Survfan

I am due to arrive on at Shannon International Airport at 8:30 a.m. on July 24th and will be departing back to the states on August 3rd. I have alot which I would like to see in 10 days including a day or so in Dublin. I thought of renting a car for a week and do the west coast and then at the end of the week return my car and take a train to Dublin for two days before heading back to get my flight. Then I thought of my second option which was to rent the car for the entire 10 days and figure out a travel plan accordingly. I must hit Cork City as I have a friend from college who currently lives there. Please anyone who has knowledge of Ireland who can help a person who lacks major organization skills in developing a sort of plan I would greatly appericate it. Thanks again.

Ruff

Survfan,

What types of sites or scenery do you prefer? Are you more into urban or rural? Steep cliffs or busy streets? I love Dublin, but with 10 days, I would be tempted to skip it on this trip.

Last year, my husband and I spent 15 days in Ireland, and flew into Shannon and rented a car. Spent 3 nights in the tiny West Clare town of Doonbeg, 2 nights in Dingle, 3 nights in Kinsale, 2 nights in Kilkenny, 2 nights in Dublin and 3 nights near Galway. If I had to do it over, I would add time in Dingle and skip Kilkenny.

There are lots of discussions here about itineraries in Ireland, so you might search for Ireland and get some other ideas.

Have fun!

Survfan

Thanks for the reply I did want to experience a good combo of both urban and rural. I would prefer to visit some rural areas but I would like to gear much of my time is larger villages with shopping, pubs, and the Irish Culture. Many people have told me to skip Dublin on this trip but it will be hard for me to not go knowing that I am so close! What was it about Dingle that everyone is buzzing about? Every person I have communicated with talks about the great experience of Dingle. My other question is that we will be flying an overnight flight and arrive at 8:30 in the morning and I am not sure how much driving we want to do on that first day. Do you recommend any towns or small cities close by Shannon that we might want to spend one night in? Have you heard of Ennis? or Limerick? Thanks

Ruff

Dingle is incredibly beautiful, and the town is just great. I found it very relaxing, and a good place to hear traditional music. Driving around the tip of the pennisula and stopping at the cultural center at the tip was so interesting.

We, too, arrived early at Shannon. We stopped in Ennis for breakfast, and it seemed like bustling, nice town. Several people have responded to questions about lodging in Ennis, so you should search for specific recommendations. Since Ennis is north of the airport and Limerick is south, you should probably decide which direction you want to go before picking a place to spend the first night. I agree that you don't want to drive too far on the day that you arrive. We drove a bit less than two hours and then stayed put for three nights, and that worked out well. Oh, and in Ennis is the Blor (?sp) Center for Traditional Music--or some such name, and that would be a great place to hear a concert and learn about music in Ireland. My husband and I saw a documentary about building this center after we returned from our trip.

When you are in Cork, don't miss seeing Cobh and the museum. Cobh was the major port from which many (most?) of the Irish emigrated to the US and Australia.

Survfan

Ruff:
Thanks for the reply! So where did you actually decide to stay on your first three nights? Initially, I thought about heading south right away but I do want to see Ennis and Galway and I am not sure if it makes more sense to head North first. I will take your advice on Cork and be sure to see those sites.

Ruff

We stayed in Doonbeg, which is on the coast. Specifically, we stayed at this B&B <http://www.anicebandb.com/>, San Esteban. The owners are really nice and interesting people. Doonbeg is very small, but the pub/restaurant in town serves wonderful food. I thought most of the food in Ireland was pretty mediocre, except for the pub in Doonbeg. The location was convenient for driving north to the Cliffs of Mohr and the Burren, and also along the coast to the south to Loop Head.

amyprib

We did just about the same thing you're intending to do. 10day trip, rented a car, flew in and out of Shannon, and did a counterclockwise route around the Republic with a day or two in Dublin.

Everyone says not to drive too far on your first day due to flight times, which is good advice. But us two crazies did a lot on the first day and were loopy half way thru. It was fun, and we kept each other awake and on the right side of the road. Just depends on your aggressiveness, and comfort level.

Our trip report is at the link below if you're interested... It was relatively fast-paced for most people, but depending on your likes, you can skip and add what you want. I think the W-SW parts are wonderful, as well as areas just south of Dublin (Glendalough, etc).

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34510473

Depending on the train cost to Dublin, and rental car cost, just weigh the differences and see what's most beneficial for you w.r.t time also. My opinion is to keep the car the whole time so you have the freedom to come and go as you please.
Research some stuff online or get a travel book (I like Rough Guide) and let us know if you have more specific questions.
Good luck!