Ireland Itinerary-your feedback welcome

Posted by Peggy (Dallas, TX, USA) on 02/02/09 02:56 PM

Hi all-
We're travelling to Ireland this summer, and looking for feedback on this proposed itinerary.

Day 1-Arrive Dublin (sleep in Dublin)
Day 2-Dublin all day, (Dublin)
Day 3-Drive to Kilkenny, possible stop in Glendalough on the way (Kilkenny)
Day 4-Drive to Kinsale, Rock of Cashel on the way (Kinsale)
Day 5-Drive to Dingle (Dingle)
Day 6-Dingle Peninsula loop (Dingle)
Day 7-Drive to Doolin, Cliffs of Moher (Doolin)
Day 8-Aran Islands (Doolin)
Day 9-Drive to Trim, the Burren on the way (Trim)
Day 10-Bru na Bonne, Hill of Tara (Trim)
Day 11-Fly out of Dublin

Obviously, looking at that, it seems like all we're doing is driving from one place to another, but we wanted to leave unstructured time to explore whatever appeals. I know we're flipping Rick's suggested order and doing Dublin on the front end, but we're in the city for Bloomsday and it seems too good a chance to pass up. Does this all sound doable? Are we missing anything that just can't be missed? Any suggested sights or stops or routes or accomodations?

Posted by Michael

New York, NY

02/04/09 09:56 AM

319 posts

Peggy,

My biggest concern is that you'll be driving so much that you won't have unstructured time to explore. Driving in Ireland takes a lot longer than driving here. You can't use estimates from online maps. Figure that you'll travel at an average of 30 MPH.

In particular, Dingle to Doolin with a stop at the Cliffs is a really long day. I'd consider stopping for the night somewhere along the way. At the least, you should cut out the Cliffs that day. You could try to see them either the next day, instead of the Aran Islands, or the following day before heading to Trim (though this is also a long drive).

Possibly the easiest way to deal with the itinerary crunch is to add a day or two to your schedule. If that's not possible, then I'd consider the suggestions above. You don't want to be rushed when driving on Irish roads.

Best of luck.

Posted by Pat

wichita, kansas

02/04/09 11:41 AM

484 posts

You might consider skipping Kinsale and go on to Dingle and use the extra time in the Doolin,Aran Islands area. In my opinion Kinsale and Dingle Town are pretty much the same but the Dingle area has better scenery.

Posted by Nancy

Bloomington, IL, USA

02/04/09 06:22 PM

9371 posts

The adjustments that I would suggest for this intinerary are to skip Kinsale and stay in Kenmare instead. Then on Day 7, don't drive all the way to Doolin. You could take the car ferry across the Shannon (to save going around through Limerick), and stay in Lahinch. The Cliffs of Moher are only about 10 minutes down the road from there, and Doolin is just beyond.

Posted by Carroll

Pittsburgh, PA, USA

02/05/09 09:34 AM

2775 posts

My first trip to Ireland was very similar to this, except that we spent 3 nights in Dingle and drove back to Dublin from there, stopping in Adare (which is nothing great) and spending three nights in Dublin before we left. Also we went to Newgrange on Day 2. I thought it was a great trip, and Dingle was my favorite. We went to Great Blasket Island one day, which was fantastic. Unlike Rick, I think it's better to start in Dublin (figured this out after that trip) because the small towns and countryside are way more appealing to me than Dublin. Also, you don't want to have to do a lot of driving right away.

On a second trip to Ireland we did the west coast including the Burren, cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands (where we stayed overnight). They are all great places to see.

I just question whether you want to cram in so much in one trip. As has already been said, the driving is slow and often stressful due to the narrow roads. I prefer to spend a little more time in each place, and I don't like to drive every day. But if you're the type that doesn't mind driving (the countryside is very pretty), and you want to see as much as you possibly can, then this trip might work for you.