Ireland ext month!!10 day itinerary questions

Sounds like a fun trip, Susie!
I'm curious about the sheepdog demonstration. Do you have any info about that? I'm going to the Wicklow Mountains at the beginning of July but I haven't found any information about any sheepdog demonstrations, but that is something my family would be interested in seeing.

You might want to consider a short detour to Kinsale, if you can. It's quite close to Cork.

Also, if you are interested in going to the Book of Kells/Old Trinity Library then you might want to consider booking your tickets ahead online to avoid long lines there. We booked our tickets online and it was very easy. We also booked a timeslot at the Guinness Storehouse online too. We also have a short time in Dublin, so we didn't want to spend a lot of time in line or miss out if good timeslots for these two spots were full.

Hi Juliejames
Thanks for responding. I have heard good things about both Cobh and Kinsale and would like to fit both in- maybe Cobh from Cork and Kinsale on leaving Cork on way to Killarney-wondering if that's a good plan though?.
Read about sheepdogs and it sounds cool- demonstration at Annamoe, which is very close to Glendalough. Website contact below-it's €10 and Michael was my contact.
irishworkingsheepdogs@gmail.com
Enjoy your trip too--I'm a bit stressed-in a good way-trying to make sure we see what we want but also get to relax and enjoy towns we are on and locals.
Susie

We are also planning a 3 week plus trip to Ireland in Sept/Oct of this year.

First concern is driving without allowing yourself time to recoup from the jet lag. There has been a lot of discussion on this site regarding this issue. Also, you mentioned you have reserved a large passenger van. If possible you may want to re think that also. Due to the size of the roads in Ireland, everyone seems to think the smaller the better. AGAIN, we have not been to Ireland yet but this is "recurring" information that I have seen over and over again on this site.

I also question the sheep dog demonstration on the way to Glendalough. If you have found one please share that information. We have been looking at the Kissane Farms but that is in the Kenmare area.

Just an FYI you may want to look into whether Waterford Crystal is still open to the public. I think I read that it had closed but AGAIN this is just an FYI so double check if you have planned a day around visiting the site.

As far as the side trip to Cobn and Kinsale. We are planning to drive from Kilkenny to the Rock of Cashel (approx. 1 hour drive) and then head to Kinsale for 2 nights. I think from the Rock of Cashel to Kinsale is 1.5 - 2 hour drive. Kinsale and Cobn are about an hour from each other. I would DEFINITELY use an online route planner and look at the suggested routes and time. It seems to be the consensus on this site that you should add an extra 25% drive time to whatever the route planner says. Again, we have not done the drive I am only repeating what I have read over and over again on this site.

Driving the Dingle Pen. on the way to Ennis. Are you talking about driving Slea Head drive??? I am sure someone who has driven the loop will chime in but in MHO I would allow at least 4 hours to enjoy the drive. Also, there has been much discussion about taking the ferry and I think you would have to weigh the pros and cons regarding what you want to accomplish that day. I do know that the ferry runs on a schedule so if you miss it you may end up waiting and hour (?) for the next one.

oops, I do see where you posted the information about the sheep dog demonstration.

Thank you! I will take a look at the link!

There is a ferry you can take to get from Kinsale to Cobh which saves going around to Cork. Found it in Ricks Ireland book. We went from Kinsale to Cobh for the day and it was so easy. Also as said, double check about Waterford factory tour. We were there years ago and it was great but have heard it is either closed now or not as good. Have done the Slea Head drive six times already and it is fantastic. It can be done in about two hours but last time we took six hours there is just so much beautiful scenery. Enjoy!!

Waterford closed for a time but it's back open in Waterford. You can purchase tickets in advance if you want to:
https://www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com/content/faq
Agree about the large van. Pack yourselves into the smallest car you can stand. You'll thank us!
We drove from Galway to Dingle in a day, taking time for stops at the Cliffs of Moher and in the Burren. If you want to reduce your moving around, you could consider not stopping in Ennis. I'd suggest you stay in Dingle two nights instead of Ennis, or add time in Galway.