Revised Ireland Itinerary
 

I am planning on traveling to Ireland with 3 adults during either May, June, or October of 2015. We were tentatively thinking of flying into the Shannon airport and renting a car. The Cliffs of Moher and possibly the Burrens would be our first stop. We would travel to Co Kerry for the Ring of Kerry and Cork for the Blarney Stone. Next we would travel to Co Wicklow and Dublin. From Dublin I was thinking of possibly taking the train (or driving) to see Belfast and the Giant's Causeway. We would leave from the Dublin airport. Does this sound feasible?

thanks, subotsa

It's feasible if you allow enough time to do it. I wouldn't try to do that itinerary in less than 7 days. More time would be better.

The Shannon around to Dublin bits could be done in a rushed 7 days. But having enough time in the scenic parts of the west coast and including Northern Ireland - you'd really want 10+ days. Also -- driving around on your arrival day can be a big problem so you need to add a day-ish to recover from the jet lag.

7 days seems pretty rushed to me - I would be looking at more like 10 days - but then we love Dublin and I would want to spend 3 full days (4 nights) there.

Realistically 10 days.. If Belfast and the Causeway are key then is there an option to fly into Belfast? Tour bus in the North and from Dublin to see Wicklow.. Then hire a car for the southern route to SNN departure with Ennis as a final touring base for the Cliffs and west Clare.

Agree on all the above. Ireland is a place where you are forced to take your time. The roads will help!

Average speed is 35 mph at a maximum. Keep that in mind while planning daily trips. I use www.viamichelin.com to chart out my days, to make sure I'm not spending the whole day in the car. I prefer staying in one place 2-3 days to enjoy and explore. Remember that switching bases involves packing, checking out, traveling, finding the new place, checking in, unpacking, and getting your bearings. If you minimize this, you have more time to enjoy the land :)

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I am hoping to convince the other 2 people to stay longer than 8 days!

Good luck! It's truly worth it. I've been there 5 times and still haven't seen it all!