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rough Republic of Ireland plus Derry/Giants Causeway Itinerary

Posted by (Twin Cities of MN) on

I usually don't put up Itineraries for review, but I thought I'd try one. This is our first, probably only trip to Ireland. We are going in September and we have 25 nights in Ireland. We will have a car, and like "road" trips. We don't mind changing accommodations. Naturally, I feel short of time in a few areas, especially, I think, Galway area.

We enjoy photography and like scenic views/sightseeing, cliffs, waterfalls, gardens, quaint towns. Looking forward to music, charming pubs, history, and where it fits, beer and whiskey production/tasting.

Pick up car and drive to Kilkenny--2 nights
Kinsale--2 nights
Kenmore--3 nights
Somewhere in in Dingle, maybe Dingle town--3 nights
Somewhere in Clare--2 nights
Galway area, including Inishmore--2 nights
Westport, probably Cong--2 nights
Donegal area, probably Letterkenny--3 nights
Giants Causeway area, see Derry on the way, or from Letterkenny--2 nights
Howth--1 night (instead of day trip from Dublin, because we basically drive past it from Giant's Causeway
Return car, and stay Dublin 3 nights

Posted by
1706 posts

For "Somewhere in Clare," take a look at Doolin, which I think is also an access point for Inishmor. Then try Clifden for Connemara instead of Galway (or instead of Westport). I liked Bushmills for GC/Antrim Coast area. OTOH, with a car you can stay anywhere that suits your needs and budget, so be sure to check nearby towns (e.g., Sneem instead of Kenmare). It's a long way from Westport to Letterkenny. Maybe somewhere on the other side of Donegal? I liked Killybegs (good access to Slieve League from both land and sea), but parking could be a challenge there.

Posted by
927 posts

The thing that worries me about your itinerary is that I think you'll have such a good time that you'll never want to go home again. My favorite part of Ireland was the people and luckily enough they are everywhere.

Happy travels.

Posted by
4173 posts

I didn’t love Galway, so I wouldn’t feel bad about not having more time there. For photography, I much preferred Dingle and Howth.

Sounds like a great trip.

Posted by
2260 posts

You might want to take a look at the Causeway Hotel. We are staying there in May. Someone from this forum, and I forgot who, recommended it to me. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Giants Causeway Visitor Center, and all guests receive free entry. The Bushmills Distillery is a 5-minute drive, and Dunluce Castle is less than 5 miles away.
https://thecausewayhotel.com/

In Doolin, we are staying at the Atlantic View House.

In Clifden, we are staying at the Quay House, recommended by a friend.
https://thequayhouse.com/

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