We plan to be in Ireland for 1 week in August, flying in to Shannon and out of Dublin. We hope to see the Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Connemara and Rock of Cashel. Is that possible? Can you suggest an itenerary? What would you cut out if you had to? How long should we plan in each area? Can you suggest cities to stay in? We're in our 40s and hope to hike, do you have any suggestions? Thank you!
Posted by
Naples, FL, USA
29 posts
Heidi, I've not been there yet (going in August as well) but have worked many hours researching possible itineraries.
What I noticed is that you will be going into SNN, then up to Connemara, then backtracking south. Since it is out of the way, you could skip Connemara and spend more down south. Perhaps a few days in Kenmare so you could do the Bearra Peninsula instead (you'll have to check on the hiking).
We are doing the reverse: Dublin (2 nights), Kilkenny/ROC (1), Kenmare (1), Dingle (2), Doolin (1), then departing SNN.
Posted by
OP
Tallahassee, Florida, United States
3 posts
Thank you! We have been debating on whether to save Connemara for another trip and your input helps. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Pearland, Texas, USA
441 posts
Heidi, I went to Southwest Ireland last June and I'm going again in May. I'd save Connemara for another trip. We'll go to Killarny the first day (Killarny National Forest is worth a look), Portmagee, Dingle, Doolin, Galway, Portumna and back to Shannon. Try to work in the Burren too. Happy travels!
Posted by
Green Bay, WI, USA
21 posts
Heidi,
I would save Connemara for another trip.
Darin - We are traveling the same way you are (in October)Here is what we're currently thinking
Dublin (1)
Kinsale (2) - stopping at ROC on the way
Dingle (2)
Doolin (1)
Shannon (1)
I would love to hear how your trip goes!
Posted by
Madison, WI, USA
43 posts
We just returned from a similar trip. spent 1 week in London first so we didn't have the jet-lag when first arriving.
I agree that it doesn't make sense to include Connemara in that itinerary.
our trip:
fly into Shannon afternoon, stay in Ennis. Leisurely drive to and stay in Doolin, seeing the Cliffs of Moher at sunset. Burren walk and drive to Connemara, stayed in Westport. Drive to Galway along the coast with lots of stops for scenery. 2 nights in Galway, train to Dublin, 3 nights there flying out early and including St Patrick's day parade.
Wasn't nearly enough time anywhere. could easily spend close to a week at each stop. But we plan to return.
Though since you are going near peak tourist time, you may find it easier to spend the time further north, Doolin, Aran Islands, Connemara, etc. Lots of nice hiking areas there, and probably fewer tour buses, except at the Cliffs.
Posted by
New York, NY
319 posts
Heidi,
I agree with the others that Connemara is the big outlier here geographically, and is best left for a future trip.
Here's one possible itinerary that would include the other sites you mentioned:
Day 1 Arrive in Shannon, rent car, and drive to Kenmare. Stay in Kenmare.
Day 2. Drive ROK and head to Dingle. Stay Dingle.
Day 3. Enjoy Dingle. Stay Dingle.
Day 4. See Rock of Cashel. You could push on to Dublin, or stay in Cashel or Kilkenny.
Day 5-7. Dublin.
The best hiking options would be in the southwest. You could take a day from Dublin and spend an extra night in Kenmare which could be spent hiking in Killarney National Park.