We are in Dublin for a conference mid March. We arrive Dublin at 8am and want to rent a car to begin our tour SW>west and back to Dublin for the conference. We have 2 days to tour Dublin after. Can you suggest an itinerary that includes Cork/Kinsale, Dingle, Cliffs of Mohr (or cliffs of Kerry) Galway and back to Dublin? Which cities are best to stay at? We don't mind driving but want to make sure we are not missing sights by rushing. What is reasonable time wise. Perhaps less "touristy" and more enjoying local flare and beauty of the country.
Posted by
3123 posts
If you tried to visit all of those places in two days, you'd be rushing pretty badly as they are far spread apart. And you say you prefer less touristy places, but the ones you've named are among the top tourist attractions in the country.
Personally I would settle into the hotel in Dublin and just sign up for one or two day tours to places outside the city to get a taste of the Irish countryside.
Posted by
1562 posts
I'm going to assume that you sleep well on the plane and are familiar with driving on the left side of the road. If neither of those assumptions are true, I would encourage you to rethink arriving in Dublin after a red eye and immediately trying to navigate out of the airport and driving on the left side of the road to parts unknown. Having said that, keep in mind that by the time you clear immigration and pick up your rental car it will be at least 10:00 AM. You could probably make it to Cork or Kinsale by late afternoon. It would definitely be evening if you stopped for lunch or went to Cashel. Remember, it's mid-March so days haven't gotten long yet. The next day drive to Killarney National Park and see what this beautiful park has to offer. Spend the night in either Killarney or Kenmare. On day three tour the Ring of Kerry, including the Cliffs of Kerry. Sleep in Killarney or Kenmare and return to Dublin the next day. That's 3 days and nights. Save Galway for another time.