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Ireland in September/October with concentration on walking/hiking

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We are planning a two week trip to Ireland in September and have looked into this itinerary - having a rental car the entire time. We want to do some walking/hiking each day - easy hikes - no scrambling up mountains. We are two couples in our 70's but in good physical shape. My question is, what walks/hikes would you recommend as "must do" when stopping at these locations. Also, what pubs, restaurants would you recommend? (We love pub food/atmosphere) We have B&B's/hotels in mind for each stay.

Sept. 25 - Arrive in Dublin, get rental car and drive to Donnegal Bay; spend night in Sligo
Sept. 26 - Drive to Enniscrone - spend one night
Sept. 27 - Drive to Westport - Explore; spend night 1
Sept. 28 - Visit Achill Island and drive back to Westport for night 2
Sept. 29 - Drive to Clew Bay and Killary Harbour - spend one night in Clifden
Sept. 30 - Drive to Galway - - explore Connemara - spend night 1 in Galway
Oct. 1 - Visit Aran Islands - spend night 2 in Galway
Oct. 2 - Drive to Doolin - visit the Burren - spend one night in Doolin
Oct. 3 - Drive to Kilkee - visiting Cliffs of Moher - spend one night in Kilkee
Oct. 4 - Drive to Dingle - Explore - Spend night 1
Oct. 5 - Spend night 2 in Dingle
Oct. 6 - Drive to Kenmare - Explore Killarney National Park - spend night 1
Oct. 7 - Drive Ring of Kerry (Gap of Dunloe for sure) - spend night 2
Oct. 8 - Drive to Shannon (to fly out on Oct. 9)
Oct. 9 - Fly home

Posted by
2493 posts

There's some lovely hiking to be had along the Cliffs of Kilkee - not as tall or as famous as the Cliffs of Moher, but, once again, lovely.

Posted by
459 posts

A pretty neat short hike that is convenient to Dingle is the Eask Tower hike...great view from the top, cool walk up sheep filled pasture a bit steep but very doable, easy parking, friendly farmers. We did it in the spring when all the lambs were still with the mothers. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g211861-d215108-Reviews-Eask_Tower-Dingle_Dingle_Peninsula_County_Kerry.html When in Doolin I would suggest you try to book an early evening at the Doolin Music House if it fits your schedule. Great couple of hours of music and story telling early in the evening with wine and snacks, we loved it. You still have time to hit the regular Doolin Pubs for dinner and music. https://www.doolinmusichouse.com/ We had a blast in Doolin at https://www.gusoconnorspubdoolin.net and had a great B&B at http://www.dalys-doolin.com. Don't miss the Cliffs of Kerry (under hyped IMO) and treat yourself to a guided private tour of the Ring of Kerry with Paul Brown owner and guide of www.kenmaretaxitours.com. You wont regret it and will appreciate a day out from behind the wheel!! We did these things an more in April/May...

Posted by
13 posts

Thank you so much for all of this information - VERY helpful. It's on our list of things to do and places to see.

Posted by
2493 posts

As expected, there are all sorts of fine walks in Killarney National Park. You can walk upstream to Torc Waterfall. You can stroll the grounds around Muckross House, and walk the path around Muckross Lake. It meets up with Lough Leane. And etc.

Posted by
13 posts

I really appreciate all these suggestions. There are so many wonderful things to see and unique places to walk. I wish we had more time - really looking forward to this trip. Rain or shine, we'll be out there exploring beautiful Ireland.

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