We arrive in Dublin Saturday morning then drive to Trim for our first night. We return the rental car Wednesday afternoon. We are wondering what the best itinerary for such a short period of time would be. We are thinking bout going to Westport to see a little of the west coast. Any suggestions? We would love any info you can share.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
You don't say when you are planning on traveling, but you will probably have time on your first day to see Newgrange before heading to Trim. I would suggest going straight there once you get out of the airport, particularly if you are traveling during high tourist season. The available times for viewing the tomb could be gone early in the day if there are a lot of tour buses ahead of you.
Posted by
OP
Micco, Florida, USA
14 posts
Hi Nancy, We are arriving at the Dublin Airport around 9:30 in the morning, January 14th. Newgrange first looks like a good plan. Thank you. Lilly
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Not terribly far from Newgrange is Monasterboice, where you could see some beautiful high crosses, and still be in Trim before dark. Since you are traveling in January, Knowth (the other site you can usually visit from Newgrange visitor center) will probably be closed, as will Trim castle (at least it was when I was last there during February). Check your other planned stops to make sure that things you want to see will be open at that time of year. The Cliffs of Moher visitor center is only closed on Christmas, so you could head toward Galway instead of Westport and see the Burren and the cliffs.
Posted by
Burlingame, CA, USA
25 posts
I agree with Nancy's suggestions about Trim and Newgrange. on a drive from there to Galway you could stop at Clonmacnoise, which is similar to Glendalough. Clonmacnoise has abbey & chapel ruins, cemetary and some wonderful celtic high crosses, now inside the visitor's center, instead of out in the elements.
Posted by
OP
Micco, Florida, USA
14 posts
Thank you Nancy and Emilie, Your suggestions are a huge help. We have looked at our map and located Clonmacnoise. Any idea how long it would take to reach Galway from Trim? Thank you!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
ViaMichelin shows Trim to Galway at just over two hours. It's wise, though, to add about 25% to that estimate, then add time for any photo stops that you might make. If you are stopping at Clonmacnoise, allow time for that as well.