My husband and I are taking our first trip to Ireland in early October. We have arrainged for a rental car, first nights stay in Ennis and 8th night's stay in Dublin.
Ou hope is to spend the nights in: Tralee/Kenmare/Kinsale/Waterford(2)/Dublin(2)
Highpoints: The Cliffs of Moher,Muckross House, Dingle Penninsula,Rock of Cashel,Wicklow Mtns.and Glendalough.
Too much?
I don't think this is too much at all, but I like to move around a lot. Other people will probably say they prefer to spend several days in fewer places. We did a similar trip in six nights: Liscannor, Killarney, Cork, Cashel, New Ross (Waterford area), and Newtownmountkennedy (Wicklow area, outside of Dublin). Of course, with only six nights we didn't have time to do EVERYTHING we wanted, but we were happy with what we did get to do.
We did a 9 night trip in Ireland last Oct. Your plans look ok, but I don't think that 2 nights in Waterford is worth it....the Crystal factory takes 2-3 hours, otherwise it is just an industrial type city, congested, and not too many great options for lodging. Suggest that you spend a night in the Avoca area instead, take in the handweavers, Glendalough and Powerscourt Gardens....much better than what the Waterford area has to offer, in my opinion.
You will be running too fast, travel is slow in Ireland . Consider cutting some of it out. Prioritize your stay and Dublin is really only worth a day visit in my opinion.
I was thinking the same thing about Waterford, but I thought maybe you had some other side trips in mind from there. We stayed in a B&B outside of New Ross and drove in to Waterford for the day. The extra day in the Waterford area could be spent in the Cahir/Cashel area. And I think two nights in Dublin is fine because you could do Newgrange from there one day.
If you want B&B suggestions for Cashel or Avoca, please message me. I had wonderful ones in both places.
Plan for 2 nights in Dingle Town.That gives you an entire day to drive the peninsula.Its a great drive and with an entire day you can stop often.Also Dingle Town is great at night for music and restaurants.
too much. Keep in mind the travel time is twice as long as the US
Just back in june and think good plan FYI Ireland roads Small NO shoulders most credit card insurance planns will not apply ,as I understand it highest accendent rate in europe (not necessary death rate also told (.:) I would have no more then half a pint and drive and not drive at night