We will be visiting Ireland in the spring and am starting to think about itinerary etc. We will be starting in Galway since our son will be studying there. We plan on spending a few days in Galway with him and then heading to Killarney for 2-3 days. We can take our time along the drive and am looking for things to do and see along the drive. Also, after leaving leaving Killarney heading to Dublin, what would be a good next stop for a day or 2.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
154 posts
You could take a very scenic route along the west coast and see the Cliffs of Mohor and more of the Burren. I would also go a bit out of your way and stay in Dingle for two nights. From there you can still visit Killarney but I recommend Dingle over Killarney for which area you would give more time to. You can find more information here and even watch Rick's episodes that visit both areas to get more visuals.
Posted by
Indianapolis, IN, USA
154 posts
Agree with the last post. Dingle is worth a few days as the scenery is beautiful with other sites to explore as you drive the peninsula. Killarney area also has great places to visit, but I would still spend time in Dingle. We usually spend 2 nights and always wish we had spent 3 nights at least. Driving from Killarney to Dublin you could drive inland with a stop at Cahir Castle and then a stop (or overnight) at Cashel. The next day stop at Glendalough on your way into Dublin.
Barbara
Posted by
Kansas City
272 posts
Kilkenny might be a good place to stay between Killarney and Dublin. The Gardens of Powerscourt is also a nice stop between Glendalough and Dublin.
Posted by
Land of La
9223 posts
Try to visit the Gap of Dunloe. It's between Dingle and Killarney. Stunning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KatlUVfJ_BI Hike it, take a traditional trap ride or drive over it. Killarney National Park. http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie Muckross House. The West coast of Ireland never disappoints. Be sure to stop in Dingle for a pint at Foxy John's.
Posted by
2 posts
I would highly recommend driving by the cliffs of moher and the west of Clare. The scenery is amazing and if the weather is good you might get to see dusty the dolphin at Doolin pier if you have time.
I have done Killarney and Dingle and while both are beautiful I wouldn't recommend being in the area and not doing both. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Killarney which is great as it is easy to get around to places like Dingle and the Black Valley and is just next to Ross castle the starting point for the Gap of Dunloe like Claudia suggested. We went out to Dingle for a day trip and saw a lot but thought we had more options in Killarney like the Gap of Dunloe or Torc Waterfall and the National Park and the town is a lot bigger as well.
You have a few options for your trip back.
you could go back and through:
Limerick which has Bunratty, King Johns Castle and Craggaunowen so there is loads to see and do.
Kilkenny is another great option and the castle is amazing and loads of great artists, pottery and woolen mills there.
Cork which has Spike Island, Blarney Castle and Stone, Cobh and of course the natural beauty that you can find in west cork