We have 6-7 nights in Ireland in late November. Yes, I know the weather may be awful, but honestly, we like off-season travel and can tolerate all kinds of weather. Plan is to arrive into Dublin by noon via Holyhead Ferry (any warnings here?) or, via Liverpool flight.
1 night Dublin-- depart either in the morning via car, or late afternoon via train to Galway
3 nights Galway- should be ditch Connemara because of the time of year and just stay in the Galway centre?
1-2 nights Aldare- visiting the cliffs of Moher on the way down from Galway
1-2 nights Kinsale or Cobh- flying out of Cork
Obviously, if we train to Galway, we would have to rent a car there and drop it off in Cork. It is more expensive to go that way, but, might be worth it to me if it means avoiding a stressful drive out of Dublin to Galway. We are from the States so, I would prefer to adjust to the different driver's side in a non-hectic area..... Unless, I really shouldn't worry about that.
I am open to suggestions. We are hoping for a Christmas Market or two (looks like they will be open), do not care for museums, and really just enjoy experiencing new cultures & food. Traveling with 3 teenagers, 1 who loves cities and the other two who would like a mixture. Yes to castles, but probably no to long castle tours... we enjoy them more when we can view them at our leisure.
Posted by
Connecticut
337 posts
I'll have to think about the rest of your itinerary, but you'll see everything in Adare in about 2 hours. You might consider Doolin or Ennis as a base for visiting the Cliffs.
Just a thought off the top of my head. In November you'll smell lots of peat fires!
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thanks! I had considered Ennis but thought Adare might be a nice, small town feel. But, 2 hours is very small, so I think I may reconsider.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Interesting... I have a friend who said that Galway was her favorite of all stops in Ireland. Why not go? I have also read that the city has more of an authentic Irish feel to it than the more international vibe of Dublin which was one of my main reasons to go. Of course, Connemara was a consideration if the weather was going to make it worthwhile.
I did want to go to Dingle but, it is not nearly as accessible for such a short trip from what I have seen. Blarney Stone is a possibility since we fly out of Cork.
Definitely interested in hearing some music but, am hoping the Christmas markets will provide at least a bit of that.
Will check out the passage tomb of Newgrange... thanks for that option!
Giant's Causeway will be too far for us in the wrong direction for our flight out, but I will put it on our list for the next visit.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Definitely will check that out! Yes, not looking forward to the driving which is why I figure we will train Dublin to Galway. We could also train from Galway to Ennis and on to Cork which would limit our driving time to Connemara and Cliffs of Moher.
Posted by
Vermont USA
359 posts
Galway is a pretty city and a good base for the area but it is a busy city and often totally tourist overrun to the point of epic frustration for those of us who prefer things a bit more laid back.
If it's fun for you fine but seriously agree with Rick Steves that the Blarney Stone is a complete waste of time and a tourist trap. There are so many other things to see and do that connect with real Irish culture, heritage, history and scenery. The grounds are okay and pretty but there are hundreds more scenic spots. Again if you like it fine but seriously consider virtual anything else as a better option.
Btw if at all possible Dingle/Slea Head is totally worth the time and effort.
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
933 posts
Galway was my favourite stop in my three week tour. There's so much to see and do from there, and an evening of trad music at the Crane pub was the best! If you want to spend a morning wandering Dublin before going to Galway then it makes sense to take the train because the train station is right down town (maybe book a hotel close to it). The other thing you might want to look at is getting a cheap flight straight to Galway from Liverpool as that would save you a lot of time if you aren't really interested in spending any time in Dublin. You don't have to get a car right away in Galway if you want to do a couple of guided day trips instead of doing the driving yourself. You could easily see the Connemara region, the cliffs of Moher and the Burren area via guided day trips, although, I would check and see what is still in operation in November. The other thing you can do from Galway is a day trip out to Inishmore if the weather cooperates (if the water is too rough the ferries don't go). Also, once you leave Galway, an optional route would be to spend a night in Kilkenny (castle, St. Canice's to climb the tower). From Kilkenny make a stop at the Rock of Cashel then travel on to Kinsale.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thanks! Good to hear that someone recommends Galway! I don't think there are flights from Liverpool to Galway. Does Galway even have an airport? If we are spending time in Galway, is there any reason we absolutely must stay in Dublin longer than a day? I mean, I get that it is a big city with a lot of attractions, but sometimes big cities can lack good vibes.
I will check into tours but, I hate being directed by someone on my trips. I did take private tours in Thailand and was happy I did, but I also wasn't traveling with the family. Tours can be very expensive when paying for 5.
Posted by
Portland OR
6 posts
I love Galway, and its the perfect place for teenagers, always something going on! Its a University town so a lot of things to do and see depending on what you like. I have taken the train from Dublin and it worked out great.
Posted by
NY State
72 posts
Galway doesn’t have an airport, but perhaps you could fly into Shannon. It’s a fairly short (maybe an hour and a half?) and easy drive to Galway on the motorway. Or you could take a more scenic route via the Cliffs of Moher and through the Burren, depending on the weather. Galway has a very compact center and makes a great touring base for the area. In November it will not be overrun with tourists.
I agree with skipping Adare. You could go further down to County Kerry. Killarney is very busy town in the high season, but I think it might make a good base for your family. You could visit Ross Castle, Muckross House, the National Park, or a day trip to Dingle. Then on to Kinsale. I have never been to Ireland later than mid-October, so I don’t know what attractions will be open. For sure the pubs will be open where you can enjoy some good food and probably an open fire or two,
Posted by
OP
18 posts
I will check that flight to Shannon.... Is there anyone out there that violently objects to us skipping Dublin entirely?
Maybe if we skip Dublin we would have time to get to Killarney and Dingle (which I would love to do)... at this point, there just isn't enough time unless we spend most of 2 days in a car driving. I don't mind driving and sightseeing, but I would like to enjoy an area rather than rushing around for something better all the time.
That said, I am going to put the Cliffs of Moher on a sideline and do it only if the weather is good. I don't see much reason to go if it is going to be heavily foggy or if the winds are scary.
I figure Connemara would be worth it no matter the weather, even if just up to hopefully hear some locals speaking Irish.
But, still open to suggestions...
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
933 posts
I googled flights from Liverpool to Galway and found this which is why I suggested it.
https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/lpl/gwy/liverpool-to-galway
The misleading part is that if you delve a little further and make like you want to buy a flight it turns out you have to go from Manchester to Shannon!
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Yes, and those flights are super expensive compared to LIV-DUB or, biting the bullet and taking the Ferry over.