First time visitors to Ireland

Hi Deb,
We just returned from 13 days in Ireland this week. We also flew into Shannon but drove to Kinsale our first day and spent 2 nights. From there we went to Kenmare, Dingle, Galway, and Ennis. My favorite destinations were Kinsale and Dingle. We drove through Doolin and I wish that we could have spent more time there as it was beautiful and great for hiking. As a suggestion you could drive directly to Kinsale from Shannon (about a 3 hour drive), and spend 2 nights, drive to Dingle and spend 3 nights, drive to Galway and spend 3 nights (could drive some of Connemara and maybe see Aran Islands). Save Ennis for the last night and from Galway drive through Doolin, see Cliffs of Moher and the Burren on your way to Ennis. The Old Ground Hotel looks very nice--we stayed across the street at the Grey Gables B&B and thought it was one of the best of our trip. We ate dinner at the Old Ground Hotel Pub and had a great meal. Ennis is an easy 30 minute drive away from Shannon airport. We found Ireland to be very expensive this trip--especially meals in restaurants--you'll have a great time though.

You can check driving distances/times at www.viamichelin.com. That might give you a better idea of how long it takes to get from one place to the other. You also should take a good look at a map to see what is near what. There isn't a lot to see in Ennis. Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren are within an hour's drive from Shannon airport.

Since you want to see Dingle and Killarney, you might want to start off by going south, then to Kinsale, Blarney, Cashel, and back up to Galway. Then you could take the coast road from Galway through the Burren, Doolin, and the Cliffs. You'd basically be making a big circle. I'd skip Connemara on this trip. The Sky Road is beautiful (and might be nice in the fall), but it's a very long drive around the area and back down to Bunratty.

Sharon from Atlanta, Thank you for your kind, quick response! Your advice will be of much help in our up coming trip!d

Nancy, Thanks for your helpful info! We are so excited, but afraid we didn't plan for enough time.. Oh well,maybe we can come again!! Thanks again for your timely help as we will leave this Sunday! d

I so envy you. Haven't been to Eire since 97'. Beautiful country, wonderful people, loads to see and explore. You'll have a wonderful time!!!

If possible,any response ASAP would be appreciated as we travel in the next few days!!d

Hi Deb,

I lived in a Ireland several years ago, while attending graduate school. Definitely get Dingle, Killarney and Cashel. If your trip allows you to stop in Galway, then do it. Although I would not recommend you spending more than an afternoon there, as it is small (by U.S. standards). Galway does have an interesting history, with the Spanish Armada and such. However, if you are planning on visiting the Aran islands, then you will be forced to spend more than an afternoon in Galway. Connemara could be visited if you are planning on heading to Donegal; if not, then I would save it for a return trip. If this is your first trip to Ireland, then you are in for a treat and you will be back. There is something about Ireland that brings travelers back again and again.
Have a safe flight and a wonderful trip.

Peter

Lucky you!

Kinsale - Fishy Fishy cafe and also Bulman are great eateries. Dingle is super, you'll love it. If you have time Kilkenny is a great spot too

Peter, Thanks for your advice! Most helpful!d

Hi Deb,
I forgot to mention that it rained 13 of the 13 days that we were in Ireland though it didn't slow us down--take rain gear and umbrellas! You won't be disappointed with whatever itinerary you decide on--I like your philosophy of seeing less so that you can absorb more. Be sure that you spend time in the pubs in the evenings listening to the great traditional music. Have a great trip! Sharon

Deb,

You will love Ireland. It is a beautiful country.

I was there for two weeks in May, and we visited most of what you will be seeing. I'd recommend Killarney National Park, but not the town itself, which is very touristy.

Dingle is wonderful. I'd plan two nights there, and definitely do the peninsula drive either by car or by bike.

I agree with others that unless you're dying to see it, you might be better served leaving Connemara for a future trip since it's further north (and further away from Shannon) than anything else on your itinerary.

As for driving, you'll want to be conservative with driving times. The roads are narrow and are almost never straight for long! Pick up a copy of the Ordnance Survey atlas and a good GPS.

A couple of restaurants we loved were:

Max's Wine Bar, Kinsale. At Max's, we had a lovely romantic meal. I had a fantastic lamb dish. It was a tad expensive but is worth it if you're looking for a splurge meal.

Out of the Blue has perhaps the best seafood I've ever had. The ambience is more like a diner than an upscale place, but the food is so good you won't care. They are so committed to quality that if that day's catch doesn't come in, they don't open!

Enjoy your trip!

Michael, Thanks for your wonderful suggestions!!

Hope to try them, Steve. Thanks!!!!