I really did try to trim this!

jill · Member

I really did try to trim this!

wojazz3 · Guru

Yup, this is a whirlwind tour. You can get things in but you'll spend some time in the car. Personally, I would skip the Blarney Stone regardless of having done it in college or who asks you about it. This is easily Ireland's biggest tourist trap. Blarney is one of the less interesting castles. If you don't get there early, you could have a long wait just to kiss that filthy stone. If you must, I'd kiss the stone and then head for Killarney, giving you a little time to relax.

In June, I would choose Kenmare over Killarney, but that's a personal choice. There is a nice hike above the torc waterfall that offers lovely views out over the lakes. This would be a nice choice. If you decide to skip staying around Cork, you could use 6/4 to do the Gap of Dunloe tour, hike over the Gap and then take the boat ride back. It's a nice day.

Personally, I wouldn't consider doing what you are doing on your final day. I guess it's feasible but it's also feasible you will miss your flight. The M50 was a construction nightmare when I was there in January. viamichelin puts the travel time at a little under 4 hours, I would put it at 5 as long as the M50 isn't a parking lot. Traffic will be a bit lighter early on Sunday early in the route. I just think it's a bad idea.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jill,

Since you have no choice but to do a "green blur tour" of Ireland because of your choices you might consider this.

Drive from Dublin to Cashel is about 2 1/2 hours. Instead of spending the night there push on to somewhere else on your route. Perhaps Blarney, if you absolutely must kiss the stone. As Bill says it is very tourist oriented.

I would configure the rest of your itinerary so that you can spend your last day much closer to Dublin. The M50 near Dublin is still a mess with lots of construction. You should be at Dublin Airport for a transatlantic flight three hours before departure.

For other good places to stay see my Lodgings page or my book.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

Good to see you around again. How did your year go? I'm just back from 32 days in Ireland and fighting off the jet lag.

Michele

jill · Member

Thank you! I will cut Blarney; that was just a bad idea. So I will head straight to Killarney or Kenmare. I will still spend two days in Dingle, now they will be Wed. and Thurs. Friday will be Doolin. So do you have a suggestion where I should stay on the way from Doolin to Dublin, as in how close to Dublin should I get, or should we just drive all the way back to Dublin on Saturday? You are so helpful. Jill

jill · Member

Thanks also for the torc waterfall suggestion. That sounds perfect! I have to look up Gap of Dunloe. Thanks for being so helpful. Jill

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

http://www.derostours.com/gapofdunloe.html

That's the link for the tour company AND info about the tour.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jill,

If it were me I would just drive to Malahide and spend my last night there. It is a very nice village about 15 to 30 minutes from the airport. There is a castle there to explore and a nice coastline. Also good restaurants. Depending on your route you can stop along the way for sightseeing on that day.

Michele

jill · Member

Thank you!. It is perfect. I am waiting to hear from Seaside B & B in Malahide. I would never have known to do that. And on the sea! I am getting so excited. Jill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jill,
I am always glad to help. Take a look at my favorite place to stay in Malahide: Beechwood Country House.

A new restaurant that is very good and has a reasonable early bird menu is Cafe Provence in Malahide.

Michele