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I am planing our trip to Ireland (9-10 days) and I'd love some input...

Posted by (Aiken, SC) on

Day 1: 0930- Arrive in Dublin from Edinburgh (no jet lag), pick up hired car and begin journey towards Kilarney, stopping to see Rock of Cashel. Night in Kilarney

Day 2: Ring of Kerry, night in Kilarney, possibly see Celtic Steps (if not too tired).

Day 3-5: Travel to Dingle and spend 2 days, 3 nights in Dingle, possible bike tour if weather permits or guided tour (John O'Connor?)

Day 6: Drive to Galway (is a ferry the better option to get there from Dingle?), stopping at Cliffs of Moher.

Day 7: Aran Islands. Night in Galway

Day 8: Drive to Dublin (3 nights) Tour of the city, flight departs at 1100 on Day 10.

We like a more leisurely pace and hopefully this will allow for it. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I have not booked any lodgings at this point, so all is flexible, except the nights in Dublin.

Thanks for all your wisdom and advice!

Sherri

Posted by
439 posts

Hi,

You may want to consider flying into Shannon, out of Dublin or vice versa. Everything else looks pretty good.

Mary

Posted by
9371 posts

Have a Plan B for your second day, in case of rain and fog - you won't see anything on the Ring. That happened to us, and we spent the day in Kenmare instead.

There is no ferry from Dingle to Galway. Or did you mean the Killimer-Tarbert ferry that crosses the River Shannon? It does shorten the drive a bit instead of driving around through Limerick.

Posted by
107 posts

In Dublin, I always recommend the Ariel House. Ranked #3 on TripAdvisor, the breakfasts are legendary, and the price is reasonable.

I've seen other discussions which mention the importance of being absolutely sure that your rental car is insured. You probably can't rely on coverage through your U.S. insurance.

You will enjoy the Rock of Cashel quite a bit. Glendalough, which is not on your list, is not far away and quite delightful.

The On/Off Bus is a good investment for Dublin. You will get a view of the entire city and the bus takes you to places difficult to reach, such as the old jail.

In general, your trip is planned to take you wide and far in Ireland. You're going all the way to Dingle, when you could be well entertained within 50 miles of Dublin.

There's some kind of moisture nearly every day in Ireland. Be sure to bring an umbrella and a lightweight rain coat.

Have tons of fun.

Posted by
317 posts

Hi Sherri

Greetings from Dingle, one small addendum.

I lead Rick Steves Groups from Dingle to Galway 15-20 times every summer. I always find that going via Adare and onto limerick is marginally faster than taking the Ferry across the shannon, its also a way better road, lets you see charming Adare and Bunratty Castle and has none of the moon-like bumpy bog-roads (picture driving on the moon) that you will endure just before you get to the Tarbert Ferry.

Slainte!
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland Tour Guide
Dingle & Derry

Posted by
9220 posts

Don't miss a nice long walk in Killarney National Park, its quite lovely. I enjoyed entering from across the road from St Marys Cathedral after having breakfast in Killarney. Would something like the Muckross house hold any interest for you? Definitely visit the Gap of Dunloe ( its between Killarney and Dingle). With 3nights in Dingle you could hike parts if the Dingle Way. Slea Head drive a must but go early before the tour busses cram the road. Stop at Counmeenoole beach and if its a clear day climb to the top of the hill for a stellar view of the coast and the Blasket Islands. You can get a ferry to the Aran islands from Doolin NOT Dingle. Enjoy your visit.

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