First time in Ireland and I'm driving solo. I dislike rushing or scrambling -one day here and one day there -so I've picked what I think are a few central places from which to take day trips. Landing in Shannon and spending some recoup time(2 nights) in Bunratty then doing the following with three nights in each: Galway, Killarney, Kinsale, Kilkenney, ending in Dublin (dropping car) for three nights.
These four main stops will, I hope, be within driving distance of a multitude of "must-see" sites. Comments?
Posted by
Canada
36 posts
If you stay the night in Galway I would recommend a day trip to the Aran Islands. You can catch the ferry in the morning and spend the day there and take the ferry back at the end of the day. Driving the Dingle Peninsula is worth it too.
Posted by
317 posts
Greetings from Ireland. The itinerary looks good and its great you have 14 days in Ireland to explore at your leisure.
As a tour guide of 20 years experience for Rick Steves I would suggest your missing out if you don't stay a night or two in Dingle (by far the best location in Ireland in my opinion, which is why I moved there from my beloved Derry and Donegal), and also by not going North - even if only for a day by train or car to see Belfast and the Giants Causeway.
But who knows, maybe you'll come back and those spots in 2017! :)
Any questions, just pop me a line
Le meas/with respect
Stephen McPhilemy
Posted by
OP
8 posts
thanks, Stephen, for your reply and info. I had decided on basing in Killarney as it seemed mid-way between Dingle and the Ring of Kerry. I could spend a day in Dingle and then another on the Ring of Kerry and a 3rd day or partial day exploring Killarney and environs. Would Dingle merit more than a full day? What would you suggest instead of 3 nights in Killarney?
Posted by
317 posts
I like Killarney, its a good town with great people and beautiful scenery all around.
There will also be about 10,000 tourists there when you're there, thats the only big downside to Killarney in my opinion, and in terms of quality restaurants and the best of Irish Traditional music, Dingle wins every time.
I'd spend two nights in Killarney and even one in Dingle, Dingle completely merits an overnight, any guidebook or Irish person would tell you that. Its only 1.5 hours max drive from Killarney to Dingle.
But if you don't feel like packing up and moving on (I know how nice it is to get 3 nights in one place, we do that often on Rick Steves Ireland Tours) then Killarney is a good base to take day-trips to the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. you can also easily spend a day in Killarney National Park, its beautiful and has lots to do from visiting Muckross House, to the traditional farms to Torc Waterfall.
Slainte/Good Health
Stephen McPhilemy
Ireland
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Hi Stephen,
Again, thanks for your input. I am re-thinking my itinerary. Unfortunately, accommodation in Dingle seems pretty much sold out on my new dates, which are on a weekend. I have a few feelers out and if nothing opens up, I'll stick with Killarney and driving to the Dingle Peninsula. Actually, when I saw a review of Dingle which referenced "busloads of American tourists," I became hesitant. One reason I'm solo is that I dislike travelling in groups and being in crowded places. I definitely will drive the Dingle Peninsula, just not sure at this point if I'll be able to stay in Dingle itself.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
PS I know Killarney will be crowded but I really don't plan on spending much time in the town itself...I'll be off to the National Park, Peninsula, etc.