Hi I have earned a free trip to Ireland from my company and they will let me fly in before the incentive trip they are paying for starts, so we are flying in so we have 3 nights on our own before we need to be in Dublin to meet up with them. I think we want to fly into Shannon and then stay in B&B's and end up in Dublin on the 4th day. Ideas or suggestions? I was thinking Galway, Dingle, cliffs of Moher. I don't know how doable this all is.
thanks
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10599 posts
Are you willing to drive? The west coast of Ireland is easiest by car. After landing at Shannon I would pick up a car and head for Dingle. Spend that jet lagged day enjoying the town. The next day drive around the peninsula. Spend a 2nd night in Dingle. Start off early the next morning to head north. Take the Tarbert ferry to save some time. Stop at the Cliffs of Moher on your way to Galway. Explore Galway and spend the night there. Spend however much time you want there the next day, then jump on the highway and head for Dublin. If you turn the car in at the airport there are several ways to get into town from there. Have fun!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
You have plenty of time to get to Dublin in four days. It sounds like there is a company sponsored trip involved so you might want to do some research and pick things to see that aren't part of that trip. Dingle is in the opposite direction of Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. I'd opt for one or the other (either a loop that starts toward the north or one that starts to the south, depending on which has the most sights you really want to see) with a rental car. For me the Cliffs, Galway, plus maybe Clonmacnoise Monastery, Castle Trim, Newgrange, and Hill of Tara make a nice short itinerary (again depending on what else you will see on your trip). Galway is a place to visit - the rest are sights/day stops. If you are doing Ring of Kerry on your trip, I'd skip Dingle. Dingle may be slightly preferable to the Ring of Kerry but you really don't need to do both. If you go south, you could start at Dingle, then Rock of Cashiel, and Glendalough on your way to Dublin.
Posted by
Texas
144 posts
The 2 ideas of either going south to dingle and across thru rock of cashel versus cliffs of moher and heading east to hill of tara and newgrange is a tough one, but I feel will make your trip better. Yes doing all is doable, but going either south or north might be the best choice. Whatever you choose is a winner as all those sights are interesting and awesome individually! Slainte!
Posted by
Ithaca, NY, USA
30 posts
I would head south to Dingle and spend 2 days there. The town itself is charming with great resturants and the Dingle Peninsula is spectacular. We hired a car and driver for 60 euors- 3-4 hour guided tour and well worth ity. You can take a boat cruise out in the bay of Dingle and look for the pet porpoise that frequesnts the waters there. Trying to go north to Galway as well would be tough. You could do the Cliffs of Moher and the Burrens. I would recommend the boat tour out of Doolin- better way to see the Cliffs. Tom
Ithaca,NY