We’re pulling together a very last-minute trip to Ireland and could use some guidance. We’ll be flying in and out of Shannon in early October and will have a rental car.
It’s me, my spouse, and our two boys (11 and 8). They’re well-seasoned travelers and hikers. We love scenic drives, dramatic hikes with stunning views, and staying at least two nights per location so we’re not constantly packing and unpacking.
On a previous trip we absolutely loved the Gap of Dunloe, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula (Slea Head Drive). We wouldn’t mind doing some of those again — we thought the scenery was lush, easy to access, and just beautiful.
But we’re also very drawn to Northwest Ireland — Donegal, Slieve League, Glenveagh, Mount Errigal, Fanad Head. It sounds like everything we love: dramatic cliffs, empty beaches, Gaeltacht villages.
Our worries:
Weather in October: We’ve read that Donegal is windier, wetter, and more unpredictable than the southwest. We’re nervous our hikes and views might be ruined.
Driving distances: Donegal looks far from Shannon, and we’re hesitant to do a long haul right after an overnight flight.
Last-minute planning: We need to lock in accommodations soon but don’t want to make the wrong choice.
We’re leaning toward either:
A northwest-focused trip (2 nights Connemara + 4 nights Donegal + 3 nights near Shannon/Burren), or
A southwest-focused trip (Killarney/Dingle + Connemara + Burren) with shorter drives and milder weather.
For those who’ve been to Donegal in October — how bad is the weather really? Are the hikes (Slieve League, Errigal, Glenveagh) well marked and accessible? Would you recommend it for a family that loves dramatic scenery but doesn’t want a logistical headache?
Any insights or sample itineraries would be hugely appreciated. Thanks so much for helping us figure this out on such short notice!