My husband & I arrive in Dublin & have 3 days to explore before meeting up with another couple. Thinking of going north for those days since we will be staying 2 nights in Dublin when our friends arrive. My husband is a golfer.....any suggestions? Our "official" itinerary is as follows:
Dublin- 2 nights.
Head south towards Cork -2 -3 days(flexible) possibly stay at Old Head for Golf?
Dingle- 2 days.
Have 3 days(flexible) before heading back to Dublin. Should we make a trip to Clifden, cliffs of moher, Galway, castles ? Any suggestions are appreciated .
Kathy
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
Kathy, in my opinion, the one sight not to be missed in Dublin is the Kilmainham Gaol. It is a great start to a visit to Ireland, really helps you to understand the some of the history. A day trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland is worthwhile, you can take a Black Taxi tour-take the train from O'Connell Station, they'll pick you up at the station in Belfast. Belfast City Hall is a beautiful and unique old building with a free tour. There is also Newgrange, just north of Dublin, and other good sites as well.
The Natural History and Archeological Museums in Dublin are excellent, along with some time in St Stephens Green makes for a nice day locally.
For a really fine lunch or dinner, try The Pig's Ear, on Nassau Street, Dublin, near Trinity College.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks Dave! Any suggestions for the southern part of Ireland? We will be renting a car & have flexibility. We will be headed to the Cork area ( no reservations yet) from Dublin prior to our visit to Dingle & have about 3 days .
Thanks again!
Kathleen
Posted by
Acworth, Georgia, USA
78 posts
Go to Kinsale. It is a wonderful town. Take the walking tour recommended in Rick Steves book. Great restaurants (don't miss Fishy Fishy - The Bulman is also great). From there you can tour Cobh, Cork and the southwestern coast - all wonderful.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
Kathy, we had a great time at Killarney National Park and Muckross House and Gardens there. At the Park we took a corny looking carriage ride with a nice older gentleman named Michael, of course it was a highlight of our trip. Hiked around some trails there, saw the Abbey, and of course Muckross, had a blast.
Take a drive around Slea Head and check out the Gallarus Oratory! Lots of other excellent old sights out there-tombs, churches, beehive huts. Head for the Conor Pass after that, the greatest view in the area.
If you like seafood check out Out of the Blue in Dingle-excellent.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Looks like you've had some thoughtful advice.