Suggestions for Ireland Itinerary: urban and rural

Posted by tluongo on 03/23/14 09:02 PM

My wife and I are traveling to Ireland in July for around 7 days. We plan to spend at least a couple of days in Dublin (not enough, I'm sure), and we will be two nights in Galway (for the Galway Arts Festival).

So that's the urban part. But we would also like to spend a day, or possibly two, walking in the countryside--maybe hills (although we will not be traveling kitted out for anything technical). I was thinking that a day trip to the Aran Islands is easily done from Galway.

But any other suggestions--one or two rural spots we might stop at on our way to and from Dublin? I should add that I am hoping NOT to rent a car, but will do so if necessary.

Thanks!

Tom

Posted by Nancy

Bloomington, IL, USA

03/25/14 06:03 PM

9363 posts

Since you will be in Galway, an Aran Islands day could be a good choice. You can catch the ferry from Rossaveel. The weather should be decent, and there is a lot of walking to be done there. You could also pop down to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Do you already have accommodations for Galway? Festivals tend to book up all local accommodation.

Posted by Woody

Columbus, Ohio

04/07/14 08:29 PM

61 posts

Tom

Spend a day on Inishmore. Rent bikes and pedal away. I highly suggest flying to the island on Aer Arran Airline (a bit west of Galway). I little more expensive than the ferry, but the time saved is worth every euro. And the view is unlike anything you can imagine! An airport taxi will take you into Kilronan and back. The hike up to Dun Aonghasa is a must! Just beware of the time so you don't miss your return flight.

Cheers,
Jim

Posted by Claudia

Land of La

04/08/14 03:08 PM

8625 posts

Killarney National Park. Fabulous place to "walk in the countryside." Is it close to Galway? No, but it is close to the Dingle Peninsula which IMHO you should include on your itinerary. Can't comment on bus travel though. I always rent a car. You might also consider the Gap of Dunloe (between Dingle and Killarney) although in July it would be busy. Still, it's spectacular beauty might make up for the crowds.

Posted by Sherry

San Jose, CA

04/08/14 03:36 PM

1994 posts

The Burren is an easy drive from Galway and offers a unique moonscape type of experience. It's one of my favorite places in Ireland. You may also still see some wildflowers at that time of year. They hide in the cracks between the rocks and are absolutely beautiful.

Posted by IggyStooge

Atlanta

04/26/14 03:00 AM

92 posts

Hey Tom,

What is the Galway Arts Festival like? I went to the website, but they said most events would not be posted until end of May. Is it mostly music and theater? Is there an art fair as well, or do you know?

Paul

Posted by Dave

Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA

04/27/14 06:43 AM

2261 posts

Tom, I'm with Claudia, you'll be in the west, definitely get to the Dingle Peninsula. Rent a car and go there; take a day or two for the Slea Head Drive, the Beehive Huts, Ballyferriter, Gallarus Oratory and Kilmalkedar Church. On the way to Dingle, you'll drive over Conor Pass, one of the best views in Ireland. Take a day trip and head for Killarney National Park, see Muckross House and Gardens there; there are some good hikes within the park. Return to Dingle and overnight there. If you can take three days that would be best. Catch the Cliffs of Moher either on the way to Dingle from Galway or on the way back. See them early or later in the day, when the tour buses aren't there. The Southwest is the best of Ireland, IMO, a knockout.
When you rent the car, get an automatic trans if you can, it's one less thing to be concerned with, take the CDW (you have to) and buy the deductible down to zero-trust me here, Ireland is hard on cars.

http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/peninsula.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g211861-d216391-Reviews-Kilmalkedar_Church-Dingle_Dingle_Peninsula_County_Kerry.html