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Organizing itinerary to be most efficient-Help!!

We will be visiting Ireland from April 19-23 (well, April 24 but that is a travel day to London). Will be arriving early morning, April 19 on a redeye from Boston into Shannon. The cottage we have rented will be our home base and is located in Whitehall, County Clare very near Lough Derg. I am looking for suggestions in how to sort out and break up our day trips--we are renting a car. These are the things that I am initially inclined to see: The Burren, COM, Irish Workhouse Centre (Portumna), Bunratty Castle.
Thanks!

Posted by
2791 posts

Since Bunratty is quite close to Shannon you might consider stopping there after you land - sounds like you'll have a few hours to kill before you can check in to your cottage, so why not spend them leisurely exploring the castle and grounds ... with maybe lunch thrown in.
In April you won't have to battle the tourist throngs at the Cliffs. Many here recommend an afternoon visit to take advantage of the setting sun. There are companies in Doolin that offer short cruises along the coastline to view the cliffs from a completely different angle. Might check into those as well.
It's pretty easy to combine your day trip over to the cliffs with a visit to the Burren.
Time and interest permitting (and if you have a sunny day) I'd also suggest a meandering drive along the N67 coastal route from Kilrush and Kilkee up thru Lahinch and on to the cliffs. Lots of beautiful seascapes and photo ops along the way. There's a very pretty cliff walk near the beach at Kilkee that's worth a stop - maybe with a picnic lunch purchased in the town. See if you can find the statue of the Actor Richard Harris (Dumbledore) who's memorialized for his prowess as a local athlete before he left to pursue his acting career.

Posted by
76 posts

If you follow Robert's advice and head down to the Kilkee Cliffs (which we actually like better than the COM), make sure to keep driving south along the coast (maybe 15-20 minutes) to the Bridges of Ross. This is an absolutely stunning area that a lot of people don't know about. The drive along the coastline is spectacular with plenty of places to get out and look around.