Heading to Ireland in May with the family and we all have different lengths of stay. Flying into Dublin and staying there for Fri and Sat night. Sunday in Waterford but thought we would stay the night somewhere between Waterford and Cork? Any suggestions? Any suggestions on where to go after Cork and we have to be back in Dublin by Wednesday?
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
It's a two hour jaunt between Waterford and Cork without stops. Personally seems like a waste to time to stay somewhere in between those places when you could easily drive from Waterford to somewhere like Killarney and experience Ireland's breathtaking beauty en route. The distance between Galway and Dublin on the M6 is a mere 2 hours (at least when I drove it). You can enjoy a great deal of this lovely island in your time span if you plan your route. Buy and read Rick's book on Ireland. Practical information for first time visitors.
Posted by
OP
Katy
3 posts
So much to see and so much divided time. One staying 7 days, one staying 10 and 2 staying 14 and NO one wants to miss THE best. LOL Just trying to appease everyone. Thinking after I read your reply, drive from Waterford to Cork, stay the night, and then we have extra time. Want to see Wicklow, want to see so much!
Posted by
OP
Katy
3 posts
Thank you so much for the help claudia. You have hit on just about all the points I want to see.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you spend Sunday night in Cork, then for Monday I suggest that you drive on the N 22 toward Killarney until you reach the junction with the R 569. Take the R 569 southwest to Kenmare and then drive northeast on the N 71 from Kenmare to Killarney. The drive between Kenmare and Killarney on the east side of the national park is particularly beautiful. Continue on from Killarney to Dingle and spend the night in Dingle. Take the Slea Head drive on the Dingle Peninsula on Tuesday and stay a second night in Dingle. There are several pubs in Dingle that host traditional music sessions. Visit at least one each night. Drive to Dublin on Wednesday.
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
Even with all of those different schedules there is more than enough time to see the "best" of Ireland. Understand the desire to see the Wicklow mountains. My first adventure outside Dublin was driving to Glendalough via the Sally Gap through the Wicklow Mountains. Fabulous!! From there out to Tara Hill on the coast. Spent the night in Kilkenny because I saw the Rock of Cashel early the next morning. Which was about an hours drive from Kilkenny I think. So on the first day lots of ground covered. Never felt rushed. It was October. Sunset came early so I was always in the place I was going to rest my head by 4pm. Allowed me time to drive by numerous b n b's (look for the little brown signs), see one I liked and knock on the door. Never turned away. Just be aware that sheep and cattle are free range, so don't speed and always remember to remain on the LEFT side of the road. Be sure to stop in the small towns for a pint and bite to eat in the local pub. Will bring a smile to your face.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2450 posts
If you can, would do as suggested to stay two nights in Dingle, I seem to remember one great pub with trad music is called something little seven bridges or little bridges right in center of town but get there early. What time do you have to be back in Dublin as I seem to remember it is about 4-5 hour drive from Dingle so keep that in mind. If you want to see cliffs of Moher, you can do one night in Dingle and one in Doolin and then on to Dublin again with about 4 hour drive. Enjoy.