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9 days in Ireland itinerary in July. Does this seem reasonable?

  1. Fly in to Dublin
  2. Dublin
  3. Drive through to Ashford Castle for 1 night stay
  4. Stay in Galway 2 nights
  5. Stay in Galway
  6. Doolin 1 night
  7. Dingle 2 nights
  8. Dingle
  9. Fly out of Shannon

We are debating between the Connemara drive, Inishmore, or Galway sights on day 5.
We are thinking of stopping at the Cliffs of Mohr on the way to Doolin, and considering on Inishor and the Cliffs of Mohr sunset cruise when in Doolin.
We would like to do the drive around Dingle when in Dingle.

Is this a doable itinerary? Which activities would you recommend?

Posted by
51 posts

Howdy! My two cents - there's a lot to see in Dublin, also a lot to not see. Are you staying down towards city center? There is a Jury's hotel at Christ Church and that places you smack in the middle. Plenty of less expense options too. Dublin city center after 4pm changes - just mind yourself is all I'm saying. Driving in Dublin is easy enough however traffic is pretty bad in town, esp Malahide Road from Artane into City Center. Leo Burdocks fish and chips is a great spot, a hole in the wall with a counter and no tables. Great F&C.

For me, Inishmore, while stark and beautiful and windy is not really worth the time except to say that you have been. I would go a lot of other places before going back again. Connemara is lovely. Two nights in Galway is nice. On Dingle - are you talking about the Ring of Kerry drive? Until I read your post I have honestly forgotten how beautiful it is. That I will do again.

So doable? Sure. Ireland is not that big. Road can be quite small (narrow) however and you will really notice it when a tour bus goes the other direction.

It seems a little rushed on the Dublin side, it is nice to walk around Dublin, however it sounds like you want to get out into the countryside -and it is a beautiful countryside so if it was myself and I could squeeze 10 days - I would add another Dublin day (and not pick up a car until the day I was leaving Dublin). If however you are fixed to 9 days, then sounds like a grand adventure.

Posted by
215 posts

I am doing a similar trip and flying into Dublin and out of Shannon but mine is 12 days. My sister was just in Galway in April and they took the train from Dublin City Centre directly to Galway. And then they used Galway tours for 3 days and saw everything for a great price. No car was needed. This is my plan and this is my second time to Ireland.

Day 1. Land in Dublin
Day 2. Dublin( I was going to Belfast via train but that may need to be another trip)
Day 3. Train directly to Galway( check into B&B and explore town and pubs) stay 4 nights!
Day 4. Galway Tours Cliffs(depending on weather I may flip these around)
Day. 5. Galway Tours Aran Island
Day. 6. Galway Tours Connemara
Day. 7. Bus to Dingle and stay in the town(I have done the Ring of Kerry and Muckross House- Must Do!!
Day. 8. Dingle
Day. 9. Dingle
Day 10. Kenmare or Ennis
Day. 11 Kenmare or Ennis
Day. 12 Shannon airport

I like to stay a minimum of 2 nights anywhere I go or I spend more time checking in and out. But staying in Doolin would be great, why not. And you have a car.

I am doing the pros and cons between Kenmare and Ennis(close to Shannon) or anywhere that gets me not to backtrack too much. Will enjoy reading other forum members on their recommendations for you.