We are going to Ireland in early October from Sept 29th-October 11th. It appears that Rick's and other itineraries go clockwise from Dublin rather than counter-clockwise. Does it make a difference? I am thinking that going to Galway first, down the west coast, south then up the east coast puts the 'must sees' first so if time gets short we have seen those 'must sees'. Any ideas?
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
Hi Pat- our trip 3 years ago was anti-clockwise, as they say over there, and started in Shannon, with a bus ride to Galway, then 2 weeks by bicycle heading south to Dingle & Skellig Michael, with a final bus back to Limerick/Shannon. We didn't have time to incude Dublin or more of Ireland. For us, Western Ireland was on our "must see" list, so we did that for our first trip there. We took a ferry out to Inishmore in the Aran Islands for one night. We really enjoyed having a guided tour of the Burren in County Clare. Further south, Skellig Michael was a great experience, and we used Des Lavelle's tour from Port Magee. Des's boat goes out last of all the tours, and returns last, so you have maximum time on the island (assuming the water's calm enough to go).
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Your reasoning is logical and there is no need to travel clockwise. Do focus on your priorities. For some people with time to include Northern Ireland, some of the same logic might apply and lead to seeing that area last.
Posted by
OP
Berryville, USA
20 posts
Thanks to you both for your help!
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
Pat, we went West first, too. Had a great day trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland, before leaving Dublin for The Cliffs, then Dingle, with Killarney National Park (but not Killarney so much) as a day trip. Seven nights total, flew into Dublin, and out of Cork.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
If you're running the coast you'd want to be on the seaward side for the best views. Using the left lane would dictate counter-clockwise.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
On our first trip to Ireland we landed in Shannon, then traveled counter-clockwise to Dublin before flying out. I have also done it the other way. No real difference.
@Ed, wouldn't using the left lane going counter-clockwise mean that you were AWAY from the seaward side?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Huh!
Dumb me. So that's what counter-clockwise means. My stupid brain had a clear picture of driving south to north on the west coast when I wrote that.
Guess it should say 'dictate clockwise'.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
That's funny, I remember considering that for a moment, but since I associate Ed with infallibility I just moved on. I'll be needing a new hero-anybody?