My college daughter and I have 14/16 days in Europe in August - I know, I know, trying to fit in 3 countries is crazy, but we're going to try! We have 3 days allocated for Ireland and would like to spend some time in Dublin, the Dingle Peninsula (and Cliffs of Moher?) and see the Giant Causeway. Is that doable? Again, I know, it's not giving it enough time, but if we were going to do it this way, how can we/should we do the things I've suggested here? Are the distances too far? Suggested routes, place to stay, or just work out of Dublin? I'm going to assume we will rent a car. Thank you - signed, 2 Crazy Southerners!
Posted by
317 posts
Greetings from Ireland.
When you say you have "3 days allocated to Ireland" do you mean 3 nights and 4 days? If so you have a fighting chance of seeing all your desired locations.
If not you'll need a futuristic teleporter to see Dublin, Dingle and the Giants Causeway in 3 days.
Its 8.5 hours drive approx from Dingle to the the Giants Causeway. If you detour off to see the cliffs of Moher, add another 1.5-2 hours. My professional opinion is this would not be a safe drive.
If you have 3 nights, then you could stay in Dublin one, drive to Dingle for one night (though not really sensible to go all that way for one night) and then next day drive way up to the far North and from there direct to Dublin airport next morning.
Personally I wouldnt do it and wouldnt advise it. Id leave out the Causeway on this trip, it might be a mission too great even for '2 crazy southerners'!
Slainte/Good health
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland Tour-Guide
Dingle & Derry
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Given the limited time you have available, and with the many attractions available both in the city and within an hour of Dublin (Glendalough, Powerscourt, Newgrange, the Valley of the Boyne, etc) I think you'd be much better off rethinking the trips out to Dingle and the Giant's Causeway - just too far away for such an abbreviated itinerary.
If it's the first trip to Ireland for your daughter suggest keeping it simple, ie no car, base in Dublin and book day trips and tours to the nearby attractions, as well as enjoying one terrific city at your leisure.
A day trip to Belfast (2 hours by train) might also be of interest to you. It's a beautiful city in its own right and the Titanic Museum over at the old Harland & Wolff shipyard is really world class, especially if you're at all into Titanic lore.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thanks for both thoughtful and enlightening responses. Based on your suggestions, we'll rethink the itinerary and either cut out some of it or add days. We very much appreciate your insight and it'll help us make our trip more worthwhile...and less insane!