We are making our first trip to Ireland the last part of March. We finally nailed down our itinerary and have places reserved, but most can be canceled if we want to adjust. The timing and locations are impacted by two things: Our son lives in Skibbereen, so of course we are going there and trying to coordinate it with his days off work, and my husband inadvertently reserved two nights in Dingle that are non refundable (although we may be able to move the dates if there’s availability), so we’re pretty locked in there.
Day 1: arrive Dublin, get rental car and drive to Athlone. My husband has driven in the UK on several occasions, and we’ll be traveling on the M4 so I’m guessing no winding narrow roads.
Overnight Athlone.
Day 2: drive to Doolin, and see some of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher.
Overnight Doolin.
Day 3: drive to Dingle, leave early, sightsee some along the way. This will be St. Paddy’s Day, so we are planning on spending the afternoon/evening there enjoying the festivities.
Overnight Dingle.
Day 4: Dingle peninsula drive
Overnight Dingle.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry drive (or perhaps Killarney National Park).
Overnight Kenmare.
Day 6 and Day 7: Skibbereen and surrounding areas ( beaches, Clonakilty, Bantry perhaps…depends on our son’s recommendations)
Overnight (2) in Skibbereen.
Day 8: drive to Enniskerry in Wicklow. We know this will be a long drive, and we’re ok with taking our time and stopping at interesting spots for a break.
Any recommendations on driving route? The one through Waterford along the coast is showing about a half hour longer, but I’m guessing the views would be worth it?
Overnight Enniskerry.
Day 9: Dublin. We plan on having a full day here, hoping to see the Book of Kells/Old Library, the museum, the gaol (don’t have my notes here with the exact names but I know they’re right in Dublin).
Day 10: Fly home
The alternate option we’ve looked at is driving to Kilkenny from the airport, spending the night, and taking the next day to drive toward Dingle, seeing a bit of Kilkenny and sites along the way. Perhaps staying somewhere between Limerick and Tralee. Then on to Dingle for the rest of the itinerary.
We appreciate any suggestions and cautions.
Thank you!
Terri