My husband and I are going to Ireland with friends at end of October and spending first three days around Galway and next three days around Dublin with the friends having done the entire itinerary. We have two days left with the friends gone. I've never been to Ireland. Is it better to go north to Belfast and Giants Causeway or south and do Kilkenney/Rock of Cashel/Powerscourt. I'd very much appreciate a hint or two. Thanks much.
Hi,
We are just finishing a 5 week trip to Scotland, Ireland, & England. Spent one night in Kilkenny, saw Rock of Cashel on our way to Kenmare. It was very interesting, 2 hrs at most. Spent 3 days in Portrush, Giant Causeway was amazing. Hikes are great, views so beautiful as are the rock formations. Stopped at White Rock Beach, also very fun. Caves, surfers, and kids saucering down sand dunes. Great walking beach. Causeway gets my vote.
Don
We did the RS Ireland tour in May covering both areas you are considering and my vote would be Giants Causeway-absolutely gorgeous.
Will you be getting around by bus? Rental car?
Haven’t done the trip south yet, on 2 trips to Ireland, although that seems to be the priority for a lot of folks on this forum, even on their first trip.
Last September, we visited Galway for a couple days (second time there), then drove clockwise over the next 3 weeks, including Northern Ireland and the Giant’s Causeway, plus The Gobbins walk, closer to Belfast. Be prepared for blustery weather.
For you time “around” Dublin with your friends, will you be going to Bru Na Boinne neolithic sights, a bit north of town? For that area, we stayed in Trim for a couple nights, but it could be visited from Dublin.