Southwest Ireland or Derry/Antrim Coast/Belfast

Hi From Ireland,
Just a few comments! You have a lot of driving going on. The first two days are quite doable, but a day trip to the Cliffs is quite a bit of driving for one day. From Kilkenny it is just under 3 hours each way, and not freeway driving. A couple of thoughts:

• If Cliffs are a must, then spend the night in Doolin and enjoy the wonderful little village with great food and music. It may mean you take two cars so your sister can head to Kilkenny after, but at least you aren't exhausted with a day trip (you will have jet lag!).
  
• So far the itinerary is one night in most places, to really enjoy Ireland it is better to slow down and really see where you are. Roads are small in places and they all take longer than you think.
• An idea is once you have done Cobh, start working your way west through Kinsale, Kenmare and Dingle. That can take you several days and you will see some of the best scenery in Ireland. You can then wind your way up to the Cliffs (and meet your sister). Then you can easily hit Doolin and Galway and then head back to Dub.
  
• We also love the North, but you are already in the South and why not take advantage of being there. If you are intent on going up, then again I would spend the night in Doolin and then leisurely make your way north through Galway, Connemara, Westport and finally Derry or Donegal.

I am happy to chat more, just PM me. The goal is for you to love your trip and not spend the trip in the car!!
jb

I'm completely underwhelmed by the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Kerry are just as spectacular without the mobs of tourists. Slieve League is just as spectacular with only some of the tourists. Driving across the country to see Moher is a waste of limited touring days, IMHO.

MLS....I sent you a PM, but not sure it took...hopefully you got it!

jb

At this point, where you can get accommodation may be the deciding factor. I agree you should skip Moher (or at least not do it as a day trip from Kilkenny). See as much of the SW as you can and do a day trip to Belfast or Giant's Causeway from Dublin to get a taste of the North. Next trip, Derry and the Slieve League. If you decide to do the opposite (head north and save the SW for next time), make sure the car can cross the "border." I feel like that's an issue I've seen addressed on the forum (it may be that NI cars can't go to the Republic, in which case no worries).

We had a wonderful N Ireland trip in 2015. Ours included Belfast, Derry and County Donegal. The majestic cliffs of the Bloody Foreland on the Donegal coast were very impressive. We did a short hike there. We did a tour related to the Troubles in both Belfast (cab tour) and Derry (walking tour). I also did genealogy research at the Derry public library while we were there.

I would make the trip up to Northern Ireland for sure, but I am bias as my family are in Derry.
If you're leaving the family near the Cliffs of Mohr maybe skip the Dingle Peninsula and do Galway/Westport/Connemara on Thursday, and then head north. Silago is a beautiful city with amazing views, with a stay in Donegal Friday night. If you drive the N15 to Derry stop in at Biddy's O'Barnes pub, right off the road, it is a great little spot for a drink or meal. Another wonderful stop off of N15 is Grianan of Aileach Ring Fort, it has an amazing view of the whole valley and you can see the River Foyle, plus it is just a really cool fort. Then you have a short drive to Derry. While in Derry you'll want to hit the Tower Museum for sure, and walk the Derry City Wall, this will give you a view of the Bogside which is where a lot of the "troubles" took place. There are some beautiful murals in the Bogside if you have the opportunity to walk around. You can do the Antrim Coast on Sunday, as you planned. Be sure to hit the Giants Causeway, Bushmills, the distillery tour is great but the town is lovely, and Dunluce Castle they are very close to each other.
Have a fantastic time and safe travels.