Nine nights in south west ireland

Old Nov 9th, 2013, 02:38 AM
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Nine nights in south west ireland

We would like some advice on an itinerary for nine nights in SW Ireland in late June early July 2014. Flying into Shannon and out of Cork. Planning 3 nights near Galway, and 3 nights near Cork and somewhere in between or 4 and 5 nights. Some suggestions please.
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Old Nov 9th, 2013, 04:00 AM
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Galway

Hit the Connemara first then head down the coast - stop by the Cliffs of Mohair for a night - then go down to Dingle - the Dingle Peninsula to me was totally awesome - rugged coast - just awesome - base in Dingle, a lively town

Then go to Killarney, a sweet town in a lovely bucolic area

Then over to Cork.

To whet your appetite for the Dingle Peninsula check out these images:

https://www.google.com/search?q=ding...=1600&bih=1032

The West Coast is the Galletaecht (sp?) area where Gaellic is still used as a daily language and is a backwards area in many ways - largely depopulated during the potato famine in the 1800s when many emigrated to America - it stagnated - an interesting area.

On the way into Cork stop by Blarney Castle and buss the Blarney Stone (trying to forget the legend that locals enjoy going up there at night and relieving themselves on it!)

Cork to me was fantastic - check out the legendary singing pubs for traditional Irish folk music.
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Old Nov 9th, 2013, 04:53 AM
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This is an up and back down approach and since Clare sits between SNN and Galway then heading up via west Clare down via east Clare (yes there is an east Clare) could be an option.

From Shannon select a spot in west Clare between Loop Head and Ballyvaughan or Kinvara (Galway) see the cliffs and Burren maybe Inis Oirr.

Connemara to the west of Galway could be a good option for 3 days with more than enough to fill that time. http://ireland.activeboard.com/t5005...-galway-route/ see map linked.

Dropping back down consider Lough Derg and stay between Ennis and Adare before Kerry.

I have seen a good bit of Ireland so am less enthralled by Dingle (mainly Dingle town) than many who think it unique, which it is only in its popularity even amongst those who only dream of visiting the island of Ireland.. My recommendation drive round the peninsula between the Shannon and Kerry but stay a night if you like, they put on a good show in the summer months.

Killarney or Kenmare are good touring bases for Kerry and the western part of Cork. spending 3 nights there gives time to explore the region which does require a little off piste exploring to get the most from. Beara the peninsula split by the Kerry/Cork border is the same size as the Dingle peninsula but as yet has avoided the Ireland does Disney kerryitus and remains unspoiled.

Into Cork and the lower peninsula's Sheeps Head and Mizen best explored but Hiking or Cycling? are again less hyped and less visited. Kinsale of course like Dingle town has been pushed by Tourism Ireland to compensate for the decline in Fishing industry with increased tourism and if you believe the press is the "gourmet capital". Personally I prefer Cobh but as a touring base the city itself would be a good option.

So 9 nights on the west side is easily filled and has many options.. my only advice as you may have gathered is to see just a little of the Ireland the natives see, rather than what is presented for the benefit of visitors. The locals are generally amongst the most friendly you can wish to meet so mix a little stay in mid priced B&B's eat Pub grub and Café meals rather than high priced restaurant fare.
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Old Nov 9th, 2013, 06:12 AM
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http://www.dodingle.com/Activities/f...e_dolphin.html

Fungi the Dolphin has become a cottage industry in Dingle - Fungi the dolphin wswam into Dingle Bay in 1984 and has stayed - now you can go out and swim with Fungi!
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Old Nov 9th, 2013, 06:44 AM
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Yes and an American has set up an ice cream shop... If you want to see Dolphins (plural) then there are trips out from a couple of spots on Loop Head Clare.. of course for Orca you would be better off Malin Head Donegal, the Irish Whale watch is based down in Cork and will give details.. They have also put up warning signs in Doolin where Dusty the resident Dolphin has taken to retaliating against unwanted attention not having the depth of Dingle bay to "get away"..

Sorry Palen you are clearly enamoured with Dingle but there is nothing there that can't be found elsewhere around the island if only people would take the initiative to look.
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Old Nov 9th, 2013, 06:58 AM
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Dingle Town to me is nothing special and I did not mean to imply that it was - just a nice watering hole to base in whilst seeing the Dingle Peninsula, which to me at least was awesome.
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Old Nov 9th, 2013, 06:59 AM
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Show you round Beara or Achill sometime
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