Just returned from a 17 day trip to Ireland and have some final thoughts/reflections on it about it.
We did not rent a car. Neither of us wanted to drive plus it was way too expensive for us. We have been to Dublin before and not really a huge fan of it, so we didn’t spend much time there. I find it very pricey and a bit too touristy.
We landed in Dublin and took an airport bus straight to Cork. It was really easy, we purchased our tickets a few days prior (it was full so thankful we did), seats were comfortable and there was free wifi. We both loved Cork. We stayed in an Airbnb that ran more like a B and B. Great place to stay and walking distance to fantastic restaurants. It was a busy area and we didn’t really notice many tourists. Great trad bars too. We did a day trip to Kinsale where we did the walking tour from the guide book (it was fantastic). Also did a boat tour which we both were quite disappointed in. Personally I was happy we didn’t stay the night. Kinsale was great, but maybe a bit too “cute” and we were happy to go back to Cork. We took the bus there which was again really easy. We bought our tickets at the bus station. Just get to the stop early as there was a big line up and there are no assigned seating.
Took a bus to Dingle next. Two stops but we’re again really easy to navigate and use. It seemed most people who got off in Tralee got on the bus to Dingle. It was a pretty bus ride.
Loved Dingle so much. By far the peninsula was the highlight of our trip. Stayed at Brosnans B and B which was lovely. Had such a good time visiting all the pubs there! Stayed for two days and the started a two day walk. Walked from Dingle to Dunquin (26 km, pretty challenging hike) and saw such incredible scenery. We were higher up from the road and walked through various terrains. Walked from Dunquin to Ballydavid which was the highlight of our trip. An easier hike but most of it was along beaches and along cliffs. Views were spectacular and we did not run into anyone for most of the day. At the end of the walk we were walking along fields of sheep and even got to see a sheep dog in action! We used a company called Hillwalk tours and they arranged the B and B’s and transported our luggage. Highly recommended. They do various lengths and difficulty levels.
Used a transport service to take us to Galway. Picked us up in Dingle in a 12 person van. Included a stop at the Cliffs and drop off to our Airbnb in Galway. Company was Dingle Shuttle Bus. Amazing service, guide was fantastic and even though the visit at the Cliffs was short, we were okay with that. Seeing the cliffs on the Dingle peninsula was hard to top especially when we had the views all to ourselves. Galway was a lot of fun. Really enjoyed it there. Stayed for three nights and that was good. Did a hop on hop off tour. Not a huge fan. Took a shuttle/ferry to Aran Islands for the day. Great day, loved it there. There is an old castle in the middle of the island (Inishmore) and a ring fort you can climb around. A local told us about it, not in a guide book. There may have been 4 other people there.
Took the train to Belfast (through Dublin). Spent 4 nights there. Did a Giants Causeway tour and too be honest, I was slightly disappointed. I found the scenery on the coast way more beautiful. I think I took more pics of the area around the pillar formations than the pillars themselves. Also did a black cab tour which we really enjoyed. Stayed in the cathedral district which we liked. Lots of good restaurants around there. Went to the Crown Saloon for dinner (don’t do that, awful food…one of the worst burgers in my life). Go for a drink to see it though. We liked the Duke of York bar
Last two nights in Dublin. As we’ve been before , it was a relaxing time and we just enjoyed walking around.
It was a great trip and my favourites were definitely the Dingle peninsula and Aran islands