Ireland -too much driving?

This is six one night stays out of eight nights--too much too fast IMO. You can get a direct bus from Dublin airport to Galway if you cut out Trim (much as Newgrange / Knowth are worth visiting). I recommend Kenmare over Killarney, the latter is known for being an over-commercialized hub for tour buses. I would cut out Dingle, not worth going all the way out there to not have time to see it. It's the Slea Head Loop that is special not so much Dingle Town itself. I would limit yourself to a single one night stay over the eight nights, two at most. The star fort in Kinsale would be really fun for kids, of they like that sort of thing. Also don't forget County Clare, Bunratty Castle and Cliffs of Moher and you not need to cover as much ground to get there.

I'm watching for responses to your post as we are doing a trip to Ireland in May with same time frame. We enjoy driving but want to spend time outside the car as well enjoying sites and the culture. Our last trip to England in 2016, we drove a lot but consolidated our trip a bit, staying a couple nights in an area in the same accommodation. You don't say what it is you want to see in Trim, but I would considering opting for a second night in Dublin - there is so much to see - and then drive straight to the B and B in Newgrange. Then on to Galway. I would then do the two nights in Killarney as it is amazing how much more relaxed you will be having two nights in the same accommodation and then doing a long day of touring in between. Just a thought.

So agree with VS. One night stays eat so much time and there is a ton of driving in your itinerary. Definitely skip Killarney..especially at that time of year........UGGH.......it's tourists everywhere and gives you little sense of Ireland compared to other great spots like Kenmare, Sneem or Waterville.

I'd skip either Galway or Dingle. If you split them you won't really see either. Personally I'd take Dingle every time. Galway is a city, busy and congested. Dingle has spectacular scenery and fun stuff to do. It's wild Ireland. But if you prefer a city Galway is really nice.

If you do stay in Kenmare or Sneem area do leave time for the south side of the Ring of Kerry - some of the most beautiful sights in Ireland are there and on the small but incredible Skellig Ring.

It's just not possible to see Ireland in 8 days......and trying to hit a bunch of spots usually kills even getting a real feel for it or to have a meaningful opportunity to interact w the greatest gem of Ireland ....her amazing people. . So eliminate one night stays if at all possible and limit the destinations. You'll end up seeing and experiencing FAR more.

Have a great time ! Great thing is in Ireland amazing, magical moments and tons of fun things to see and do are always near.

I agree (once again!) with ewewoolknit -- if sheep farm is on your list, you can see one at Caitins near Kells/Mountain Stage on the Ring of Kerry. And I also agree with her recommendations to stay in Waterville! ;-) But then, I'm biased....

The Skellig Ring is also known as Skellig Loop when you're looking at the web.... all of the SkeligCoast is wonderful, really....

I go to Killarney twice a month (for Toastmasters) and I met my husband there, but still..... not highly recommended. The only people you'll meet there are tourists.... it's touristy this week, so by summer it will be crazy! Kenmare/Sneem/Glenbeigh/Waterville/Portmagee..... lots of good smaller villages that are more intimate! And DEFINITELY don't do the Ring of Kerry in a day. That was the brainchild of the tourist board in Killarney - "keep 'em here!" mentality. so they spend money there, a tourist mecca since 1850's...... The real Ireland is not in Killarney.

Susan
Expat living in Waterville/Skellig Coast/Ring of Kerry.

5/25 Leave for Dublin @ 10:20pm
5/26 Arrive Dublin @ 1:20 pm; Settle into hotel, walk around Dublin.
5/27 Dublin
5/28 Pick up rental early morning; Drive to Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains National Park, drive near to Glenbarrow to end day.
5/29 Glenbarrow Hike, Drive to Rock of Dunamase, Drive to Rock of Cashel, end day near Blarney Castle
5/30 Blarney Castle, drive onto Killarney (town)
5/31 Ring of Kerry, start exploring Killarney
6/1 Killarney National Park, end day near Cliffs of Moher, passing through Adare.
6/2 Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands
6/3 Drive to Connemara, passing though Cong, spend the night near to Connemara
6/4 Connemara National Park, end day near Giant’s Causeway

6/5 Giant’s Causeway area (Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge); maybe end day in Belfast
6/6 Belfast
6/7 Drive to Dublin hotel near airport, stop at Newgrange
6/8 Leave Dublin at 11:20am

is any of this possible? Like we'll we have any time to do all of this? or is it still too much? I cut out the Hook Peninsula and Mizen Head and the Skelligs. Should I cut out Belfast?
Thanks.