Honeymoon & 1st time in Ireland -- Galway, Cork, Dublin by Car JULY 2018

Not visiting Ring of Kerry?
Kinsale was a favorite of ours too.

Though we love Galway and Connemara, for a first time visitor with limited time I'd suggest concentrating on the southwest - specifically Dingle, the Slea Head Drive and the Ring of Kerry. Rather than staying in Killarney, would suggest maybe finding a place near Castlemaine or Glenbeigh to be centrally located for touring both areas from a single base. There's a lot to be said for unpacking once every few days versus moving every night.
Ride a jaunting car thru the Gap of Dunloe and explore the Skellig Ring Road on the western side of the ROK. Then, rather than staying in Cork, consider the seaside village of Kinsale. Walk the shoreline path down to Charles Fort, maybe stopping along the way at Bulman's pub in Summercove for a pint of Murphy's and/or a pub lunch.

First, get the RS Ireland guide and read it. Seriously, makes planning so much easier.

Secondly are you flying into Shannon and out of Dublin or returning to Shannon?

In Dublin if you must then do the booze tours of Jameson and Guinness breweries but SO much more too see and do
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I suspect there's a huge age difference between you and I so what would be of interest would most likely differ.

However, you asked so I'll offer suggestions. Book of Kells at Trinity College, The Post Office to understand the Easter uprising, Kilmainham Gaol, (prison), Powerscourt Estate (outside Dublin), sitting in St Stephen's green people watching, seeing whats scheduled at the Olympia Theatre and Abbey Theatres while you are there, an visit to the fishing village of Howth for the seafood chowder at Tram Chowder stall at the Howth Market.

Personally I'd spend far much more time on the West Coast. Dingle, Slea Head, Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park,
Kinsale. I'd drop Cork and go for Dingle. Pint at Foxy John's. Climb up the path next to Coumeenoole Beach for a stellar view of the Blasket Islands or seeing them from Dunquin Harbor walled pathway. You didn't mention time of year so if you wish to see the Blasket Islands or Skellig Michael you'll need to check ferry service times. I'd also drive in and around Gougane Barra Forest Park outside of Kenmare. St Finbar's Oratory is a favorite for weddings. I also like the Kerry Cliffs better than the Cliffs of Moher because I like the drive to Portmagee. Less tourists.

Just remember you'll be driving on the opposite side of the road than you are used to, that most rentals are stick shifts and that you'll need Euros. Have driven the island 3 times in 20 years. Truman was President when I was born so from experience I say get the smallest car possible, as the back roads are teeny tiny. Cough up the cash for the GPS and purchase all the car insurance you can.

Lastly use, Google maps satellite view to look at routes and to see what I mean about small roads. Beware of sheep, people out walking their dogs, riding bikes, lorries, farm equipment.....in other words...Don't rush while in Eire. Its' all about slowing down, the beauty, the people, the music and the Guinness.

Slainte!

This is great feedback so far! Thank you and keep it coming! We’ve been working with a travel agent to help make some plans but she said to bring her feedback and ideas.

GREAT advice from Claudia. Some general things.....avoid one night stays if at all possible ....they drain time and energy terribly. Do max out on car insurance...SUPER CDW and tire and windshield. It's easy, some would say almost likely you'll scrape a tire and rim. No coverage....that's many hundreds if not more. Have the peace of mind going.

If you really want to visit the south coast definitely skip Cork and visit Kinsale or some village along the coast of Beara peninsula. So much better than Cork. Definitely don't waste time on the Blarney stone. Rick Steves rates it in the top ten tourist traps in Europe and he's right.

Also advise that nothing is a must see. Do not feel constantly pulled towards another thing. There is tons of magical stuff around every corner. Heres an example. So many race through the Ring of Kerry to "see it" then race north because they HAVE to see the Cliffs of Moher. So they spend the better part of a day driving to get to the extremely tourist clogged Cliffs of Moher because it's a "must see"......Not realizing they just passed the far more wild, non touristy and more beautiful Cliffs of Kerry....and could have saved those driving hours for far far better things right at hand.

You may love city stuff. If so great.....but Galway and Dublin are both real cities. Beautiful, fun but very busy and hectic. Personally I'd far rather experience the villages, towns of Ireland. Stay in Castlemaine or Glenbeigh and have a day on Dingle and Slea Head. Then head right down to the ROK and the gorgeous Skellig Ring and give yourselves time to explore. Right there are Ringforts, Castle Ruins, old Abbeys, Skellig Michael, the insane views above Caherdaniel, being in a UN dark sky preserve for some of the most intense night skies you'll ever see, pubs, restaurants with trad music, horseback riding on the beach, Valentia Island and so much more all within 30 minutes of each other. No need to cascade around trying to see something....when it's all right there....along with the time to interact with the most welcoming, warmest people around.

For your time in Dublin, try to take a day trip through the Wicklow Mountains and see Glendalough, it's a fantastic day.

Take you time, skip Cork ....soak up Dingle and or the ROK and have a great trip. Ireland is fantastic.....linger and enjoy !!!!!!

Oh.....and Congratulations !!!!!