Plan for first trip to Ireland

Just curious why are you flying into Shannon and then train to Dublin? Did you already book your tickets? If so, would suggest you get car in Shannon, do the west coast and then work your way down eventually towards Kinsale, then end up in Dublin and then train back to Shannon. We once flew into Shannon, did just what I suggested and did a circle tour keeping car the whole time although we did not stay in Dublin, stayed outside the city and took train to Dublin for two different days. Then ended back in Shannon. I take it you have have about two weeks, right?

I'm confused by your post, as well. If Dublin is what you want to do first, why not fly into Dublin, then work your way around to Shannon and leave from there? Why waste two nights in Limerick just to get/drop off a car? If it were me, I would fly into Shannon and get a car there, since it is easier to get used to driving on the left from that airport than either Dublin or Limerick. It's out in the country, with little traffic. Then I would work my way around to Dublin, dropping off the car before spending time in the city. Remember, too, that two nights in a place is just one full day there. Since it looks like your trip will be about 12 usable days, it does seem rushed to hit six places (one of them twice), depending on how much you intend to do on each day. Driving in Ireland can be incredibly slow, and every time you change locations you will have to allow packing/unpacking/checking in/getting oriented time that will eat into your sightseeing.

Thanks to you both on your input. We routed our trip through Shannon due to Frequent Flyer scheduling/personal convenience At our age, we are usually zombies after a long flight, so want to travel to Dublin by train in order to use that time to rest up/sleep? a bit. We are beginning to realize that we cannot do everything we'd like - so will probably delete Kinsale from our plans. Staying longer in an area, rather than re-locating so often definitely sounds like good advice. Thanks again.

Ok, now makes sense. Would suggest you rent car in Dublin and return it to Shannon if at all possible and skip Limerick. In Dublin, in my opinion would skip Guinness, expensive and we all thought waste of time. Don't miss the Goal, easy access by bus. Depending on time of year you go, probably need to see Book of Kells early am and same if going to Newgrange. Ireland is lovely. Since you are skipping Kinsale, suggest the one night to be decided you spend in Doolin, near the cliffs and not too far from Shannon. Enjoy.

We spent 16 days in Ireland in June and agree with the other replies that you should plan to pick up your car in Shannon and travel from there. We arrived in Dublin and planned a short (1 hour) drive the first day. We stayed in the Wicklow mountains area, checking into our bed and breakfast and spending a relaxing day touring the area. An early bedtime that night and we were ready to go the next day - and we are senior citizens! We would recommend that you NOT delete Kinsale from your itinerary - it was one of our favorite places. We spent four nights there (rented a small cottage from HomeAway.com) and traveled around that area. We spent the next week in County Tipperary, using that as our base to tour Cashel, Kilkenny, Adare, Dingle and other nearby areas. The final three nights were spent in Dublin. We do recommend picking a few places to use as your base and not trying to move around every few days. Ireland is a joy - the people are incredibly nice and helpful and the scenery beautiful. You will love it.

Gail is referring to Kilmainham Gaol (jail), and I agree that you should see it while you are in Dublin. I also agree you should skip Guinness. Limerick is a whole lot of nothing, and if you don't need to go there, skip it. I think skipping Kinsale is a good plan, since it is kind of out of the way of your other stops. Depending how early your flight out is, you might find it convenient to spend your last night at Bunratty, only six miles from the airport. There is a castle and folk park there, as well as a little shopping center

Tks Nancy, Goal looked good when I spelled it. You caught me on that. Those poor people will be looking all over for the Goal when it is really Gaol!!!

Hi, would agree that collecting your car in Dublin and returning in Shannon is definitely the way to go. Then you can see sights along the way like Rock of Cashel. I love Kenmare for ROK, Dingle and Doolin are great too. I think 2 nights in each spot is a comfortable way to travel and you get the feel for the area. Would not stop in Limerick... Enjoy your trip!