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Fairly Leisurely Ireland Itinerary

As background, I've been to Ireland once years ago on a TWA Getaway Tour (remember them?), now would like to go on my own with a partner who's never been. I don't really need to see Dublin again; most of the rest of the sights below will be new for both of us.

Day 1 (stay near Glendalough): Arrival in Dublin; get rental car and head south to Glendalough; just over an hour's drive. - Rest if needed then head out to explore the area. Would like to visit Avoca as well (Ballykissangel fans).

Day 2 & 3 (Stay in Kilkenny): Drive to Kilkenny; Explore Kilkenny City (all sorts of wonderful things including a pretty amazing castle); Explore Kilkenny surroundings including Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle.

Day 4 & 5 (Stay in Kinsale): Drive to Kinsale, possibly visit Blarney Castle (grounds, I've already "done" the Blarney Stone); explore Kinsale, Cobh, visit music pub in Cork City.

Days 6 & 7 (Stay in or near Killarney): Explore Killarney, drive Dingle Peninsula, explore Dingle town, end near Adare.

Day 8 –(Stay in or near Adare?) to make tomorrow's drive easier.

Days 9, 10 & 11 (Stay in or near Galway): Explore Cliffs. Mini-cruise? en route.. Explore Galway, Connemara, and if possible, Inishmore.

Day 12 (Stay in Bunratty): for final night before flight out from Shannon;  Bunratty Folk Park and possibly medieval banquet.

Day 13: flight home from Shannon.

Posted by
174 posts

Sorry! Just wondering if this looks OK, or if it still looks too rushed. Anything near the route I shouldn't miss?

Posted by
10177 posts

One thing to consider is that for every two nights you spend somewhere you get one full day. With your proposed schedule the only place you will be spending more than one full day is Galway, and there you plan a number of day trips. There's nothing wrong with that, but I wouldn't consider this to be a leisurely pace. If leisurely is what you're aiming for you might want to cut one of your stops or not try to cram in so many activities.