We are traveling to Ireland for the first time and have will have 4 full days. We are most interested in seeing the Dingle peninsula, Ring of Kerry, and the Blarney Stone. We are flying into Shannon and will rent a car. We arrive early morning so thought best to drive a short distance the first day. TripAdvisor forums indicate Limerick does not have much to offer. Any recommendations for us for a home base and places to stay?
Posted by
11169 posts
Skip Limerick; TripAdivsor is correct. Stay overnight in Ennis at The Old Ground the first night and visit the Cliffs of Mohrer. Once you over jeg lag the next day, drive south to Dingle and Ring of Kerry.
Posted by
Last Frontier aka Alaska 🏔️
3227 posts
We unexpectedly had a day in Limerick, and did King John's castle, which was great and St. Mary's cathedral, so there are some things to do there. 4 full days would probably be too much. Its also one of Ireland's largest cities, so if you like smaller and quaint, then move on from Limerick. Ennis is charming and if you go, there is a statue of Michael Collins and there is a young lad named Ollie who would be happy to give you a walking tour of Ennis. We quite enjoyed it!
You could also stay in Bunratty which is about 6 miles from Shannon airport. There is a castle and a folk park that is well worth some time. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
California
3 posts
Thank you both!
Posted by
NY State
72 posts
I like Ennis as a base to see Clare but it doesn’t really make sense to me as a base to to see Dingle or the ROK. The drive time from Bunratty to Dingle is given by Google maps as about 2.5 hours, so add another 20 to 30% for a realistic time. Then the drive around Slea Head (which is what makes Dingle the destination that it is) takes about 1.5 hours if you don’t stop. But what fun is the drive if you don’t stop to take in the gorgeous scenery and for photo ops? Then you would have the drive back to your base. Repeat the following day for the ROK.
A base a bit further south might suit a little better. Have a look at Listowel, perhaps?
When you say you have 4 full days, does that mean you have 3 nights?
Posted by
OP
California
3 posts
Hi thanks will take a look at some locations further south. We arrive early Friday morning to Shannon after a night flight and then do not depart until mid Tuesday.
Posted by
NY State
72 posts
That gives you 4 nights, so perhaps stay in Killarney for nights 2 and 3, then closer to the airport for the last night. That would put you in a good position for both Dingle and the ROK.
Have a great trip! You might feel the need to return!
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
Ugh! I wouldn't stay in Killarney (evidently Rick Steves doesn't recommend it either!). I'd stay in Glenbeigh/Killorglin/Sneem as alternatives. More intimate (read: villages) so the folks will get to know you in 4 days. Plenty of time to do the visiting you want to do.....
Susan
Expat living in Waterville, Ireland