Planning helppp

Posted by katlinwise on 05/17/19 01:40 AM

I am planning a trip to Ireland at the end of July. We are renting a car and have lots of things planned but I am wondering if my dream itinerary is even feasible.

Day 1- Fly into Dublin and drive to Waterford (we got a groupon and it makes us stay in Waterford for 2 days)

Day 2- Waterford- sight see or drive to Blarney stone

Day 3- Drive to Dingle Peninsula and then up to Galway

Day 4- Aran Island/Cliff of Moher

Day 5- Drive from Galway to Belfast

Day 6- Game of thrones tour in Belfast-- drive to Dublin after

Day 7- Tour Dublin

Day 8- Fly out

Is there anything else you would recommend or think I should cut out? Again we have to stay in Waterford the first two days due to our travel package.

Posted by Anita

RIchmond, BC,Canada

05/18/19 03:13 PM

852 posts

It's too bad you have to stay in Waterford for two nights. You will have to miss better places doing this. Take a day trip to Cashel (Rock of Cashel) instead of Blarney (major tourist trap). You cannot drive from Waterford to Dingle and all the way up to Galway in one day. Well, you probably could, but you would not have time to stop and get out of the car. Once you are in Galway you will have to choose to either go out to the Aran Islands or stay on the mainland and do your own driving tour. For such a short stay you will enjoy yourself a lot more if you really limit the area you focus on. If you are in Waterford for two nights then focus on that side of the country. Towns such as Kilkenny (castle) and Kinsale (Charles Fort) are good places to stop for a night or two. Also, Glendalough would be a great stop. I would take Belfast off the list this trip. You may be able to get down to the Killarney area, also, and take in the national park and other sights, but it will be a long drive back to Dublin to catch your flight home. Are your flights booked? It would work best if you could fly out of Shannon.

Posted by Brenda H

Southern California

05/18/19 04:20 PM

62 posts

I think Day 4 with the Aran Islands AND the Cliffs is too much. The ferry from Roscommon takes about 45 minutes and you'll want to spend time exploring. I always stop at the Aran Sweater Market and take my time looking around. Add to that the trip back, and you have a full day.

Posted by Claudia

Land of La

05/19/19 12:58 AM

8660 posts

Waaay too much and too little time. Driving time takes longer than you suspect.

You chose to save money via Groupon for 2 nights in Waterford. As you said your are locked in. The drive to Waterford from the will easily take 2.5 to 3 hours. If there is any interest in seeing Glendalough or the Rock Of Cashel you could stop at one as you drive from Dublin to Waterford. Research both and see if either meets your interest.

Hopefully you have reserved your rental at Dublin airport, don’t suffer jet lag and have experienced driving in the left side of the road.

I too would miss the Blarney Stone but if you must then by all means go.

As others will comment changing rooms nightly takes time away from touring.

Consider adding a day to Dublin at the end and take the train to Belfast for the GOT tour and return to Dublin the same day. Long day but doable.

Lastly I’d stay in Dingle 2 nights and give up Galway and the Cliffs Of Moher.

From Dingle you can drive Slea Head, visit Inch Beach, see Gap Of Dunloe, the Cliffs Of Kerry at Portmagee, Killarney National Park and Muckross House.

Ireland deserves a slower pace to enjoy the people, the beauty, the seafood and the Music.

Slainte