SherrillK

Having read all posts for Ireland, could I have suggestions please? We'll be flying into Shannon from London, collecting a car at the airport. We have eight days to drive around to Dublin, where we intend to spend two nights before flying onto France. My husband is keen to spend the first night at Bunratty, see the castle etc.

From all I've read, the Dingle Peninsula is a must and we thought we would spend two nights there.

Where then? We don't want to rush, would rather base ourselves for another couple of nights somewhere, then another two, etc. The scenery and a couple of good pubs and perhaps a night of traditional Irish music would be our only criteria in Ireland.

Any suggestions/favourite drives, hotels, B&Bs along the way much appreciated.

Clifton

Sherrill, what time are you arriving on the first day? Since Bunratty is very near the airport, depending on this, you may have time for a small northern loop to see a bit of Co. Clare before you settle in to see the castle and folk park. Attraction in Co. Clare would include the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Pulnabrone Dolman.

From there, it seems you could realistically choose either a southernly or northernly arc to get to Dublin. Since you mention Dingle (and rightfully so), I might suggest the 1 night in Bunratty, 2 nights in Dingle, 2 in Kenmare or Killarney, 2 in Kinsale or Cobh, and the final one either in Cashel or Kilkenny. Was that 8 days including Dublin or 8 days allowance before arriving in Dublin?

SherrillK

Clifton,
Thanks for such a prompt response. We will arrive late in the afternoon at Shannon Airport.

The 8 days are prior to arrival in Dublin. The southerly arc is our choice.

Cliffs of Moher would be a choice if we felt we had time. Galway had also been a suggestion.

Clifton

For late arrival then, I think I would likely focus on Bunratty as well for that first evening.

The way to Dingle I haven't found memorable, but once on the peninsula, the drive over the Connor Pass is scenic, as is the drive that circles around at the end, at Slea Head. Very beautiful.

In County Kerry, near either Kenmare or Killarney, the Lakes of Killarney and the national park are very worthwhile. The Ring of Kerry, a loop around that peninsula is also very popular, but not as dramatic as Dingle, I feel. Just a personal view, of course, and one that's discussed here often. More a favorite of mine is the road that crosses the Healey Pass on the lesser traveled Beara Peninsula. I hear that Killarney itself is quite an attraction in high season but we've traveled in shoulder season and found less competition for space on the boats on the lake, space on the roads, etc.

Kinsale always seems very crowded to us, even in the early spring, but it's also considered the gourmet spot. We personally prefer Cobh, on the other side of Cork as a base to see things in the area. We stay at the Waters Edge hotel there. Cobh has an interesting history.

Clifton

I cut myself off somehow earlier. Anyway, was just going to say that the coastal drive from Skibereen to Cork is quite nice as is the drive from Dungarven (east of Cork and Cobh) north through Lismore and over the "Vee", towards the Cashel area. The Rock of Cashel ruins has much history behind it and is worth a visit.