Well, I took the plunge today and booked our air. Our actual days in Ireland will be Aug. 1 - Aug. 14 (we'll depart at 11:40 am)
We'll be flying into and out of Shannon. Could really use some suggestions on an itinerary. I'll be traveling with my 79 year old mom, so we'd like to spend 3 days at each area. Looking for:



-nice, highly rated B&Bs close enough to a town; some with sheep, horses and views. Places that are a destination in themselves.



-music and Irish dancing - a couple 'shows'
-a ferry ride



-spectacular seasides and rolling hills with castles



-She said she doesn't really want to visit Ring of Kerry after reading about the crowds.



-easy driving (does that exist in Ireland? Okay... 'easier' driving)



I figure if we spend 3 nights at each destination, that will make for 4 areas and the last night near the airport.



I've done a bit of reading, and here are a couple places that sound nice - just not sure how to fit them into an itinerary.Daly's in Clare. Banratty Villa.



Another question: If a rate is listed as 35 (with a funny looking E before the amount), how does that translate to U.S.?



I've never been to Ireland and am hoping somebody out there can give a rough itinerary.
Thank you very much
Caroline

I have a hold on 3 nights at Emlagh B&B in Dingle beginning Aug. 8. So, now I need to find an itinerary for the nights of Aug 1-7 and then the nights of 11, 12 and 13. I'd like the last night to be reasonable close to the airport. Wish I had more time to take care of these details. My goal is to have it done by Tues because I'm away from a computer for 10 days after that. So, if anybody has suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.
Caroline

The "funny looking 'e' " is the symbol for EURO. Currently, one Euro is worth about $1.22. A B&B price of 35 Euro is PPS - PER PERSON, SHARING, so a room, for the two of you will cost EURO 70 for the night (or, at the current rate, approx $85-86.00.
Also good to know when booking: a 'DOUBLE' is approx a queen size bed, 'TWIN' refers to two single beds.

Bob

There is a nice place called the Ballyvara House in Doolin. It is very close to the Cliffs and the ferries to go over to the Aran Islands. There is a small village there and we found it a nice place to stay for 3 nights and drive around. It is about an hour or hour and half from the airport.
Good luck!

Just a quick thought, you would have been better off spending the 11-13 in Dingle and then an easy ride on the 13th to either Bunratty or Ennis to be around the aiport your last night. Another thought, you will be there when most of Europe takes a vacation so book in advance and be prepared for crowds at popular spots. I (and others) will give this some thought and check back in. Have fun

Thanks everybody for coming through on this. I really don't like to make my plans this fast, but I 'gotta'.
The reviews of 'Emlagh' in Dingle are outstanding. They only had those 3 nights available during our entire stay in Ireland. If possible, I'd like to stay there, but if it really puts a kink on the driving route, then I'm sure I can find something else.
I think if I could get driving route suggestions, with the areas to stay for 3 days, I can do the accommodations fairly quickly. I also decided it may be nice to stay our first night in Banratty (my mom can attend a show then). Have you heard of Banratty Villa?
Thanks so much.
Caroline

I'm assuming with the time you are allocating you want to stick mainly to the SW. Areas you might want to consider prior to Dingle are - Cashel/Cahir, Kinsale, Kenmare, and then after Dingle head north via the Tarbert/Killimer ferry to see the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren - maybe base yourselves in Ennis, Doolin or Lisdoonvarna. You could easily get to Shannon from any of these on your last day. If you do a search here for itineraries there is lots of info. on suggestions and places to stay. Of the places I mentioned, we are staying at Glasha Farmhouse near Cashel http://www.glashafarmhouse.com/, The old Presbytery in Kinsale http://www.oldpres.com/, The Lodge in Kenmare http://www.thelodgekenmare.com/ and in Doolin http://www.ballyvarahouse.com/. We are going at the end of April and are also staying at Emlagh Lodge in Dingle and on our last night at Dunaree B&B in Bunratty http://www.dunaree.com/. It has had good reviews and is also a short walk to the Corn Barn on the castle grounds where they have a traditional Irish night (not to be confused with the Medieval Banquet). Hope this helps a bit. Good luck in your planning - you will have alot to do before Tuesday!

