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Itinerary Help

I am trying finalize my itinerary and have two questions:
1) Should the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren be on two different days? I will be starting from Dingle and heading to Galway so I am wondering if I should stay in Doolin and break them into two days or is one really enough?
2) Is it feasible to drive from Kinsale to Kenmare//Molls Gap/LadiesView/Torc Waterfall/Jaunting cars at Kate Kearney and on to Dingle for the night?

Day 1-2. Dublin (Dublin)
Day 3 Rock of Cashel (Kinsale)
Day 4. Killarney National Park (Dingle)
Day 5. Dingle Peninsula (Dingle)
Day 6. Cliffs of Moher, The Burren (Galway)
Day 7. Aran Islands (Galway)
Day 8. Return to Dublin.

I skipped the Ring of Kerry because I think the driving would be too much for me. Thank you for any input

Posted by
2879 posts

You don't say when you are coming to Ireland as that could affect how busy it wlil be.

Question 1
The drive from Dingle to Galway is going to take 5+ hours PLUS any time for stops.

A lot depends on how much you want to do and see on the Dingle to Galway day. Are you just stopping oiff at the visitor centre and walking to view the cliffs from the top or are you wanting to add in a boat trip.? Driving round the coast from cliffs of Moher to Galway will let you see some of the best scenery of the Burren BUT won't include things like Poulnabrone dolmen or Aillwee caves. You might have time to do the short detour for Kilfenora Catherdal or Corcomroe Abbey.

Have you thought about taking a day trip to the Aran Islands from Doolin rather than Galway - that may also give chance to see the Cliffs from the sea when they are a lot more impressive than from the top. Spend nights 6 and 7 in Doolin rather than Galway. That will cut at least an hour off your drive times which you can use to see more of the Burren area.

Question 2
The drive from Kinsale to Dingle is going to be 3+ hours PLUS stops. It's doable. Ladies view is on the N71 you are driving along, Torc waterfall is a 5 minute walk from the car park on the N71 - assuming you are able to park. Have a read here which has lots of information about the waterfall and details of a longer walk to it - although I doubt you will have time for that.

Are you intending to take a ride on a jaunting car or just go and look at them? If so you will need to allow 1.5- 2 hours for the ride (assuming there aren't queues...)

Don't underestimate driving times in Ireland. Distances may not look far on a map but will take a lot longer to cover than you might expect. If using google maps it is recommended to add 25% to their driving times. You also need to factor in time for stops. Just finding somewhere to park can easily clock up the inutes. There are also comfort and food breaks too. And there is also the WOW moment when you just want to stop and take it all in.