Ireland 10 day trip itineray

This was the suggested itineray that includes Aran island and Dingle peninsula. Thoughts. Is this doable? Also which options are better for first time traveler to Ireland.

Option 2:

Day 1: Arrival in Dublin, transfer to Trim

Arrive in Dublin and pick up your rental car
Drive to Trim, a historic town located about 45 minutes north of Dublin
Check into your accommodation and explore the town, including Trim Castle and St. Patrick's Cathedral
Day 2: Boyne Valley

Take a day trip to the nearby Boyne Valley, a region rich in ancient history and stunning scenery
Visit the Newgrange and Knowth passage tombs, which date back over 5,000 years and are older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza
Explore the Hill of Tara, a royal and spiritual center of ancient Ireland
Return to Trim for dinner and overnight
Day 3: Galway and the Aran Islands

Drive west to Galway, a lively coastal city with colorful buildings and a vibrant arts scene
From Galway, take a ferry to the Aran Islands, a group of three islands known for their rugged landscapes, traditional Irish culture, and ancient archaeological sites
Explore the island on foot or by bike, visiting sites such as the ancient fort of Dún Aonghasa and the seal colony at Port an Dúnain
Return to Galway for dinner and overnight
Day 4-7: Dublin

Drive back to Dublin and check into your accommodation
Spend four nights exploring the vibrant capital city, including Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse, and the Temple Bar district
Take a day trip to nearby attractions such as the Powerscourt Gardens or the seaside town of Howth
Enjoy the city's lively pub scene and cultural offerings, including music, theater, and art galleries
Day 8: Dingle Peninsula

Drive southwest to the Dingle Peninsula, a stunning region of dramatic coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming villages
Visit the town of Dingle and its colorful harbor, and drive the Slea Head Drive for breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline
Explore ancient ruins such as the Gallarus Oratory and the Blasket Island Center, which tells the story of the island's former inhabitants
Overnight in the Dingle Peninsula region
Day 9: Kilkenny

Drive east to Kilkenny, a charming medieval city known for its castle, cathedrals, and quaint streets
Visit Kilkenny Castle and the Black Abbey, and explore the city's many artisan shops and cafes
Overnight in Kilkenny
Day 10: Departure from Dublin

Drive back to Dublin, return your rental car, and depart from Dublin Airport for your onward journey.
This itinerary still allows you to see many of Ireland's highlights, including both the Aran Islands and the Dingle Peninsula, while also giving you ample time to explore Dublin in more depth. Of course, you can adjust the itinerary to suit your interests and preferences.

Can you fly into Shannon and start on the west coast instead?

Option 1 seems the best bet, making most efficient use of your time - with the slight modification suggested for Kilkenny

Day 3 - Driving from Trim to Galway is going to take 2.5 hours miniumum, and the ferries leave from Rossaveel which is another 23 miles west of Galway... You have to check in 30 minutes before the sailing time. You should manage to catch the 13.00 ferry. (Timetable details here.) However you are hardly going to have any time before catching the ferry back

That is beginning to sound like an expensive trip for not much time on . Option 1 is much better and more achievable. The Sky Road and the countryside round there are wonderful.

Day 8 Dublin to Dingle is going to be a very good 4 hour drive. Again that is not going to give you long to explore all the wonderful sites listed. You need a full day in Dingle to achieve that! I would scrub this idea as again option 1 is more realistic. Head to Kilkenny after Dublin. Drive down through the Wicklow mountains and consider a stop at Powerscourt Gardens and the early Christian site of Glendalough on the way. There’s lots to see and do in Kilkenny. Rock of Cashel or Waterford can be done from Kilkenny so rather than relocate, I would spend two nights in Kilkenny. Think seriously about trying to do both as that again may be over optimistic.

Head back to Dublin from Kilkenny. Its a marginally shorter journey too.

Thank you so much. So Option 1 . I thought Option 2 sounded too ambitious.