Hi, I have been obsessing over trying to get a decent itinerary together for a self drive trip I am taking with my wife and another couple in late April. We arrive early AM in Dublin for 2 nights at Jury's Christchurch. After that I was planning on traveling south for 7 more nights leaving out of Shannon on the 10th day. I definitely want to see Killarney, Killkenny, Cashel, Dingle peninsula, Kinsale, Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren. Also interested in Kenmare, Galway, and Cork.
I was hoping you all would be able to give me some very good suggestions on things to see along the routes to these places, best towns to stay (We will have B&B vouchers) and most scenic routes between destinations. I don't mind the driving, but I don't want to whiz by everything. This could very well be my first and last trip to Ireland.
Also would appreciate input on some things that I must see (aside from Dublin, I think I have that well covered) along the way. Interested in history, castles, beautiful ocean scenery, thatched cottages, quaint towns/pubs, etc.
Would like to see a crystal factory tour, but Waterford seems out of my way. Any other suggestions along my route for a tour or any way to incorporate a quickie stop at Waterford???
Estimated drive times between destinations would also be appreciated.
I think that a guidebook will help you get started with finding your "must see" sightseeing stops in Ireland. Since you are going with another couple you will have to combine the two lists to come up with a good itinerary that pleases everyone. There are a couple of villages that have thatched cottages: Kilmore Quay, Adare and Dunmore East. Otherwise you will only find the odd one scattered here and there. They are fast disappearing. Bunratty Folk Park has a collection of thatched cottages that have been moved there.
For drive times use this: http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/routes/ Get your mileage and divide by 35 to get general times. The times they actually suggest on the website are not all that accurate so figure it out by that formula.
Since you only have seven days you may have to cut out some of what you want to see. Galway, Cork and Kinsale would be first to be deleted from my list.
Feel free to post your itinerary so we can help you fine-tune it. Let us know if you have any specific questions.
Gerry, while Galway isn't one of my favorites, you could tour and shop at the Galway Crystal Factory and actually stay in a thatched cottage B&B in Spiddal. That would also put you near Dunguaire Castle, Aughanure Castle and Athenry Castle and some Galway Bayand Lough Corrib scenery.