Sample itinerary ideas for Ireland
May 20th, 2014, 05:04 AM
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Sample itinerary ideas for Ireland
Hello! I am traveling to Dublin (for the Penn State game) end August - flying into Dublin and 7 days later, flying out of Shannon) I'm getting very confused about booking my reservations for places to stay along the way. Travel agents are pushing B&B vouchers and I have read a ton of B&B's don't even accept them in the "highly desirable" locations. Can anyone provide me with more insight on where to book, hotel vs. B&B? I also rented a car. I am interested in the southern route, seeing more natural beauty than museums. Definite places to see are: Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, County Cork area, and Dingle Peninsula - beyond that - I would love some ideas! So far, I have booked 2 nights in Dublin - I have another 5 nights to book something for the rest of this trip. Dates are August 29 to Sept 5
May 20th, 2014, 05:47 AM
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Here's a link to a LONG Trip Report that covers the SE Coast and Killarney that MIGHT be useful:
http://ireland.activeboard.com/t4903...ng-april-2012/
http://ireland.activeboard.com/t4903...ng-april-2012/
May 20th, 2014, 10:19 AM
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I like hotels myself but have heard the b&bs pay a fee for the vouchers so the travel agents get a percentage. You can check out reviews on trip advisory. Look for people with several or more reviews. So if you don't use a voucher they get more profit. Easy to find nice ones in Ireland. Go north of Galway for some beautiful scenery.
May 20th, 2014, 12:45 PM
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Wow, that is a huge chunk of the island to swallow in 5 days assuming you are looking to actually exit your car for more than a few minutes at a time. If seeing as many tourist destinations as you can in 5 days is what you want, then that certainly is an ambitious start. Add in the Burren and Connemara and you would attain "Road Warrior" status! 
Next month I am spending a week in the south and I am already fretting that I won't get to see half of what I want to see--but that is me, I want to wander and stroll among the beauty of the land, not just wrestle with the thousands of other tourists at the popular sites. I would rather see less and experience more, but to each his (or her) own.
Enjoy your trip regardless of what you choose to see.
Next month I am spending a week in the south and I am already fretting that I won't get to see half of what I want to see--but that is me, I want to wander and stroll among the beauty of the land, not just wrestle with the thousands of other tourists at the popular sites. I would rather see less and experience more, but to each his (or her) own.
Enjoy your trip regardless of what you choose to see.
May 20th, 2014, 04:14 PM
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Leave Dublin and head for Galway. Hotel it there. Stop and see Clonmcnoise along the way or Newgrange. Spend night in Galway then head toward the cliffs and the Burren. I love Doolin, Lahinch area. Great B&Bs there. Head south toward the ROK and see how it goes from there. I would cut out Cork unless you skip ROK.
May 21st, 2014, 12:51 PM
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I absolutely LOVE driving in Ireland and I've racked up thousands of miles doing so over the past 15 years, using every type and style of vehicle -- Small AND Large.
It's NOT about scary -- There are Motorways where 70MPH + is common -- BUT the 'Good Stuff' is not ON the Motorway. There is SO much to see and do that the typical tourist will be lucky to AVERAGE 35 MPH -- I usually suggest planning using the assumption of 30 MPH, for First Time visitors.
That allows for slowing down to ogle, or to snap a quick picture or two from the car -- and, for the inevitable, 'wrong turn' or two.
It's NOT about scary -- There are Motorways where 70MPH + is common -- BUT the 'Good Stuff' is not ON the Motorway. There is SO much to see and do that the typical tourist will be lucky to AVERAGE 35 MPH -- I usually suggest planning using the assumption of 30 MPH, for First Time visitors.
That allows for slowing down to ogle, or to snap a quick picture or two from the car -- and, for the inevitable, 'wrong turn' or two.
May 21st, 2014, 06:00 PM
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http://www.distancesfrom.com/ie/dist...ry/179527.aspx
This will give you some time and distance. Not sure what time your flight is in the morning.
2 nights Dublin
1 night Cork City
2 nights ?
2 nights Galway
maybe spend the last night closer to Shannon.
Where are you staying in Dublin for the game? That is going to be crazy with Penn State and UCF fans. I would leave town if I was a resident...
This will give you some time and distance. Not sure what time your flight is in the morning.
2 nights Dublin
1 night Cork City
2 nights ?
2 nights Galway
maybe spend the last night closer to Shannon.
Where are you staying in Dublin for the game? That is going to be crazy with Penn State and UCF fans. I would leave town if I was a resident...
May 22nd, 2014, 03:27 AM
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The hotel is: Finnstown Country House Hotel - are you familiar with it? Distance calculator states Galyway is a little over an hour from Shannon airport - does that sound accurate? Flights are at 9am. Oh - and I meant to say 2 nights in Killarney as well. As far as the driving goes - my mind in a it more at ease - my biggest concern was just getting out of Dublin via car!
May 22nd, 2014, 04:07 AM
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It is very easy driving with the new roads, you are not staying in the city center so you are ok with a car. I would use public transportation going into Dublin and Croke park for sure though. We have a fair amount of roundabouts in the states now so you will be ok.
http://www.drivinglessonsdublin.ie/signs.html
My first time I wanted to know what traffic calming signs meant.
http://www.drivinglessonsdublin.ie/signs.html
My first time I wanted to know what traffic calming signs meant.
May 22nd, 2014, 04:15 AM
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If you are making a 9 AM flight at Shannon from accommodation in Galway, you will need to leave Galway by 5 AM -- At the Latest.
In addition to the 1+ hour drive, you NEED three hours, to return the car, check in, clear AIRPORT security, US Customs and Immigration Pre-Clearance AND US Security.
In addition to the 1+ hour drive, you NEED three hours, to return the car, check in, clear AIRPORT security, US Customs and Immigration Pre-Clearance AND US Security.
