Hello again, In late Sept(26 thru Oct 1) we expect to be meeting a couple at Shannon. Driving from Dublin we will stay at Bunratty the night prior. I would like to stay at Bunratty until Wednesday(6 nights). We want to see Dingle, Killarney & Muckross House, Kinsale, Cashel, The Burren and Cliffs of Moher. Is it reasonable to stay at Bunratty as a base? or is the driving distance a little far? We will be spending the next six days in Donegal. I don't like packing up each day and looking for another place each night. Any help or advise is appreciated.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Bunratty would be OK (sort of) for the Burren and the Cliffs, but everything else is too far for a day trip, in my opinion. Check www.viamichelin.com for driving times from Shannon to the various towns, and you will see what I mean. Make sure to factor in extra time over their estimates, since driving is slow and you're bound to get lost at some point.
Posted by
Lakewood, CO
248 posts
I agree with Nancy. Way too much driving. Distances might not be too far but roads are narrow so driving is slow. Also you wouldn't have much time to enjoy the places you want to see. If you pack light, it won't be so much trouble to pack up. There are lots of B & B's available in late Sept. Have a wonderful trip.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
522 posts
Bunratty is okay as a place to stay your first night or last, but it's kind of boring compared to other places. Instead of 6 night there, you could split the time and do 2-33 farther north (Ennis, Lahinch, Galway) and 3-4 farther south (Dingle, Kinsale).
Posted by
OP
Brandon, Florida, USA
22 posts
Thanks guys and gals for the helpful advice. I think we will adjust our schedule a bit and head straight to Donegal after picking up brother at Shannon on Sat AM. Then we can come back south the following week and stay closer to Dingle and leave Bunratty for our last two full days and see the Cliffs and Burren then. We all leave from Shannon. My wife and I will see Cashel on our drive over from Dublin. The next time I go to Ireland it will be for a month. When you try to make up for almost a liftime away from home 16 days just does not get it done.