Help with Itinerary 9-nights 10-days

Posted by barbieharrison on 11/11/24 07:24 PM

I have the Rick Steve Guides for Ireland. We arrive in Dublin on 8/31 7am from Newark and depart from Dublin on 9/9 at 9:45 am. We are a group of 6 adults myself and my husband early 60’s and our children and their spouses are all early 30’s. I would love any feedback on our tentative itinerary. I really want to make accommodation reservations asap but need to set the destinations first. Flights are booked.
Thinking of taking the train on 8/31 to Cork after our arrival.
2 nights-Cork/Kinsale
2 nights- Dingle
2 nights-Galway
3 nights Dublin

Thanks in advance for any thoughts, suggestions and feedback.

Posted by MaryPat

Irving

11/11/24 09:04 PM

3222 posts

Galway is a jumping off point if visiting the Aran Islands or Connemara. Other than that Galway is not an attractive city except for a pedestrian street I passed while on a bus. I say go to Galway as planned and the next day take a direct bus to a spot in Connemara and have lunch before returning to Galway.

Posted by Trotter

11/11/24 10:13 PM

1574 posts

An alternative transportation option from Dublin airport to Cork is the bus. There are express busses from the airport to Cork - which would save you the time and effort of getting to Dublin City Center to catch the train. https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-bus/all-ireland-bus-routes.

Posted by G3rryCee

Bellingham, WA

11/12/24 12:58 AM

405 posts

2-night stays are a challenge because they really only give you one full day in your location. Are you planning to get a car in Cork to drive to Dingle? And maybe stop along the way? You don't say what you're interested in. From your itinerary, I would guess you enjoy traveling long distances and briefly visiting mid-sized or large cities. I suggest all six travelers make a list of the sights they wish to see and proceed from there. You have plenty of time to book accommodation.

Posted by TexasTravelMom

TX, USA

11/12/24 03:10 AM

4777 posts

First, I am making the assumption that you will either have a car at some point - or that you have already checked bus schedules to make sure they work.

I second Trotter about taking the bus from the airport, rather than spending an hour heading into Dublin to catch the train.

I actually might reverse the trip and go Galway (which I thought was a charming town with fun music), Dingle, Cork/Kinsale, Dublin - simply because it will take more public transportation time if you decide to stay in Kinsale and you’ll be coming off your long flight, so better saved till you have rested more. And Galway is a shorter trip for that arrival day. Be aware that Galway-Dingle (or Dingle-Galway) is a long travel day.