Ireland Itinerary Help for only 5 days!!!
 

My husband and I will be flying into Shannon and will have 2 days in this area - we are looking for recommendations on what town or city we should stay in.

We plan to get a car at the Shannon airport.

We like fun nightlife like pubs (we are 38) so we are looking for a place that is not too small so that we have some options of pubs at night. We can drive around during the day and see sights - any recommendations for a place in the Shannon corridor or go further south?

The last 2 days will be spent in Dublin - any day trips recommended from here or just see the city and return the car (hopefully in the city). What is the best way to get to the Dublin airport?

Thanks for any help!!!

I really enjoyed my stay in Ennis, which is not too far from Shannon. The city is big enough for several options, small enough to walk around downtown. There are plenty of day trips to the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, or the Aran Islands for you.

Posted this on both threads ....

Give it 4 hours to Galway as you probably aren't used to the driving there. Bypasses are much more common now so the drive is quicker Galway to Dublin. Limerick does very little for me and if I were in that area I would choose Ennis over Limerick. The Ennis city center is really nice though driving the town, your'll never get a feel for ity. You need to get out and walk. Both Ennis and Galway offer plenty of pubs and nightlife to keep you going. Galway is more of a city and Ennis is more of a town. Limerick would be a longer trip than Galway, but I would give it a pass.

Bill

Thank you both for the responses!

I think we are leaning towards Galway and daytripping in the area.

Last question - do you think that Kilkenny area offers more? It seems to be about the same amount of driving.

Thanks!!

I've not been to Galway, but I LOVE Kilkenny. It's a wonderful little medieval city, and has a great deal to fill 2 days with. You could also day trip it to Cashel, Cahir castle, Inistioge (where they filmed Circle of Friends), Jerpoint Abbey, and Kells Priory.

On the trip from Kilkenny to Dublin, try to go through Glendalough Abbey (my favorite place in Ireland) and Powerscourt gardens and falls.

A lot depends on what sort of day trip you prefer. Galway is the gateway to Connemara, and that would be a decisive factor for me: I like to get to Connemara every year: it feeds my soul (those here who know Connemara can picture my soul!).

Kilkenny gives you quieter scenery, and a good selection of Anglo-Norman historic remains.

Galway wins for nightlife, especially good pubs.

Between Galway and Dublin you will find Clonmacnoise (just a small detour). It's worth an hour or two of your life.

Dublin to airport: depends on exact location. There are some good bus services; no rail option; plenty of taxis.