Hi there! My husband earned a trip through his company and we will be hosted in Ireland (Dublin to North Region from Oct 19-24th). We have decided to come in a few days early and have no idea what to do. We fly into Shannon on Oct 16th @ 10am. We are planning on renting a car and driving to sights from there. We plan to meet up with the company on Sunday afternoon in Dublin. We love smaller towns and villages rather than larger cities and love the coastal areas, mountains and scenic views. We’d like to immerse ourselves in the culture, food, music and pubs. Some friends recommended Limerick, Adare, Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch but with only 3 nights, and coming in Thursday at 10 am it seems like a lot of travel and not time to really savor anything? If you were flying into Shannon, and had 3 nights, what would you do assuming you had the same interests? I realize we are going to have to come back and see more of Ireland one day :) Any suggestions appreciated!
Posted by
6122 posts
Unless you have driven on the opposite side of the road before, you can make the decision easier by selecting somewhere close to Shannon airport--whatever distance you feel like is safe (to me, it would be around an hour, definitely not a several hour drive). My experience is limited to Galway and environs, but there is ton nearby, so don't worry about shortchanging yourselves. Exhaust what you can in those three days, then head to Dublin.
Posted by
Arlington, Virginia
524 posts
For those three nights plant yourselves in the village of Doolin, Co. Clare, home to three pubs, numerous B&Bs and ferries to the Aran Islands. In fact, spend a night on one of the islands (Inishmore, the largest, has more to see - Dun Aengus for example - and do) so you're not rushed and return to Doolin the next morning. Bear in mind that trad music sessions are less frequent in the off-season than in the summer.
With a car, you can also drive north, via Galway town, to see a bit of beautiful Connemara.
Posted by
Irving
3456 posts
After a night of no sleep, don’t rent a car on arrival day. Instead, take a direct bus from Shannon Airport to Galway. Galway is not a spectacular city, but is a good jumping off point if visiting one of the Aran Islands or renting a car and driving through the Connemara region in northwest Ireland for the day.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1361 posts
Maybe take an organized tour (or 2)?
Rabbies has tours from Killarney to Ring of Kerry on the 17th and Dingle on the 18th. https://www.rabbies.com/en-us/tours/ireland/from-killarney I haven't done either of these tours, but others on the Forum recommend this company. These are not large buses but smaller vans.
Paddywagon has daily departures from Killarney, Limerick, Tralee, Galway and others, and offers additional destinations. I have taken a Paddywagon tour from Belfast to Giant's Causeway. We used it for the transportation because we didn't want to drive. We were satisfied. The tour we did was on a big bus. I expect these tours are, too. https://www.paddywagontours.com/tours
These are the two companies that are mentioned most often on the Forum. I'm sure there are others. Having someone else drive these routes allows you both to enjoy the views. With Paddywagon, the cost for two day tours would likely be less than the cost of the car rental.
Posted by
Michigan
242 posts
In late April 2024 we flew into Dublin and immediately took an express bus to Killarney. There were four travelers on a big bus. The next morning we took a Paddywagon tour of the Ring of Kerry. I would not hesitate to take a Paddywagon tour to Dingle. We found Killarney to be a fun town. I would love a return visit there someday.. We ate at an Indian restaurant one night. I was the best Indian food I have ever eaten.
Have a wonderful trip!
Traveler Girl