First trip to Ireland. Should we fly into Dublin or Shannon? We'll have a car and want to relax and see a small part of the country. Appreciate any thoughts.

I really love Ireland's west coast, so I'd say Shannon. Since it will be your first time driving in Ireland, I think you'll find the location of Shannon and the traffic around it much more manageable.
And, since you're hoping to have a relaxing vacation, there's no place better for relaxing than western Ireland's small coastal towns.

I'd pick Shannon. Lots of choices from there. The east coast and Dublin is nice, but for a short visit, the West area has a bigger "wow" factor.

Most people that do a 6 night package Fly into Shannon Then depart from Dublin That way you can cover a lot of ground without back tracking .this way will give you more time and choice of place to go .Also it will help you get familiar to driving on the other side of the road before you hit the big city's

wint,

Given this is your first trip to Eire and considering your relatively short visit, I'd opt for Shannon. It's easy to get in
and out of Shannon Airport, and it'll put you within an hour's drive of Ireland most wonderful attraction, its west coast.

Consider the following itinerary: Two days exploring the Burren, located in north/NW County Clare, perhaps staying in the underrated, untouristy town of Corofin.

The next two days and nights would be well spent along the Dingle Peninsula, without doubt one of the Republic's most scenic, atmospheric regions.

Finally, consider concluding your journey along the Iveragh Peninsula, touring the Ring of Kerry (but only if clear weather is on your side). A highlight of this region is an excursion out to Skellig Michael, a former monastic site that is truly one of the most magnificently situated in all western Europe.

Alternatrively, you could spend as day exploring Killarney's national park along with a side trip touring the Beara Peninsula, a relatively tourist-free alternative to the Ring of Kerry, one that features much striking scenery.

Best of luck.

Message: Definitely Shannon. 6 nights is too short to do it all. We just returned and flew into Shannon and out of Dublin. Had 7 nights and wished we had booked Shannon only. The west coast is enchanting - spend as much time as you can here and see Dublin another time. See Ennis and stay a night. Very authentic - heard the best Irish music (session) here at Cruise's Pub - good pub food too. Doolin, Galway, Dingle Penisula, Ring of Kerry, Kinsale - all worth a visit!! Have fun. On your return do all your gift shopping at Shannon airport - no VAT and a wide selection of items. Have fun. Stay LEFT on the road and ENJOY!!

I would fly into Shannon. It is easier to drive there than Dublin and it's less busy/congested.

Six nites is not a whole lot of time, but in and out of Shannon is the way to go if you want to visit the Southwestern part of Ireland. You will be overwhelmed with just Doolin/Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, Killarney, and back to Shannon. Just scratching the surface. If you want to do more in 6 days, you won't have any time left to drink the great Guinness. Relax, have a good time, and suck up some of the ambiance. That's what Ireland is all about. And have another pint of Guinness for me.

We flew into Shannon and stayed at Dromoland Castle then headed out for 7 days before flying out of Dublin. Don't miss Connor's Pass and Slea Head on Dingle Peninsula but didn't enjoy the Ring of Kerry - too touristy, crowded with buses. Make sure you splurge and get the auto rental insurance as most US Carriers normal coverage don't cover accidents in Ireland (and there are many).

If you want to relax and see a small part of the country... I think you should fly into Shannon and explore either the central part of the West coast (Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Galway, Connemara region) or the Southwest (Dingle penninsula, Ring of Kerry and Killarney). We did all of these areas in 7 days and ended up driving 800+ miles. We enjoyed it, but I wouldn't call it relaxing. I'd pick the Southwest.

Great advice from other posters! I agree, I would fly in and out of Shannon with only six days. Great schedule provided by David D! I would try to squeeze in a night or two to drive a bit north of Shannon to Cong to stay at Ashford Castle - it is a bit pricey, but oh so enchanting! If you get to Kinsale (one of my favorite locations in Ireland) have lunch or dinner in Max's Wine Bar!

Definitely Shannon. Make sure car is automatic--cost a little more but easier to drive. Plenty to see on West coast. From Galway to Killarney. Drive to Dingle and stay at Heaton's Guest House--best there is!! From what I have read on the board here the Ring of Kerry is crowded, touristy, and somewhat disappointing given all the other options to visit.

Hello Wintkat -

I just came back from spending 7 days/nights and flew into Shannon and out of Dublin. I highly recommend that to anyone and this was our first trip.

If you are interested in what we did -

We booked our own flights on USAirways for $408 each. Then we bought CIE Vouchers from AAA for first class hotels. These vouchers worked great for us because we booked the hotels prior to leaving the States.

We drove straight to Galway and spent 2 nights. Then we drove to Killarney and spent 2 nights. Then we drove to Waterford for 1 night and Dublin for 2 nights.

The vouchers paid for the hotels, breakfast and car rental.

Don't be alarmed that the car you receive will be banged up - that's just how they rent them.

I strongly suggest that you print out and take with you directions from Michellan - it's the equivalent of Mapquest.

Once you know the direction and main roads, take your time driving, enjoy the scenery and allow time to veer off your path.

The people are warm and friendly, the food in the pubs is fresh and good and make sure you go into as many pubs as possible.

Our only regret is that we did not take a photo of the front of each pub we visited. That would make a great keepsake album.

Enjoy!

Gee, we never got a banged up car. Should I feel left out? Ours were nice, clean, low mileage, and stick shift. Gotta get the stick shift. Don't be a wimp. My wife even drives a stick shift.

I've never gotten a banged up car either, Budman. And I always go for the stick shift.

I am picking my son up at the Shannon airport. Where is a good spot where we can meet? Neither of us know the airport.
Thanks,
Jill

Hi Jill,

Shannon is not a big airport. There is one departure lounge and one arrivals lounge. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding each other!

You have been given great advice so far! Banged up car, though? Ours was pristine when we picked it up from Dan Dooley- now when we dropped it off...that's a different story.

Yup, Shannon. BTW, the Ring of Kerry can be loaded with buses if you drive it at the wrong time. There are some tricks to avoiding the crowds and the south side is beautiful.

Bill