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-   -   Is this too much or not enough? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/is-this-too-much-or-not-enough-802265/)

RachaelWest33 Aug 21st, 2009 05:44 AM

Is this too much or not enough?
 
My husband and I will be in Ireland for 8 days, Here is what we are thinking...
11/21 (Dublin) Arrive in Dublin day about 2pm. Should we drive to Althone or stay in Dublin that night?
11/22 (Galway) Connemara?
11/23 (Galway) Aran Islands day
11/24 (Galway) Travel to Burren,Cliffs of Moher
11/25 (Dublin) Travel back to Dublin today.
11/26 (Dublin) Guinness,Trinity College
11/27 (Dublin) Boyne Valley day! Newgrange
11/28 (Dublin) Turn in Car, Catch Flight at 6am

Do you think this is too much driving, any recomendations would be great. This is our first time to Ireland!

jent103 Aug 21st, 2009 06:33 AM

Do you mean Athlone?

I might switch your Dublin and Galway sections, actually, to give you a little time in Dublin to get over jet lag and get used to being in another country before you start driving. (This is assuming you're arriving from the States, since your profile says that's where you're from!) So it might look something like this:

11/21: arrive in Dublin, check in, sightsee a bit
11/22: Guinness, Trinity
11/23: Newgrange, stay in Dublin
11/24: Travel to Galway, see some of Connemara
11/25: Arans (you might double-check this - I don't know if the ferries/flights will still be running in late November, but you sound like you've done your research)
11/26: Burren, Cliffs
11/27: Travel to Dublin, maybe a little more sightseeing or a pub crawl
11/28: catch horrendously early flight ;)

Just some thoughts. I commend you on not trying to fit in six places!

RachaelWest33 Aug 21st, 2009 07:11 AM

Thank you very much, that sounds good. We have rented a car for the whole time, so we will have to find a place in Dublin that has a close car park... any ideas?

jent103 Aug 21st, 2009 11:17 AM

Not from me, sorry, but I'll gladly top your post for you! :) Actually I would avoid driving in Dublin. You don't need to if you're staying in the center. You might need it for Newgrange, but I'd see how easy it would be to pick it up that morning and cancel the first couple of days, if you can. Others will be more knowledgeable on that. Might save you a bit of money on rental and parking fees.

hat Aug 21st, 2009 06:44 PM

Having just returned from 3 weeks driving in Ireland I would agree that it would be best not to have a car in Dublin if possible. You don't need it in the city. We rented a car on day 3 early in the morning and then headed north to Newgrange and Trim castle. You could do the same and then head west to Galway but this will make for a very long day. I would definitely try and see some of the Connemara if you are interested as it is absolutely stunning.
Have a great time.

NEDSIRELAND Aug 22nd, 2009 01:33 AM

I like to get where I'm going, especially after a long TransAtlantic flight; so, if it were me, I would take the CityLink Motorcoach from Dublin airport to Galway on arrival. It takes about 4.5-hours http://www.CityLink.ie

Because of the time of year, your day to the Aran Islands might be risky. I would substitute Ennis because in late November Ennis hosts a Fall Music Festival (3-days).

skibumette Aug 22nd, 2009 08:27 AM

We stayed at Waterloo House, a lovely guesthouse just outside the "ring" road in Ballsbridge -- about 10-15 minute walk to St. Stephens Green. Room rate includes free parking in enclosed lot in front of building (2 converted houses). Had no trouble getting into city (from south) then parked car until we departed Dublin.

Whether you have car entire week or pick it up on Newgrange morning, I like Hat's idea to go to Newgrange and then spend that night en route to Galway (rather than a 3rd night in Dublin). Then you'll get to Galway earlier on 11/24 and have more time for Connemarra :-)

RachaelWest33 Aug 24th, 2009 05:14 AM

Thank you all very much, I think we will try staying in Dublin 2 nights then head to Galway area and play it by ear!


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