Thank goodness for the 'copy and paste' feature of computers, because I've been e-mailing loads of places today.
Caroline

So does this sound like a workable itin:
1 night Banratty
3 nights Cashel/Cahir
3 nights Dingle
3 nights Doolin
1 night Banratty ?
Would still need 2 nights somewhere.
I need to check into the Tarbert/Killimer ferry
Thank you.
Caroline

www.shannonferries.com

Three nights in Doolin is a bit much for so small a place. You might want to consider someplace a bit bigger, but still close by.
Personally, I would head straight to Cashel the first day and save Bunratty for the end.

Route planning and driving distances (most driving times are incorrect):

www.aaroadwatch.ie

For your extra nights, Killarney / Kenmare OR Galway and the Connemarra.

Bob

Bob

Caroline, where are you flying from and what time does your flight arrive Shannon? Unless you are jetlagged or it is late in the day I would suggest heading straight to Cashel area if it appeals to you and start your trip there. I wouldn't spend two nights of your trip in Bunratty. Also, the drive from Cashel to Dingle would be a very long day so I would suggest finding somewhere in between - possibly Cork or Kinsale - it really depends on what you want to see while there.

Oh you are lucky, Bob has responded and he has lots of experience. I haven't even been yet so probably shouldn't be giving advice but I have done more research than I care to acknowledge! True that Doolin is small for three nights - maybe you want to go to the Aran Islands for one. And the links Bob has given you will be very helpful too.

YES! You guys are amazing!! Thank you!!!
We get into Shannon at 9:40 am.
So if we go straight to Cashel, would 3 nights work for that area?
Then to Kinsale?
That leaves 1 night before we're booked at Dingle.
Still, I'm wondering if the one night at Banratty would be good for my mom. I know she'll be exhausted (me too). But either way works too.

When it's suggested 1 day at an ARan island, do you mean to spend a night?

This really is crazy, but we will have just returned from a 2 week trip to Costa Rica before heading off to Ireland. My mom has wanted to go back there. Her vision is going, so I told her, "Don't wait". I really want this to be a trip she'll treasure.
Thanks again to all of you for your helpful advice.
Caroline

BTW, It is Bunratty not Banratty.

The key here is your mother and if your comfortable driving a few hours after an overnight flight. Save Bunratty for you last ight if possible. The drive from Shannon to Killarney is not a hard drive, about two and a half hours for the first time driver and on major roads. Killarney is a big town but it has alot of touristy stuff to offer, the Gap of Dunloe, Muckross house with a folk park across the road, the National Park and lots of Pubs and Music. You can spend three nights there and keep you mother busy and if the Wx is nice the ROK is not horrible if you are in you own car. From there you can go south through the Mts. and hit the other less traveled Penninsulas for that great sea views and real Irish villages. The Ring of Beara is less traveled and in my opinion as lovely as the ROK. I realize the Emlagh is highly rated but keep in mind that a B&B is not a destination, its a place with a clean bedroom, clean bathroom and a decent breakfast. Unless your going to spend alot of time in you room I would not plan my trip around B&B,s. Lastly I would avoid Doolin at all costs. There is no village only three Pubs not within walking distance of each other and I suspect that during your travel times (Aug.) it will be very crowded with a very young crowd. All this is just my opinion. Have fun

I agree with the above poster about planning around a B & B and with the limitations on Doolin. I think you should consider driving to Kenmare for your first stop. It's pretty easy for a first stop and is a pictuesque town with lots to do and see near by. Also I think Kinsale is charming with lots of great restaurants and things to see. We stayed in the Old Bank House which was conveniently located.
Then you could do Dingle and end up with somewhere north of the airport. We stayed at the Moy House near Lahinch. It's on the coast with incredible views.Have a great trip with your mom.

