My daughter will be getting married in Mountrath in mid June. We will be landing in Dublin on a Saturday, moving to Mountrath on Monday, wedding on Tuesday...then have ~10 more days to see the sights. We have never been to Ireland and are excited to see it all. I would like everyone and anyone's suggestions for "must sees". I know I want to go to the Aran Islands. :) Thank you for your help.
Posted by
Missoula, Montana
512 posts
That largely depends on what your interests are and how you plan to get around. If you're renting a car or traveling by bus, I can't speak to those. We always bicycle in Ireland and supplement it by a train ride or two. If you want to take the train, then visit Irish Rail, but be aware that there is no train service in Co. Donegal. Derry is the closest you can get.
https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/
If your interests includes dramatic scenery, beautiful mountain vistas, traditional music, lovely small towns and villages, historic and pre-historic sites and Irish-speaking pockets, then most anywhere along the South and West Coasts from Co. Cork to Co. Kerry to Co. Donegal in the far Northwest fits the bill. I would also add Co. Antrim in Northern Irland, especially along its North Coast where Dunluce Castle (ruins), the Giant's Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge are.
Since you want to visit the Aran Islands, begin your trip in Co. Clare or Co. Galway. Ferries to the Arans depart from both.
I'm a paper map devotee, so get Michelin map #712 for a detailed, countrywide view of the island.
https://www.aranislandferries.com/#indseo
Posted by
OP
Deerfield, NH, USA
22 posts
Thanks so much. Appreciate your advice. I believe we’ll be renting a car for ease of travel. We like to do more of the back road thing. Bridegroom has relatives in County Donegal, so we were hoping to stop there and the other Northern Ireland areas you suggested as well