My husband and I are attending a wedding in Italy at the end of April and would like to extend our trip and spend some time in Ireland before we return to the US. The plan is to fly into Dublin on a Saturday and fly home the following Saturday. We would like to spend a day or two in Dublin and also visit Galway, Dingle and Cork. Is it unreasonable to try and visit and stay a night in all these towns in such a short amount of time? We planned on renting a car when we leave Dublin and driving so we can experience the beauty of the countryside and stop and see some sites along the way. In the evenings we would like to enjoy some music in the local pubs. Also, will it be hard to find decent affordable accommodations with the trip only 3 months out? Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Irving
3512 posts
Instead of renting a car in Dublin, take a direct (no transfer) bus from Dublin airport to Galway (3h). When you’re ready to leave Galway, rent a car and drive to Dingle (3h 45m). From Dingle drive to Cork (5h 45m). Drop off your car in Cork and take a direct train to Dublin (2h 45m). You do not want to drive in Dublin.
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
1064 posts
I'd rent the car in Dublin and drive the same route. Not only do you expand the number of rental agencies to choose from and avoid the one-way fee, but it let's you visit the many places that are on the route.
For example, leaving Dublin, you could go to Newgrange, Athlone, Athenry and others. Between Cork and Dublin, there is Cahir Castle, Rock of Cashel, and many other spots. We always find the the journey more interesting that the endpoint- sort of like life.
All four areas have bountiful trad music.
Dublin - Cobblestone, Brazen Head, Celt, and others all have trad sessions, depending on the day. I'd avoid Temple Bar area.
Galway - The Crane, Tig Còili, Carrolls, Walsh, and several along the walk between those.
Dingle - An Droichead Beag, St. James Church, and too many others to list
Cork - Sin é (theleesessions.com)
thesession.org and Facebook are your griends for finding music on the night you're in a town.
Yes, lodging will be hard to find anything reasonably priced.
Posted by
California Central Coast 🐚
483 posts
I'd suggest one less location if it were me. That's a lot of driving and a lot of packing up and moving for 6 days
Posted by
OP
Melbourne, Florida
12 posts
Thanks for all the replies! Coming 2 days earlier now so my husband and I can travel to all those towns! Any other recommendations for Galway, Dingle or Cork would be greatly appreciated! Things to do or places to stay!