May 2027 Ireland trip

Posted by losrichins on 08/29/26 11:55 PM

We are just starting to plan a 3-4wk trip in May. We spent about this amount of time in Scotland last fall (we originally wanted to visit both Ireland and Scotland, however, with the way we like to travel, we realized each country deserved its own visit!). We plan on renting a car as we did in Scotland. I visited Ireland over 30 years ago and my husband has never been. We are interested in the culture, history, scenery (easy-moderate hikes), bike rentals, pubs, food, and of course the people! We love finding ourselves in the tucked away gems, country side, less touristy places. We are not set on cities, but would be open for the right experience.

With this amount of time, is it reasonable to fly in/out of Shannon and visit counties Cork, Kerry, and work our way up to Donegal? We would love to stay in B&Bs, visit some of the islands (Blasket, Aran, others recommended?) and have a few bases. We are open to staying in places 3-5ish nights (Aran Islands 1-2 nights) to get to know the area. I would love your insight on suggested itineraries, places to stay, etc. I will be visiting this forum often as the planning unfolds but need some guidance to start with!

Many thanks.

Posted by mbosteder

08/30/26 01:05 AM

138 posts

You are lucky to have so much time.
If you want a local experience at a great B&B in Portstewart with a view of the Irish Sea out your front windows, and meet Maureen who. is the nicest host in all of Ireland. She will even take you out for a dip in the sea before breakfast. Then she will make you breakfast to order.
Then you can explore all of Northern Ireland from there. The Giant Causeway is an hour away, Derry is even closer. And Portrush is just down the road.
Here is the address
5 Portrush Rd, Portstewart BT55 7DB, UK
I am actually staying there for a week in June where I am entered a golf tournament.
Have a great trip.

Posted by wasleys

Lincolnshire, UK

08/30/26 09:18 AM

3152 posts

It makes such a change to reading itineraries trying to cram EVERYTHING into 10-14 days! We've spend a week based in places like Kerry, Galway and Donegal and even on a second visit have still found plenty of things to do (and still have a few that we haven't done yet...) 3-4 weeks gives plenty of time to explore, relax and visit the places the usual tourist never gets too. Spending a night on one of the islands is a completely different experince to a day visit.

Try and get hold of a copy of DK Eyewitness Ireland as this covers the hidden gems that don't feature in the other guide books. It has lots of pictures and descriptions of the different places as well as itineraries and suggestions for short driving tours. There are suggestions for eating and accommodation too. The maps are adequate for initial planning too. As always, check out latest opening times as they may have changed since the book was published.

Posted by jjgurley

Mountains of S. Oregon

08/31/26 01:35 AM

1237 posts

Since you're in the general area, one of our all-time favorite excursions is Skellig Michael via boat from Portmagee. The beehive monastery and the construction are fascinating but the puffins are the best you'll find anywhere in Ireland. Lunga in Scotland might be a close second. Reserve early.

I'd choose Skellig over Blaskett Island, but Blaskett is also worth the visit, especially with the new museum in Dunquin.

If you were inclined to go yet farther south, Dursey Island is a nice walk (and a cable car ride). Allihies is a nice overnight, and there are the copper mines. The Bull Rock boat trip is also fun unless you have a back that doesn't like bucking broncos (I survived).

We tend to stay places only one or two nights, so I'll shut up on suggestions that mess with you pace. I plan our trips based on expected evening trad sessions and uprooting daily is no sweat as we travel light.

I totally agree with Wasleys about how different an overnight experience is from a day trip to a place like Aran.

Posted by KimberlySEA

Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France

08/31/26 02:31 AM

739 posts

I think it is very reasonable to fly in/out of Shannon to visit Cork, Kerry up to Donegal (the prettiest county in my opinion.) We just did the drive from Letterkenny (Co. Donegal) down to Ennis (Co. Clare), stopping in Bundoran (a lovely seaside village where locals go) with lots of beautiful scenery and hikes, then we stopped at Gleniff Horseshoe--incredibly scenic--on our way to Sligo. We ended our drive in Co. Clare at Ennis, which is a charming little town close to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, the Burren and much more. If you visit Doolin, check out Sheedy's Doolin, it's a B&B and one of the best in the country.

In Donegal, I'd recommend visiting Sliabh Liag (Slieve League), Mount Errigal (and Glenveagh National Park), Fanad Lighthouse, Malin Head, Doagh Famine Village, Killybegs, Donegal Town. I'm sure there's more as it's a breathtaking county with lots of opportunity for walks and hikes.

Of course in Kerry there's Dingle (amazing!), Ring of Kerry (we went counter clockwise and split the drive in to 2 days), Kenmare and Killarney, which has lots of outdoor activities.

I'm sure others will chime in with even more wonderful advice. Happy planning!