My wife and I will be in Ireland for 5 days: April 27-May 2. Could someone suggest a highly selective itinerary of the very best of:
(1) Dublin
(2) Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher (and perhaps Aran Islands--if worth the time). We love to hike. Also, B&B suggestions here are most welcome.
Many thanks
Jonathan
The drive from Dublin to Dingle will take the better part of one of your days (and another going the other direction). If you haven't already purchased tickets, you might be better off flying into and out of Shannon, since most of your interests are centered in the southwest. While Dublin has its charms, it's a city like any city, and might be better saved for a future trip.
The Cliffs of Moher, while definitely worth a visit (particularly since their new visitor center was built) will only take an hour or two to see, so you don't need to reserve a lot of time for that.
Do you arrive on April 27 or leave the US on April 27? Does your flight out leave on May 2 or is that your last full day? In other words, how many days will you have "on the ground" in Ireland?
A few more specifics would be helpful so that we can make more appropriate suggestions.
Dear Nancy:
What a helpful reply!
We are on the ground in Ireland from Monday morning (bleery-eyed from a long Transatlantic flight) until Saturday morning. We want to see Dublin for the first 2-3 days.
Jonathan
Jonathan -
I visited at least one of Rick's choices when in Dingle last year and was not impressed, by any means. We ended up at Greenmount, which may have also been one of his alternate suggestions - nice place.
I do not recall the other B&B's he recommends - but I would suggest Emlagh Lodge (owned by Maggie Flaherty). We're renting Maggie's self-cater cottage in a couple of weeks - the Emlagh Cottage (neither to be confused with Emlagh House, also in Dingle).
Emlagh Lodge is on the Harbor - and is a short walk along the Harbor into Dingle town. We saw it when were there and thought it would be our first choice if we went back. Who'd of thought it would be so soon . . .
While the Dingle Peninsula was the highlight of my trip to Ireland in 2005, with the limited time you'll have in Ireland I think you might be better off taking day trips to scenic areas near Dublin. As Nancy said, getting to Dingle and back to Dublin will use up a lot of your sightseeing time. However, if you're determined to see a bit of the Southwest, then limit your time in Dublin to two days.
This book might be a good resource for planning walks and hikes.
You might look into Ryan Air flights from Dublin to Kerry Airport if you are definitely set on seeing Dingle. It would take several hours off the trip instead of driving.
Pat's suggestion of flying from Dublin to Kerry on Ryanair is a good one. Booked well in advance, the fares are very cheap. Pick up a rental car at the Kerry airport.
Wow, what wonderfully helpful and fast suggestions! And any thoughts on B&Bs in the Dingle Peninsula? I know Rick has his favorites too.
October of 2008 we stayed at Heaton's Guest House in Dingle, clean,good location,easy walk to docks and city center.
Can highly recommend the Lighthouse B & B in Dingle.
Google for contact information. Best value for money B & B on our entire Ireland holiday.
