I went on a tour of Ireland in 1996 and saw a lot but did not 'feel' Ireland; it was all so rushed that I got a very bad cold. After that I planned my own trips. I would like to go back and 'feel' Ireland - sing along in pubs, hear music, go to an Irish cabaret show and just enjoy the architecture, scenery, little shops... I was thinking of flying into Cork, taking the train to Killarney for 2 nights, train back to Cork and spend 3 days before flying back. Maybe side trip to Kinsdale or Kilkenny. But it would involve 3 flights to fly to Cork. Could fly JFK-Dublin direct and much cheaper. Would Killarney give me the ambiance I am looking for? I'm planning on April and there is an Irish show that runs from April. Going solo so maybe they have a pub tour (pubs might be more fun with other people) Perhaps Killarney and Galway? (I was there but only for about 45 minutes, enough time to buy a claddagh ring)

Hello,
Just recently went to Ireland in March. My personal outline was I flew into Shannon and rented a car. Stayed in Galway and took the pub tour through Connemara which I highly suggest. Great way to meet people and the tour guide is incredibly nice. You stop at 4 beautiful, historical pubs along the way. Then we made it down to Dingle and then Killarney. We did not make it to Cork, which it seems you'd really like to be there. We did 2 nights everywhere, except 3 in Killarney. I would have to say Galway was the best. Authentic, genuine people, street music everywhere and great people. It checks off everything on the Irish wish list.

Trains are great between a few main cities like Cork-Kilarney for info on trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com - check out Blarney and its castle just a few miles north of Cork by bus (or train I think).

To see an isolated part of Ireland from Kilarney take day excustions to the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula.

I saw blarney castle on last trip as well as ROK. We did a lot. So not about sites (did Cliffs if Moher too)

Well I spent a nice evening in Cork at the iconic 'singing pubs' near the university district.

Galway is a long way from Cork area.