North or South Itinerary

We went to both, although we saw only a part of each in the time we had (just under a week), and I'm glad we did.

Here is my trip report, in case it might help you to decide: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/countryside-castles-and-celts-croatia-and-ireland-trip-report-part-2-ireland

My preferred bits were Galway and Donegal. Scenically they are stunning and, Donegal especially, tends to be quieter than the southern bits of Ireland.

Hello from Wisconsin,
You are smart not to try to see too much of Ireland. I would pick a quarter of the island and have at it.

Dublin is a great city, however it is a city. But within easy reach are Newgrange and Drogheda to the north, along with the Boyne River Valley, Hill of Slaine, Kells, Tara, Trim castle, and to the south is Glendalough and the Wiclow Mountains. With a car, you could see all of these and be leisurely about it. Leisurely is an Irish way of doing things.

Once again, don't forget Dublin. Galway on down to Schull, and inward from Beara Peninsula.

Galway north to Donegal. Some people are so excited about Galway. Meah, is what I say. From Oughterard up to Westport is pretty beautiful and then hurry north east from there to Donegal.

And the are the Green Glen of Antrim in N. Ireland.

Keep it small, you will be able to soak up some Irish air.

wayne iNWI

Some people are so excited about Galway. Meah, is what I say.

I'm surprised by that comment wayner. Did you get as far as Roundstone and Clifden? Did you do the Sky Road drive from Clifden?

I do agree though about keeping it small. Relax and slow down and don't try and see everything!

Rather than north or south, our first trip was west. I’d highly suggest a western itinerary. We flew in and out of Shannon, then headed to Galway. Count me in as a Galway devotee. We also visited the Aran Islands off the west coast, and visited the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, staying in Lisdoonvarna. Cooking class with our stay in Milltown Malbay, then down/over west to Dingle. A bit more southwest for a visit to Skellig Michael before circling up to Tralee and up to Sixmilebridge and the Shannon Airport for the flight home.

The second trip, we started again in Galway before circling clockwise, including Achill Island (connected to mainland by bridge), then up around to Dunfanaghy then the Giant’s Causeway and Northern Ireland, before seeing the Boyne Valley sights, and finally Dublin.

Third trip is this May, and we’re keeping it south, but still including Skellig Michael again, and some southWEST. See? The west is still an essential part.

Dear friends,

Thank you all for your impute. We have 8 full days. Our plan is to land in Dublin and head straight to Galway. We will perhaps take 2 day trips and spend on day in Galway town. It would be nice to fit in another destination before heading back to Dublin for the rest of the trip. Would Dingle be a good destination to add on to the trip? Would people have suggestions as to a third destination which may enhance the trip. Remember we are on public transportation, no car.

If people can suggest memorable day trips from Galway and Dublin it would be highly appreciated.
Thank you.
Eric

Are you planning on a day trip to one of the Arran Islands?

Another good day trip would be to Kylemore Abbey and Connemara. Have a look here for ideas.

Dublin - top of the list would be a trip to the neolithic site of Newgrange (older than the pyramids). The day trip by Mary Gibbons gets consistently good reviews.

Another good day trip from Dublin would be to Powerscourt and the early Christian site of Glendalough. Several companies do this tour.

If you have the time Dingle is well worth it. I enjoy it so much I’ve gone twice.

Yes Dingle.is magical but by bus is almost six hours. Only you can decide if it is worth the travel.time. I think you would make better use of your time with several day trips from Galway and several from Dublin. Be sure to go to Kilmainhaim Gaol in Dublin but you must get tickets well ahead of time. Newgrange by Mary Ribbons is also well worth the time.

Daytrips from Galway:
1. Cliffs of Moher/the Burren
2. Inishmore Island (take the Aer Arann plane rather than a ferry)

Daytrip from Dublin:
Boyne Valley (Newgrange/Knowth/Hill of Tara)

If you want a third place to stay, and using public transportation, and with just 9 days and not 2 whole weeks, rather than Dingle, I’d suggest making a triangle of the trip, and going to Cork. In addition to Cork city, you can make easy side trips to Cobh and Kinsale.