Aran Islands or Dingle or Antrim Coast?

Posted by kristinboyer on 08/23/16 09:10 PM

In September I'll be heading to Ireland for 13 days. I'll spend the first 3 nights in Dublin, then head to Mountshannon/Whitegate to ride horseback over the Burren, to the Cliffs of Moher, and other parts of Counties Clare and Galway. During the ride I'll be staying in Mountshannon/Whitegate, then Corofin, and ending in Lisdoonvarna. My question is what to do for my last 2 days in Ireland? I'm female, going solo, fairly adventurous. I'd like to spend the most amount of time possible being somewhere rather than getting there, so minimizing time in a car/bus/train is a priority.

Option 1: Since I'll be in Lisdoonvarna at the end of my horseback riding I'll be very close to Doolin if I choose to go to Inishmore. Ferry over, stay 1 or 2 nights, ferry back and head back to Dublin for my flight out. Is there enough to see/do to warrant 2 nights on the island? Would it be tough to get back to Dublin from Doolin via public transportation if I choose that option?

Option 2: Have riding outfitter drop me in Shannon where I rent a car to drive to Dingle. Stay in Dingle 2 nights then head to Dublin for return flight. Would I experience things in Dingle that I didn't in Lisdoonvarna and Corofin? Rick seems to be a big Dingle fan and not so much for Lisdoonvarna and Corofin, so wondering if it would be a better small town experience?

Option 3: Rent a car in Shannon and drive to Belfast or Londonderry to experience the Antrim Coast for a couple of nights. While there I'd see the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede bridge, and ?? From what I can find online, looks like taking a car over the border adds significant cost so that's a bit of a drawback. Also, lots of drive time from Shannon then to Dublin?

Thoughts?

Posted by Craig

Chicago

08/24/16 02:03 PM

554 posts

Kristin,

Good morning.

I've been on Aran, Dingle and the Antrim Coast, but thought of a fourth option.

You mention that you like adventure. Thank about climbing Croagh Patrick (http://www.croagh-patrick.com/), the holy mountain of Ireland in County Mayo. Supposedly, St. Patrick prayed for the Irish on its peak for the biblical 40 days and nights. He chose the mountain because pagans had previously used it for bonfires. The main path is rocky and not paved. There is a chapel on the peak and a pub at the base for a Guinness when you're done. The mountain is almost perfectly conical. It's 2,300 ft. tall. I climbed it in two hours when I was in my early 30s, though allow for three hours. It would be best to stay in Westport, Mayo (http://www.destinationwestport.com/). If you do choose this, take a side trip to see Rockfleet Castle on the north side of Clew Bay (http://www.destinationwestport.com/places-to-visit/towns-and-villages/newport/rockfleet-castle/). Grace O'Malley, the female Irish pirate, fended off a British attack on the castle 400 years ago. The trip would only be a couple hours by bus from Lisdoonvarna, quicker by car.

It that doesn't appeal to you, I would go with either Option 1 or Option 2. I prefer Option 2 because I love Dingle, but Option 1 would involve less time in a car or bus. You mention horseback riding. When I was on Dingle for a week in 2010, there was a family, who were staying in Camp, to ride horses on Dingle's beaches. (There are more picturesque towns than Camp, I believe, but maybe it's good for horseback riding.) I was on Dingle to walk the 100-mile-long Dingle Way trail (http://www.dingleway.com/), which is worth hiking. You won't have a week, but even for a day, the Dingle Way is beautiful. If you do this, stay near Cloghane on the north coast. The Dingle Way trail will take you over Mount Brandon, which is the eighth tallest mountain in Ireland at 2,500 ft. The views of the Atlantic will make you believe in God. Be prepared for weather if you walk the trail. Dingle Town, the main "city" on Dingle, is also pleasant but on the south coast.

If you go with Aran, there is great bicycle riding. Also consider taking a side trip to Inisheer, which is smaller than Inishmore, or staying on Inisheer.

Have the time of your life in a country I have always loved and never get bored of. It's beautiful, the people are genuine and friendly and the beer is always refreshing. Have questions? Just ask. Cheers.