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Seeking Feedback on Another 11-Day Itinerary

My wife and I, both early 50's, are heading to Ireland with Dublin arrival on September 14, 2015, and Dublin departure on September 25, 2015. Our general itinerary is as follows:

Dublin - Days 1 and 2;
Kilkenney - Days 3 and 4 to visit friends;
Kinsale - Day 5;
Port McGee - Day 6 and tour Skellig Michael Island;
Dingle - Days 7-8;
Doolin - Day 9;
Undecided - Day 10; and
Dublin - Day 11.

I would appreciate any input on the general itinerary above which we are willing to modify. We would like to stay away from the touristy stuff and immerse ourselves more in the local culture. We want to see some beautiful country, enjoy the pubs and music and favor the small to medium sized towns with some things to see. I don't have Galway on the list but it looks like fun. I would also like to take in some sporting events and uniquely Irish events and would also appreciate any suggestions in that regard. Thanks.

Posted by
2980 posts

Looks like a pretty good "taste of Ireland" to me.
Think you'll really enjoy the Skellig Michael experience. Know that it's highly weather and sea-state dependent however. If it happens that the boats don't run that day don't despair - simply driving around Valencia island is a treat for the senses.
Regarding sporting and uniquely Irish events - suggest just asking the locals what's on that day or evening once you arrive at a destination...or along the way for that matter. Once you've asked the question in a pub or restaurant and they recognize your accent you'll have a group of some of the friendliest people you've never met before crowding around, arguing with each other, and offering advice. Some of our most cherished memories (and entertaining encounters) started out just that way. Fact is that the group conversations became so lively that we forgot what it was that we wanted to do in the first place and just lingered, enjoying the warm comfort of easy-going Irish hospitality.

Posted by
3 posts

Robert, thanks for the reply. We modified our itinerary a bit but appreciate the input. We are now Dublin (2 nights); Kilkenny to visit friends (one night); Kinsale (2 nights); Portmagee (1 night); Dingle (2 nights); Doolin (1 night); next night to be determined; and back to Dublin (one night). We will definitely hit up the locals for their suggestions. Thanks again, Marty.

Posted by
346 posts

Your itinerary sounds good to me. Are you planning to see the Cliffs of Mohr while you are nearby in Doolin? I would recommend that. Also, if time permits, I think NewGrange is worth the time.

Posted by
3 posts

Hi Sherrie, yes we are going to do the Cliffs of Moher and may also try to do a day bus trip out to NewGrange while in Dublin. NewGrange was also recommended by my wife's uncle who has been to Ireland many times. Thanks for the input.

Posted by
36 posts

You could stay the night in Doolin, or stop in for a visit and continue onto Galway for the night and make the morning ferry to the Aran Islands for the day. It does not feel touristy. We biked to Dun Aengus on the island, if you enjoy biking I would really recommend that! The Aran Islands (specifically Inishmore is where we visited) was one of my favourite parts of the trip. We spent that night in Galway and went into the town the next day and I don't think it's a must see. You could make your way back to Dublin on day 11 and along the way, stop at Clonmacnoise, old monastery ruins which you may find interesting.