Looking for opinions on our first day in Ireland. We will be arriving in Shannon at 8:50 am on Wednesday, May 23 (flight leaving from Philadelphia). I'm expecting we will sleep on the flight over. We will be renting a car (automatic). We are mid-late 30s and active (and accustomed to erratic sleep being physicians and having four small children--children will not be accompanying us).
I'm finding it tough to plan out our first day, in part not knowing quite how long it will take us to get out of the airport. We'll need to get our luggage and get through customs, exchange some cash and pick up our rental car. I was thinking an estimate of 2 hours to get on the road...does that sound appropriate?
I had wanted to see the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren that first day. Unfortunately, we will not arrive in time to make the highly rated guided tour from Doolin to the Visitor Center (Pat Sweeney). My estimate also puts us arriving at the Cliffs at the busiest time, so I was considering doing the (apparently less congested) walk from near Hag's Head to the visitor center. I was wondering if we should plan to walk back to our car or plan on trying to arrange transportation for time sake. Then there's the Burren. I was thinking this area would best be appreciated with a guided tour but am open to your suggestions; hard to schedule a tour not knowing exactly when we'll get to the area but I could possibly arrange for a private tour a bit later. I had also considered skipping/just driving by the Burren and stopping by Quin Abbey and the Ennis Friary en route to the Cliffs instead.
I do not yet have accommodations booked for our first night but plan to take a day trip to Inishmore from the Rossaveal ferry. Upon return from Inishmore we will drive up to Clifden for our second night. I had originally planned to stay in Galway city to be near the ferry but also considered driving up to Clifden that first night instead and bypassing Galway city. Day three will be spent exploring the Connemara region and we'll end in Cong for a night. Thoughts on driving up to Clifden the first night vs spending a night in Galway appreciated. We'll be leaving the area for Dingle on Day four. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Posted by
Last Frontier aka Alaska 🏔️
3227 posts
I get that you will sleep on flight and you are used to not sleeping regularly. I still think its nice not to have to arrive and drive the first day if arrival.
I would explore the Shannon area. There is Bunratty castle and the folk park within a few miles.
Posted by
140 posts
Shannon Airport is pretty small. It might be less than 50 yards from immigration to baggage claim to customs to atm to car rental desk to car rental parking lot. Take a lap or two around the parking lot before you head out onto the road and encounter your first roundabout. In my experience It shouldn’t take 45 minutes unless something unusual.
We drove to Rock of Cashel on first day. That might be my limit considering jet lag from Arizona.
Galway is a nice town. Likewise Limerick.
Bunratty Castle has been previously mentioned.
I’m sure that you could find a nice place to have something to eat. Some of our best experiences happened when slowed down and talked to people. Stop at a tea room or pub to recharge.
Cliffs of Moher and Burren are pretty special. Try to go on a clear day.
Posted by
Vermont USA
359 posts
Irish weather has a frequent nasty habit of destroying the best laid itinerary plans. Yet another reason to not overplan, not race around from one sight to another and to linger in an area.....since there will be plenty to do and see and experience.
Galway is a wonderful city, very pretty, lots to do in the city and surrounding area but it is a congested city. I'd go Clifden ... much calmer, nice pubs and restaurants but it's a LONG drive on a first day.
I'd cut down day one plans, the weather may not be cooperative, linger in an area for a few days exploring, interact with the people in a calm unhurried way and see what presents itself. Take the time to fully experience Ireland, and that's not easy to do with loads of driving and "must see" itinerary hoping around.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you for the replies! Glad to know perhaps I've overestimated the time it will take to get out of the airport in Shannon. Bunratty Castle wasn't on my radar for this trip (there's so very much too see one has to make choices) but I will definitely keep it in mind if we feel overwhelmed by the driving. My preference would be to head up to Clifden and bypass Galway but was a bit concerned about such a long drive on the first day. I think I'll plan on seeing the Cliffs of Moher (weather permitting) and head to Clifden. And if we're just not feeling up to the drive, we'll find a nearer place to stay and I'm out the cost of an additional room. I'm prepared for the unpredictable weather for sure...but with so much to see seems there's always an alternative and I'll find it hard to be disappointed. Thank you again for your thoughts.
Posted by
Pennsylvania, USA
16 posts
We were in London first prior to our Ireland trip (we also traveled from Philadelphia), and flew from London to Shannon. We did hit the Cliffs of Moher on the first day (we stayed in Ennis that first night). I don't recall it taking us long to get out of the Shannon airport.