First-timer to Ireland
 

Four 40+ yr old adults plan to take first trip to Ireland in late June. We have five days and no plans. We would love advice on "must sees" and other less known places to visit.

Thanks

...where are you landing? My suggestions would be influenced by your port on entry...5 days is short.

Agree with previous response. Answers require a question or two: which airport (Dublin, Shannon etc.), your major interests (scenery, history, pubs-music), how much travel time (you can spend lots of time in a few special places or rush around alot).
After you "confront" these basic decisions, people can better respond.
ozarks bill

Thanks for the responses. We have not chosen a port. We are thinking about the South and or West coast. Since we have only 5 days, we are seeking advice from those who have been.

Thanks in advance.

Dear California D,

Fly into Shannon, spend the 1st night in Doolin, then head to Dingle ... via the Kilmer Tarbet ferry.

Spectacular scenery, great people, great pubs w/trad music. (Small bridge Caffe)

You really need more time - can you squeeze in a few more days?

Enjoy,
Tam

If you fly into Shannon, I'd either go south to Dingle or north to Galway and Connemara.

The scenery of the Dingle Peninsula is dramatically beautiful and the town of Dingle is fun. Lots of great pubs and some very good restaurants.

Galway is a wonderful city if you'd prefer that. Good shopping, restaurants, pubs, and music. The Connemara area is broodingly beautiful.

Dingle and Connemara are two of my favorite parts of Ireland. You'll have a hard time going wrong with either choice.

Tams suggestion is as good though Doolin will be very crowded in late June as will much of the west. You will have very long days with the sun setting around 10:00 PM. Because of the crowds, if you want to hear music, you'll probably have to get there early and stake your claim to a seat for the rest of the night. When I say early, I mean 6:30 - 7:00 PM for a 9:30 - 10:00 PM music start. The music in Doolin can be great or so-so, but the room fills up and if you are any distance from the musicians, you won't hear a note. Sit as close as you can. Near Doolin are the Cliffs of Moher which is one of the most well known sites in Ireland. Visit there very early or very late in the day to avoid the crowds. The sunset from there can be beautiful.

Dingle will be pretty crowded in June also, but it sort of the #1 pick for coastal scenery in a small area. Connor Pass and Slea Head get the great reviews and they are certainly spectacular. Again, try to catch them when the crowds are low.

For an off the beaten path drive near in Co Clare, try the drive to Loop Head as far SW as you can go in Clare. Whenever possible, follow the ride along the coast. You will notice very few places to stay and eat the further south you get which is why this drive doesn't get the tourists visits. Well worth it.

There are, of course, other options which would take you north into Connemara instead of south to Dingle. I stayed at Clare Castle in November and it was great fun. The owners are musicians and put on an impromptu concert in the great room, in front of a fire on a cold night.

I could go on, but I'm Having Ireland withdrawal just typing about it. Have fun!!

Bill

Yep, you've gotten good advice if coming in at Shannon...Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway (and also the Burren, castles, Craggenouwen, etc). Better just take your time and soak in the scenery and ambiance than drive around too much. There is the impressive Rock of Cashel not so far distant and I do like Killarney for pubs and music. Of course, Dublin and other parts east await you!
ozarksbill