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Post Info TOPIC: Leaving for Ireland this week!
ryanwithanr


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Leaving for Ireland this week!
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Hi:

My name is Ryan, and I'm obviously new to the forum. I'm just glad I found it! What great info.

Anyway, we are flying by the seat of our pants. We will be in Ireland from the 14th of March through the 22nd. We will basically have 8 days. Our main goals were Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Galway. As far as a route of travel goes.

We have serveral sites along the way, but as I was reading your post I noticed towns you want to avoid. We were thinking of leaving Dublin and heading straight for Kilkenny. Spending part of the day and heading in the direction of Limerick. However I understand it's not the best city.

We were also planning on doing Dublin and Newgrange on our last 2-3 days. Only problem is Good Friday is the last day we are there. Meaning a majority of Dublin and assuming Newgrange will be closed down.

So here are a few questions for you experienced travellers:

1. Is the drive from Dublin through Kilkenny to Limerick doable in a day?
2. Any good places near Limerick to stay?
3. Should Dublin be done the first two days?
4. Is Galway worth 2 days?
5. Is there anything productive to do in Ireland on Good Friday?
6. Is it ok to not have B&B's in advance and call for availability the day of or before?

We're thinking two days in Dublin and two in Galway. The rest is by ear. But we'd like to visit the following for sure unless you folks have any input to the contrary:

1. Dublin - Kilmainham Jail, Trinity College, Book of Kells, Iveagh Gardens, National Museum, Temple Bar, etc.
2. Clonmacnoise outside Galway
3. Ring of Kerry (is this worth doing?)
4. Bunratty Castle
5. Burren

There is so much we want to see, but condensing it into 8 days is the challenge. I'm even thinking about going the opposite way and doing 2 days in Dublin, then to Galway and down the coast. Would that be a better route?

Ahhh! We are so excited, but we really want to get the most out of our trip. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks, I will post a report when I return.

Ryan

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Michele Erdvig


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Ryan, 

Welcome to my forum! I'm glad to hear you have picked up a few tips already. 

March is generally considered off-season however Easter is very early this year. Combine that with St. Patrick's Day and spring break and you may find it to be busier than you expect. 

You should expect to make reservations for Dublin and popular places (like Galway) on weekends. 

If you are going to have jet-lag on your first day you should not expect to drive from Dublin to Limerick via Kilkenny. Kilkenny is as far as you should go on your first day. Note that Kilkenny is one of those popular places that fills up on weekends (Fri, Sat). 

Newgrange is open on Good Friday. It will likely be very crowded and you should get there as early as possible. Clonmacnoise is not near Galway. It is south of Athlone in the middle of the country. 

1. Is the drive from Dublin through Kilkenny to Limerick doable in a day? No, especially if it is your first jet-lagged day. You need time to see things. You could easily spend 3 days there and not see everything.

2. Any good places near Limerick to stay? If the goal is Bunratty Castle then stay in Bunratty. See my Lodgings page for recommendations.

3. Should Dublin be done the first two days? You can get a head start on your trip by postponing Dublin for the last few days. Otherwise you will spend time at the beginning and at the end of the trip in Dublin.

4. Is Galway worth 2 days? Given your short time I would skip Galway.

5. Is there anything productive to do in Ireland on Good Friday? Newgrange is open as is the scenery. There will be other places open too but you need to find out where you will be and what is open in the area.

6. Is it ok to not have B&B's in advance and call for availability the day of or before? See advice above. 

1. Dublin - Kilmainham Jail, Trinity College, Book of Kells, Iveagh Gardens, National Museum, Temple Bar, etc. * Fine. 

2. Clonmacnoise outside Galway * This is near Athlone not Galway. 

3. Ring of Kerry (is this worth doing?) * I suggest Dingle and the Killarney area instead.

4. Bunratty Castle * Bunratty is a good castle but there are nice ones to see all over Ireland.

5. Burren * You will basically see this area if you are in the vicinity of the Cliffs of Moher.
 
Michele


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ryanwithanr


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Thanks Michele!

Are there any areas you recommend staying two days? Or using as a hub on both coasts?

If I cut Galway, or at least make a day of it instead of two, I can do Dublin at the end without Good Friday interferring. I would just hate to be in Dublin on Good Friday and miss much of the sights.

Friday 14th - Dublin (stay night)
Sat 15th - Kilkenny
Sun 16th - Killarney
Mon 17th - Dingle for St. Patrick's Day?
Tue 18th - Galway
Wed 19th - Dublin
Thu 20th - Dublin
Fri 21st - Newgrange and scenery

Does that look doable? Staying the night in each listed place?

Thanks so much for the insight! I only wish I found this site earlier.

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CowboyCraic


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Ryan,

I would recommend Dingle for St. Patrick's day. I would recommend locating lodging before hand though, as it will be difficult "by the seat of your pants". Dingle is a very unique St. Patrick's day experience. Plan to stay there the night before and the night of St. Patrick's day. With Only 8 Days, I would be more likely to suggest that you do a south end run, Kilkenny, Dingle, Kinsale & Dublin:

15  Kilkenny
16 & 17th Dingle
18 & 19th Kinsale
20 & 21st - Dublin and NewGrange

From Dublin, You might be better off to look into taking Mary Gibbon's NewGrange tour. That way you would be assured of getting in to see the tombs. I think that she runs a tour on Good Friday. You can email her to find out.

I hope this helps. Wherever you go in Ireland, you will have a fabulous time!

Beannachtaí na Fáile Pádraig duit!(Happy ST. Patrick's Day)

Slan Beo (Take Care,

Bit

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ryanwithanr


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Sounds great. It's really hard trying to get "realistic" with your trip itinerary. What route back to Dublin would be recommended? Up through Galway and across? Or back track?

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Loelle


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ryanwithanr - I am doing almost the same exact trip as you in May (same places). Please let us know how your trip goes and have a blast!!

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Michele Erdvig


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Ryan,

If you are going from Kinsale to Dublin you are better off taking the N8 from Cork to Portlaoise. Then the N7 to Dublin.

If from Galway to Dublin take the N6 & N4 east to Dublin.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
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