I only have 5 days in Ireland. I am traveling with my parents who are 74 yrs old. I know they won't be back. I am trying to get them to see the best sights in those days. We (unfortunately) fly into and out of Dublin. We arrive about 1 PM (from Milan), get a car and then I thought I'd try to sqeeze in a short trip to Powerscourt for my mom (she loves gardens) on our way to Limerick. I chose Limerick because I'm not sure about the weather. If it's good, I'd like to take them to the Cliffs of Moher, then down to Dingle. We can either spend the night here, or try to make it to Killarney. I plan on spending two nights in Killarney. I'd like them to see the National Park and Muckross (gardens), maybe do part of the Ring of Kerry if they are up to it. Then I'm debating heading directly back to Dublin or going to Cork/Cobh for the night. My dad enjoys history and I thought he would like the Heritage Centre and take my mom to the Millstreet Park. The last night will definitely be in Dublin as we have an early flight back to the states. Any suggestions or comments would greatly be appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
I'd really suggest not going to Limerick. It's a dirty city with horrible traffic. Galway would be a better choice. It would be helpful to know when you will be traveling. It sounds like you're planning on doing Dingle and then going on to Killarney in the same day, but that really can't be done. You'll almost have to spend a night in Dingle. What would your parents like to do? Mine are the same age as yours, roughly (74 and 76), and are enthusiastic, opinionated travelers. Maybe you could get some input from your parents about the intinerary.
Posted by
OP
perrysville, oh, usa
22 posts
Well the reason why we chose Limerick is because it was closer for starters. There didn't seem to be a "halfway" point anywhere to stop for the night. Also, one of the hotels told me not to take the route out of Dublin heading towards Galway because the road wasnt the greatest coming out of Dublin at the beginning. But the main reason was because I really didn't want to go all the way up to see the cliffs if the weather wasn't going to be all that great. If it was, then I figured we'd head north, then head to Dingle. My husband wasn't thrilled about packing and unpacking a lot, so I thought maybe we could just push on to Killarney, but I have a reservation for a place in Dingle, just in case someone said it was unrealistic to do all of that driving in one day.
Since that appears to be the case, I guess we will have to forget Cork. Another option would be to head to Cork the first night, then Killarney for two nights, then Dingle for one and forget the cliffs.
As far as my parents, they used to be very mobile (still are really - as far as always wanting to be on the go). Right now, they are experiencing some problems with walking, but I think they would be fine with all of the driving and even spending one night in someplace. So I guess the spirit is willing but the body might not let them do too much physically. THey said they just wanted to be with us, so whatever we ended up doing, they'd be happy.
Posted by
OP
perrysville, oh, usa
22 posts
Oops, I forgot to say when we're going. We arrive on the first of June and leave early on the 6th.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
In order to enjoy and see as much as you can in such a short time, have you considered flying to Shannon from Dublin. Pick up a car at Shannon which would enable you to do Dingle and the Cliffs, heading back to Dublin via Killarney. You can pick up a flight for approx. $US85.
Posted by
OP
perrysville, oh, usa
22 posts
Thank you for your help. We're kind of stuck with flying into Dublin because I already bought the tickets. We're considering flipping the itinerary: going to Powerscourt and Cashel the first night, then tour through Cork/Cobh and spending the second and third nights in Killarney. I'm thinking Dingle might have to wait for another trip since we will prolly do the ROK in the evening (after 4 like Rick says) and then on to Doolin and the cliffs. That seems to be a better way.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
Or maybe even taking the train from Dublin, then picking up a car on the other side of the island? It's another option.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
That does seem like it makes more sense, Janine.