Dublin to Shannon in 8 nights

Ricky - We just returned from 2 weeks in Ireland and when we were in Galway we used Galway Tour Company for a tour of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. I was very pleased with the tour.

Yes, you can get day trips from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher. Check with the Tourist Info booth when you arrive at Dublin airport (I assume you are flying in there). I am not familiar with public transportation because I have always driven, but I think you can take a train from Galway to Tralee, and then a bus to Dingle. Without a car, though, you won't see the Slea Head Drive unless you book a tour. It seems like a lot of effort to get to Dingle for just one night. In my mind, Kinsale and Dingle are very similar - coastal fishing villages. We need more information to be able to give you good suggestions. At most, you are listing six or seven nights in pretty widely scattered areas. What about the rest of your time? What else do you want to see? This website might help you with routing, since you aren't driving: www.buseireann.ie. You can use their Journey Planner tool to see how to get from one place to another by bus.

not sure if this is the way to reply to Nancy but hope so! Your comments were helpful. I was hoping that maybe you could suggest a better itinerary. We have 8 nights in Ireland returning home on the 9th day. As i said, we thought that 3 nights in Dublin would allow us time in the city as well as 1 or 2 half day tours outside the city, either newgrange or south of the city. What would you suggest? My friend suggested Galway for 2 nights but not absolutely necessary. originally thought of Killarney for 2 nights but heard it is very touristy. I know we could go to Dingle from there.(We have a friend who has a house there and could put us up for 1 or 2 nights and take us around the peninsula. Do you think we could skip Kinsale? We heard that it was a lovely place to visit along with Cobh and possibly Cork. Do yu know if we could hire a driver for a day to see these towns ? I guess I'm asking for the voice of experience to suggest the best sights and routes for our 8 night trip without spending too much time on buses.
Thanks for listening! Ricky

Is your Day 1 the day you arrive? Most transatlantic flights arrive in the morning (the last time I flew into Dublin I think my flight got in about 9:00). Then you have to go through passport control, collect any checked bags, maybe get a drink or something to eat, visit the restroom and the ATM. By then it will be nearer to noon. Get into the city, find your hotel and check in, and it's afternoon. You could take the hop-on hop-off bus to get a good overview of the city, and your ticket will still be good the next morning (24 hours). Go once around the whole route, and pick out some places to stop off later. You can get 1/2 day tours to Newgrange, and to Glendalough and the Wicklow mountains, but probably couldn't do them both in one day. Three nights in Dublin would give you time to do both, over two days, with time left to see things in the city like Kilmainham Gaol. Kinsale is nice, but you could miss it if you are going to Dingle. You don't say when you will be traveling, which could make a difference, but Killarney is touristy for a reason. There is a lot to see in the area, with the National Park, Muckross House, the mountains, etc. And anyway, you are a tourist, too. :-) If you are flying out of Shannon, you could stay at Bunratty. There is a castle and folk park there, and lots of B&Bs and a hotel right by the castle - 6 miles from the airport.

Hi, I don't think you have enough time to make it to Kinsale. It's very nice and would be great if leaving from Cork. I agree with staying in Bunratty. Very easy to get to airport and the castle is good. I know Killarney is touristy but I love it! Lots of great food and music. Really like Kenmare too if you'd like a smaller town. I know you're planning on public transport but driving here is much easier and lots more freedom if you're able. Kind regards, Sherri