so I would like to indulge a few of the days (love a good spa).
As far as transportation I would imagine that we will rent a car throughout and maybe take advantage of mass transit as well. I would imagine that a month long car rental might put us over the top. Again, we have never been to Ireland but it has always been one of our must do trips. We originally thought of splitting our time and include Scotland but are leaning towards really enjoying Ireland - your thoughts on that are appreciated as well. Thanks again

chip

never had the pleasure of a month long vacation anywhere...

but would include 2 nights in dublin then time in *kenmare, *dingle, doolin, connemara, donegal, and antrim coast (enjoyed 2 night stops in kinsale and westport)

would experience slea head loop, ROK between kenmare and killarney, gap of dunloe, ross castle, muckross house, beara peninsula/healy pass, cliffs of moher, bunratty castle/folk park, aran islands, doo lough valley, glenveagh park/castle, giant's causeway, dunluce castle, newgrange, glendalough, rock of cashel....since you will be there so long be sure to check into the ireland heritage pass which will save you some money for sure

brocon

I would visit Wicklow. Glendalough is worth a visit and also Powerscourt gardens and shopping. You can do a day trip from Dublin. Nice restaurant in Powerscourt gardens.

Gumper2007

My wife and I did 26 days in 2006. I agree that you not stay anywhere except for arrival (if you want) and departure for less than three days. We ended up staying at two hotels for five days. It was so relaxing and we really got to enjoy Dublin being there for 5 days. That was our longest vacation ever and it was great!!!