A week in Ireland with a car - need feedback on itenerary

Posted by jbesch7 on 07/11/16 09:45 PM

There will be 4 of us traveling, two adults, a 9 year old (history buff) and 6 year old. Once out of Dublin, we will rent a car for the remainder of our time in Ireland. This is for the July 2017 time frame. Is it too aggressive of a timeline? Are we missing any must see items in the area? Please let me know what you think:

Sunday AM to Tuesday AM in Dublin
- Hop on/Hop off bus
- Book of Kells
- Guiness
Tuesday drive to Cork/Kinsale stopping at Rock of Cashel
Tuesday PM to Thursday AM in Kinsale***
Thursday drive to Ring of Kerry OR Slea head and stay in Killarney
- do a tour of one of these via a tour bus
Friday AM to Sunday AM in Gallway doing Cliffs on Mohre on our way
- Gap of Dunloe tour
Sunday drive back to Dublin and get on Ferry to Holyhock, UK

Thanks!

Posted by Nancy

Bloomington, IL, USA

07/11/16 10:04 PM

9371 posts

If you want to see the Book of Kells, the earlier you can get there, the better. There will be a line before opening, but it gets worse during the day. In my opinion, Guinness Storehouse is not worth the expense or the time. You do not see the brewing process, it is basically a long commercial and plenty of buying opportunities for the same Guinness souvenirs that you can buy all over Ireland. I'm not sure about whether small children would even be admitted. A better use of that time, for your history buff, would be the National museums, which are free. The archeology museum has a bog man (mummified man), and lots of historical displays.

Since you are planning to go to Cashel, you should also stop in Cahir (30 minutes further toward Kinsale). Cahir has a castle in the river that would be fun for your kids to explore. The Cliffs of Moher have a wonderful visitor center, which should be a hit. From Galway, you can drive through the Connemara area, which is gorgeous.

Your trip seems pretty well paced to me. What is Holyhock, UK? I think you mean Holyhead.

Posted by jbesch7 OP

07/11/16 11:06 PM

3 posts

Sorry, holyhead UK. Heading from there to Liverpool.

Posted by PJ

Portland, OR

07/16/16 09:55 PM

238 posts

I second the recommendation of the Archaeology Museum--the kids would enjoy it much more than Guinness, where the primary attraction is the view and a "free" pint. When we were at the museum there were several school groups visiting and they were quite keen on the bog people exhibit (as were we). In Kinsale you should check out Charles Fort--it represents an interesting part of history and it is spread out enough that you'll all have a chance to get a little exercise. I'd also recommend Slea Head over Ring of Kerry--it has a little more in the way of history stops (beehive huts, famine cottages, Gallarus Oratory, Blasket Center) and is quite lovely--one of our very favorite spots.

Posted by vandrabrud

Ohio

07/17/16 08:27 PM

1601 posts

I also recommend the National Museum Archeology. Please note they are closed on Mondays as are other attractions. I suggest you check the hours of every place you plan to visit in Dublin.