Feedback on April 2023 itineary for Ireland/N Ireland/Isle of Man?
 

Planning our first trip to Ireland, Northern Ireland and Isle of Man. After reviewing a few guidebooks, itinearies, and birdwatching resources for Ireland, have drafted a possible itineary. Would love your feedback on this draft itineary as well as suggestions for accomodations. Would prefer a mix of accommodations - B&B, guesthouse, small hotel or other unique place to stay. The specific hotel accommodations that have indicated below are available to me either free (Hyatt points) or with a sizeable discount (American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts annual credit), We have not yet booked our flights so the start and end dates can change.

We are fairly healthy 65 & 73 year old retirees, and enjoy nature, wildlife, birdwatching, scenery, slow hiking, markets, independent bookstores. I play the violin so traditional music (e.g., jigs, reels, waltzes) would be nice. My husband is thinking of playing golf, and I wouldn't mind a horseback ride or afternoon tea. Not into whiskey or beer, and don’t need more glassware. We have not yet made any reservations so are open to your suggestions. A friend said she loved Killarney National Park & Dingle. Although my husband says he hates cities and prefers rural areas, he does enjoy an occasional short visit to NYC and other cities for theater, good meal, etc.

We would like to rent a car for part of our itinerary. Traffic sounds bad in Dublin & Belfast so can save money by not using a car there, but, wondering whether one-way rental (e.g., Dublin to Belfast) is much more than roundtrip (e.g., Dublin to Dublin). My husband can drive stick shift.

• April 11 – Depart USA

• April 12, 13 - Dublin (2 nites at Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin)

• April 14, 15 - 2 nites Wicklow, Arklow, Wexford, or near Rosscarbery

o visit Wexford Wildfowl Reserve

o Birding tour with Eric Dempsey https://birdsireland.com/ or Calvin Jones, https://irelandswildlife.com/product/guided-wildlife-birding-walk/ )

• April 16, 17 - Kilarney (2 nites at Kilarney Park hotel)

• April 18, 19 - Dingle (2 nites)

• April 20, 21 - Galway (2 nites at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate)

• April 22, 23 - Belfast (2 nites at Culloden Estate & Spa)

• April 24 - Return rental car at Dublin airport and fly to Isle of Man (Aer Lingus, 3:30 pm-4:20 pm)

• April 24, 25, 26 - Isle of Man

• April 27 - Fly back to Dublin from Isle of Man-Dublin (Aer Lingus, 4:45-5:35 pm), spend nite near Dublin airport?

• April 28 - Fly home to the USA or to Oslo, Norway for a possible meeting on April 29 (SAS 1:05-4:20 pm)

Thank you in advance!