Hi, we are disembarking from a cruise in Dublin in late July, and will spend 10 days seeing Ireland before flying home. We've never been, and this may be our only visit, so trying to see a lot in a somewhat faster-paced itinerary than usual for us, without overdoing it. Here is our current draft itinerary, would appreciate input as to feasibility and other suggestions.
Also, as we make some stops en route from one hotel to the next, how concerned should we be about leaving our luggage locked (out of sight, of course) in the trunk? I wouldn't do it in Sicily, for example, and perhaps not here in the US, but wouldn't hesitate at all in Japan.
2 nights Dublin, then rent a car at the airport and drive to Cork. Would like to stop en route to see Kilkenny Castle & town, and the Rock of Cashel, but not sure we can fit all that in - I believe the drive itself is about 5 hours?
2 nights Cork, with 1 full day to see the town. Want to take a break from driving, but maybe see one or more sights within a half hour's drive: Cobh, the Jameson Distillery, or Blarney Castle. Not feeling like Blarney is a must-do for us, I have no interest in kissing the stone and I've read it's not great for those with claustrophobia or fear of heights?
2 nights Dingle. Do the Slea Head drive one day, spend one day NOT driving (maybe a harbor cruise?) and seeing the town, relaxing at Pax guesthouse. (We have this booked, and availability is why we're going here then backtracking a bit to Killarney)
2 nights Killarney. Visit the national park, do the Gap of Dunloe jaunting cart/boat tour. Maybe a bit of the Ring of Kerry, but sadly this will be a bank holiday weekend and probably jammed. Also want to spend some time seeing the town.
1 night Adare, at Adare Manor. See Bunratty Castle and the town.
Final night in Dublin. If we feel up to it and the weather cooperates, will detour to see Cliffs of Moher this morning before heading back to Dublin. Otherwise, will look for other sights to see enroute.
(Note we are starting and ending in Dublin because we are leaving some excess baggage at the hotel during our week of touring.)
Thanks for any help!