Hi. My daughter and I have 3 1/2 days in Ireland the 3rd week of August. We will be flying into Dublin on the evening of the 16th, and flying out the afternoon of the 20th. What is the best itinerary for 3 days?? Should we just stick to Dublin, or maybe try to plan a day trip to Cork or the Cliffs of Moher? My daughter will be 19 (celebrating her birthday there!!) Any tours anyone might recommend? Is public transportation easily available? Thanks!
Posted by
Connecticut
337 posts
If you like history and/or archaeology, a day trip to Newgrange would be perfect. Newgrange is an ancient passage tomb, older than the Egyptian pyramids. If you want to tour a very cool ruined castle, you could probably find a tour to Trim Castle. I think there are also day tours to Glendalough in the Wicklow mountains. You might be able to do both Trim Castle and Newgrange in a day, but you need extra energy for that, and you might not get to soak it all in. I would spend the first day in Dublin, second day on one of the above tours, third day either in Dublin or on a second tour, depending on how well you like Dublin. Have fun!
Posted by
Santa Maria, California, USA
31 posts
I agree with Stacy.
One of our favorite places in Ireland was Newgrange. The same day we also visited Knowth (same Visitor Center as Newgrange) and the Monasterboice ruins, not far away. An excursion to Newgrange etc would give you a view of the green Irish countryside and be a nice contrast to spending the rest of your time in Dublin. Travel across Ireland is very slow as you get farther from Dublin. I don't think you would have time to get to Cork or Cliffs of Moher on this trip.
Posted by
Silverdale, Washington, USA
9 posts
3 nights in Dublin, absolutely. Also one of the short day trips.
Posted by
Brentwood, Tennessee, United States
17 posts
The Wicklow Mountains / Powerscourt Gardens / Glendalough area would be an easy day trip out of Dublin, and would give you a taste of mountains, countryside, and history. We had a car to do this, but we read (in Rick's book, but you could surely find info online, too) that there are several tour companies that offer this day trip tour from Dublin.