Greetings. I'm excited to say that I am leaving on my first trip to Ireland next Wednesday. Here's my question. After arriving in Shannon Thursday morning at around 10:30 AM,I plan on picking up my rental car and driving to Dingle for my first two days in the country.

I understand that I'll be very tired regardless of how much rest I get on the plane; moreover, I understand that the AA Route Planner may be inaccurate when saying you can get to Dingle from Shannon in less than three hours. However, I would love to start my vacation in this area as I will be in Ireland only seven days.

Is this way too ambitious, a bit ambitious, or no big deal?

Thanks in advance for your responses. Eveyrone here has been instrumental in helping me plan this vacation.

How long is your flight? How many hours of a time change from home? Can you sleep well on planes?

All of these factors effect the answer to your question of how much you will want to plan for your first day.

Shannon to Dingle....piece of cake (or better still, scone) ...it's appproximately 100 miiles..but be sure to take the most direct National (N) roads since you'll be too tired to drive the more scenic...although the stretch along the southern edge of the Dingle Peninsula is dramatic enough.From Shannon, take the direct route to nearby Limerick, follow all signs west on N-21 (toward Killarney and Tralee).. When the N-21 points toward Tralee, switch to the N-23 to Milltown, and then the R-561 to Dingle...it's not difficult...should have little or no traffic that hour of day. I estimate two and a half hours...certainly less than three.
In Dingle there are many choices for lodgings...we have stayed at the intown B and B above Doyle's wonderful restaurant (building is painted a bright red). In fact the whole town is painted in primary colors...as many Irish towns are likewise. Enjoy!!

Stu ( *after being all over Ireland four times, it still ranks as one of my Top Five countries)

I've driven directly to Dingle after an overnight flight into Shannon. It's taken me pretty close to 3 hours which is a bit of a stretch for me on the first day. So, in answer to your question, I'd say a bit ambitious, maybe, but certainly doable. I just stop for tea or take a break for lunch when the drive starts feeling long. Nothing like spending your first night in Dingle!

I think its a little ambitious, but would recommend going for it. In July we arrived at 7:30 am and had a 2 hr wait for the car. Once on the road to Dingle, we used the AA directions and got lost outside Limerick (I think). The directions referred to a left hand turn after a rotary that we could not find even after backtracking. So, I would recommend having a second set of directions on hand.

Reading Jackie's post made me laugh! If you are traveling with someone this will help. Make sure you have good directions. We were glad we didn't drive on our first day because we were very tired (coming from LAX). Sometimes the directions on the signs make you feel like you're in Oz.
Have a wonderful trip. Ireland is so beautiful and the people...

Keep your options open! If you feel the need, you can 'pack it in' in Tralee (Kerry) or NewcastleWest (Limerick). I like Killeline Leisure Park south of the N-21, NewcastleWest (on the Old Cork Road). They have` a fully equipped Spa (steam & Sauna) and a 20m heated indoor swimming pool.

A swim, a steam bath and a good night's sleep and you'll be ready to go in the morning.

It's adjacent to Mick McCoy's Sports Bar.

Not ambitious at all! As Tower said, piece of cake.

Driving from Shannon to Donegal Town, approx. 5-6 hours--now that's ambitious. I did it but wouldn't do it again.

Have you made a transatlantic flight before? It affects people differently. I find that as long as I don't drink any alcohol on the flight, I'm good until about 5 or 6 pm, then I crash. My last trip abroad was to Paris with my husband and 3 kids. The four of them were useless the entire day. We tried to tour, but everyone kept falling asleep whenever they'd sit down. One you can tell whether you'll be up for a drive.

You will be tired after a transatlantic flight but driving from shannon to dingle is not a problem, I'm from dublin and have done the dublin-dingle run many times, but dont always assume the sign posts are correct! always check with your own map, enjoy Dingle, I'm sure you will love it and its people.

If you plan plenty of stops into the trip, you'll be fine. Jet lag hates sunshine and excercise, so get out of the car a lot. It's not the amount of driving as much as it is the constant time staring at the road. Keep in mind that research shows that driving while exhausted is pretty similar to driving while drunk. The reaction time is greatly decreased so you need to do everything you can to refresh yourself the moment you start feeling tired.

Bill

You have got all good advice on this post. Shannon to Dingle is is not a hard drive except for the last couple of miles where the road gets very winding. Just don't do the Connor Pass on the first day. Have fun it is a great time of year to go.

Ishirema,

You have gotten great advice from Tower, Johnod, et al. Make sure you avoid Connor Pass on your way in. Look for a junction that gives you two alternatives in to Dingle. Take the non-Connor one to the left, as I remember.

We stayed at Heaton's Inn. It is a little pricey but really a great place with hospitable owners, nice scenery.

Remember to take frequent breaks during your drive. Figure you will travel at an average of 35 mph, so three hours should do it.

Once settled in, take a ride out to Slea Head. It is one of the most scenic places in Ireland.

Failte!

Anthony

Totally doable in my opinion.

Thanks for the great advice everyone. I truly feel that the good people here have helped me plan a wonderful trip.