My future wife and I are looking to head to Ireland for our honeymoon in June. Our main priorities are Galway and Adare Manor ( we're thinking two nights max at Adare Manor) Everything else on our itinerary are open. We're wanting to experience culture, scenery and history, but with out having to move hotels as much. What would your advice be on Itinerary wise? Thank you
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
You really need to give us more to go on. What is your budget? What are your interests? Have you done any research yourself yet? How do you plan to get around? I would suggest checking a variety of guidebooks out of your local library and come up with a list of places you might like to see. Then we can help you narrow it down and route it.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2367 posts
For what it is worth, fly into Shannon, get car there, tour west coast, go to Doolin near cliffs of Moher, down to Dingle pensinula further south and then east to, Cobh, rock of Cashel ending in Dublin for three or four days. No need for car in Dublin. It is touristy but go to Quiet Mans Cottage in Cong and have a pint at Red Will Danihers (sp?) in Cong. They are very close to Adare . Whatever travel sites say, add 25 percent to driving time for sheep, tractors, etc in road.
Posted by
OP
Murfreesboro
2 posts
Gail: Thank you for the insight. Nancy: . I bought Rick Steves book Guide to Ireland 2012. So far the towns I have come up with to see are Dublin, Kinsale, Dingle, Adare Manor, and Galway. But with the time we have we would have to spend 2 days at each town, which seems like a lot of moving. So I was wondering if there was an efficient way to home base somewhere without breaking the bank, Or are some towns worth staying longer in. Thank you.
Posted by
Carrollton, Texas, USA
81 posts
Kevin - I would agree flying into Shannon and out of Dublin. Just a couple of other tidbits. Outside of Dublin, Galway and around the Shannon airport, you will not find a lot of hotels. The best way to experience Ireland is through their Bed & Breakfast network. Their website is bandbireland.com. Without moving around a bit, you will spend a lot of time driving. And unless you are on a main motorway, it's all narrow 2 lane roads. But that's where you to get stop and experience the small villages. You might consider this: 1) Adare Manor - 2 days (from here you go to County Tipperary and see the Rock of Cashel. 2) Dingle - 2 days. Here you go to Killarney - see the Muckross House and Ring of Kerry. While in Dingle you MUST do the Slea Head drive. It's well documented in Rick's Ireland book. I would HIGHLY recommend the Lighthouse B&B. When you leave Dingle, take the Connor Pass route. It is spectacular. 3) Galway - 2 days. On your way to Galway you drive to the Cliffs of Moher and through the Burren National Park.
4) Dublin 2-3 days. Most major sites are in the City Centre. To the north of Dublin are Newgrange and the Hill of Tara. To the south is Powerscourt Estate which was modeled after Versailles. Finally, I'd recommend getting a car rental quote from Bob Bestor. His website is www.gemut.com. He has the best rates in all of Europe. BUT definitly get the CDW additional insurance. Safe travels!
Posted by
Philadelphia
655 posts
Kevin.......with twelve days, I would focus entirely on the southwest part of Ireland. You don't have to do Dublin at all. Adare, Dingle, Kinsale, the Cliffs, the Burren, and some time to rest, relax, and enjoy each other. Fly in/out of Shannon. Excepting Adare which is a huge spurge, reserve ahead at the best b&bs. Use RS and tripadvisor and reserve those 9/10 nights in the nicest rooms they have. Mention the honeymoon. Do purchase full insurance for the car. Best wishes...