Is Our Itinerary Realistic?

jameswendy63 · Newbie

Is Our Itinerary Realistic?

Michele Erdvig · Host

jameswendy63,

Welcome to the forum. Since Waterford and Kilkenny are so close together, I would suggest staying in one and taking the extra day to devote to Dingle. You will be tired on arrival and just the drive from Shannon to Dingle will be plenty of driving for your first day. On the second day when you are well rested you will enjoy seeing more of Dingle and the fantastic Slea Head Drive.

There are many interesting sights to see along the way. Tell us what you like to do and see and we will suggest a few.

Michele

jameswendy63 · Newbie

Michele,

Thanks for the suggestion. We'd love a little more information on any quaint towns or villages along the way, and if you know of any great spots for a picnic lunch. Also, we are bringing our 11 year old daughter and would like to know if there are any sights which you think would be especially interesting to her (but don't involve too much walking because her grandparents will be with us too).

Wendy

CowboyCraic · Guru

Wendy,

How terrific to see Ireland through the eyes of a child your daughter's age!

Do you have your bookings in place? July will be a busy time in most all of the places you have mentioned. Remember that driving in Ireland is a lot slower than here in the states, 30- 35 mph in most instances whilst adjusting for livestock, tour buses, farm equipment, pedestrians, bicyclists, weather and being faery-led (ie lost).

As Michele indicated, Waterford is a stop enroute to Kilkenny. I am assuming it is the Waterford Crystal factory you are interested in there. If so, that is an easy 2-3 hours for the tour and shopping and then an hour's drive to Kilkenny. If you add a day in Dingle, your family might enjoy taking a trip out to sea to have an encounter with Fungi, the Dingle dolphin. It would be a nice relaxing activity for perhaps the afternoon you arrive in Dingle. There is also the Aquarium, which is a good jet lag activity for all. Whilst in Bunratty, you might consider making reservations at the Bunratty Folk Park's Corn Barn for their dinner. It is an excellent way to wrap up your trip. The menu is more suited to an 11-year-old that the Castle banquet, as is the entertainment.

Slan Beo,

Bit Devine

-- Edited by CowboyCraic at 11:49, 2007-07-09

Judy · Guru

Wendy,

We just returned with our 6 and 10 year old grandchildren. They loved the Oceanworld Aquarium in Dingle. There is a touch pool and a walk through underwater glass tunnel. The 10 year old enjoyed the 7000 year history of Kerry at the museum in Tralee if you are traveling there. It is at Ashe Memorial Hall on Denny St. We, the grandparents, enjoyed the down time at the two coffee shops while mom took the kids through each attraction.
Go on www.guidekillarney.com for more ideas while in Dingle.

Judy M.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Wendy,

There are fantastic beaches all over the Dingle area where you can have a picnic lunch. Just look for signs that saw Tra and follow them to find some lovely hidden places.

Some quaint towns:

Adare
Kenmare
Castletown Bere
Baltimore
Kinsale
Youghal
Lismore
Inishtioge

From Glengarriff you all might enjoy taking the boat ride out to Ilnacullin Gardens on Garinish Island. You will see the seals basking on the rocks along the way. There is walking involved in seeing the gardens but the grandparents could relax in the cafe or on the garden benches.

Bon voyage! Enjoy your trip.

Michele