Ireland-Ambitious Itinerary

Unless you have an important reason to go there I would skip Waterford and also the Ring of Kerry and spend more time in Dingle. I would also eliminate Kinsale and concentrate on the Cork area. There is little difference between Kinsale and Dingle, the towns, themselves. Dingle has better scenery on the peninsula than there is in the Kinsale area. You will find that driving and the time spent sight seeing will take considerably longer than you expect. Where will be spending the night on day eight and what time is your flight out of Shannon?

I will second Pat's comment, it makes a lot of sense and is what I was thinking as well.

Thanks for all of the advice! On day 9 we are actually spending our last night in the Dromoland Castle, and then we fly out the next morning. I may cut out the Ring of Kerry like many of you suggested, so we have more time in the Cork and Dingle regions. Is there much to see in Waterford? Maybe we need to take it out of our itinerary. Could it just be a 1/2 day stop, and should it be skipped all together?!?!

The only thing interesting in Waterford is the crystal factory, which has been downsized and in a new location from the original factory. You could easily skip Waterford all together without feeling like you missed anything.

Agree with Nancy, Waterford is not worth it. To me, it was just an industrial town and that was before factory closed tour. I would also skip Kerry and stick to Dingle. I also didn't think too much of Kilkenney, to me just another town and I prefer smaller towns. anyway, enjoy trip.

I would take the time to stop in Cahir to see the castle and the walk to the Swiss Cottage is very relaxing. A nice break from the car ride. I would stay in Kenmare and just visit Killarney for lunch or an afternoon walk around the town on your way round the ring. I forgot about Russborough House outside Dublin before you head to Glendalough.

"Agree with Nancy, Waterford is not worth it. To me, it was just an industrial town and that was before factory closed tour." True, but there is much more to Waterford than Waterford City. Ardmore for one, will be on the way, and is worth a quick stop. It was a Christian town before St. Patrick was even born.

Kari, I'd suggest allowing at least a half day for Killarney National Park (which includes Muckross House). The park has some lovely sites, to which you can walk, take a boat ride, or take a cart ride... depending on preference and time available. I think it's worth giving it some time.

Thanks again for all of the great suggestions. I was definitely planning on spending 1/2 a day at Killarney National Park. We love the outdoors, so I think it sounds perfect. Are there any must see things to see and do in Killarney, or should most of our time be spent in the park and at the Muckross House? We will be coming from Kinsale early that morning with a quick stop in Blarney.