Seeking Itinerary Advice & where to stay for Cliffs of Moher

Posted by mollycarolineh on 02/28/24 01:31 AM

Hi! We, too, have been overwhelmed with planning our fast-approaching Ireland trip in early April. It seems like Ireland has been more complicated to plan than many of my other European travels! Thinking it will be well worth it, but do want your advice.

It's my husband & I & we like to be pretty active & pack things in. We've toned it down based off what we've read on this forum - feels like we could do more, but heeding your advice already.

We'll be renting a car & excited for scenic (& maybe slightly stressful) drives!

I've heard mixed reviews on Galway. Is Ennis a smaller village/town option for seeing Cliffs of Moher? Other recommendations?

April 8th - arrive in Dublin early, do as much sightseeing as we feel up to - SLEEP IN DUBLIN

April 9th - sightsee in Dublin - SLEEP IN DUBLIN

April 10th - drive through/to Cork (go to airport to pick up car) - SLEEP IN KINSALE

April 11th - Killarney, Muckross - SLEEP IN KENMARE

April 12th - Ring of Kerry to Dingle - SLEEP IN DINGLE

April 13th - Dingle Peninsula - SLEEP IN DINGLE

April 14th - Drive to Cliffs - SLEEP IN _________ (Ennis? Galway? Somewhere else?)

April 15th - Cliffs, etc. - SLEEP IN _________ (Ennis? Galway? Somewhere else?)

April 16th - leave __________ early & head to Dublin to fly out

Posted by Suki

02/28/24 01:50 AM

11569 posts

We landed at Shannon Airport on the west coast and checked into the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis. Nice traditional hotel. It was easy to drive over to see the Cliffs of Mohrer from there.

Posted by Gail

Downingtown, USA

02/28/24 01:56 AM

2449 posts

Are you planning to drive to Dublin and fly out the same day. Don't forget you need to be at Airport three hours early as you clear US customs there. We have had plenty.of time in several trips but one.was really too close for comfort.

Posted by MaryPat

Irving

02/28/24 02:19 AM

3226 posts

How are you getting to Cork?
Doolin is closer to the Cliffs of Moher than Ennis. Are you flying out of Dublin on Apr 16? If so, what time? However, Ennis is closer to Dublin's airport than Doolin (2h 45m).

Posted by Katheryne

Chattanooga, TN USA

02/28/24 03:52 AM

589 posts

We liked Lahinch for proximity to the Cliffs of Moher. Nice little seaside town, check out Kenney’s Bar and Crag Shore B&B.

Posted by KimberlySEA

Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France

02/28/24 05:42 AM

319 posts

We stayed in Doolin at Sheedy's Doolin for a few nights to visit the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands. Loved it! We could walk from the BnB to the Cliffs trail when we were done, we took a bus back to Doolin from the Cliffs visitor's centre. Sheedy's is definitely one of the best, if not the best, BnB's we've ever stayed in.

Posted by elsaduty

03/08/24 07:48 PM

8 posts

I just posted a very similiar schedule myself! Doolin is where I decided for your 2 day gap period. -Elsa

Fly into Dublin: Arrive 8:15am

4/29 (Monday) DAY ONE (STAY IN DUBLIN): Stroll, walk, adjust. Dublin Castle to St Patrick’s Cathedral to Christchurch Cathedral (~15 min walk), Trinity College & Library, etc.
ACCOMODATIONS Staunton on the Green https://www.stauntonsonthsgreen.ie/

4/30 (Tuesday) DAY TWO (STAY IN DUBLIN)
Stroll, enjoy, see what we are in the mood for. Will buy tix in advance once we settle on must-sees.
(Ideas) https://freetoursbyfoot.com/self-guided-dublin-tour/, Little Museum, Gaol, Storehouse, Museum, Park, Grafton. Evening: Celtic Nights Irish Dance Show
ACCOMODATIONS Staunton on the Green https://www.stauntonsonthsgreen.ie/

5/1 (Wed) DAY THREE (STAY IN KILLARNEY):
9:00am Train Dublin Heuston to Killarney. 1 change (10 min), arrive 12:19 Killarney. Get rental car / Lunch, ~2:00pm; E-Bike Tour of Killarney National Park (3 hours), Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, Gap of Dunloe
ACCOMODATIONS Killarney Lodge Guesthouse

5/2 (Thurs) DAY FOUR (STAY IN DINGLE)
Breakfast & walk around Killarney; St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney Falconery (1 Hour) or Horseback Riding (1 Hour). Afternoon Scenic Drive to Dingle (<2 hours). Check in / Dinner
ACCOMODATIONS Emlagh House https://www.emlaghhouse.com/

5/3 (Fri) DAY FIVE (STAY IN DINGLE)
Drive/Sightsee Slea https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/slea-head-drive/
ACCOMODATIONS Emlagh House https://www.emlaghhouse.com/

5/4 (Sat) DAY SIX (Drive to & STAY IN DOOLIN)
2.5 Hours drive, Take Talbert Car Ferry; runs north on the half hour (saves 2 hours driving – see alternative thought below)
Stop at Kilkee Cliffs, Lahinch Beach, if weather allows hike around Cliffs of Moher // Google Guerin's Path $5 cash to walk. In between OBriens Tower and Mohers Tower
ACCOMODATIONS Doolin Inn https://www.doolininn.ie/

5/5 (Sun) DAY SEVEN (STAY IN DOOLIN)
Boat / Island / Cliffs Tour
Doolin to Inis Mor: leaves 10:00am (35 min ride), returns 4:00pm
---Boat & Island Tour for 4 hours--- Rick Steves Minivan Tour?
ACCOMODATIONS Doolin Inn https://www.doolininn.ie/

5/6 (Mon) DAY EIGHT (Drive to Shannon for flight)
Up early, 1.5 hours to Airport, 12:30pm flight