Hey all! My spouse and I are at long last going on our honeymoon -we've waited over a year after our wedding to save up. We have our flights booked flying out of Chicago to Cork, with a short layover at Heathrow. Same flight coming back, flying from Cork to O'Hare with a layover in Heathrow. Our trip is in September for about 10 days, assuming no delays.
Our plan is to rent a car and drive around the West (and going automatic transmission). It's his first time traveling abroad. Any recommendations or tips of must see places and accommodations? I would love to ferry to the Aran Islands at some point, and his main goal is to enjoy all the food he can haha. We've discussed Galway, Cork, and Doolin. We'd like to stay in primarily bnbs or smaller places. Primarily wanting to just sit back and enjoy hiking, local cuisine and music, and taking it all in with a nice change of pace from the bustle of work.
He loves anthropology and all things nature, and I enjoy history and film.
We are also aware that there is a new travel visa or form to fill out or declare travel intent as of a few months ago. Any information on this, and ease of customs would be appreciated.
We're trying to avoid more touristy places, but are likely going to see the Cliffs of Moher. We do drink, with both of us working in the service industry. Any food recs and places to stay would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2442 posts
We're trying to avoid more touristy places....
Have a look at a typical Tourist itinerary to identify where it goes and then avoid these places!!! There's lots of places in the West that still haven't been discovered by the tourists. Ring of Bera and Sheeps Head Peninsula for example. Rather than stay in Dingle, choose somewhere like Tralee. The Cliffs of Moher is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ireland and is always busy.... (Unfortunately the walking trail from the cliffs south to Hag's Head is shut at the moment as Hag's Head area is one of the best places to see teh Cliffs without the crowds.) They are actually best seen from below on a boat trip, so if you do get a boat to the Aran Islands check whether this includes the Cliffs of Moher. Alternatively if you are thinking of driving the Ring of Kerry, there are the Cliffs of Kerry which are much quieter and yet to be discovered.
Don't miss rthe Burren area. It is limestone scenery and completley different to anywhere else in Ireland.
County Galway is still quieter than Kerry and scenically is excellent. Think about accommodation in somewhere like Clifden rather than Galway itself. The Sky Road drive from Clifden on a sunny day must rank as one of the best short drives in the world. do include a drive to Roundstone with its small harbour and superb view across to the mountains of Connemara.
DK Eyewitness Back Roads Ireland Book may be worth getting as it covers many places not mentioned in Ruck Steves, Rough Guide or Lonely Planet.
Posted by
Lake District, England
8688 posts
For Ireland there is no new Visa or form.
The ETA applies to the United Kingdom only. If you have a one ticket airside transfer at Heathrow that will not apply to you- but will if you have a two ticket transfer which involves you going landside- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
Hopefully with a short transfer it is a same ticket connection.
Even when and if it starts (at least 6 months away as a bare minimum) the European ETIAS will not apply to Ireland- https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
614 posts
Here's a site I found on archeological sites in Ireland:
https://irisharchaeology.org
And here's something from Michelin about restaurants on the Wild Atlantic Way:
https://guide.michelin.com/ie/en/best-of/the-best-restaurants-along-ireland-s-wild-atlantic-way
Of these, Baltimore and Ballydehob would be the least-touristed places.
As far as accommodation, I find that Google Maps is good for showing what's in a village. If you're going to drink, make sure you are not driving. While it's unlikely you'd be stopped, the tolerance for "drink driving" is extremely low in Ireland. So either walk or get a taxi (if there is taxi service, which is uncommon in smaller towns).