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Ireland, June 16-22 (6 days), are hotel reservations needed in advance

We are trying to pack a lot in 6 days. Fly into Dublin early. Spend night. Then try to hit Rock of Cashel (Kilkenny), maybe Kinsale/Cobh, Dingle Peninsula, and Cliffs of Moher and then fly out of Shannon. Since we can estimate travel and time needed, flexibility would be key. During these dates, should we make hotel reservations or coule we wing it.

Posted by
9363 posts

Those dates are heading into the tourist season. Particularly since the areas you list are major tourist sites, you might be wise to book ahead.

Posted by
1357 posts

I'm with Nancy. I'll be over there the same time, and when I booked places a few weeks ago, I found that a lot of places were already booked. I'd at least book for Dublin and Dingle, others may suggest booking the rest, too.

Posted by
319 posts

Laura,

You say that you can estimate the travel time needed, but I'm not sure you've done it yet. That is a TON to pack into 6 days. A few thoughts on how you might trim it:

Since you only cited it as a "maybe", I'd drop Kinsale/Cobh for another time. It's a great area, but it's out of the way.

Dingle is also out of the way, but it's such a fantastic place that I'd rather add a day than skip it. If you drop Kinsale, you could spend nights 3 and 4 in Dingle. Alternatively, you could drop the Cliffs and spend nights 4 and 5 in Dingle before flying from Shannon. The Cliffs are rightfully famous, but Dingle also has breathtaking coastal scenery and a lot more to do.

As for reservations, I would definitely reserve in advance. Find out the cancellation policy at each place so that you know when you need to decide if you're going to change your plans. A lot of B&Bs are reasonably flexible as long as you give them at least 24 hours notice.

Posted by
10344 posts

Following up on Michael's good post from above in which he says: "You say that you can estimate the travel time needed, but I'm not sure you've done it yet."Go here for help in estimating realistic travel times between your destinations: How to Estimate Realistic Travel Times Within Europe

Posted by
9363 posts

I disagree with Michael that you are packing too much into your trip. I've spent about the same time period and done more than that. DON'T skip the Cliffs of Moher! Your trip is easily doable, but do be sure that you check your distances/travel times so that you can plan your days effectively.