We will fly in and out of Shannon.
First two nights in Ennis. Recover from flight. See COM, Burren and possibly Aran Islands.
Next two nights in Dublin.
Nights 5,6 and 7 split between Kinsale and Kenmare. Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and ROK.
Nights 8, 9 and 10 in Dingle. Drive Slea Head loop, Great Blasket Centre, possibly Blasket Island and relax.
Last night near Shannon airport.
Any thoughts? Is this alot of driving? Our long days will be Ennis to Dublin and Dublin to Kinsale, stopping at Rock.
Considering skipping Dublin and adding Galway instead.
We will have a car.
Posted by
3122 posts
I commend you for planning adequate time to recover from jet lag, and for avoiding one-night stays. However, most people seem to find Galway more fun & interesting than Ennis. Might you stay your first 2 nights in Galway instead of Ennis?
You're sort of zigzagging around the island, but since you want to include Dublin and you don't seem to have many destinations right near Dublin, that goes with the territory.
You've probably read the RS advice that Dingle/Slea Head loop is more enjoyable than Ring of Kerry, but if you really want to do both you can report back as to which you liked better!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I agree that two nights in Ennis is too much. There just isn't that much to do there. On our first trip, we went straight to Bunratty Castle (six miles from the airport). We saw the castle and folk park, then had lunch across the street at the little shopping area. We then drove to our first night's B&B in Liscannor, about an hour away. We drove to Doolin for dinner, but were too tired to stay for the music. The next morning, we saw the Cliffs of Moher and drove through the Burren. You could easily end that day in Galway, which puts you in a perfect place to catch the ferry for the Aran Islands (you can also get the ferry at Doolin). Galway is also a good jumping off point to drive through the Connemara area, and it's a straight shot across to Dublin from there (about three hours).
Personally, I wouldn't need three nights in Dingle, either, but that might just be me.
Posted by
OP
14 posts
Thank you for your responses. I agree the first two nights in Galway would be better than Ennis. Any suggestions where to spend the three nights we planned for Dingle? Just looking for a place to wind down and relax before our trip home.
Are the ROK and Slea Head Loop so similar that we should choose one one the other?
I appreciate your advice!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
88 posts
Milestone Inn in Dingle is THE best! The owners are awesome! Stayed there twice!
Posted by
Birmingham AL
346 posts
Yes, ROK and Slea Head are similar enough that you don't need to do both. In Dingle, we have stayed twice at Pax Guest House and love it.
Posted by
Atlanta
4870 posts
You might want to reconsider driving straight from the airport upon arrival. Jet lag, lack of sleep, and not being familiar with the local road system can all be a problem. There are some people that are not bothered by any of those things. Others think they are ok but are really driving somewhat impaired. Still others are complete zombies and should never drive the same day. Suggest you stay take the train to your first destination and rent the car the next day. Don't mean to rain on your parade, just something to think about.
Posted by
32 posts
Couldn't agree more about the Pax House in Dingle being unsurpassed for value, economy and warmth in six Irish trips. I's also suggest the (slightly radical for some) idea of staying on the west coast (Shannon airport exclusively) for this trip and doing what's east next time.