We are flying into Dublin On October 16 and have 7 travel days before flying out again from Dublin. Want to see mostly the west coast (Dingle and Ballynskelligs particularly. Renting a car. Any suggestions on an itinerary would be most helpful. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
255 posts
Too bad you can't fly out of or into Shannon and save a day. If you want to spend it all on the West coast just spend the day getting to Dingle.
My favorite route is to take the coast road from Dublin up to Antrim and see the sights in NI. Then ferry over to Donegal and down through Mayo via Westport, taking the scenic back road to Galway then through the Burren, stay in Doolin for a music night, then visit the Cliffs of Moher and head South to Dingle via Tralee taking the Killimer to Tarbert ferry. Pretty ambitious and you don't have a lot of time but in my opinion it is the prettiest scenery in Ireland. You will also lose basically a whole day heading back to Dublin. I have been there 10 times and there are still places I need to see.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
Our route echoes Brian's, we had 7 nights, spent 3 in Dublin, using one day for a train day trip to Belfast. Day 4 we rented a car and drove West to Doolin, got to the Cliffs late afternoon when next to no one was there (including tour buses), dinner and music and a nice B & B for the night, then to Dingle via the same route-Killimer to Tarbert ferry, Tralee, Conor Pass and then 3 nights in Dingle. Took a day trip to Killarney National Park, we arrived Dublin and flew out of Cork. There is a whole lot to see, plan on returning and don't rush around too much. Have a great trip.
Posted by
OP
Lima, Ohio, USA
27 posts
Thanks for the help. Wondering if you made reservations at B and B's before trip or while on the road. We were advised that middle of October was not quite as buys. Any suggestions? Thanks again.
Posted by
1531 posts
October is not as busy, but some places go to reduced hours as it is now the off season. check on those things.....and take a warm hat
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
255 posts
There are B&B signs all over the coastal areas of Ireland. You will not have any trouble finding a place to stay. I always book in advance but my trips are planned as to locations. You can easily wing it in October. At Dublin airport you can pick up the country B&B guide if you like that lists and describes them all and gives the phone number. You can also just stop by at any B&B. If they are full they will refer you to another. I have never had a bad B&B experience in Ireland.