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Returning to Ireland - must sees for this trip?

We fly into Dublin (stay 10/23 - 25) and then heading towards Dingle (2 days there). We fly out of Shannon 11/2 with last 2 nights spent at Ashgrove House-Bunratty. In 2004, we saw Cliffs, Muckross House, Cahir Castle, Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel, Bunratty. Any suggestions for this trip - we are musicians and taking our instruments to record in Dublin and then travel around playing.

Posted by
147 posts

On the way down, you might want to consider stopping by East Dunmore. They actually have a popular bluegrass festival in August every year. We stayed at a B&B and hung out at a few pubs down by the water. It was recommended to me by a local, and it was a good recomendation. They like their music for sure

Posted by
4823 posts

Since you are musicians, do some research on the town of Doolin. Several years ago it was a magnet for real traditional Irish music and musicians.

Posted by
522 posts

Dingle Peninsula for sure. Be sure to include the Slea Head (Ceann Sleibhe) loop. Gorgeous. Skellig Michael is supposed to be nice, though I have not been there.

Derrynane House on the Ring of Kerry is another great site. Though the house itself was closed when we stopped by, the path to the beach was open and the beach was fabulous.

Overall, the Ring of Kerry is a lesser sight than the Dingle loop, but it's still worth seeing.

The earlier suggestion of Doolin is a good one, given that you are musicians. Plus it is in The Burren, which is interesting in itself. You could take the Ailwee Caves tour.

Don't know if the ferry will be running that time of year, but Doolin is one departure point for the Aran Islands.

Have fun!

Posted by
11 posts

The Aran Islands were wonderful. Spend the night - it is so much more peaceful in the evening and morning before the ferry with the day trippers arrives.