Hi! I am putting the final touches on my Ireland Adventure in September/October. I have read through 30 pages of posts – they have been so helpful! Any final comments would be very welcome. I am a well-seasoned solo traveler, will be doing all public transportation (I love trains) supplemented by selected day tours, I am a foodie (especially seafood!), and like to be active (happy when I’m footing it at least 3-5 miles a day). Here goes!
Day 1: US to Paris, 10 hour layover. Depending on time in customs, hope to go into Paris for a few hours.
Day 2-5: Fly to Cork, immediately go to Kinsale for 3 nights, looking for a leisurely transition. Highlights are open air market, Scilly Walk, day trip to Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny. Eat at Fishy Fishy, Max’s Bistro, pub visit to Dalton’s Pub.
Days 5-9: Bus to Killarney. I know – many say it’s a tourist trap. However, I am staying there specifically because of ease of (public) transportation to places I want to visit. Plan to chill first day. Next day tour to Ring of Dingle, Slea Head and Blasket Visitors Center. Weather permitting, doing some biking in and around Killarney National Park. Dinner at Shellfish Platter – could use some more recommendations here! Buckley’s Bar for Trad music.
Days 9-15: Scenic train to Galway. Next day town sights: Nicholas Church; The Quays; Spanish Arch; Cathedral of St. Nicholas; Salmon Weir Bridge; Magdalene Laundries Memorial. Day trip to Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher. Last day Saltwater Promenade, International Oyster Festival. Eat at McDonough’s, Oscar’s Seafood Bistro, Rouge. Maybe splurge at Aniar. Enjoy Pubs – TighNeachtain, Tig Coili Pub, Roisin Dubh, Barr an Chaladh. Go to St. Nicholas Church Farmers Market before leaving to Westport.
Days 15-17: Bus to Westport: Wanted to break up trip to Derry. Visit Westport House and Gardens (have always been fascinated by Pirates!). Pilgrimage to Crough Patrick. Dinner at J.J. O’Malleys, Cian’s. Pub crawls to Matt Malloys, Porter House.
Days 17-19: Bus to Derry: Walk the Old Town Wall; Museum of Free Derry; The Seige Museum; Bloody Sunday Memorial; Bogside Murals; Peace Bridge; Guild Hall; The Tower Museum. Eat at Primrose, Brown’s in Town. Any thoughts on Pubs?
Days 19-21: Train to Coleraine – taxi up to see Portrush Royal Club – train to Belfast. Ulster Hall; Ulster Museum; Peace Wall; Big Fish Salmon of Knowledge on Donegall Quay; Albert Clock; bus to Downpatrick Down's Cathedral. Day trip to Giant’s Causeway, Bushmill’s and Dunluce Castle. Cocktail at Crown Liquor Saloon; dinners at John Long’s Fish and Chips and Mournes; Pub – Kelly’s Cellars. Go to St. George’s Market before heading to Dublin
Days 21-25: Train to Dublin. Next two days - Dublin Castle, including Chester Beatty Library; Ha'Penny Bridge; Christ Church cathedral; "Dublinia and the Viking World;" St. Stephen's Green; Book of Kells; Trinity College; Street Markets - Moore Street and St. Michan Street; Guiness Storehouse Museum; Grafton Street ; National Museum of Ireland Kilmainham Gaol ; St. Patrick's Cathedral; Jameson's Distillery; Fallon & Byrne. Day trip to Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough; Day trip to Newgrange and Hill of Tara. Dine at Mulligan’s Pub, The Winding Stair, Klaw, Boxty House. Pubs – The Confession Box, O’Donoghue’s, The Stag’s Head, The Celt. If a need for quietness, The Lord Edward.
Days 25-26: Train to Wexford (super scenic) then train to Cork. The English Market, Sin E pub.
Day 26: Fly to Paris: 9 hour layover. Dinner at Aiberge du Tourlourou. Stay at airport hotel – Novotel.
Day 27: Fly to US.
Whew! Of course, I will adjust when needed throughout trip for more/less chill time. And, I know weather may put a damper on some of plans. But, overall, what do you think? I truly would appreciate any final thoughts.
Regards,
Mary