Hi everyone,

My mom (60 but very active) and I are heading to Ireland for 2 weeks in July. Neither one of us are comfortable driving in Ireland, so we will not be renting a car. While I am not a big fan of tours, we booked a small group adventure-type tour for 5 days to see Killarney NP, Dingle Peninsula, & Cliffs of Moher. This tour begins and ends in Cork. We will have time in Dublin upon arrival and before flying out so I don't need to plan for more time in Dublin. I am wondering what our best option is for those 5 free days ending in Cork.

I originally wanted to do public transport from Dublin to Galway, spend some time in Galway, then public transport to Cork where we'd spend some time before our tour. It seems a bit silly though to go all the way to Galway for just a couple days when we need to end up in Cork. Unfortunately our tour does not take us to Galway.

Now I am more interested in spending time around County Cork/West Cork. I know this area can be difficult without a car...what would our best options be? I wouldn't mind spending time in Cork City but am also drawn to smaller villages like Kinsale, Bantry, and Clonakilty. We love walking, hiking, eating out, and exploring small towns. Is it feasible to spend time in 1-2 of these smaller villages or will it be too difficult to get around?

Also open to other options!

Thanks!

I am spending five nights in Ballycotton between Galway and Dublin. There are things to do there if you like hiking and taking the pontoon boat over to the island but you can get to Midleton easy by bus or taxi. Bus is only twice a day. Cork train station goes to Cobh and Midleton. Ballymaloe is close by. Great Inn, cooking school, farm and cafe. I have just always wanted to go there and kick back. Four restaurants/pubs. I love Cork. Galway is not out of the question. We are doing it. Train or bus. We arrive in Dublin 10 am and will take the gobus to Galway right away. By the time we get there, we can check into our apartment. We are doing a couple of day trips from there but love Galway for night life.

If you can get a rez at Ballymaloe House, jump on it! If accommodation is not available, see about eating there. This place is one of the high points of my travels over the years.