First Time Ireland-help
 

We are planning to go to Ireland Sept06. First time there. Coming/going from Shannon. Thinking about doing the following but need to know in what order would be best for driving: Shannon/1-Ennis/2-nights-Kenmare/3-nights-Dingle/1-Bunratty/Shannon - would like to see in those areas..any suggestions as to B&B's...would like to ride (maybe in Dingle). Should I change the itinery in any way? Heard Lisdoovorna was nice, should I try one night there? Appreciate any suggestions-

ttt

The best order for your itinerary is:
Shannon/Ennis - 1 night
Dingle - 3 nights
Kenmare - 2 nights
Bunratty - 1 night

I see you are concentrating on the SW and mostly Co. Kerry. You do not mention Killarney, but I presume you intend to visit the highlights of Killarney from Dingle and/or Kenmare. You can drive through Lisdoonvarna on your way to Dingle (from Ennis, head to see the Cliffs of Moher and also see Lisdoonvarna, and then south to the car ferry over to Tarbert, Co. Kerry and on to Dingle). In September, Lisdoonvarna is knee deep in an annual Matchmaking Festival, so it is not the best place to stay unless you are interested in the singles scene and "matchmaking."

As to B&Bs, I have many recommendations on my web site - www.IrelandExpert.com which you might like to visit for ideas - not only on where to stay but for restaurants, pubs, shops, attractions, etc. I have written 12 books on Ireland and gladly share my ideas with you.

In the meantime, one B&B that I would single out is Stella Doyle's Townhouse at 55 John St. in Dingle.

Hope this helps,
Pat

IrelandExpert gave you some good advice. I think of Lisdoonvarna as a place to stay, it is no more interesting than the rest of the villages, which are all lovely. Oh, dear, I see when you are going, I'd stay clear of Lisdoon. because of the matchmaking. The Burren is beautiful, maybe you might save it for another trip. You'll love Dingle and Kenmare. I stayed at Greenmount House in Dingle and The Lodge in Kenmare. They were both wonderful. Both towns do seem to have a lot of good b&b's. My best, Joan

While Dingle is certainly worth three nights (especially if you want to take the time to go riding), after your night in Ennis you could drive through the Burren, see the Cliffs of Moher, and then swing south along the coast, stopping to spend the night in Kilkee. Then spend two nights in Dingle.

Hmmmm.

I have to agree with Pat. By the way Pat along with Fodorites helped me greatly with my last trip. Loved that 10% discount from Dan Dooley. Joan

Pat - How should the OP and I interpret your "Hmmmm"? Do you think my suggestion of considering cutting one night in Dingle to allow time for driving through the Burren is a bad idea? Do you think spending a night in Kilkee is a bad idea? Both? For me, "Hmmmm" is not a helpful comment.

Tim,

I think you need to look more closely at the names of the people posting. Perhaps if you go to TheIrelandExpert's website you can get more advice directly from her. She has a forum, sells books, gives tours and lots of other things on her website. It was very helpful of her to include that link to her site for you.

IrishEyes - I have visited IrelandExpert's Web site any number of times over the past year and a half. It's excellent! But that's not the issue here.

The OP asked for comments on her proposed itinerary, including possible changes. IrelandExpert gave hers. Her tip on being aware of the matchmaking festival in Lisdoonvarna was especially helpful, I thought.

In the interest of being helpful myself, I gave an alternative driving route for the OP to consider. If, based on her knowledge and experience, IrelandExpert thinks my suggestions are poor, then I would genuinely like to know why so I don't give them to someone else in some other Ireland thread. "Hmmmm" doesn't tell me what I need to know.

Tim,

Two different posters.

1. Author: TheIrelandExpert ([email protected])

2. Author: IrelandExpert

Good catch Irisheyes. I didn't notice the two different posters...they only have three posts between the two of them. However, I am very familiar with Pat's books and website, and she is a fantastic resource.

I agree it is a good website. Maybe I am too detail oriented?

TimS, I agreed with whomever said "hmmmm" because I don't think Kilkee is worth taking a night away from Dingle or Kenmare. It's a nice little seaside town but the scenery is so outstanding over in Kerry. Have you stayed there? My Best, Joan

IrishEyes - Thanks for noticing that there are two different posters here. I'm a detail person myself, but I didn't catch that one. I apologize to Pat for thinking she was the one who said "hmmmm".

chatham - I love the Dingle Peninsula and would happily stay there as many days as possible. I suggested a night in Kilkee only because that would reduce the miles driven on the day in question so the OP would have time to see a bit of the Burren. I thought of Kilkee only as a convenient bedroom stop between the Cliffs of Moher and Dingle and I guess I should have explicitly said so. No, I haven't stayed there myself.

Kilkee and the Loophead Peninsula are great areas to explore on a last day in Ireland. As you drive into the center of Kilkee, drive around to the right by the golf course. It dead ends into a parking lot and picnic area. Get out and walk around -- some great views of the cliffs and the town.

Driving out of town along the scenic route to the lighthouse, stop by the Bridges of Ross -- watch your footing. Some beautiful scenery in Loophead. ((b))

marking

I liked Loop Head better than the Cliffs of Moher.