Here's the details on the 'Direct to Cashel' option from www.aaroadwatch.ie

From Shannon Airport,Clare
To Cashel,Tipperary
Distance 64.0 miles
Time 1 hr 34 min

Travel
(miles) and
then to
take total
(miles)
0.00 Start out at Shannon Airport,Clare Unclassified 0.00
0.06 Continue forward onto Shannon Airport Shannon Airport 0.06
0.26 At roundabout take the 1st exit onto Airport Road - N19 N19 0.32
0.80 At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the N19 N19 1.11
0.57 At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the N19 (signposted All routes) N19 1.68
0.82 At Shannon Town Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the N19 (signposted Galway, Limerick) N19 2.50
0.95 At roundabout take the 3rd exit, then merge onto the N18 (signposted Limerick) N18 3.45
9.69 Continue forward onto the N18. Entering Limerick N18 13.14
0.32 At Coonagh Roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Condell Road - N18 (signposted City Centre) Travelodge (Limerick) N18 13.46
0.73 At Clonmacken Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Condell Road - N18 N18 14.18
1.83 At Shannon Bridge Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Mallow Street Lower - N18 (signposted Dublin N7) N18 16.02
0.10 Bear left onto Henry Street - N20 N20 16.11
0.28 Turn right onto Sarsfield Street - N24 N24 16.39
1.42 At Tipperary Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the N24 (signposted Waterford) N24 17.81
0.99 At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the N24 N24 18.80
11.70 Continue forward onto the N24. Entering Pallasgreen N24 30.50
4.20 Continue forward onto Main Street - N24. Entering Oola N24 34.71
2.37 Continue forward onto the N24. Entering Monard N24 37.07
3.25 Continue forward onto Limerick Road - N24. Entering Tipperary N24 40.32
0.88 At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Bansha Road - N24 (signposted Waterford) N24 41.20
4.82 Continue forward onto the N24. Entering Bansha N24 46.02
7.62 At roundabout take the 1st exit onto the N8 (signposted Dublin) N8 53.64
4.85 Continue forward onto the N8. Entering New Inn N8 58.49
4.10 At Cork Road Roundabout take the 1st exit onto the N74 N74 62.59
0.37 At Cashel Road Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the R639 R639 62.96
0.05 Bear left onto Cahir Road - R639. Entering Cashel R639 63.01
0.95 Arrive at Cashel,Tipperary R639 63.97
- Section time 1:34, Total time 1:34

I would stop in Bunratty for a breakfast / tea break and then press on to Cashel. The actual drive time will be about two (2) hours, but almost all of that will be on decent, uncongested roads.

You don't say where you are flying into Shannon FROM. Obviously, a west coast originating flight might alter my recommendation, but Cashel should still be doable. There's lots more to see and do there (over Bunratty), lots of interesting side trips AND if you take a nice little nap (2 - 3 hours MAX) after arriving in Cashel, you can 'hit the ground running' from there.
Bob

Further options:

For your "free" two nights (THREE, if you drop the 'first night in Bunratty), I would recommend Killarney, given your stated interests and the logic of routing.
Again, from the AA website:

From Cashel,Tipperary
To Killarney,Kerry | Reverse this route
Distance 89.6 miles | Show distances in kilometres
Time 2 hr 18 min

Printable page | Plan a new route

View directions




Travel
(miles) and
then to
take total
(miles)
0.00 Start out at Cashel,Tipperary R639 0.00
0.97 At Cashel Road Roundabout take the 1st exit onto Cahir Road - N74 N74 0.97
0.38 At Cork Road Roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the N8 N8 1.35
4.17 Continue forward onto the N8. Entering New Inn N8 5.52
4.87 At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the N8 (signposted Cork) N8 10.38
16.55 Continue forward onto the N8. Entering Mitchelstown N8 26.93
0.96 Turn right onto Church Street - N73 (signposted Killarney) N73 27.89
6.45 Continue forward onto the N73. Entering Kildorrery N73 34.34
0.47 At crossroads continue forward onto the N73 (signposted Mallow) N73 34.81
11.57 Turn right onto the N72 N72 46.38
1.60 Continue forward onto the N72. Entering Mallow N72 47.99
1.14 At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Navigation Road - N72 (signposted Killarney) N72 49.13
11.68 At Banteer Crossroads continue forward onto the N72 (signposted Killarney) N72 60.81
14.68 Continue forward onto the N72. Entering Rathmore N72 75.49
6.10 Continue forward onto the N72. Entering Barraduff N72 81.59
5.45 Turn right onto the N22 N22 87.04
0.73 Continue forward onto the N22. Entering Killarney N22 87.77
0.60 At Park Road Roundabout take the 1st exit onto Park Road - R876 (signposted Killarney) R876 88.37
0.42 At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Park Road - R876 R876 88.80
0.50 At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto College Street - R876 R876 89.30
0.07 At roundabout take the 1st exit onto College Street College Street 89.37
0.11 Continue forward onto Plunkett Street Plunkett Street 89.48
0.06 Turn right onto Main Street - N71 N71 89.54
0.02 Arrive at Killarney,Kerry N71 89.56
- Section time 2:18, Total time 2:18

