Tony2phones

Bunratty 10 minutes from SNN doesn't open until 9.. As the Cliffs are a deal breaker.. leave the airport head up the M18 and left turn for the coast under Ennis, Lahinch is a decent spot to stretch your legs, Randaddies will be open for Breakfast. Up to Moher. Back the way you came and call into Bunratty? That might be about 11 or 12.. 1 1/2 hours for the folk park/castle Lunch in Durty Nellies the tourist favourite. Take the Shannon Tunnel, €1.90 toll and stop for the 20 minute walk about photo shoot in Adare.. Back on the road and through Listowel one of the best of Irelands Heritage Towns.. Tralee bypass or by the Hosiptal. Connor Pass and drop into Dingle possibly about 5pm.. (how long have you all been up?)

Day 2 Slea Head and Gallarus (don't pay over the odds for parking (ask in town)) out past Inch beach and drop into Killarney a little after Lunch.

Jamesons Middleton is straight forward from Kinsale over the river to tick the ferry box into Cobh and Fota? on the way.

No idea which is the better Hopper bus in Dublin but Kilmainham is always on my recommended list, The Ginness Storehouse is an interactive museum/sales room/and the Gravity bar overlooking Dublin... Those expecting an old fashioned Brewery Tour tend to go away disappointed.

Sometimes I come over as a grumpy old man, sometimes I am one.. I do though try and give sensible practical and logistical advice.. Have a good time and let us know how it went after the event..

Tony2phones

Sorry IC overlapped on the postings

Bette

I'm not an expert like some who have provided assistance. I can tell you we have visited Ireland approximately 10 times. I think your Day 1 is way too long. If you must see the Cliffs, I would stay in Ennis on night one, then work your way down to Dingle on Day 2. Cut Kinsale from 3 nights to 2 nights. Kinsale is pleasant but does not need 3 nights. You will find wonderful food, beautiful harbors, quaint towns all along the way.

maryannmcgrath5

Tony thank you so much just got home and read your reply I was hoping to hear from you I love your enthusiasm you are extremely helpful i wish i reached out to this site earlier not much i can do about the hotel situation it had been set up for us you make a lot of sense and so does everyone else and again I SO APPRECIATE all of the posts! Tony how many times have you visited? you amaze me with your knowledge of the area. i hope this to be an amazing trip and we will take all advice to heart my husband is not the MACHO military type he is amazing, practical, civil affairs 82nd airborne southern gentleman pretty much the opposite of macho!!! hah ah. can't get any better I know he will narrow everything down and choose the right options...thanks to all especially tony...i am thankful for all of your realistic suggestions....have a great night

Bette

<<Tony how many times have you visited? you amaze me with your knowledge of the area.>>

It is my understanding that Tony lives in Ireland, so you are getting advice from a local.

historytraveler

Also good advice from several other posters including the Italian who IME is always offers excellent advice on traveling in Ireland.

krejaton

Listen to Tony and Italian, between them, they have about 95% of the answers you seek. In another post He-of-2-Phones said he has lived there 50 years, so that's pretty reliable in my book.

Tony2phones

There are several excellent contributors across several of the forums,, Many with more knowledge on specific locations than I have, many have better control of eloquence than I could hope for.. All I do in my occasionally heavy handed way is share a little general knowledge to try and make a positive contribution to what visitors can get from their time over here.

I started coming to Ireland on the cattle boats as a child in the 60's visiting family and Gramps friends. Fishing trips in the 70's, work/holidays on and off in the 80's to 03. Holidays/home searching 03-07 when we bought the cottage.. 9 years on the Ireland forums in enforced retirement..

I make friends and foes with my honest approach but without the contribution of diverse and advised information you might as well be on the Rick Steves forum..

I personally tip my hat to all those who ask and contribute. Those who ask have an interest in getting the most from their visit and those who contribute have an interest in assisting in that goal..

flpab

http://www.wonderfulireland.ie/west/brandon-bay/#/

Some info about Conor pass. I have not been that way since 2000 and it was such a narrow road so be careful. Beautiful when we crossed, still morning mist and loads of sheep on the road.
It is about 14 euro to get into the Guinness storehouse. Still always fun to go to the gravity bar and your kids will love the elevators to the top. You can get a day tripper pass, good for your whole family in Dublin for around ten euro. You can use the city bus and the luas tram to get around if you don't want to do the hop on hop off bus.

www.stmichans.com might be something your kids would find interesting. Limited hours so make check out their times.

Cohb is very interesting and beautiful. I have never been to Jameson in Midleton so want to hear your report on that.

flpab

http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/st-michans-church

a little better description of the mummies. I was thinking if your two were boys they would like that. I can't find the Dublin pass we got. We bought it at the airport. Sorry. Kinsale is lovely.

Grafton St is always fun. Check out Marks and Spencer bottom floor for great take out and snacks.