Looking for itinerary feedback

I cannot comment on the Scotland section but here are my questions on the Ireland section:

• What do you want to see?
• What do you like to do?
• How did you pick Kenmare as your base?

I am thinking that 3 nights in Fort William is a lot. Unless you were thinking that is your base for Isle of Skye and going to the islands of Iona and Mull? If so, I would suggest 2 nights in Broadford and 2 nights in Oban instead. Not sure what you are planning in Ft. Willam.

Hi Sharon,

Here is some more information that you asked.

We want to see the following:
Ring of Kerry
Dingle Peninsula
Beara Peninsula
Killarney National Park
Cliffs of Moher

We like to just wander around for part of the time and not rush from site to site. That said, we'd like to spend some time in several towns including Kinsale, Killarney, Kenmare, and just whatever else we happen upon. I’m very interested in authentic Irish pubs and would love to visit some and hear some good live music, basically getting a real test of Ireland. We also like to hike and bike, and possibly canoe.

I chose Kenmare because it’s a small town and looks beautiful based on the photos I’ve seen. I want to have a home base close to where we’ll be exploring. Looking for a place in town so we can walk to pubs/restaurants, but don’t want a large touristy town. I know that’s cliche, but true: not a fan of DisneyWorld, NYC, or such places.
I’ve been looking at several towns to stay in, like Dingle, Caherciveen, Killorglin. To be honest, it’s kind of maddening to try to decide! There are so many awesome small towns. As much as I’d like to not move around so much, and stay in a town for 4 nights, I keep thinking we should do two nights in two different towns in the southwest. Am totally open to hearing everyone's favorite small town in the area.

Thanks diveloonie. We haven't done a lot of research on Scotland yet, as Ireland is overwhelming me! I was thinking that we'd like some time close to a town and then also have some time "out in the open". Will definitely look into what you've suggested and will also start Scotland research in general.

Appears that you're using up one full day by driving back to Dublin for your flight.Know that Aer Lingus has direct flights from Shannon to Edinburgh - might consider just flying out of Shannon to simplify your logistics a bit.
Kenmare is as good a place as any to base yourself. It's convenient to the prettiest parts of the ROK, the Skellig Ring, and the beautiful Beara peninsula. You'll have plenty to see and do during your 3 full days in the area. Suggest finding a place that you're happy with, unpack once, and be done with it.

Hi Robert,

That is a leftover from my old plans of going to Belfast and seeing the northern sites before I changed my mind and decided I should spend more time in Scotland. We were going to split up the drive to Belfast from Kenmare, by staying one night in Dublin. I'd like to see the city anyway (although briefly). I'm wondering if we should go back to this original plan and just do a day trip to Fort William when based in Scotland close to Stirling. Or at least do two days in Northern Ireland, and 4 nights in Scotland instead of 6, since perhaps there's no reason to go to Ft William for all 3 nights.

I've booked an airbnb in Kenmare.
And I think I'm making the following changes in the above:
6/20 - Dublin - Hotel
Drive to Belfast
6/21 - Belfast - Airbnb TBD
6/22 - Belfast - Airbnb TBD
6/23 - Somewhere in Scotland
Then Dollarbeg Castle in Scotland for 3 nights (sadly it's booked on the 23rd)

My only thought is that like most big cities Belfast can be a bear to drive in if you're not familiar with it, and you really don't need (nor would you want) the hassle of a car once you're there. Public transport, day tours (Black Cab tours for example), or your legs will take you where you want to go.
Probably easier and more convenient to just catch the train from Dublin. Besides, dropping a rental car in NI qualifies as an international rental - and the associated drop fee wouldn't be worth it.

Based on what you wrote you like doing, I think that you are going to love the West coast of Ireland. Dingle was full off charm, music and great pubs.

We rented bikes in Killarney National Park and loved it. It was such a gorgeous place to visit.

I do agree that Kenmare will be a great location from which to visit the sites that you are interested in

Enjoy!

Robert, thank you for your input. I specified 'Belfast', but really meant 'somewhere around Belfast'. :) We'd like to go to Belfast but not stay there. So we will need a car, as we're not group tour people, but it's good to know about a higher drop fee... wonder how much that is. Will probably just pay it, or see what other options we have. I'm usually quite frugal, but on a super positive note, this trip is being paid for by an award at work! Well, $5000 of it.

My next research challenge is now to find a base in Northern Ireland. There, we'd like to see the Dark Hedges, and just all of those gorgeous sites that come up in a 'Game of Thrones' search! Any ideas for a small-town base there?

Thanks Sharon! I think we will love it... I'm so excited.

Truly think you should bus or train to Belfast from Dublin. Quick, easy, painless.

Belfast is intriguing in it's own right because of its history. Book a black cab tour of The Troubles to see what I mean.
Crumbling Road Gaol is a great tour. St George's market is fun to wander about and the Titanic Museum is stellar.

And as far as Game of Thrones sites more than one company offers tours. They'll most likely be in production elsewhere at that time of year anyhow.

Cheers

To echo Claudia's point: we're independent travelers too, but have found that there are times when an organized day tour is the better option. Trying to organize your own GOT tour of the various filming sites around Belfast will run you ragged. Joining one of the tours that has already done the legwork for you, and can make more efficient use of your time in getting between venues, might be the better option for your family.
Likewise the Black Cab tour of central Belfast. The running commentary by the driver as he takes you thru places that were in the headlines not that long ago would be a true history lesson for all of you, and would be something you could never accomplish (or appreciate) on your own.