Have have our itinerary set for a two week driving trip of Ireland this summer and have some great suggestions of things to see and do in different towns and villages where we will be staying. However, in most cases, the distances between towns is not that great.
Can anyone suggest interesting stops or short side trips between the following:
Dublin to Kinsale
Kinsale to Dingle
Dingle to Galway
Galway to Trim
Trim to Dublin
Any suggestions, including lunch stops, would be appreciated!
Just a few ideas
From Dublin to Kinsale: either Kilkenny (worth at least a few hours, or in my opinion a full day) or the Rock of Cashel.
Kinsale to Dingle: Killarney N.P.
Dingle to Galway: Cliffs of Moher (and you could drive through and make a stop or two in the Burren, but that is a long day)
Galway to Trim: Clonmacnoise and Tullamore (we enjoyed the D.E.W. Heritage Center, but I like whiskey, and then also the Charleville Castle)
Trim to Dublin: this is not on the way, but I'd go to Bru Na Boinne
Hello, A reasonable journey for two weeks.
Dublin to Kinsale. These recommendations can make for along driving experience. Glendalough and St. Kevin's Church in the Wiclow Mountains south of Dublin would be on my list. You don't get to Cashel from there by accident. Or skip Glendalough and go to St. Bridgit's church it is on the N7 on your way to Cashel. Cashel is a premier spot. Not my favorite, but it is a premier spot.
Kinsale to Dingle. Beara Peninsula. It is below the Kerry Peninsula. Kenmare. Gougabara which is Saint Finnbar's place and is on the way to the Beara Peninsula.
Dingle to Galway. You can skip everything from Dingle to Tarbert where you can catch a ferry into a much lovelier place. Or keep going to Limerick. North of Limerick is the City of Ennis. best medieval high street outside of Dublin. Killinaboy, now that is aname...to the west of that village a road heads north. Google the area zoom in and this road has a sharp S cshape shortly after you turn on to it. This 'back' road takes you through pre-Irish Tiger scenery. Poulnabrone megalithic site. There are others along the way if you keep an eye for sign posting or just recognize them on the fly.
Galway to Trim...oh, oh. Clonmacnoise, a big deal. But are you sure you want to head toward Trim? The land north and west of Galway, Connemara, is spectacular. But maybe another trip. Near Trim is the Hill of Tara, the Boyne River Valley...quite nice. And New Grange...ruined by parking lot development. But is huge prehistoric place.
Dublin...Kilmainham Gaol. Buswell's Hotel for lunch with the members of Parliament. St. Michan's Church on Church St.
wayne iNWI
I should have made one thing more clear: We already have reservations for a set number of days in each city and don't want to change that since we already have activities in mind for each place, including some day trips from there. I was just thinking about places to see after we check out of our B and B during the day's drive to the next place.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Bob
Kinsale to Dingle: In Killarney Park, you can visit Muckross House and Muckross Traditional Farms. The grounds around the house are very nice for strolling; the house tour isn’t the most impressive, but it’s o.k. I enjoyed the farms and different houses there much more, and you can walk at your own pace which is a nice break from driving. The Torc Waterfall parking lot is along the N71 road, and there is a trail with about a 4-5 minute walk from the road to the 70+ waterfall. There is a longer loop trail if you want more walking.
All the best,
Raymond
My advise is to get off the main roads. You never know what you’ll find. We followed a sign that said “woolen mill” and found a 300 y/o woolen mill that sold seconds cheap. We got lost on a road near Bandon and found a 1920’s memorial to the revolution, we think to Michael Collins. Stop at a local village pub for lunch anywhere. The Burren was one ancient mystery after another. If nearby Aillwee Caves are open go see the 10,000 year old bear bones (there are no bears in Ireland now). Somewhere down a country road we found a derelict monastery that had stone icons intact on ledges. Visit the wild ponies at Connemara National Park.
Enjoy your trip!
Stops on your way from and to:
Dublin to Kinsale – Kilkenny
Kinsale to Dingle – Kenmare
Dingle to Galway – Cliffs of Moher
Killarney National Park Gap of Dunloe between Kinsale and Dingle
Slea Head drive between Dingle and Galway. Stop at Coumenoole Beach and Dunmore Head. Nice POV of Rabbit Island from the latter.
