My wife and I are planning a 10 day trip to Ireland in September. I'm at the early planning stages and thought I would get some suggestions on an itinerary.
We'll be flying into and out of Dublin, but willing to move around quite a bit to see the country.
Thanks in advance for the recommendations!
Please include if you would like to drive or use transport only.
Have you settled on how many days you need in Dublin yet?
I think we would prefer to drive, unless someone recommends against it.
I would think a few days max in Dublin would be adequate.
Think about your priorities -- because you are going to need to make painful choices. Though Ireland may look small on a map, there is a lot to see and do, great things are scattered all around the country, and it takes a bit longer to get around than many people expect (yes, it's Europe, but don't expect the signature European efficiency when it comes to zipping from place to place quickly).
First step: start by being honest with yourself: how many full, non-travel days do your really have, on the ground, once you have arrived in Ireland? Hint: what many people call "a 10 day trip" only gives them as few as 8 or 7 full, usable days. That's not enough to get all around Ireland and see everything, of course. So think about your priorities, your tastes, and what might be on the top of your list of "must-see" places.
Do the 10 days include your travel days?
It is often recommended on the forum to head on to Galway by bus from the airport and pick up a rental car there (not driving right off a flight, which I confess I have done) and ending your trip with a stay in Dublin. And most people focus on heading west and south for a first trip. Whether or not you want to do any of this will help with recommendations. There is a ton of good information already on the forum, if you want to do a bit of reading to help with what you might specifically enjoy.
Ireland is wonderful!
I would look at Vagabond Tours of Ireland for ideas of what you might want to do. Their seven day World Tour of Ireland would give you an idea of what you could do with a few added days in Dublin.
I was very worried about the driving, in the end it was totally fine, only drove on wrong side once, ha! Once you subtract Dublin, I would pick one or two max other stops. I liked Galway because you could travel south for the cliffs, north to Connemara. It just depends on what kind of place you like to be at night.
Hi,
We just went to Ireland for the first time this past September. First of all, we absolutely LOVED it!
Here is our general itinerary we did seeing the Republic of Ireland and didn't include Northern Ireland: (had 13 days)
Flew into Dublin
Wexford first two night
Kinsale for three nights
Castlegregory/Dingle for three nights
Galway for three nights
Dublin 2 nights
The drives we took were amazing. There is nothing like the Irish countryside. I'm a photographer, if you'd like to see some of the images I took, feel free to look at this link:
https://studio.shootproof.com/v3/106008/gallery/16021841
Enjoy every minute!
Kim
The Cliffs of Moher are pretty spectacular. The Aran Island of Inis Oirr from the ferry at Doolin is a great day trip. The coastal drive from Ballyvaughan to Doolin along the edge of The Burren is beautiful. The Rock of Cashel is a great ruin. Kilkenny is a fun touristy town with nearby Kells Priory worth a stop. Some great pubs and history in Dublin. After landing I'd grab a car at the airport and head out to explore the country and then wrap up with a few nights back in Dublin.
Do you mind sleeping at places for one night or do you have a two-night minimum? I agree with others who suggested hopping on a bus at the Dublin airport and going to Galway first.
