Hello - taking my first trip to Ireland in June towards the end of the month. Will have about 6 days on the ground and want to focus on the South. Was planning on flying into Dublin, renting a car and then heading to Waterford and Cork. Will fly out of Shannon. Any suggestions on good B&B's along the way and rental car pitfalls to avoid ??? Me and my wife will be traveling. Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2362 posts
If you are planning on seeing the South and I imagine the Southwest, why not consider just flying into and out of Shannon unless you want to see Dublin. With only six days, I think the Shannon option is the best for touring.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I agree with Gail. For your plans, flying into Shannon will be easier. For one thing, getting used to driving on the other side of the road will be easier out in the country.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
I'm OK driving on the pther side, I have deployed to Scotland and had to drive about 80 kilometers everyday to and from Kinloss. I think our itinerary looks like this now:
Arrive Dublin on the 25th - spend the night.
Arrive Kilkenny on the 26th - spend the night
Arrive Killarney on the 27th - spend two nights
Arrive Limerick on the 29th - spend the night
Arrive Galway on the 30th - spend the night
Arrive Dublin on the 01st - Spend the night
Return to US on the 2nd
What do you think ???
Posted by
Massachusetts
398 posts
It's of course a matter of personal preference, but I would not miss Dingle. It was our favorite part of our trip to Ireland, and you will be relatively near by. I would spend at least one night there. Best music scene in Ireland, and I would want to do the Slea Head drive again too.
Posted by
Fairfax, Virginia
330 posts
I agree on Dingle, and I hated Killarney. I' it were my trip I'd scratch Killarney, and go with a night in Kenmare and one in Dingle. Kenmare is equally or more convenient to the Ring of Kerry, and much less crowded and touristy.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Since we're planning on visiting in late June, is it absolutely necessary to make reservations before we go at the B&B's we plan to stay at or can we just "wing it" along the way ???
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
It's getting a little risky by June, but there are lots of B&Bs around. You might not get your first choice if you wing it, but you will find something, I'm sure.
Posted by
Bloomfield, New Jersey, USA
3 posts
Unless you have a burning desire, I'd drop the night in Limerick for two nights in Galway. Also agree on Killarney, try Kenmare or Dingle. En route to Galway, travel Conor pass and take the car ferry across the Shannon from Tarbert to Killimer
Posted by
Birmingham AL
346 posts
I recommend Kilkenny area (Lawcus Farm B&B if you can get it. Top on Tripadvisor for many reasons.) Kinsale (The Cloister B&B) then Dingle (Pax Guest House -- again look at his reviews on Trip Advisor.) add in Newgrange if you can.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7 posts
We just returned this week from a trip focusing on the south. Based on your plans flying into Shannon or Cork makes more sense and will save time.
I'd bypass Limerick & Killarney city. I'd strongly recommend visiting Kinsale and Dingle Pennisula. Galway itself has good attractions and shopping; getting out to Connemara countryside is very worthwhile. We stayed at lovely B&Bs in Kinsale (Gallery B&B) and near Killarney (Salmon Leap Farm B&B) and near Gallway (Oranhill Lodge B&B). The Marketplace Restaurant in Cork (city) is excellent, but a bit pricy.
We rented a car from Budget mainly because they guaranteed an automatic; it's tough enough to drive on the left on Ireland's narrow roads without the bother of a manual transmission. Get the complete insurance coverage--it's worth it. Inspect the car fully, including checking for the spare and jack, and document EVERY scrape and dent before leaving the lot. And the roads are narrow compared to the US standards. Not a lot of potholes though. Happy travels