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-   -   Ireland Itinerary Feedback Please (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/ireland-itinerary-feedback-please-1023629/)

trips4fun Aug 22nd, 2014 05:23 AM

Ireland Itinerary Feedback Please
 
I have a fairly last minute Ireland trip planned and could use a bit of feedback. The intention is to have a good mix of what Ireland has to offer (at least the southern part), understanding the limits of time, and not to simply rush from one place to another. To this end, I have chosen a few bases that I hope are situated in locations to provide access to a variety of possible activities. I have 11 days and nights not including the days we are traveling (overnight flight), but including the day of arrival. We will be renting a car. Any feedback on the following is greatly appreciated (hopefully this works and you will agree it makes sense:-).

Day 1 - Arrive Dublin around 9 a.m. (take bus to city. Do what we can do given jet lag) - sleep Dublin

Day 2 - More time in Dublin enjoying sights -- sleep Dublin

Day 3 - Take a Newgrange bus tour (no car yet) - sleep Dublin

Day 4 - Pick up rental car in a.m. Go to Killkenny stopping in Powerscourt and through Glendalough -- Sleep Kilkenny

Day 5 - Tour Kilkenny (Castle, maybe St. Canice's Cathedral) and head toward Killarney stopping at Rock of Cashel and/or Cahir Castle depending on time -- slew Killarney

Day 6 -- Killarney sights (Killarney National Park, Muckross house, Torc Waterfall, etc.) -- sleep Killarney

Day 7 -- Day trip to Dingle Peninsula or Beara Peninsula/Kenmare -- sleep Killarney

Day 8 - Head toward Galway stop in Adare, visit Burren and Cliffs of Moher (time/weather permitting) -- Sleep Galway

Day 9 Visit Galway and ? -- sleep Galway

Day 10 -- Drive to Connemara (Kylemore Abbey, Clifden, Sky Road) - Alternative: Aran Islands - sleep Galway

Day 11 Leave Galway toward Bunratty (visit Cliffs of Moher or Burren if not yet done otherwise possibly Bunratty Castle -- sleep Bunratty

Day 12 - Depart for home from Shannon Airport.

Summmary: 3 nights Dublin, 1 night Kilkenny, 3 nights Galway, one night Bunratty.

Thanks in advance for all thoughts!

GreenDragon Aug 22nd, 2014 10:10 AM

This is a reasonable plan. I prefer Kenmare to Killarney, but as you are driving to Galway directly from there, it's probably a smarter choice. That will be a long travel day, but a beautiful one. I'd actually break it up by a stop on the way, and take some time to explore the Burren, if you like.

Check out some of my trip reports for more ideas, if you like. I've been to those areas many times!

trips4fun Aug 22nd, 2014 12:03 PM

Many thanks. I will take a look at your trip reports. There is so much to do it will be difficult choosing what to leave out.

flpab Aug 22nd, 2014 02:52 PM

Day nine I would maybe head towards Connemara and spend the night in Clifton or Westport and explore there. Galway is a good base though if you don't mind driving.
Tony2phones trip suggestions for Connemara from Galway
http://ireland.activeboard.com/t5005...-galway-route/

trips4fun Aug 22nd, 2014 04:02 PM

Thank you. That is very helpful. And thanks to Tony for putting it together. that was a lot of work!

Yes, I had considered staying in Clifden, but I was thinking it might make my life easier if I didn't have to move around more than necessary. It does add to driving though, so it is a question of what is more inconvenient, the driving or checking in and out of accommodations. Maybe I'll see how I like Galway when I get there. Assuming accommodations are available in Clifden I can always change my plans and book something last minute.

flpab Aug 22nd, 2014 05:26 PM

exactly,I am the same way. Have you seen The quiet man? I so want to explore that area. I just read the first trilogy of the Nora Edwards books that take place in that area. A bit hokey but enjoyed the historical take on the area.
On the link I gave you Tony has a nice map with mileage between places which is very nice.

trips4fun Aug 22nd, 2014 06:27 PM

No, haven't seen the movie. But I have a feeling that I will want to after visiting the area. I'll take a look at the map.
Thanks again.

flpab Aug 23rd, 2014 03:50 AM

Nora Roberts not Edwards. I always thing people should see Michael Collins also. Great movie. If the weather is good you could take the ferry to Inishmore one day from Rossaveal. The cliffs there are more beautiful than the Cliffs of Moher and less touristy.

GreenDragon Aug 25th, 2014 04:57 AM

You might want to watch The Quiet Man before you go - it's a classic!


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