Need help on almost 3 weeks in Ireland: itinerary
Jan 27th, 2015, 02:38 PM
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Need help on almost 3 weeks in Ireland: itinerary
My husband and I will be arriving in Dublin on 5/11 and leaving from Dublin on 5/31. The tickets were purchased so that cannot change. The following is an itinerary that was suggested to me. We like to travel slowly and see places in depth. My husband loves photography. We will be renting a car. I would appreciate any thoughts.
Spend the first night in Dublin to adjust to the change in time and get over jet lag.
Spend a night in a B&B in Kilkenny seeing sights in the area.
See Cashel on the way to Kinsale and stay in Kinsale for 3 nights visiting Cobh and Mizen Head and Sheeps Head.
It was recommended that we spend two nights in Killarney visiting the national park and the Ring of Kerry but everything I read says to avoid Killarney and perhaps stay in Kenmare instead.
I think 3 nights staying in Dingle to do the town, Peninsula and Slea Head.
Then we would go through Connor's Pass. The suggested itinerary is a bit strange from here. They suggest staying one night in Tralee but, reading about this town in some guidebooks, makes me not want to stay there even for one night. The itinerary suggests going up to Westport in County Mayo next and staying there for two nights, coming south to stay in Clifden for 3 nights, then, weather permitting, taking the ferry and staying one night on Inish Mor. Then they suggest two or three nights in Limerick to see the Burren and Bunratty Castle. Then drive back to Dublin, stay one night and fly out.
It seems to me that we should stay in the area of the Cliffs of Moher and also see the Burren and that area first. I've read suggestions of staying in Ballyvaughan for this area. Then head north. Instead of Clifden, one book suggests a town like Roundstone instead. It seems from the map we could drive to Dublin from the area of Westport.
I would really appreciate any insight anyone might have to help me with this. Thanks.
Spend the first night in Dublin to adjust to the change in time and get over jet lag.
Spend a night in a B&B in Kilkenny seeing sights in the area.
See Cashel on the way to Kinsale and stay in Kinsale for 3 nights visiting Cobh and Mizen Head and Sheeps Head.
It was recommended that we spend two nights in Killarney visiting the national park and the Ring of Kerry but everything I read says to avoid Killarney and perhaps stay in Kenmare instead.
I think 3 nights staying in Dingle to do the town, Peninsula and Slea Head.
Then we would go through Connor's Pass. The suggested itinerary is a bit strange from here. They suggest staying one night in Tralee but, reading about this town in some guidebooks, makes me not want to stay there even for one night. The itinerary suggests going up to Westport in County Mayo next and staying there for two nights, coming south to stay in Clifden for 3 nights, then, weather permitting, taking the ferry and staying one night on Inish Mor. Then they suggest two or three nights in Limerick to see the Burren and Bunratty Castle. Then drive back to Dublin, stay one night and fly out.
It seems to me that we should stay in the area of the Cliffs of Moher and also see the Burren and that area first. I've read suggestions of staying in Ballyvaughan for this area. Then head north. Instead of Clifden, one book suggests a town like Roundstone instead. It seems from the map we could drive to Dublin from the area of Westport.
I would really appreciate any insight anyone might have to help me with this. Thanks.
Jan 27th, 2015, 02:49 PM
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Dingle needs 1 night at most, its a small town on a small peninsula that has become Ireland's very own grand central tourist spot. The tour of the Peninsula takes 4 hours which includes the 2 hours for Slea Head.
Not sure why anyone would suggest Tralee, Ballyseede Castle just outside Tralee is a good "Castle" stay option.
Why from crossing the Shannon to Westport? take your time going up with a look at west Clare to Kinvara. Then Galway, Inis Mor from Rossaveal. Clifden or Roundstone personally Clifden then Westport before going back across to Dublin via Roscommon.
Not sure why anyone would suggest Tralee, Ballyseede Castle just outside Tralee is a good "Castle" stay option.
Why from crossing the Shannon to Westport? take your time going up with a look at west Clare to Kinvara. Then Galway, Inis Mor from Rossaveal. Clifden or Roundstone personally Clifden then Westport before going back across to Dublin via Roscommon.
Jan 28th, 2015, 08:29 AM
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You'll know your travel limits better than I, but WERE it me, I would head straight to Kilkenny. It's an easy drive via Motorway and the town and surrounding area really deserves more time -- particularly if you are 'into' photo opportunities.
I REALLY like Killarney -- it has much of what you visit the area to see, so I find it counter-productive to stay 45 minute's away. Yes, it IS 'touristy' and larger and busier than Kenmare, but May isn't a bad time.
I like Tony's idea of adding a day between Dingle and Westport (another Great town, but then, so is Clifden).
I would also cut Dingle back to 1 night, add one to Killarney / Kenmare and one to Galway -- OR -- do TWO in Galway, and add a trip to Inis Mor.
I REALLY like Killarney -- it has much of what you visit the area to see, so I find it counter-productive to stay 45 minute's away. Yes, it IS 'touristy' and larger and busier than Kenmare, but May isn't a bad time.
I like Tony's idea of adding a day between Dingle and Westport (another Great town, but then, so is Clifden).
I would also cut Dingle back to 1 night, add one to Killarney / Kenmare and one to Galway -- OR -- do TWO in Galway, and add a trip to Inis Mor.
