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Dublin and West Coast 9 days with infant

Dublin and West Coast 9 days with infant

Help! We’re leaving next week, and I keep overthinking this trip. Feedback is appreciated on a) timing and b) potential infant issues. I know Rick says leave the kids, but we like to travel as a family despite the hardships.

ABOUT US: From East Coast US; 40s adults frequent travelers (biz and leisure), we generally like to do packed days and go to bed early; 10 yr old - chill, flexible, frequent traveler including intern’l; 7 mo old - mostly chill (for an infant), has traveled via plane 3x in US

We’re going to have 9 days (arrive AM on Day 1; leave AM on Day 9) in Ireland. We fly into and out of Dublin. I will be at a conference in Dublin for Days 6-9 so we will have time there and the timing cannot be changed.

We had planned Day 1-3 in Killarney (2 nights) and Day 3-5 in Galway (2 nights). However, many posts have warned about driving across the country after an overnight international flight—even without an infant in tow—as well as moving around too quickly. Now I’m rethinking it all!

ITINERARY:
1: Arrive Dublin airport, grab rental car;
Drive West; Rock of Cashal (to break up the long drive and keep us awake); Stay in Killarney;
2: Ring of Kerry; Stay in Killarney;
3: Drive North; Cliffs of Moher/Burren/Ennis; Drive North; Stay in Galway;
4: Galway City/Aran Islands; Stay in Galway;
5: Galway City; Drive East; Stay in Dublin;
6-9: Dublin.

TYIA for all advice!

Posted by
2493 posts

You could take the train to Killarney, and get the rental car upon leaving - much safer.

Posted by
1585 posts

How about reversing your itinerary? Instead of renting a car after the overnight, transatlantic flight with a 7 month old who may or may not sleep and may or may not have a mixed up napping and eating schedule.....
Upon arrival in Dublin take the bus or train to Galway. Spend two nights there doing the things you want to do, then rent the car and head to the Ring of Kerry. After your two nights there head to Dublin, drop the car and attend your conference.