IRELAND IN 10 DAYS
 

we are planning a 10 day fly/drive in Ireland in early Oct. The current plan is 3 days in Dublin (we arrive early AM on day 1); pick up car in Dublin early AM on day 4 and drive to Killarney (2night in Killarney); then drive to Galway (one night in Town); then 2 nights in Ashford Castle; drive back to Dublin for one night and board plane home on the next day at 1PM.
We are celebrating our 50th anniversary and are in our early 70s (somewhat active, but not 50 years old!) . We need help on what to see; is this a reasonable itinerary or should we change the number of nights or add a day? We don't know anyone who has been to Ireland and know only what we have seen on this Forum or in books. WE NEED HELP! SHOULD WE STAY THE LAST NIGHT IN DUBLIN OR AT THE AIRPORT?

Ok, I'm Irish so hopefully I can help!

My initial thought is that you are maybe trying to cram too much in. Three nights in Dublin to start seems fine, especially when you are coming back at the end.

However, please bear in mind that it is 4 hours minimum from Dublin-Killarney and then Killarney-Galway is 3 hours. Therefore I would say that amount of driving is not worth it for one and a bit days in Killarney. Killarney and Co. Kerry in general is one of the highlights of Ireland so I don't think it should be rushed this much. It will save you money and stress if you avoid it on this trip!

Similarly Galway deserves way more than one night (I went to uni here). Why not drive to Galway on Day 4 from Dublin (2.5 hours max. as it is all motorway). Spend 3 nights in Galway. Stick to the city as you don't have enough time to see Connemara and Clifden properly on this trip. The pubs in Galway are the best - Naughtons is the highlight, old with character and amazing Guinness.

Then spend 2 nights in Ashford Castle. If you have a spare night on your return to Dublin then why not stop off on the way in a completely untouristed town (Athlone/Tullamore etc).

Whether you stay at the airport in Dublin on your last night is your choice. Personally I would not stay out here but that is up to you, especially seen as your flight is not until 1 p.m..

In summary I would say everything you have planned is perfect but do not go to Kerry/Killarney as all of it is too much in ten days.

Dublin 3 nights
Galway 3 nights
Ashford 2 nights
Dublin 1 night
1 flexi day for surprises, mishaps, stay somewhere longer etc.

Good luck and enjoy. The weather might be ok in October!!

For starters, I would stay only 2 nights in Dublin. There is too much to see in the rest of Ireland and the extra day would be better spent somewhere else. It is a LONG drive to Killarney if you try to see things on the way as you should. You may want to stop in Cork for Blarney Castle ,
drive through the Wicklow mountains, pass by Lismore Castle, etc. Just keep in mind that it will get dark early because you are so far north.

When we flew out of Dublin in 2001 we spent our last night in Kells. Left Kells at 9:00 for the passage tombs at Newgrange just north of Dublin.After visiting wonderful Newgrange it was an easy drive to Dublin Airport via route N1. Turned in car at the airport. I would NOT spend the last night in Dublin.

If those are the places you are interested in seeing, I think your itinerary is fine. (Based on our interests, we skipped Galway altogether last May, but this may be someplace you'd want to see.) However, if you can add a day to your trip, more time in Ireland is always a good thing.

As for your last night, I would suggest you stay in a nice town near the airport like Malahide. We have done this on both of our trips to Ireland and it worked out great. The drive from Malahide to the Dublin airport is easy and takes around 15 minutes. By staying in Malahide, you can keep your car for the drive to the airport on your last day and you can enjoy an evening/morning in this charming town by the sea. There are lots of B&Bs in Malahide for your accommodations. One thing we enjoyed in Malahide was walking the grounds of Malahide Castle. The castle itself is currently closed for renovations, but the extensive grounds are freely open to visitors.

Finally, remember that you need to be at the airport in Dublin at least 3 hours before your flight to go through U.S. Customs and Immigration.

With respect, I have to entirely disagree with nannibray's comments.

While there is a lot more to Ireland than Dublin, I think for a 10 day trip on what I presume is a first time visit, I believe it makes a lot of sense to give it 3 or 4 nights. The pubs are excellent and there is lots of lovely parks and some good historical places (Kilmainham Jail). Also some good eating options. Don't let the beauty of the rest of Ireland take from Dublin's many charms (btw I am not from Dublin).

I'm not sure if you are suggesting the OP should also go to Cork but if you are then I would not agree (if you are not, then fine).

Where do you suggest he spends his last night? I think it's a perfectly logical choice to spend it in Dublin.

Yes your Itinerary is Fine.

We have all seen an awful lot worse. You cannot see all of Ireland in the time you have and whilst we all have places we prefer and detest it is Your Holiday not ours.

If you can add a day then great, split the journey to Killarney or the Killarney to Galway leg. (Taking one night from Dublin would let you do both but puts a couple of extra one nighters in the mix)

To answer your question.. Yes spend the last night at a Hotel which has an Airport Shuttle. Take the car back the night before then you are not just dropping the Keys and waiting for the all clear on your CC hold/charge.

OK, I think I understand? What if I take a long way to Killarney and break the trip with a night in somewhere near Cork? Then on to Killarney for 2 nights; then on to Galway for 2 nights and leave out the Ashford Castle? Is that a better thought?

I would go for that. Ashford Castle is nice, expensive, slightly overrated. but nice. Just a personal view. (Unless you where getting one of the special deals the administrators are flashing to US visitors.)

Did you get a deal or is it that you really want a Castle night?

It's not that big a deal to drive from Dublin to Killarney. It becomes a challenge if you want to go via Wicklow, Lismore, Cork and Blarney.

If you are leaving out Ashford Castle, then Killarney is doable. What I would say is don't try for 4 places in 10 days. Three maybe, but not 4.

Dublin - 3 days
Killarney - 3 days
Galway - 3 days
Dublin - 1 day (before your flight)

Fly home from Shannon.