We're going to Ireland in July for 6 short nights. We will be staying in Adare the entire time, any suggestions for our itinerary since we don't have a lot of time. We will have a rental car so we are able to get around. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
damullen-if you are committed to being in Adare each night, there are lots of good day trips available to you:
*Cliffs of Moher, The Aran Islands, the Burren; Doolin
*Dingle Peninsula-drive over Conor Pass, take the Slea Head Drive, skip the Ring of Kerry
*Killarney National Park and Muckross Gardens
Others will chime in I'm sure with more suggestions. I'm not sure it makes sense to take a day for Dublin, it's a couple hours plus each way, but if you did you may want to park outside the busy city center and bus in. If you can get there early one day and take the Kilmainham Gaol tour, I bet you'd enjoy it.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
388 posts
the cliffs, Burren and Limerick will all be the closest. There are a number of castles that would make good day trips like Bunratty. Some other places may be doable as a day trip but the driving time to and from will get long. Its about 2 hours each way to Dingle, and about 1.5 hours to Muckross. These are good places to go if you don't mind the driving time. Look on maps.google.com for driving times as well as www.rome2rio.com. Otherwise I think you are on the right path.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you for the replies and trip suggestions. I will continue reviewing what's doable for our day trips, we don't mind driving but don't want to spend most of the day in the car if it can be avoided. Looking forward to seeing some castles, the cliffs as well as some of the other places you've mentioned.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
Adare is lovely. Nearby is Bunratty, we did the castle tour and weren't impressed but loved the folk park best. Others have done the banquet and enjoyed it, we did not do that. Nearby is also King Johns castle which I believe has just had some upgrades. Dingle may be two hours but it is more than worth it. Drive over Connor Pass, stop numerous times for the view. Drive the Slea Head drive. Stop at the Stonehouse restaurant towards the beginning of the drive for lunch. You won't regret Dingle. We have only been to the Cliffs off season but others who have gone during height of season suggest you get there early AM or late afternoon after tour buses leave. Also don't try Doolin midday, last time we were there mid afternoon in October we had to wait a good twenty minutes for tour buses to unload and they totally blocked the road. Whatever you do in Ireland,you won't regret.