Hello all, our trip to Ireland is finally coming up in just under two weeks and we're so excited. Here's what we're thinking for a plan thus far. Just thought I'd post in case anybody wanted to add any suggestions for restaurants, small extras off the beaten path etc.
We're flying into Shannon and we're staying the first half of our trip up near Mountshannon in County Clare. It's a little ways inland so we'll have to do a little driving but it looks like a great location and should be worth a few extra miles. Note that my wife and I are traveling with our 8 year old daughter. We do have a rental car. Daily activities aren't set in stone with adjustments for weather etc.
Day 1 - We arrive in Shannon at 8:30. I don't know how the jet lag from the states is going to affect everyone especially our daughter so I figure we'll just drive up to where our rental property is and check out the town of Mountshannon, maybe Portumna
Day 2 - Cliffs of Moher, The Burren area around Balleyvaughan, Ailwee Cave and then back down to Doolin to check out the town and dinner
Day 3 - Bunratty Castle and Folk Park then town of Ennis for dinner and music (big trad festival going on that week)
Day 4 - Tour of Holy Island in Lough Derg (yes that was me a few weeks ago), maybe Brian Boru's fort in Killaloe
Then we head down to Killorglin where we're staying for the 2nd half of our tour. i'm thinking we stop in Adare which is smack dab at the half way point for lunch and tour around the town a bit.
Day 5 - Dingle Penninsula
Day 6 - Killarney Forest Day. This is where I could use a strategy suggestion. We're interested in Muckross Abbey and maybe the house, Torc Waterfall, Ladies view. Then we're also interested in the Gap of Dunloe on the other side of the lake. We'd like to probably do that part via jaunting cart but I'm trying to figure the best way to navigate with parking etc.
Day 7 - I was originally planning to do the Ring of Kerry but I'm concerned about the amount of time it takes and that our daughter wouldn't find it too interesting after a while. So now I'm thinking we drive down to Kenmare and drive in just a little ways to Sneem as I'm interested in the Staigue Fort. Then I'm thinking driving back out and down to Glengarriff and Bantry via the tunnel rd would be a nice excursion.
Day 8 - Is just about leaving so it doesn't really count. We don't have too much time to do anything.