Call it Three hours of driving, perhaps a bit more if you detour to see any of a number of interesting sites along the way.

Killarney IS touristy, but it packs A LOT into a small area. The Gap of Dunloe, Ladies View, Windy Gap Muckross House and Farms, Ross Castle, night life and music, music, music.

Bob

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the information. We're flying out of Seattle, so it's a long haul. I did contact a gal who does custome itineraries and recommends accommodations. Usually, I do it on my own. Need to get something firmed up as far as itinerary and accomm., then I can 'play' with it.
Thanks so much
Caroline

My 73-year-old father and I went to Ireland for the first time last summer for 5 days (end of June/beginning of July). We think it was one of our best trips ever! Can't wait to go back.

I disagree on Doolin. We thought it was a blast! Ok, so we both developed a taste for Guinness!
The fish and chips at McCann's (it's somewhat outside the main street) was the best! If the Cliffs are foggy, Doolin is also a fun place to hang out. And, if you're into music, it's the place to be at night.

Also, I wouldn't spend much time in Galway. I think there are better places to spend one's time. We found it very congested and therefore, exhausting. Once you get a taste of the countryside, there's no turning back!

Completely agree with staying in Kenmare over Killarney (the town). Kenmare is charming.
There's also a weekly flea and food market which is fun to see. We stayed at Davitts right on the main street. It's very nice and obviously, well located. They have a restaurant too; try the yummy apple crumble. You should also try Packies and Prego. Both are right in town. Prego is a casual place with hearty breakfasts.

Despite some of the posts here, we thought the ROK was amazing. Of course, it's all relative. We're from Chicago and have nothing like it. We started out around 3:30pm; we drove the southern part of the Ring of Kerry. We had no problem with tour buses. We saw NONE and by 5pm, we virtually had the road to ourselves! We think starting late in the day and doing the ring during a weekday was highly advantageous. We drove counter-clockwise towards Waterville. It took us about 4 hours out there. The return trip took an hour and 15 without stops.

We also loved Killarney National Park. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time. If you're like us, you'll be stopping every 10 minutes. We took 4 hours going through the park. Don't miss it!!! It is breathtaking! Muckross House alone takes a good hour or more.

We also loved our drive through County Clare. It was probably our best drive. Yes, it's one of the easier drives. Beautiful countryside and beaches along the way.

I'd say one of the most fabulous areas is the Burren. I cant say enough about it. It's like nothing you've ever seen! It's like another planet! (The Arun Islands are similar, geologically speaking).

We stayed at Gregan's Castle outside of Ballyvaughn. Gregan's is definitely a destination! I would go stay there again in a heartbeat! The views of the Burren and grounds are spectacular! The gardens are very diverse--from a formal rose garden complete with croquet to a wild brush-y pond area that you can explore. Also, the staff are terrific, very personable and fun. Very "full service." Oh, and there's a really nice comfy pub, right on the premises!

The staff at Gregan's also arranged a hike for us on the Burren itself. My dad did it too, and like I said, he's 73. But, it is a trek. Our guide was John from Burren Walks (Just google it. There's a full website.). It was a highlight of our trip. Very fascinating.

If you are looking for castles, you might also consider Glin Castle in Glin. It's right on the Shannon. You can google that too. It's a good stopover before taking the Tarbert Ferry, if you need to do that.

Have a great trip. And, remember, you really can't go wrong in Ireland!