Southern Ireland
 

We will be staying in Killarney, Ireland for 8 days at the end of March. Our flight is out of Shannon and we land at 8 am. We have a self catering cottage that we will be staying in. Does anyone have any suggestions for "must see" and "must do"? Maybe even have a sample itinerary? We will also have a rental car for the entire trip. We would like to take in as much of Ireland that we can without feeling like we are doing more traveling than seeing.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

If you are staying in Killarney, I would suggest the following activities in that area: drive "The 3 Rings" - Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and the Beara Peninsula (Dingle was my favorite, and if you enjoy history, there are a lot of historic sites on the loop). I really enjoyed the city of Kenmare, where we were fortunate to go "pub hopping" one night when four pubs were offering live music. If you like wildlife, there is also a Seafari that we went on that goes out to see seals that live out in Kenmare Bay. I don't recall that you're too far from Blarney Castle either, which I actually enjoyed, even if some people think it's a bit touristy. Hope you have a good trip!

Consider the Gap of Dunloe tour with Deros Tours.

Go to Garinish and take a little boat out to Garinish Island where the Italian gardens developed in twenties are. That part of Ireland is warm enough so that there should be some flowers blooming even in March.

Clonakilty is within driving distance and has a lot of interesting things to explore--a miniature village, a ring fort, and good scenery on the way.

On a day trip from Killarney, visit the Blennerville windmill near Tralee. Interesting history and then there is a narrow guage railway trip (about two miles) into Tralee to visit the museum there.

Port Magee has a vistor center which tells the story of the Skelligs. I doubt very much if you can get out to the Skelligs in March as, even in summer, the seas can be rough and trips are cancelled.

In Dunquin on the dingle drive, stop at the Blasket Center. Again it is pretty doubtful that there will be boat trips out to the Blaskets, but the center is interesting.

Cashel is within a day's drive of the area.

Thanks for all the suggestions!!! We are excited about the trip.

I will also put a word in for Clonakilty because I had the most wonderful night of music (almost ever) at DeBarra's Folk Club. Doesn't even matter who's on what night - just go!

http://www.debarra.ie/

Adventuretrekker got you started off well, and then some. Some more details:

On Dingle, check out the Conor Pass (drive carefully!). Dingle itself is a lovely town. Slea Head is the most beautiful spot I've yet seen. Beehive huts are cool to see, as is the Gallerus Oratory.

Ring of Kerry - weather will likely keep you from Skellig Michael, as irishface says, but it is worth a try or a look at the visitor centre. Valentia Island is lovely. Look up Strawberry Fields for great crepes and tea! Within the Killarney area is a wealth of sites - Muckross house, ladies' view, Torc waterfall, Gap of Dunloe.

Kenmare is indeed well-known for it's yummy restaurants.

If you venture a bit farther north, Bunratty castle and folk park is a great day trip.