Dingle 3 nights or Galway/Kinvara 3 nights?

SusanD · Member

Dingle 3 nights or Galway/Kinvara 3 nights?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

Can you tell me what you were planning on doing in each place? That will help me wihttle it down.

Michele

SusanD · Member

Hi Michele,

My husband and I have both been to Ireland before - I've been many times (but not in 20 years). We have two little kids, so we are limited by their endurance/attention span. We'd like to expose them to music, local art, historic sites and a different culture. They want to see castles! We want to stay 2-3 nights in each place, as too much moving around wrecks them. We had planned on a farm stay in Dingle - until your wise suggestion about not trying to get there from Dublin. So, we'll stop in the Carlow area first.

We were planning on seeing the Rock of Cashel in the Carlow area, touring the Dingle Peninsula, visiting archeological sites, checking out pottery & the Blaskets, seeing Fungie and enjoying relaxing - maybe go horseback riding.

In the Galway area, we were thinking of a self-catering cottage near Clarinbridge to give us access to Kinvara/Burren/Galway. We thought we'd see the sites in Galway, visit Kinvara, do a banquet at Dungaire Castle, visit the Burren and Lisdoonvarna/Doolin/Moher, and again - hopefully relax.

In Dublin, we'd like to see the Book of Kells, Trinity College, various other touristy things - and the Viking Splash tour for the kids.

We are VERY open to suggestions!

many thanks,

Susan.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

Have you changed the first two nights from Cashel to Carlow now? I would probably do the two nights in Dingle. Then you can relax for the 3 days in your self-catering cottage. Have you checked on the cottage and will they rent for 3 days?

Michele

SusanD · Member

thanks, Michele -
Carlow? I meant Cashel! We have contacted Dualla House, and they have room for us for two nights (and will have baby lambs, too!). Two nights at Greenmount in DIngle, three nights in Cave Cottage which is in between Kinvara and Galway (and yes, they will rent it for three nights off-season), and then three nights in Dublin.
1. Arrive Dublin 5:30 am; rent car; drive to Cashel
2. tour Rock of Cashel and around (stay at Dualla 2 nights)
3. Leave for Greenmount in Dingle; tour
4. Blaskets, horseback ride, tour (stay in DIngle 2 nights)
5. Leave DIngle for Cave Cottage
6. Tour area/Galway
7. Tour area/Galway/Dungaire
8. Leave for Dublin
9. Dublin
10. Dublin
11. Fly home!

How does this look?
The more I read on your site, the more confused I get! Killarney, Kenmare, Tralee....etc... there is just so much to see. I know were are passing up Bunratty in favor of Dungaire, but we went to Disney last year and are still recovering from the theme park atmosphere. If there is anything that you really think we should add/change - please suggest. Many thanks,
Susan.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan.

Sounds much better. You and your kids will love Dualla House. Be sure to have tea and scones in front of the fireplace in the evening. I'm sure they will make some hot chocolate for your children.

You are right that there is plenty to see and do in Ireland. The problem is always fitting what you want to do into the time available. And you have done a fine job given your circumstances.

On your drive from Cashel to Dingle, you might stop in Cahir for Cahir Castle. It has a real portcullis gate, a cannon ball stuck in a tower, murder holes and lots of fun places for the kids to explore. And don't forget the boat rides in Dingle to see the dolphin.

When you go from Dingle to Clare you can take the ferry if you want and drive up the scenic coastline. Don't forget to see the Cliffs of Moher and Aillwee Caves. Perhaps Connemara if time permits.

In Dublin the kids might enjoy the Viking Splash Tour.

Have fun and let us know how it goes after you get back We would love to hear.

Michele