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Ireland: Dublin & Cork

Posted by (PNW) on

Hello! I'm traveling to Ireland solo in a few days (!) and am looking to firm up my itinerary. Admittedly this is the least amount of research I've done for a trip. I'll be there for 2 weeks (of which 4 days will be in Amsterdam) and have not been to Ireland before. I fly into Dublin where I'll stay for just 2 nights leaving me about 1.5 days to explore (the first day I arrive at 2pm, and plan on being a a zombie, will walk around if I'm able). For my one main day I plan to go to St. Patrick's, Trinity (debating on booking the Book of Kells- thoughts?), one or two museums, St. Stephen's Green, and Temple Bar.

I will then take the bus to Cork to see a good friend who has lived there for 20 years. A few days she'll be off work, and a few days (3) I'll be on my own and plan to take the bus to places near by. I don't want to drive, I could barely look the correct way as a pedestrian in England! My friend plans to take me to the Ring of Fire and Kinsdale/Clonakilty.

On my own I will go to Cobh/Blarney (MAYBE) and Cliffs of Moher.

Also, I've read through a lot of the Ireland posts here and everyone talks about Dingle. I see the train goes there from Cork (3 hours) I could take an early train, walk around and train it back. I'm fine w/spending 6 hrs on the train - can I get around on foot most places people go or would it be more of a pain?

I am interested in architecture, gardens, the outdoors/hiking, bakeries/coffee/tea and IDK :) My friend insists that I go to Blarney but I have zero interest...but she says the gardens are nice. I'm thinking of the Cliffs of Moher as the tour (maybe paddy wagon?) goes there from Cork and you are there for 90 mins, so I figure that'd give me about an hour to walk north or south (I think south) on the trail. I would love to see small towns, countryside, HIKE, eat :)

I just downloaded some audio files from Rick Steves about Dublin which I'll listen to on my walks over the next few days. I do have an Ireland guidebook that I've read and marked up, and then just download RS's guide to Ireland to my iPad which I'll be bringing with me.

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
5 posts

lisalu910- Glad to hear I'm not alone :) I've just been busy with summer and honestly I was not focusing on this trip as I was convinced it would get cancelled due to COVID (knock on wood) and I didn't want to be disappointed. I was thinking of booking an evening walking tour (I saw one on AirBNB experiences)- but don't think my first night will be good since I may be exhausted. I think I'm most excited about Trinity and just walking around & exploring!

Posted by
2443 posts

I much prefer Kilmainhaim Gaol over book of Kells but that is personal choice. Be sure to get tickets ahead of time if you go to the Gaol. Just so you know the train does not go all the way into Dingle. I believe you need to catch a bus in Tralee and the trip is about four hours each way so only you can decide if it is worth the trip. Have been there numerous times and although it is a cute town to me it is not worth the time. Best wishes and enjoy each minute there!

Posted by
1563 posts

You don’t need to pre-book the Book of Kells, especially if you go later in the day, nor do you need to pre-book a walking tour of Trinity College. For Dublin museums consider the archaeology museum and the Chester Beaty. I think your friend intends to take you to the Ring of Kerry (not ring of fire) If so, you don’t really need to do Dingle especially if all you would do is go to Dingle town-which is overrated in my opinion. And as Gail mentions, the train doesn’t go there. It’s train and bus. You might find a day tour of the entire Dingle peninsula from Cork.

Posted by
5 posts

Thanks all! From Cork there are a few day tours via Paddywagon. I think I'll do Cliffs of Moher (weather dependent) pass on Dingle. Yes I do mean RIng of Kerry :) Appreciate the Dublin recs. Cheers!

Posted by
4 posts

I was at Trinity College a few days ago. I booked online for a time to see the Book of Kells. While waiting for our time I saw several disappointed people turned away. The day was sold out, they were all told to book online a different day, and this was during the week. The displays about the Book of Kells were interesting as was the actual book, but the highlight for me was walking into the Long Room of the library.
It was jaw-dropping. I felt as though I was in a Harry Potter movie. I really loved it.

Posted by
8915 posts

The library was beautiful, but the Book of Kells itself was only worth a few minutes. IMO.

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