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4 Days in Ireland - multi question

Posted by (North Carolina, US) on

This is a many part question...

We have traveled Europe quite a bit and typically visit many different countries and cities within a 2 week span, not spending more than 3 days in one city or country. We enjoy the rush, honestly! We've explored many amazing places in a short time and make a full day of every day!

We're currently considering a 4 day trip to Ireland in March (5 total but I'm not counting the flight). The difference this time is that I will be 26 weeks pregnant.

There's nothing specific that I have on my list as a "must see" for the trip. This is truly a last hoorah "babymoon" type of trip. Just a nice short get-away before our world turns completely around. Honestly, just driving the countryside and taking in the relaxing beauty of Ireland's countryside and coastal lines in all I'd like to get out of this trip.

That being said, is 4 days in Ireland sufficient to make it to the west coast and take in some relaxing sights? I know you could easily spend 2 weeks or more to really take it in, but again - we have no specific itinerary.

My other concern is the bathroom situations along the way. I imagine there's aren't many options between major towns. Are they like other European cities in which you have to pay for each one?

And in driving, is there any restriction/important things to note? (I know driving is on the left and roads are curvy and narrow)

Any advice/suggestions are much appreciated!
Thank you!

Posted by
1585 posts

First, Congratulations! I wish you all the best on the greatest of adventures. As for your questions, bathrooms aren't a problem. If you are driving on the major motorways most of the petrol stations are associated with your typical fast food place with bathroom facilities. Just buy a soda or coffee, use the facilities and away you go. Similarly, there are pubs and cafes where you can buy something and use the rest room. If you like driving then yes, you can reach the west coast in 4 days. If you are flying into Shannon that would be the best. If you fly into Dublin you might consider taking the bus to Galway upon arrival (the bus stop is right outside the terminal) spend your first night there, then rent the car to tour the west side of the island.

Posted by
90 posts

Thank you so much for the reply! We do enjoy the flexibility of driving and prefer it over public transport.

And thank you! We're very excited :-)

Posted by
10 posts

Hi Jamie,
I’ll be spending 4 days in Ireland next month. A family friend/pub owner who lives in Cork recommended the following itinerary:
Day 1: Dublin to Kinsale (we’re planning a stop in Waterford on the way)
Day 2: Kinsale to Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Baltimore, and Schull
Day 3: Schull to Ring of Kerry to Killarney
Day 4: Killarney to Dublin
Hope this helps, enjoy your trip!
Diane

Posted by
53 posts

Hi Jamie Lynne, and congratulations. From what you have mentioned, I'd definitely suggest flying in and out of Shannon. You could drive to Dingle that day, base there and spend a couple of days on the Dingle Peninsula. On return day minus one, get an early start and drive up to cross the Shannon on the Tarbert ferry and head west to Kilkee, where there is a lovely cliff walk along the coast southwest of town. Or leave Dingle after lunch the day before that and stay somewhere on the coast in NW County Kerry along the way. Kilkee is only an hour and a half or so from Shannon Airport, so you'd have only that short drive to turn in your car that evening. You could stay in Bunratty and have a 15 minute cab to the airport for your flight. This itinerary will get you plenty of Wild Atlantic Way! Having done 3 self-drive trips in Ireland, I would advise, for planning, that you to add 33%-50% to the driving times your Google Maps gives you, and after a rest or coffee stop, actually visualize getting back onto the road in the correct lane, before doing it! [BTW, an automatic transmission is definitely worth the price difference, IMO] Best of Luck, and Enjoy!

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