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Itinerary Advice 12 days in Ireland

Hello, Here is the itinerary I put together for our fall trip to Ireland. How does it look? We want to hike and see the major sights without being too rushed. Thank you for your input.

Day 1: Fly into Dublin (sleep in Dublin)
Day 2: Dublin (sleep in Dublin)
Day 3: Train to Glendalough. Hike. Sleep Dublin
Day 4: Taxi to car pick up in Dún Laoghaire Drive to Rock of Cashel- Sleep in kenmare
Day 5: Drive to Ring of Kerry then onto Dingle
Day 6: Sleah Head loop: Sleep Dingle
Day 7 Dingle Hike
Day 9: Dingle Peninsula Sleep Dingle
Day 10: Drive to Cliffs of Moher, Burren (sleep Doolin)
Day 11: Aran Islands day trip from Doolin (sleep in Doolin)
Day 12 Drive to Shannon airport Home

Posted by
319 posts

I think this sounds like a great trip! And will definitely allow you to get some beautiful hiking in.
If you have not already picked an accommodation for Doolin, I'd suggest looking at Sheedy's (https://sheedysdoolin.com/). You can walk to the Cliff's trail from the BnB or in to the old town or new town. It is hands-down the nicest BnB we've ever visited. And the breakfasts were outstanding.

Posted by
55 posts

Thanks so much for your input. Will check out the hotel, but things are really booked up over there!!!

Posted by
417 posts

Why would you not get the car before going to Glendalough? You're backtracking by returning to Dublin that night.

Posted by
1583 posts

So you do know that there's no train station in Glendalough, yes? The closest station is Rathdrum and from there you would need to take a taxi. You'll also want to make arrangements for the return to the train station. There's no "taxi rank" at the monastic site.

Posted by
55 posts

y 4: Taxi to car pick up in Dún Laoghaire.
This is where we r picking up the car. The day after we hike in Glendalough. Dun Laoghaire is in south Dublin, out of the city center as I understand it.

Posted by
4805 posts

Most of your trip looks great - not too rushed.

On Day 3, have you thought about picking up your car at Dun Laoghaire and driving on to Glendalough, then staying nearby? I ask because right now I am at a nice bed and breakfast a 4 minute drive or a 25 min walk from the Visitor’s Center.

While that doesn’t really change your driving time on Day 4, it would definitely save you from returning to Dublin on Day 3 and then doubling back on Day 4, not to mention the question of getting to and from Glendalough, and might allow you some evening hiking if you are coming in summer when days are long.

Posted by
55 posts

That might work if there is public transportation from Dun Laoghaire to Glendalough. Or a short taxi ride. What is the name of the b&b that you are staying at? Thank you !

Posted by
1583 posts

Are you staying in Dublin or Dun Laogharie? If you're staying in Dublin it doesn't make sense to rent a car in Dun Laogharie in order to drive to the Rock of Cashel. You'll have to get on the M50 ring road which can be an absolute nightmare during rush hour. You would be better off renting from one of the agencies on the South Circular Road in Dublin. From there it's an easy shot to the N7 and then the M7 and M8 to Cashel. If you can find accommodation in or near Glendalough then renting in Dun Laoghairie makes more sense.

Posted by
4805 posts

Just go ahead and rent your car in Dun Laoghaire like you planned, but do it on Day 3 instead of Day 4. Then drive to Glendalough from Dun Laoghaire and spend the day, staying nearby. On Day 4 get up and leave for Cashel and then Kenmare. Then the only transportation you need is Dublin to the car rental place.

I am staying at the Tudor Lodge B&B.

Posted by
55 posts

Thank you both. I am just trying to mitigate heavy traffic, considering it is the first time my husband will be driving on the left hand side of the road. We are both a little nervous about that. I will look into that B&B that you have recommended. Many thanks to all