My boyfriend and I plan to fly into Dublin on a Sunday morning in August, stay in Dublin for two nights, go to Galway for two nights, then Dingle for two nights and back to Dublin for a night before flying to London for 4-5 days.
I don't know if,
a) we should rent a car or travel by train, bus, etc.,
b) switch the itinerary to go to Dingle before Galway,
c) stay an extra night in Dublin, Dingle, Galway, or if I should be driving add a night somewhere between Dingle and Dublin?, and
d) fly to London from somewhere in the southwest instead of going back to Dublin (and which airport if so)?
I'm starting to really stress about this and a I have booked and cancelled numerous hotels because of it. I really hope that someone who has done this route both driving and with public transportation can help me. Thank you!
Posted by
back in the Americas
723 posts
Go Dublin, Galway, Dingle. Fly out of Kerry airport on Ryanair to London. The little Kerry airport is convenient to both Dingle and Kilarney. Why doubleback to Dublin?
Posted by
Alexandria, VA
771 posts
I've never flown from any of the airports in the west to London, but agree with Pat that it doesn't really make sense to drive back to Dublin just to fly from there. We have done that as a family group because various people were flying to other Europe's destinations, and some back to the US. We spent the better part of a day driving, then spent the night in a hotel at the airport. Why not spend the time seeing more things in the west if you can get the flights from there? Besides Shannon, and Kerry, Knock also has an international airport.
I would add the extra day to Galway, and try to see some of Connemara.
You can use public transportation, but driving gives you more flexibility.
No matter where you stay, the Irish are very hospitable, and you'll find your stay enjoyable.
Posted by
Massachusetts
404 posts
I'm not sure where you are flying home to, but why not fly out of Shannon? It's convenient to Galway (about an hour) and fairly convenient to Dingle (maybe two hours).
I would recommend renting a car. There are a number of enjoyable things to stop and see and do along the way, and it's nice to have that flexibility. I got used to driving on the left within the first 30-45 minutes. It really isn't that bad.
My wife and I were not overly impressed with Galway. If I could do our trip again, I would 100% stay an extra night in Dingle, as that was our favorite part of the trip.
Posted by
South Carolina
56 posts
I would spend the least amount of time in Dublin and focus on the Irish countryside instead. We drove everywhere in Ireland (with the exception of Dublin) and it was not a problem. County Wicklow is close to Dublin and a stop at Glendalough is worthwhile. The Dingle Peninsula is spectacular! The B&Bs in Ireland are warm and friendly and provide you with a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture. Consider flying in or out of Shannon.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Has anyone stayed in Inch Beach? Is it okay to still do things in Dingle like rent a bike or kayak? I'm still stuck between three nights in Dingle or Galway.