We will be going in May and plan for about 10 days. Would like to drive and stay in B&B's. Looking for must see locations. Been looking to fly into Dublin and then drive to Waterford for the tour. Killarney and drive the ring, Limerick, Galway and Westport. Any ideas on this itinerary? We enjoy views, markets, food and people watching. Not much for museums and such. Thank You!
Posted by
Vermont USA
359 posts
A few things. Driving times on apps are often way off. Unless you are on one of the "M" highways add at least 30% to driving times then factor in stops for food and gas.
There is a temptation to try and see everything or "as much as possible"'. Avoid the temptation at all costs. You don't want to waste your time being in a car for huge stretches of your vacation just to get to the next so called must see. Racing past, or giving a quick glance to something is very counterproductive. Ireland more than any place we've been is best described by less is more......WAY more.
For example people will race around the Ring if Kerry in half or one day so that they can then drive 6-7 hours to see the Cliffs of Moher.......when they while on the ROK are right next to the Cliffs of Kerry...which are imo prettier and less touristy than Moher. Then you've saved 7 hours of driving and can do things like go see Skellig Michael, walk Bray Head, horseback ride on the beach at Caherdaniel or Glenbeigh, visit ancient ring forts, ruins, castles or enjoy world class chocolates in Ballinskellig...........or you can miss all that trying to go see 1 pretty but inferior sight than the host of options near you.
Also careening all over the place limits your chance to experience one of Ireland's greatest features - interacting with her people. Even if you aren't a people person if you take a moment you will be so rewarded by the fun by, down to earth, warm, generous people who are utterly without pretense (or as they would say - they don't have notions :) )
So pick out a couple spots, explore from there... avoid one night stays and long drives like the plague. The magic is all around and about the only way to miss it is to be in a car too much trying to avoid missing something.
Posted by
53 posts
Sunday market in the heart of Galway was wonderful in Spring '17 when we were there. Also very much enjoyed a true local pub in Galway-- --Carroll's on Dominick Street-- where they will nevertheless make you feel very welcome. In Westport, don't miss Matt Molloy's pub, but you may have to get there early if you want a seat for the music. We very much enjoyed St Anthony's Riverside B&B in Westport. If you are really wanting to change venues that many times, be sure to pack light; packing and repacking after one or two night stays gets old quickly. If there's a chance for another trip to Ireland, maybe save the southern destinations and just split your time between Galway, Westport, the Connemara drive between them, and Dublin and its neolithic sites to its northwest. That would strike me as a pretty full plate for a 10-day trip. And I second everything noted in the previous reply, which was full of absolutely great advice, IMO. Don't hurry through Ireland.
Posted by
14 posts
Love the entire country, but Limerick and even Galway not high on my list for spending a lot of time in....esp. not a lot of time driving to get there. We last went and drove to Kilkenny for a couple of days, then 2-3 days each in Kinsale, the Dingle Peninsula before returning to Dublin. Each of those 3 places gives you nice, short day trips or walks to see plenty of sites, meet the people and enjoy great food and craic!