Paquintravel

Hello, My DH and I are planning a trip to Ireland for 11 days next May/June. I need some advise on our itinerary. We have another 3 days and would like some ideas on where to stay. We both like small towns, hiking and nature. Any advise is appreciated.
Day 1- fly into Shannon and drive to Blarney.
Day 2- drive from Blarney to Bantry
Day 3- Bantry to Kinsale
Day 4- Kinsale
Day 5 -Dingle
Day 6-Dingle
Day 7-
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10 fly home

Thanks- J

markdsilva1985

Killarney was great, especially if you can stay at The Lake Hotel in Killarney. Visit Muckross House too. If you can get to it, I would highly recommend Achill Island and Keel ... Amazing vista.

garyincary

My wife and I recently spent two weeks in Ireland, and plan to go back next May. I want to tell you that you will get lots of great advice on this forum. Each of us has our own preferences, so take what advice fits you. Personally, I am not a fan of moving from town to town, and spending only one night in a number of different places. I'd rather use one place as a base for at least 2, if not 3, nights. I just don't like to adjust to a new bed, new shower, new everything, very often. Having said that, I would add Galway to your itinerary, and spend at least 2 nights there, and possibly three. Galway itself is a great city to visit, and it serves well as a base to explore Connemara, which I thoght was the most beautiful part of Ireland.

In Dingle, I can't recommend the Pax House as the place to stay. It is pricey for a b&b, but, in my opinion, worth every penny. Just go to Trip Advisor and read the reviews.

You might consider Killarney as a base. The Gap of Dunloe is spectacular, and if you like hiking and nautre, both the Gap of Dunloe, and Killarney National Park would be right up your alley.

I didn't go to Blarney, and quite honestly, I haven't seen many people rave about Blarney as a "must see" spot.

I will make one exception to my "stay more than one night" rule. If you are interested in the Cliffs of Moher, you may want to stay in Doolin. The weather can change in an instant, so if you stay any distance from the cliffs and drive to see them, you don't know what kind of weather you will encounter. Also, I would recommend the boat trip along the bottom of the cliffs, as well as seeing them from the top. You can spend the evening at Gus O'Connors pub, which was as authentic as you get, in terms of a real Irish pub.

Those are just ideas for starters. I know that lots of others will chime in with other great advice. Good luck!!

longhorn55

I'd spend those 3 nights in Kenmare. It puts you right in the Ring of Kerry region where you will find plenty of history and hiking opportunities. We hiked the Gap of Dunloe and the trail around Muckross Lake. There are other good hiking places along the Ring--we did several around Derrynane NP. While in Kenmare, plan a day trip to the Beara Peninsula--the most amazing scenery!

You may find a number of good books at your local library about hiking or walking in Ireland--I did. We found the Lonely Planet walking/hiking book quite useful.

Tony2phones

Not sure I would have 2 nights in Kinsale or Dingle although the dingle peninsula does have some good options outside Dingle Town.

Bantry is good for Beara the same area as Dingle but far less tourist influence (at the moment)

Consider the "Shannon Region" as was for the last few days, spreading from Limerick up to South Galway and from the coast to Lough Derg and even Birr. There are lots of options over here in East Galway/Clare for the non tourist visitors with more Activity visitors than the mainstream type.

Another consideration is the Fledh Nua held in Ennis at the end of May each year.

TPAYT

Good ideas above.
Here's my thoughts. Of course, everyone likes something of their own.

I Dingle we loved our stay at
http://greenmount-house.com/
Best dinner in Dingle---Out of the Blue.
The Dingle Peninsula and the drive out to Brandon Pt. were some of our favorites.

For the end of your trip we loved Kenmare and our stay at
http://shelburnelodge.com/
Kenmare is smaller and much nicer than Killarney(too much traffic with buses.)
2 nights in Kenmare and then 1 in Adare or somewhere closer to Shannon to get your flight the next day.

Going the other way:
The Galway area or a long drive from Dingle to Westport and Achill Island.

Paquintravel

Thanks for all of your thoughts and advice. You have all given us some great options to think about. I appreciate the lodging suggestion TPAYT.

indy_dad

Our first trip to Ireland:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ids-photos.cfm

MellisaTurner

Lovely experience shared by you. Thanks for this informative guide.