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Ireland in 9 days?

Hi! My wife and I are planning a trip to Ireland the week of St. Patrick's Day 2020. Our goal is to see the beautiful scenery of the rugged Atlantic Coast and the gentle rolling green hills of the countryside. My wife's ancestry points back to County Galway, so we want to explore that area. We also want to spend a couple of nights in castle hotels and take in the local culture (food & traditional music) at pubs. Planning time in Dublin to visit historic sites and visiting St. James Gate (Guinness fan !) is on our list.
So much to do and so little time... Please look over the itinerary I have below. I would GREATLY appreciate any feedback / suggestions. Is this a practical and do able plan?
Thanks so much!
Oh Danny Boy

Day 1 - Travel Day
Day 2 - Arrive in Shannon Airport, visit Cliffs of Moher, stay in Ennis
Day 3 - Drive from Ennis to Ashford Castle - stay at castle
Day 4 - Leave Ashford Castle , drive Wild Atlantic Way to Galway.
Day 5 - Spend St. Patrick's Day in Galway
Day 6 - Stay at Adare Manor
Day 7 - Adare Manor to Dublin (Westbury Hotel? )
Day 8 - Dublin
Day 9 - Travel back to U.S. flying out of DUB

Posted by
1589 posts

If I am reading your itinerary correctly, you really only have 6 full days on the ground in Ireland. Day 1 is flying, Day 2 is arrival and Day 9 is departure. You have 7 nights and change locations 5 times. If changing locations that frequently is how you like to travel then go for it. But bear in mind that driving times in Ireland are 25-30% longer than what google maps tells you and that packing and unpacking and checking in and checking out all take time.

Posted by
219 posts

Heading to Adare means doubling back on yourself. Tons to explore around Galway, why not spend longer there?