We are planning a trip to Ireland to see the Cliffs of Moher during the last week of May, and want to experience Ireland's wild beauty before my student starts her college summer abroad program in Paris. The cliffs are bucket list for us all, so thinking flying into Shannon makes the most sense, then flying out to Paris from there. After overdoing the research, I'm now feeling overwhelmed by all the options in this part of Ireland. Thinking 3 or 4 nights? Not sure where to stay. Like to see a castle. Like to see Puffins. But honestly, open to anything beautiful and experiential: restaurants, walks, scenery, music, coffee shop. Thinking a more leisurely soaking it up over fitting it all in. Should we do Aran islands? Should we extend trip? All suggestions welcome! Agree with flying in/out of Shannon? Have flexibility since flights haven't been booked yet. Thank you for ANY insight!
Posted by
Salt Lake City
3222 posts
Will you be renting a car or relying on public transportation?
Posted by
OP
Wisconsin
2 posts
Planning on renting a car.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC
188 posts
Nearby - Skelleg Michael. Day trip - Giant’s Causeway. Otherwise, many great villages around SW IRE to explore and take in. Enjoy.
Posted by
33 posts
If you could extend it a bit, you could fly into Shannon and spend 3 nights in Killarney (loads to do around there) and then head back (by way of Dingle) to the Shannon area. You could stay at Dromoland Castle, visit the Cliffs from there and enjoy the "castle" experience.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1706 posts
Doolin is a good choice. Close to the Cliffs of Moher and ferry to Aran Islands. The town is known for traditional music in the pubs. It's close to Shannon. Easy-peasy.
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
1129 posts
IMHO, the Cliffs are vastly over-rated. There are better cliffs, better views, and innumerable alternatives. Sorry.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2960 posts
Try and extend the stay if possible as there is so much to do and see in the area. Flying into Shannon makes sense as you bare wanting to be in the west of Ireland.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is virtually next door to Shannon Airport. The Folk Park is grreat fun and tas well as going round the castle, you can attend a medieval buffet there too. There's plenty of choice of accommodation near the castle too.
The Cliffs of Moher are best seen from the sea - do this from Doolin and you can combine this with a boat trip to the Aran islands. You may also sea puffins from the boat as they nest on top of a sea stack near the cliffs.