tearendt

We could really use some help for our first trip to Ireland next May. Linda and I have had so many great trips to other parts of Europe with the help from Fodor's and Slow Travel friends. We look forward to any suggestions that anyone has. In past trips we have traveled the slow travel method by picking a couple or a few bases and seeing sights from there.... but it seems that there is so much we want to see in Ireland. Our preliminary itinerary would be something like the following.

Fly into Dublin for 2 nights. We arrive fairly early in the day.
Rent car when leaving and drive to Kilkenny for 1 night...seeing Glendalough sights on the way.
Drive to Kinsale for 2 nights..... see Rock of C on the way....explore area.
Drive to Kenmare for 1 night.....skipping the Ring of Kerry.
Drive to Dingle for 2 nights..... explore peninsula and sites.
Drive to Doolin for 1 night..... pubs and music.... Burren...
Drive to Galway for 3 nights.... Aran Islands....sites..
Possibly last night in Ennis..... for early flight out of Shannon.....

This is not our normal slow travel method....but with several multi-night B&B stays....how does the route sound?
Any advice appreciated for a young feeling senior couple.

By the Way...... just booked United Chicago to Dublin and Shannon to Chicago next May for $1,154 Total for 2 of us. $577 per RT ticket.

Tim

Bedar

"Young feeling senior couple", careful after a certain age (what?) they won't rent you a car !

bvlenci

<i> after a certain age (what?) they won't rent you a car!</i>

There is no uniform rule on this. Some companies (Dan Dooley for instance) have rather steep surcharges that rise with age. Some others require a deposit, or a hold on your credit card.

I'm 71, and recently hired from Sixt at Dublin airport. They did put a hold on my credit card, but they gave some other reason, maybe because I declined additional insurance?

Macross

Great deal on flights. Try and go to Inishmore from Rossaveal ferry port. Great day trip. I also like Doolin.

tearendt

As far as the car.... we are just under the magic age where we are not allowed easily to rent. I did opt for zero deductible inclusive insurance after hearing stories of driving in Ireland. I usually pass on the CDW.

Could use some advise on the feasibility of catching a 9:00am flight from Shannon on a Wednesday morning. I'd like to remain in Galway instead of needing to sleep near the airport. How are the roads and traffic on weekday mornings??

Thanks again and appreciate any additional advice from forum members.