Hi
Traveling to Ireland this July. Like many, our family of 5 canceled in 2020 our previous trip. Flying into Dublin and staying for 2 nights then planning to drive toward Kilkenny. Would like to see Kinsale, Cork, Killarney before visiting Dingle, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Would love to also see Connemara before returning to Dublin to fly home. We have 9 full days with the days day being our flight home. My question, is there a good spot near Cork or Kinsale to use as a home base for multiple nights? Would consider self catering home. Is there a second home base idea closer to Dingle or Doolin to make that area accessible? Thank you, happy traveling, stay safe.
Posted by
TX, USA
4081 posts
Well, yes, there would be good options. You might start with a map view on Booking.com to see what you come up with. But I don’t think you can see all the places you listed with that amount of time unless you are just on a driving trip. Maybe 2 of the 3 areas you mentioned?
Posted by
1368 posts
That's a lot of ground to cover. And I'm not really sure if you have 9 full days after the first 2 nights in Dublin or only 7. Really think about what your priorities are and consider how much time you and your family are willing to spend in the car. Bear in mind that you should add 25% to whatever the map app tells you when planning your drives. You are unlikely to drive the posted speed limit on most of the roads. I think realistically you need to drop either Galway, Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher or Cork and Kinsale. Also consider whether you need to do Dingle if you will be in Killarney and therefore on the Ring of Kerry.
Posted by
Irving
2952 posts
You are trying to see way too much. I like the idea of taking the bus from the airport to Galway and renting a car in Galway. Plan on seeing the Connemara and County Clare while in Galway. When you’re ready to move on drive to Dingle for a couple nights before going to Cork where you can visit Kinsale as a day trip before working your way back to Dublin. If spending time in Kilkenny consider dropping off your car there and taking the train to Dublin.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for the advice. I have take all the suggestions and reconsidered our itinerary. Taking two nights in Dublin, two in Kilkenny 2 in Dingle and then will need to plan for the last 3 nights. Cliffs of Moher are a must see !
Posted by
Land of La
8672 posts
If you choose Dingle then consider seeing the Kerry Cliffs instead of the Cliffs Of Moher. Have seen both.
Liked Kerry Cliffs more. Fewer tourists.
Posted by
1368 posts
I think you made a good decision. Do the last 3 nights include the night before you depart Ireland? If so, are you returning to the US? If so, be aware that you pre-clear US immigration in Dublin. That means you really need to be at the airport 3 hours ahead of time. So if you have a morning or even early afternoon flight you probably want to spend your last night near the airport.