We are going to Ireland July 9th through the 22nd and are flying into Dublin. Just doing southern Ireland and looking for any suggestions on an itinerary sample or what we can reach in one day and what towns to stay in. Also a little nervous on the car rental idea. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We do know we aren't doing the ring of kerry but we are doing dingle peninsula and some other key points we want to touch on are wicklow, leap castle, waterford, cobh and the titanic museum, dubllin, ashford and numerous other castles. We were planning on starting in Dublin and working our way down and then back up to galway and back to dublin for the last two nights.
Posted by
Birmingham AL
346 posts
We love Dingle, and could spend a week there -- check out Pax Guest House. Truly amazing views, service and overall ambience. John, the proprietor, is wonderful. There is a dog, cat and chickens on site, and it looks over the sea. Definitely spend a few more euro to get a sea view room.
We also love the Kilkenny area, and have stayed a couple of times with AnnMarie and Mark at Lawcus Farm Guest House. I would live there if I could. Quiet, on the river, farm animals and lots of home grown foods. In the area are Jerpoint Abbey and Kells Priory, which we like. There is also a pottery nearby, as well as a glass blowing studio.
We liked the music in Doolin, but found it a bit too quiet after Dingle. Cliffs of Moher are a must.
We loved the village of Kinsale. Two nights there was not quite enough for us. Check out a nice B&B run by Orla and Aileen called The Cloisters.
Remember to be flexible -- some of the best travel moments are spontaneous.
Regarding the car rental -- buy as much insurance as you can. It is very expensive, but worth every penny as it is almost certain that you will swipe a stone wall or hedge somewhere along the way. Also, unless you are very accustomed to driving a stick, spend the extra money to get an automatic. Driving on the wrong side of the road your first time there is enough of a challenge without adding in a stick shift. Just take it easy and don't get in a hurry. While you can certainly use apps for navigation, we have always found the roads to be well signposted once you figure out the system. And if you aren't accustomed to roundabouts, look them up online and watch a couple of video clips about how they work to make yourself feel at ease. They work very well, once you know how they work.
Posted by
7 posts
Rent a car after your stay in Dublin - no need for one in the city. Get a gps with your rental and a good co-pilot is always helpful!
We stopped in Cobh on Good Friday - pretty quiet because most pubs were closed. We did a tour of the "Titanic Experience". It was quick, but interesting.
Killarney National Park is worth seeing. Beautiful gardens, Torc waterfall, Muckross House, and Ross Castle.
Dingle is great! The Slea Head drive is beautiful. We also stayed at The Pax House and loved it!!!
Limerick is a nice stop on the drive from Dingle towards Galway. We stopped for lunch, went to The Hunt Museum and St. Mary Cathedral.
Definitely visit the Galway Cathedral and eat at "Ard Bia".