george02
03/17/01 2:56 PM

Beginning plans for trip to Ireland

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Hello there Michele. I'm beginning to plan a trip to Ireland for May 2002, and your site has been very informative. A few things I've been pondering...

I'm planning on staying 15 days, from 5/15 to 5/30. I'd like to land in Shannon and end up in Dublin. My very embryonic itinerary looks roughly like this:

1. Limerick
2. Killarney
3. 1/2 Ring of Kerry, stay near Portmagee
4. Skellig Michael, begin driving rest of Ring
5. Remainder of Ring, start driving up coast on N69
6. Doolin
7. ?
8. ?
9. ?
10. ?
11. ?
12. Belfast
13. Belfast
14. Dublin
15. Dublin

As you see, I have 5 days to get from Doolin to Belfast. Any suggestions? I travel at a quicker clip than most people are accustomed to. We're considering spending two nights in a castle in Co. Monaghan. Visiting the Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael, Doolin, Belfast, and Dublin are the only things we're dead set on. Should we invest one of those 5 days in one of those places?

Also, would B&B reservations be necessary in May? I'm not sure if this would be considered shoulder season, or not.

Thanks for your help... I'm sure more questions will follow. And you can be sure I'll be first in line for the 2002 edition of your book.

Thanks,
George

IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
03/18/01 2:48 AM

RE: Beginning plans for trip to Ireland

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Hi George,

You are wise to be planning your trip so far in advance. Most people don't! In May (shoulder season) you can probably "wing it" more than during the season, however, you should have reservations for weekends in popular places like Doolin, Galway, Dingle, Kinsale, Blarney, Killarney, etc. You ALWAYS need reservations in Dublin at any time of year.

Now, about traveling quickly in Ireland...if you average 35-40 mph most of the time you will be doing good. Things look close on a map but that can be deceptive. As one person told me, they expected to travel from Shannon to Dingle in 15 minutes!!! Maybe if they were taking the Concorde.

There is plenty to see in five days from Doolin to Belfast. Galway, Connemara, Westport, Achill Island, Sligo, Donegal, Enniskillen, Giant's Causeway. The problem is too much to see! I suppose that where you stop and what you see along the way will all depend on your personal likes and dislikes. I'm sure that as your plans gel you will pick and choose the destinations that are right for you. Have you looked at my "Top 10 List"? It might be of help: www.irelandyes.com/sightseeing.html

I'm sure there will be plenty more questions as your trip gets closer. Feel free to post whatever you need to know. I think these few suggestions will start you out on the right foot.

Happy travels,

Michele

george02
03/19/01 9:14 AM

RE: Beginning plans for trip to Ireland

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Thanks... As far as quick tavel goes, do you think the first leg of my trip (around the Ring) is doable? Or should I try and sneak an extra day or so in there by driving right to Killarney when we land?

Thanks, George

IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
03/19/01 6:28 PM

RE: Beginning plans for trip to Ireland

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Hi George,

If it were me, I would go directly to Killarney after arriving and spend the night there. The drive only takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Then you can rest up, perhaps have a stroll around Muckross House and Gardens, see a little of Killarney before you head off to the Ring on the next day.

Michele