I prefer to travel a bit outside the regular vacation times to minimize crowds, etc. We are going to visit Dingle, Cork, Ring of Kerry and are curious about when the true "vacation" crowds hit these areas. I want to take advantage of the longer days in May because we are hikers but would consider late April if the crowds start in earnest in May. My question is if I plan my visit for the week or two after the May day holiday in Ireland will I still avoid the summer vacation crowds? Does May day signal the start of vacation time in Ireland? In the US most family vacation times begin the last week of May (memorial day) and really crank up in June. Some guidance please, do late April for lesser crowds or second week of May for longer days?
Posted by
Land of La
8683 posts
Haven't traveled to Ireland in May but you are safe it's not officially the summer season. I'd go for the longer days but if you really want to avoid crowds travel in November. Had Slea Head drive virtually to myself. Clear blue skies after very early morning drizzle. Saw only one other soul as I strolled along Counmeenoole Beach then up Dunmore Head for a stellar view of the Blasket Islands. Same with the Gap of Dunloe. Hiked a mile of it, returned to my car and drove over it. Mid November. One trap, 3 lorries, 4 hikers, 2 rock climbers, 1 bicyclist and countless sheep. Dark clouds loomed but the sun stayed out illuminating hills of gold and green. BEST day in Ireland. Don't miss spending time on the trails in Killarney National Park. Safe travels.
Posted by
317 posts
Greetings from Ireland...
Both Months are great to travel in but May is definitely busier and the numbers are starting to crank up a bit, i'll be on the road tour-guiding for Rick Steves during both months and the advantage to you for May would be the longer street in the evenings and possibly slightly better weather, but only slightly!
My guest-house is always busy in April, but in May numbers increase, but so do the rates. Maybe that might be a factor in helping you decide also. Hotel prices in April will be cheaper.
If you need any assistance with your itinerary or have any questions, just drop me a line
le meas/with respect
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steve's Ireland tour-guide
Dingle
Posted by
Seattle
255 posts
Since stephenmc is a native, a tour guide and an innkeeper, I'm sure he knows more about this than I do. But here is one American's data point for you. We were in Ireland the first 3 weeks of May 2014. Started in Dublin, traveled around the perimeter and ended in Dublin. Frequently we were alone (e.g. Ladies View, Staigue ring fort). Sometimes there were 1 or 2 other Americans around us, even on some remote west coast roads. A few places were lively with visitors (e.g. Muckross House, Reginald's Tower). But it very seldom felt thick with people. The only places that we encountered crowds were in Dublin (Book of Kells, Temple Bar) and Belfast (Titanic museum). Many of the places we enjoyed in Dublin were quite moderate for a major city - we toured the national legislature building with maybe 10 other people, and there was no waiting line. Some of the major tourist sights in the countryside (Newgrange, Powerscourt Garden) were certainly attracting people, but there was no hint of a "crush". Many of the small towns we visited (e.g. Cobh, Kinsale, Kenmare, Dingle, Bangor) seemed rather sleepy. We liked being there in the spring to get the long daylight hours. We typically ate about 7pm and still had lots of daylight to wander around and find a pub with music. As we drove the ROK and other areas we were seldom impeded by tour buses or other traffic.
Posted by
OP
bedford, indiana
459 posts
thank you for your input! I will be reaching out to you Stephen for advice on a guide for a tour around Dingle and ROK if possible. Our trip is a year off so I will hit you up next year at this time. We hired a local for a walking tour in Lucca this past fall on our first day there and she provided much info and guidance for our 3 days there. We were able to do informed touring after going with the local guide and were extremely happy we toured with Wanda our first day. Such money well spent!!! I hope to schedule a tour the 1st or second day out toward Dingle! All three posters have me convinced to wait and make the trip the 2nd week or so of May to gather the longer days. I truly appreciate the contribution to my decision making! Now we have a year to plan our hiking, eating, drinking, and music! We are seeing The Chieftains next week here in Bloomington, Indiana! dave