Have 2 weeks in Ireland this July for family of four. Starting in Galway, Should we go south to dingle or north to donegal for the 3 nights prior to Dublin/portrush? Traveling with 2 teen boys interested in beaches and adventure. Also any thoughts on B and B vs getting a kitchenette place for 3 nights. Thanks all.
Posted by
317 posts
Greetings from Ireland.
Im from Donegal and live most of the year in Dingle. I love Donegal with all my heart and its so beautiful, but I when opening a B&B - I had the choice of Donegal or Dingle.\
Dingle won hands-down as there is just so much to do there and even better than that, its all condensed into one beautiful area.
For two teenage boys, Dingle will have way more to do.
There is of course plenty of beaches and adventure in Donegal also, and it is logistically much easier for you to go from Galway to Donegal to Portrush. If you do opt for Donegal, I have tons of options for you.
Dingles disadvantage, in the context of your question, is that it really is way out there, very remote, and a lot of driving for you to get to form Galway.
Regarding renting a kitchenette place, theres very few places who will rent to you for just 3 days. Even less in Dingle.
If you're booking a B&B, you'd need to move fairly soon and reserve, as places are filling fast. This is the busiest year on record!
Slainte/Good health
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland Tour-Guide
Dingle & Derry
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you very much for your input. Dingle seems like it would add a different element to the rest of our tour so I'm inclined to include it but hope I'm not over doing it either! and need to act fast I know. What do you think of this plan?
5 nights in athenry staying with family- Aran islands, Connemara and burren on bucket list
3 nights in dingle - would like to drive thru cashel for rock tour on way to
2 nights in Trim - have a day in Dublin and morning at valley of Boyne before traveling for
2 nights in portrush for causeway
1 night in Cavan with more family
1 night in Ennis area for departure from Shannon next day.
Might think of skipping cashel if need more direct route to Trim? Your advice is very much appreciated.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Or another thought go in reverse? Athenry, Trim, portrush, Cavan, dingle, Ennis/Shannon? Thank you sooo much!
Marie
Posted by
317 posts
Hello Marie, happy easter to you from Ireland.
Either itinerary is fine, though Id go for the first one.
Id drop the overnight in Cashel, there really isn't a whole lot there compared to other towns. Though of course Trim is no metropolis either, but its Castle and its location are excellent... I like Cashel but I can happily show guests my top 3 favourite sights there in 2-3 hours max. For most visitors, a 1 hour stop at the Rock of Cashel is enough.
So just for practical and time purposes Id drop the overnight there. If you had more time. Id say stay overnight.
Slainte
Stephen McPhilemy
Ireland
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you Stephen! What B and B do you run in dingle? :).