adguy98

Unfortunately, we only have three days in Ireland in early November (as an extension of a business trip); it'll be our first visit there.

Does anyone have suggestions for what we can do to get a "small taste of Ireland?" Perhaps spend all three days in a pub?

We can fly into whatever airport is convenient for your suggestions.

We enjoy the outdoors, but strenuous hiking is not an option.

Thanks very much for your recommendations and expertise.

waffle18

Fly into Shannon.
Rent a car.
Stay nearer the airport, like in Ennis.
Make day trips to Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Galway, Bunratty, Shannon and Limerick.

Have fun!
Wendy

wojazz3

If you stay in Co. Clare, Take a ride down to Loop Head. The coast line is beautiful and in November, you won't see many, if any other cars for long stretches. It's very nice.

Bill

strass

I agree with flying into Shannon. The Dingle Peninsula is well worth a visit. You could also look into Galway and the Aran Islands. Definitely don't miss the Cliffs of Moher.

KateIP

Hmm, you have lots of options here. Fly into Shannon, rent a car. Go to Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, overnight in Galway. Drive our to Connemara and Clifden, overnight in Galway. Last day go inland to Clonmacnoise, overnight near Shannon (assuming you'll leave in the evening, not the morning).

Or, what I would do: arrive in Shannon, rent a car, proceed directly to Dingle, a three hour drive (this is assuming ya'll are comfortable driving on the left, as the roads are extra narrow). Spend the day on Slea Head, see Gallorus, ect, overnight in town (great pubs). Your second day, drive towards Killarney, stopping at Minard Castle on the way. In Killarney, go to Muckross HOuse, Lady's View, Gap of Dunloe (my favorite), Lakes of Killarney. Overnight there. Last day, head to the ferry across the Shannon, perhaps by Loop Head, then Cliffs of MOher and the Burren. This is a bit more rushed than I like to travel, but not that bad, and you'll see lots. Just remember that the daylight hours are short, and you'll only average 35mph onthe roads!

strass

I really like KatelP's ideas!

The Gap of Dunloe/Killarney National Park is really superb, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. You can combine walking with riding in carriages to see the entire thing.

NEDSIRELAND

The New Ennis Trad Music festival will be from Thursday, 11 Nov to Monday, 15 Nov. Last year there were also many impromptu sessions the weekend leading up to the Festival. When we were there last Spring, we were told that the fall festival is better than the Spring festival (end of May) because it's shorter and better organized.

Ennis would be a good 'base' to visit Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin and Galway. Off-season, you can find some great buys at the ITB shop in Lahinch.

Fly into Shannon; Ennis is very close. If you stay at the Temple Gate hotel, tell Paul Madden Ned recommended it to you.

Cruise's Pub (and Restaurant) has Trad Irish music every night and often hosts impromptu sessions Sat or Sun afternoons. It's adjacent to the Queen's Hotel at the bottom of Abbey Street.

adguy98

Thank you all for your excellent suggestions. You've been a huge help. We had been thinking of basing ourselves in Dublin, but you've certainly given us a lot to consider for a "west side" experience. Thank you again.

strass

There are also some neat areas around Dublin--Glendalough and Kilkenny come to mind. But if I had a choice, I'd stick to the southwest/west coast.