Hello -
We've been planning a bit of an impromptu trip to Ireland over the last 5 weeks or so. We arrive in Shannon on Thursday 10/20/05 and fly out of Dublin on the 29th. We're renting a car, and basically going to see what we can in between for the 9 days. We've reserved our first night (heading up to Galway)and last two nights in Dublin, and we'll just be booking along the way as it's the off season and we're not too picky.

Planning to stay in Galway (checking out the Burren), Doolin (+ Cliffs of Moher), Dingle (2 nts), possibly Kenmare, Kinsale, Glendalough (hiking in the mts, etc) & Dublin (2 nts).

Anyway, the 10 day weather forecast is a mix of rain and showers (what's the difference!?)and I'm thinking the Ring of Kerry might not be worth the full day drive in the rain as we are definitely doing the Dingle Peninsula (in the rain ), and we all know there is never enough time.

Overall, we'd don't mind the rain, we're taking rain coats & will get out and about it in anyway, but I'm just wondering if we would rather add a night to Dublin, or spend more time in the South as opposed to doing both peninsulas. From the other posts I've seen Dingle appears to be the preferred peninsula, I'm just wondering if most certain rain showers would be the final nail in the coffin for ROK?

Thanks for any feedback you might have!

Tammi

A forecast of 10 days of rain might not necessarily mean that it will rain all day. It is more likey that there will be rainshowers with periods of sunshine. We spent nine days in Ireland and only one day did it rain the entire day. We hiked everyday and didn't let the rain hinder our fun. Ireland is beautiful no matter what. Just make sure you have the proper clothing. Don't take the weather forecast too seriously.

If the weather isn't cooperating plan to take in more abbeys, castles, pubs, museums and towns. If a clear days arrives, take full advantage of it and plan on the scenic sites and/or hikes.

I'd save the decision to add a day in Dublin until you get there. Just make arrangements the day before.

Partly cloudy with a chance of sun or vice versa always seems to be in the forcast in Ireland. The sun could come out at any moment. The term "showers" tends to be more promising for siteseers (off and on or mist)...rain usually means you're going to get wet.

Just get used to rainbows and pots of gold.
Spent 10 days january 2004. Periods of sun seemed to be as frequent as showers.
If you don't like the weather while in Ireland just wait 10 minutes and it will change. No crowds anywhere that time of year, but the the same wonderful Irish people.

Like everyone else said, let your plan stand as it is. You can always find things to do wherever you are. You might get lots of rain and you might not. There's no telling what fun you might stumble into on a rainy day.

Bill

here's a link to the duplicate thread

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34693121