Heading to Ireland (and Scotland) for the first time in early June. Have read that it's best to book stays for more than 1 night. We are staying in Doolin for 3 nights, staying 1 night at Malton Hotel in Killarney, and our last night at the Oak Wood Arms in Shannon - to make our trip to the Shannon airport easy. Thoughts?
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2450 posts
I think 3 nights in Doolin is too much. May I ask why you are staying there so long?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I would suggest you stay in Bunratty area that last night. You could see Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, there is shopping, and a couple of places to eat. There are numerous B&Bs on the Bunratty road behind the castle - and it's only 6 miles from the airport (closer than Shannon).
Posted by
kilronan, inis mor, ireland
1 posts
while doolin is one of my favorite places in the world, i agree that three nights is quite a long time to stay. since you are so close, i would recommend taking a ferry from (doolin pier) over to inis mor - the biggest of the aran islands. i first visited the quaint island on the suggestion of rick steves and now call it my home. we get lots of day-trippers during the summer, but if you can, i would suggest coming in on the early ferry and spending the night. there are lots of things to do such as see the ancient dun angus and black fort. the ferry ride is about 1.5 hours each way but totally worth it. make sure you have your b&b call the morning of your departure to make sure the ferry is actually going - and at what time. sometimes the tide can adjust time schedules and sometimes (altough not too often) ferries will be canceled completely due to weather conditions. check out this website (http://www.aranisland.info/) for more information on getting to/from inis mor. and if you decide to stay overnight, i highly recommend staying at the dormer house b&b. alice is absolutely lovely and the rooms are great. close to the pier and the heart of kilronan village, you'll enjoy your stay there. its where my family stays when they come visit me!
Posted by
OP
St. Michael, MN, US
3 posts
Thank you all for your feedback! The Wall is such a wonderful way to share ideas. Doolin is our base camp, if you will--Aran Island one day, Dingle on another.
Posted by
Santa Cruz
186 posts
The Burren is nearby and is definitely worth a visit while you are in Doolin. It was one of the highlights of our trip!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Penny, I wouldn't consider Dingle a day trip from Doolin! It's about a four hour drive just to GET to Dingle, let alone see anything and drive back. You might want to rethink that.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2450 posts
Absolutely do not consider Dingle as day trip, much too long. Suggest you skip one night in Doolin, then go to Dingle and spend the night there, much better.
Posted by
OP
St. Michael, MN, US
3 posts
Thank you all for your thoughtful feedback. We've adjusted our time in Doolin and feel very good about the change.