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Request for Feedback - 5 Day Itinerary

Posted by on

My partner and I are going to Ireland in early February for 4 nights + 5 days. We are renting a car and ideally want to hit Galway, Ring of Kerry, and Dublin. Would be nice to work in the Cliffs of Moher but not a dealbreaker. Requesting feedback on these two itineraries:

Option 1 (one night in Galway, two nights in Killarney, one night in Dublin):
- Day 1: Drive from Dublin to Galway. Arrive by 10am and spend the day exploring. Stay the night in Galway.
- Day 2: Spend the morning exploring Galway then drive from Galway to Cliffs of Moher. After the Cliffs, drive to Killarney and stay the night.
- Day 3: Drive the Ring of Kerry and stay the night in Killarney.
- Day 4: Drive to Dublin in the morning. Arrive by 11am, explore, and stay the night.
- Day 5: Get to the airport by 10am.

Option 2 (one night in Galway, one night in Killarney, two nights in Dublin):
- Day 1: Drive from Dublin to Galway. Arrive by 10am and spend the day exploring. Stay the night in Galway.
- Day 2: Drive from Galway to Killarney and do half the Ring of Kerry. Stay the night somewhere around the half-way point. Recommendations are welcome!
- Day 3: Drive the other half of the Ring, and return to Dublin to stay the night.
- Day 4: Spend the full day exploring Dublin.
- Day 5: Get to the airport by 10am.

I'm a little overwhelmed since it's such a short trip, and there's so much to do and see. We also considered Dingle Peninsula instead of Ring of Kerry since it's shorter, but the Ring of Kerry obviously has more to do. If you think we could get a taste of some of the same scenery by replacing Dingle with Ring of Kerry, then we're open to that.

Please give us your best suggestions!

Posted by
1585 posts

If you are arriving in Dublin from North America and have never driven on the left please think twice before getting behind the wheel of an unfamiliar car in an unfamiliar country after an overnight flight. There is an express bus that picks you up outside of the airport terminal and takes you to Galway City Center in about 3 hours, https://www.aircoach.ie/. The bus will give you a chance to see Dublin and get acclimated. The next morning rent your car and go to either the Ring of Kerry or Dingle - don't try to do both.

I understand the desire to see the west coast of Ireland and all it's beauty but with such a short time and the long distances you intend to drive during winter's short day light hours you may want to just choose one spot and take it from there. Maybe take a puddle hopper flight to Kerry Airport. There's also plenty to see and do in and around Dublin including but not limited to County Wickford, County Meath, Kinsale, Kilkenny and Belfast. All would involve considerably less driving.

Posted by
2280 posts

You are pushing a lot into a short time, especially in early February when day length is still short. Sunrise is about 7.30am and sunset 5.3pm. On dull days it will get dark a lot quicker. Also you will not be wanting to drive after dark. Don’t underestimate driving times in Ireland. Distances may not look far on a map but will take a lot longer to cover than you might expect.

Why have you chosen Galway and Killarney which are the opposite side of Ireland to Dublin?

As Trotter has suggested there is lots to do and see from Dublin. Have a think about these ideas...

You have the Wicklow mountains with the delightful early Christian site of Glendalough.

There are small villages like Avoca or there is the coast to explore.

Kilkenny is another interesting place with its castle, cathedral, Black Abbey and much more. You could. easily spend a fjull day there Also Ppaces like Rock of Cashel can also be visited asa a day trip from Kilkenny.

To the north of Dublin is the Neolithic site of Newgrange which is older than the pyramids. This makes a good day out linked with Trim and its ruined castle.

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