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Not much time in Ireland with 15 year old daughter, seeing cousins

Posted by (Suffolk, Virginia, USA) on

My daughter has asked that she get a first look at Ireland for her 16th birthday, and she would like to be introduced to her Irish cousins. We only have 7 nights. Nights 1, 2, and 3 (August 9 touring Dublin, August 10 Dublin horse show, August 11 cousin's homes, August 12 Depart for South West) will be with cousins in the Dublin and Carlow area.

From there I think we should focus on one place, and I chose the Dingle Peninsula.

August 12 at noon should we try to drive from Bagenalstown to the Dingle Peninsula in one fell swoop, or spend the night on the way seeing sights? If so, should we go past the Rock of Cashel, and get a place near the Barea Peninsula (Ballylicky)? What else would you see on the way?

August 13 Drive Barea Peninsula (unless already went straight to Dingle) and head to Dingle. Sleep on Dingle (either first or second night)

August 14 Blasket Islands and touring Dingle (sleep on Dingle night 2 or night 3)

August 15 Tour other parts of Dingle or Tralee (night 3 or 4)
August 16 leave for Shannon (what to tour on the way?
August 17th depart.

Suggestions are appreciated

Posted by
158 posts

Loved the Dingle Pennsula...........just returned from our May trip.

....on the way to Shannon you can stop at St. John's Castle in Limerick or you can go to Bunratty Castle...Rick Steves didn't give it very good recommendations but we liked it..... Before Limerick....there is the lovely little town of ADARE. It isn't very big and you can get to it of N 21.......

We stayed just outside Abbeyfeale in a house we rented and toured the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula as well as the Cliffs of Moher.

Enjoy your trip...we fell in love with Ireland.

Posted by
100 posts

We saw the Cliffs of Moher and some of the Burren with stops at Pol Na Brone and the Aillwee Caves on the way from Dingle to Galway. I believe it would be about the same route from Dingle to Shannon. We also went to the Bunratty Castle and village near Shannon our last night for the castle banquet. I know that some have said it's not worth it and too touristy. It was very touristy, but we had a good time none the less. Sounds like you will have a nice trip. Dingle is the best, you will enjoy it!

Posted by
162 posts

On Aug 15 I would either stay in Dingle again and do a day trip to Killarney to see the Killarney National park sites -- Ross castle, Muckross house, or the Gap of Dunloe etc. Or the second option, which I might like better: drive on towards Doolin and stop at the Cliffs Moher. Then on the 16th you could spend the day exploring the Burren or take the ferry from Doolin to the smallest Aran Island Inish Oirr for the day. Then stay the night of the 16th in Bunratty near the Shannon Airport so you can be ready to fly home the next day. We stayed about 2 weeks ago at Bunratty Castle Mews B&B and loved it. Delores the owner is delightful. She will be the icing on cake of a great trip.

Posted by
22 posts

Thank you. I am printing your suggestions and going over my map. These are quite detailed recommendaitons and helpful. I appreciate the time you took to give me your ideas. I heard the Bunratty was touristy but fun for a last night as well. I will check-out the recommended B&B. Have a nice day.

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