IRELAND: 9/28-10/7 updated itinerary... comments welcome
 

Just looking for comments on our latest itinerary!

9/28
Arrive in Dublin 9am, overnight in Dublin
Lodging: Cashel Lodge or Mont Clare Hotel or Jury's Inn
Dublin Sites: Trinity College, Book of Kells, Guiness, Dublin Castle, etc.
Figure we'll can start exploring round 1 or 2pm after resting from long trip from Chicago.

9/29
One full day to explore.
Overnight in Dublin, same place

9/30
Explore early morning to mid morning.
Pick up car at Avis City Center location (worried about getting to Wicklow from downtown Dublin especially since first time driving in Ireland).
Leave for Avoca.
Figure we'll have late afternoon to explore Wicklow on way to Avoca.
Overnight in Avoca
Lodging: Koliba House
Wicklow Sites: Glendalough, Wicklow Nat'l Park, Avoca, Enniskerry, Powerscourt

10/1
Explore Avoca/Glendalough early morning to early afternoon.
Head to Kilkenny.
Explore late afternoon.
Overnight in Kilkenny
Lodging: Dunromin B&B or Launard House
Kilkenney Sites: Kilkenny Castle, Jerpoint Abbey

10/2
Finish exploring Kilkenny early morning then head to Cashel. See Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Swiss Cottage.
Off to Waterford, then Cork (probably just a drive through visit), and finally to Killarney.
Overnight Killarney
Lodging: Kingfisher Lodge or Kathleen's Country House or Rossarney House
Killarney Sites: Gap of Dunloe, Killarney Nat'l Park, Ring of Kerry, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle, Black Valley, etc.
Figure we won't have much time to explore Killarney today.

10/3
One full day to explore.
Overnight Killarney, same place.

10/4
One full day to explore.
Overnight Killarney, same place.

10/5
Leave for Doolin early morning.
Doolin Sites: Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Ailwe Caves, Aran Islands (possibly)
Overnight Doolin
Lodging: Seaview House (crossing fingers that it's avail)

10/6
Finish exploring Doolin area early morning to early afternoon.
Head to Bunratty.
Overnight Bunratty.
Lodging: Bunratty Lodge
Bunratty Sites: Castle, Folk Park, Banquet, Durty Nelly's

10/7
Head home from Shannon early morning.

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1. Please comment on or add suggestions for other places to stay.
2. Would like to stay at fewer places but not sure how to adjust schedule.
3. Realistic trip or a frantic pace?

Your schedule looks pretty good in terms of seeing alot of Ireland. I might add or subtract a few sites in Dublin, and know of a few others in the West, but it's a matter of interests. Yes, you have quite a bit crammed in with driving time included. You may want to eliminate one or two towns..kind of like packing and then leaving out a few items?

We were with a group several years ago so can't really comment on lodging. But we did have pleasant extra days before in Dublin, after in Killarney. We did take in a good deal of trad Irish music in pubs here and there which I don't see included in your plans. Too bad!

You will likely be getting advice about this or that as many have been to Ireland. Good luck.

ozarksbill
[email protected]

Try www.irelandtoday.ie and www.irishtourism.ie
When in Dublin head for bus station in O'Connell Street where you can get on a city tour bus to be driven to the sights you mentioned.
Safe journey and I will wave as you pass by.

Hello -- when in Dublin, do take the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour (narrated) of the city for a good overview. You can also get off at the sites you want to visit, and pick up the bus later to continue on. Tickets are valid for 24 hours.

Excited to see you are going to Avoca and staying at Koliba. Rose and Brendan are great, and the B&B is most pleasant and comfortable. We thoroughly enjoyed the area overall and visiting Powerscourt (had a nice lunch at Powerscourt cafe, with a pretty view) and visiting Glendalough was magical.

Do hope the trip goes well -- allow time for getting lost (!), and for just enjoying memorable times.

Sue

I stayed at the Mont Clare last month; it was a great location and an easy drive in from glendalough--we almost drove right smack into the hotel. There was a car rental place (Dan Dooley maybe) within a block of the hotel which would have been a whole lot easier for us than returning the car to the airport.

If you stay at the Mont Clare, its right next to Trinity College and across from the Museums. Starting out at 2:00 you might not get to do much exploring; places close around 4:30-5:00. Seems like we were always rushed for time to see all the things we had on our list.

While in Cashel, I'd recommend stopping at Hoar Abby, it is right behind the castle.

Also think driving up to Doolin might be pretty ambitious--don't know how much time you'll have to explore all the sites you listed. If you decide not to go to Doolin, I'd highly recommend the Slea Head drive in Doolin. It was my favorite part of my last trip.

Enjoy yourself!

Would highly recommend Kingfisher Lodge in Killarney. Immaculate modern home close to town. Large breakfast menu too.

I would cut out one day from Kilarney and maybe stay in dingle for a day, you have a hectic week , enjoy and remember, Irish people are more relaxed about things, so you will automatically slow down, have a great trip