Are 5 stops too many for a 7 night trip thru Ireland

I think this is far too much driving for just seven days, especially if you are doing all the driving by yourself. If you are starting and ending in Dublin and you want to go to where your family is from in Cork and Kerry then I would take the rest of the places off the list and just enjoy those places on this trip. Otherwise, you will just have a 'green blur' tour of Ireland. Remember, if you are flying out of Dublin you don't really want to be an eight hour drive away from the airport, you will lose a whole day to driving back to Dublin, and you only have seven days. Narrow your focus so you can take your time and make stops to take in the scenery and rest from driving.

Yes. 5 stops are too many for a 7 night trip through Ireland.

I have not been to Ireland and have not taken the time to check your driving distances but I have a rule about 1 night stays - I don't do them. I feel like I can't get oriented or figure anything out in a 1 night stay. I seldom even do 2 nights stays for the same reason. I would cut some locations.

Thank you so much for your responses. That is what I was thinking, I just needed validation. Any suggestions on an itinerary?

Depends on what you like and don't. Do you enjoy historical sights, nature walks or destinations, towns and villages or cities ? Would you like to avoid tourist clogged sights or do you want to check off a few of the "big sights".

Definitely great advice above. Now loathe one night stays .....everything blurs and time is wasted checking in and out. Also Ireland is a challenge driving - especially alone and driving times are always longer than indicated.....So cutting back on stops and distances will easily multiply your enjoyment. Leave plenty of time for the little moments that make a vacation and let the wonder that is Ireland soak into your soul.

Let us know what you want to see or avoid and maybe we can offer a suggestion or two.

Hi again,
I like art, history, and cultural items. Since this is my first visit Ireland, I would like to get to know the people and culture. I’m looking for a bit of serenity, a bit of fun and a bit of learning.

I’m not too touristy, but would like to incorporate a few touristy items in my itinerary.

Hope this is not too vague. Thank you again for your responses.

If my assumptions are correct, it appears from your original plan that you really have only 6 days since the last "day" will be for your departure. In addition, the day of arrival you may be tired, sleepy, jet lagged, and somewhat "lost". With those thoughts in mind I would suggest picking out two destinations and doing day trips from there. You will lose a tremendous amount of time changing you base of operations. Get a copy of the Rick Steves' Guide Book for Ireland and see what areas will be of the most interest and importance.

IMHO, yes, five stops too many for 7 days!

Since your interest is primarily the West and seemingly the Southwest, can you fly in and out of Shannon instead ? Dublin to Cork is a LONG haul on a first day....or Dublin to the west coast and back really eats up two full days. Flying into Shannon you would be reasonably close to many alternatives and leave time for a stop or two on arrival and departure day.

Would definitely decide on two bases as one, two night hops will eat time and leave it all a blur. You can't see the west in 6 full days let alone all of Ireland. The great thing is if you pick out 2-3 must sees for you and plan a couple centralized stops there will be tons of other incredible stuff close at hand to choose from in your areas of interest. History, villages, chances to experience historic and modern Ireland and her amazing people are all nearby.

As an example we spent a full week in Ballinskellig - about as out of the way as you can get .... yet using that as a base we were able to have within a super easy drive...Portmagee and Skellig Michael, Ringforts, an old Abbey, castle ruins, famine homes, the Ring of Skellig, The Ring of Kerry, great restaurants in Waterville, standing stones, breathtaking scenery, pubs with trad music, Cliffs of Kerry (better than Moher), beaches, lots of shops and the great people in a Gaelic language preserve. We ran out of time before we ran out of things to do. Same could be said of Dingle or spots in Donegal.

You'll have an amazing time....would just urge major trimming on stops...that will exponentially expand your enjoyment......and try and fly in and out of Shannon.

I think it's always too much traveling when people do one night, anywhere..... you can meet locals, get tips that are either new places or too small to be on websites, drink a pint and not worry about driving, have conversations..... if you're moving slower! The locals often keep the good tips for people who are staying a couple of nights!!

Where in Kerry/Cork is your family from? each of these counties are big places, are there certain towns/villages you need to go to/pass through/really explore??

Susan
Expat living in Waterville

Hi all,
I hadn't thought about flying into Shannon, but that is a good idea. I haven't arranged my flight yet, so that is still open. Thank you.

I've been doing research via Ancestry.com so far I can place ancestor's in the following areas:
Fullerton in Armagh, No Ireland
Patton in Londonderry Parish, Ulster Ireland
Holliday & Adair in Down Ireland

Per the DNA test, I do have ancestors in Kerry and Cork, but I haven't been able to locate them on my family tree.

I won't be doing research on this trip, just wanted to get a feel for my roots, so to speak. Hoping to come back for a longer visit next time and maybe do research then.

It is interesting that I actually have a ships manifest from Ireland within the Holliday line.

Thank you for your post.

I will add to the chorus . . . 5 stops is too many for any 7 night trip anywhere.

Driving in Ireland is a lot harder than just back roads. First, you'll be driving on the left, so unless you're from a country where that's normal (Australia?) it's going to require a big adjustment. Are you sure you'll have an automatic? If not, you're going to have to shift gears with your left hand. Second, do not underestimate driving time. Most of the roads are narrow and it's easy to get stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle for a long time. Even if there's no one in front of you, it's likely to be slow because of turns and roundabouts and crossroads, or the occasional sheep. Third, be sure you have full insurance. Those back roads often don't have shoulders and are flanked by stone walls. Added to all that, as a solo traveler you are both pilot and navigator.

The Ibis in Dublin is miles from the center. It may be good for getting out of the city quickly by car, but you won't see any of the sights. If you can fly in/out of Shannon, then stay in 2 places, maybe Galway and Killarney. I can't help you with transportation, but they are both fairly near Shannon and both have enough to see and do for a day or two. Then either drive or find a small group tour for a day or two seeing the Ring of Kerry. Or Dublin plus one other place. Less is more. Give yourself time to relax and enjoy.

Suggestions on an itinerary for that long?

If you start and end in Dublin, I'd cut out Cork and Kerry because they are fairly long drives and stick with a shorter loop. Something along the line of Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Clonmacnoise and back to Dublin. Stay at Kilkenny, Lisdoonvarna/Doolin/Galway. I have to think about it, it's still a lot of driving. I don't like one night stays either, but to cover ground you may have to. Keep your driving times to under four hours in any day or they will wear you out.

You could shorten it further and just include Galway for a couple of nights and Dublin for the rest. Stop at Clonmacnoise in between. There are plenty of things to see in and around Dublin. Galway is probably my favorite large town in Ireland (at least so far). If you used Shannon Airport as one part of the trip, you could save some backtracking.