I am looking to do a trip to Ireland in the end of September and was thinking of a few days in Dublin but I would love to see the countryside and heard Dingle is great. What is the best way (most time conscience) to get there (plane into Shannon?) is the drive scenic?? I dont mind taking the day to drive if it is nice. Thanks for the info

I honeymooned in Ireland in 1991 so it's been a while so my memory might not be exact. I remember there being at least one major east-west highway in Ireland on which you can span the length of Ireland in less than three hours. I would take one of the major highways and branch off to a rural road when you get west. Take in Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle and the Ring of Kerry.

Best plan might be fly into Dublin and out of Shannon. We were in Ireland several years ago in Sept. on tour and on our own. As has been oft discussed on Fodors, some appreciated sights in Dublin and some want to see only the West country. We liked both and yes driving West, you will enjoy horse farms and scenery, also surely a stop at Rock of Cashel. Enjoy.
Ozarks Bill [email protected]

To clarify: driving time from:
-Shannon to Dingle Peninsula is about three hours.
-From Dingle to Dublin 6+ hours. Figure you will make at most 45 mph on the major roads. Not particularly scenic unless you meander off main roads.

You did not say how many days you have. Let's assume 7 days. Assuming sceneryis paramount: I would fly in to Shannon, spend three days in the Dingle area--see Slea Head, etc.; then drive to Kinsale - see Charlesfort; Cobh for two days, then up to Dublin for two days. Drive from Kinsale to Dublin is about 5 hours.

Good luck.

Anthony

It would help ti know how many days you have and what you want to see in Dublin.

If time is a factor, I'd fly from Dublin to Shannon. The drive between these two cities is not terribly difficult but there really isn't much to see unless you venture off the main highway. Be prepared for the driving to become much more difficult the closer you get to the west coast. I'd rent an automatic transmission even though it's more expensive. The roads are unbelieveably narrow, curvy, and pitch black at night.

Don't fly to Shannon....you'd still have a 3 hour drive to Dingle from there.

Your best option would be to fly from Dublin to Kerry (www.aerarann.com do some very cheap rates - approx €30). From there you can rent a car and drive to Dingle. The drive will only be about an hour and is very scenic.

Here's a great website for tourist info: www.dingle-peninsula.ie

Sorry that I didnt mention how long I will have. If I stay in Dublin for two nights I will have four days left. I would like to see some authentic "Irish countryside." Went to the cotswolds in England and loved it. Anything along those lines.

I have driven to Dingle from Shannon a few times. I really enjoyed the ferry ride and the scenery is gorgeous. Go for it!

OK heres a thougt. Drive south from Dublin on the R761 to Greystone Harbour. Lovley little place and just a short drive. Relax and walk around, it will be quite different from the city.
Next day drive thru the Wicklow Mts. then on to Cashel for a night. Next north to Kilkenney for a night. For the last night go back north to Aughrim. I spent my first night ever in Ireland here. Lawless Hotel if I remember. Nice Place Old but Nice. A River runs next door and you sleep wi th the window open and the sound of a waterfall. Very nice. Short drive to Dublin to catch a plane. Next time fly into Shannon and we will plan you a real Irish Country holiday. Have Fun

Okay, now I am sooo confused but I really do appreciate all the input. I dont have to fly into Dublin. In fact I am probably going to fly into London Gatwick (much cheaper for me) and take Easyjet or Ryanair to Ireland. I am open for anything. I really want to see the countryside. I just figured that I would need to spend at least a day in Dublin (right??) Let's just say "if you only had six days (not counting your departure day) what would you do??"

OK Dublin is a big City. There are many sites if you are interest in Irish history. (GPO, Dublin Castle, Etc.) If This interests you then you have to spend at least a day in Dublin)..If not then don't fly into Dublin. Fly into Cork for six day of great country side and views. If you can fly out of Shannon. Drive from Cork airport to Kinsale for your first night. I would spend the 2nd of you six nights in Kinsale and use the 2nd dayu to

Sorry, must have hit the wrong key and broke up this message. Second day in Kinsale drive to Cobh and visit the Heritage center. Or leave Kinsale and drive to Goleen on the Mizen peninsula. Stay at Herons Cove and drive to Mizen Head. Next day drive on the N-71 thru the mountains, thru Killarney Nat. park to Killarney. Do the Gap of Dunloe. Drive up onto Dingle for a night and then onto Shannon, about a three hour drive. If you only have six days you have to decide, Dublin of the S/W. Either way have fun.

Fly into Dublin, if you want to see Dublin, then fly out of Shannon or Cork or Kerry or Knock, to return to London. It will save a day of travel returning to Dublin, just to catch your flight.
Go to www.aaroadwatch.ie for route planning. Ignore their time estimates. Instead, figure each 30 to 35 miles will take you an hour. The new Bypass schemes do cut down on delays, but they BYPASS SOOOO Much...