e3655

I know, I know. ANOTHER Ireland itinerary someone needs help with.

That said, going to Ireland with another couple (we're all in our early 30s, quirky, energetic, well-traveled). We only have two weeks (damn work) and want to see a bit of Ireland, a bit of Scotland.

We know we can't see it all, but two weeks is what we have to work with, and the spots below are on our A-list.

Just want to know if this is do-able, and if so any tips (are our drive times right, best town to stay at in Cork, etc), advice, other places along this path the would be worth stopping for.

Also looking for hotel/B&B suggestions in the $100–$150 range (boutique style for dublin/edinburgh, vegetarian friendly are bonuses). Might splurge and stay at a castle for a night? We're not on a shoe-string budget but aren't high rollers either.

I'm a whiskey fan so would also love suggestions on distilleries beyond the usual Jamesons, etc. I may just ask the locals when I get there.

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WED APR 19
7am, Land in Dublin. Get rental car. And Coffee.
Drive from the Airport to Galway (3.5 hours)*
Eat lunch. Nap. Decompress.
Overnight in Galway (or somewhere nearby...need suggestions).
*I know this is probably crazy, but is it doable? We're spry and have functioned on jet lag before. We're willing to push through if it means not killing a day in Dublin.

THR APR 20
Sleep in.
Take a ferry from Galway to the Arran Islands.
Stay on the island or in nearby (Doolin is an option. Touristy but small, cute, famous music)
Overnight in Doolin or ?

FRI APR 21
Head toward County Cork (3-4 hour drive).
Stop by the Cliffs of Moher (2 hourish stop)
Blarney Castle is just before we arrive in Cork. Kiss the stone!
Overnight in County Cork (two nights). Best place to stay in County Cork? Nearby...Kinsale?

SAT APR 22
Explore County Cork.
Jamison Distillery? or?
Overnight " "

SUN APR 23
Drive to Shannon (side trip to Rock of Cashel if we're ambitious)
Heard Ennis is a fun town 30 minutes from the airport if we want to kick it there or?
Drop off the rental car. Late-day flight to Scotland.
Overnight in Edinburgh.

MON APR 24
Edinburgh sightseeing.

TUES APR 25
Edinburgh sightseeing.

WED APR 26
Day trip to Glasgow (1-hour train ride?)

THR APR 27
Edinburgh sightseeing or another day trip.

FRI APR 28
Fly into Dublin.
Rent a car or take bus for side trip to Trim Castle before we drive into Dublin.
Overnight in Dublin (3 nights)

SAT APR 29
Day trip to Glendolaugh in Wicklow National Park.

SUN APR 30
Sightseeing. Relaxing. Guinness.
Call work and tell them we're not coming back.

MON APR 31
7am flight home.

suspire

You're doing a lot of zigzagging. Can you fly into Shannon instead? Jameson Distillery is in Dublin, isn't it? But you have it on your Cork day? And flying out of Ireland to Scotland, then back, is taking up a lot of time. Why not put that at the end of the trip and fly home from Scotland?

Here's a good map of Ireland that may help:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/microbiology...of_ireland.jpg

Padhraicin

You are taking on too much. The Cork part of the journey is crazy. I would leave it out.

If you really want to include Aran Islands you should focus your trip on Galway/Clare region -
Day1 Galway; Day2 Aran Islands Day3 Cliffs of Moher/Burren
Day 4 Bunratty. Day 5 return to Dublin via Rock of Cashel.

Otherwise - leave out Aran Island trip and do Galway - Cliffs of Moher - ferry to Kerry - Dingle - Kenmare and back to Dublin.

check out www.aaroadwatch.ie for route planner for Ireland.

e3655

Sorry, I should have mentioned that we already bought our tickets in/out of Dublin (hindsight is 20/20). Thanks for the advice — I'll bring it back to the group!

e3655

If anyone else has two cents, I'll take it!