1 week in Ireland

We can't guess what it is you like to do or might want to see. What are your interests? What is your budget? Why did you choose the towns that you want to stay in? We don't have room here to write you a guidebook, so the more info you can give us, the better suggestions we can give you.

Well, that's the problem. I have been several times I loved everything! :-) Near Shannon airport is Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. It's just six miles, so it's a good short practice in driving on the other side of the road. If you are going to be in Doolin, you will also want to travel a little further on and drive through the Burren, as well. I would suggest taking the coast road and then the ferry across the River Shannon between Killimer and Tarbert. It will save going around through Limerick. In Kenmare there is a little stone circle, and Kenmare is a good jumping off point if you want to explore the Ring of Kerry. Kinsale has the Charles Fort, and is near to Blarney. In the Kilkenny area, you could think about seeing the Rock of Cashel (a definite "don't miss"). Not sure which day that would fit into. On the way to Dublin, you might want to stop at Glendalough, a monastic settlement ruin with some really nice hiking. In Dublin I would definitely see Kilmainham Gaol, the Georgian houses in Merrion Square, Grafton St, and the Temple Bar area. And to the north of Dublin, there is Newgrange, a Neolithic passage tomb.

Thanks Nancy for your suggestions! After further research I am thinking of skipping Doolin and heading straight for Dingle. I'm afraid it will be too much driving and not enough time actually exploring. I realize then we would miss the cliffs of moher, but I can't find a way to make everything else fit without doing so. In your opinion would we be doing ourselves a disservice missing them? We would substitute with a night in Killarney. Also, would you say Waterford is worth a visit for anything besides the factory?

We are basically just looking for a highlight reel for each city. If you have traveled there before and saw something/did something that you LOVED and feel it is something that shouldn't be missed, we would be grateful for the shared information. We are early thirties, interested in both seeing historical sites and visiting local bars/eateries at night. Our budget is flexible, if something simply MUST be seen, then who would we be to pass that up?! All suggestions welcome.

Personally, I would not skip the Cliffs of Moher. You can skip Doolin though. I don't believe they have the factory tour in Waterford anymore. Agree with Nancy to be sure to see Rock of Cashel and Kilmainhaim Gaol in Dublin. Skip Guinness Brewery, we thought it was too expensive and boring. Another suggestion is that if you are in Kinsale, stop at Cobh which is not far away, can't remember but we thought it was worth the walk along the waterfront and see where Titanic was moored there and where Lusitania sank. We also enjoyed the view of the harbor from St. Colman's church above the town. Enjoy trip.

I would not skip the cliffs! But you could see them and still get to Dingle by early evening. Waterford isn't much (the showroom now is not like the old factory). I agree with Cobh being great (loved the Queenstown Story museum)! To me, Killarney is kind of "meh" but you might like the pubs. You don't have enough time to really see the national park. Have you thought about how much time you will actually have to see things once you get anywhere? You can check driving times on www.viamichelin.com (add 25% to their estimates for a moor realistic picture of how long it takes to drive in Ireland).

Have you considered skipping Dublin? Doing so would give you a lot more time for beautiful southwestern Ireland. You would have time for Killarney National Park, the Ring of Beara, the Burren.

i agree with skipping dublin even though it sounds strange at first. you cannot miss the cliffs, kinsale is kick ass, kilkenny and the rock are awesome, dingle is almost if not a two nighter. i stayed three and wish i was still there. never been to kenmare and stayed in galway to see the cliffs. doolin is skinny in my opinion. have fun, be safe.

Thank you all for your posts. I will take a look at the itinerary and see how I can modify.

Hi Stephanie! I see we're neighbors...I'm in Sarasota. Anyway, we went in 2011, landed in Shannon, got off the plan, drove to our B&B next to the Cliffs of Moher, slept for an hour, and then visited the Cliffs in the late afternoon. It was beautiful and so worth it! You could drive to Dingle the next day and spend a half day exploring, spend the night in Dingle Town and spend a half day exploring again on your way out. We didn't do both Kenmare and Kinsale because we wanted an extra day to see the Ring of Kerry (we visited Skellig Michael) but I think your itinerary is doable if not a bit rushed. Have fun! Don't miss the Cliffs! :-)