Hi Michele what a great site, packed full of information.I have booked at the railway lodge (the cottage) thanks to your recommendation.I would like to put my itinerary out there and see what you, along with your readers and regular contributors think.We (my husband and I) are going to Ireland mid May for 12 days.Air tickets have been purchased. This is our first visit to Ireland.We live in Brussels, Belgium so we are fortunate and will not have any jet lag
Fri 5/ 15 arrive late in Dublin (10 pm).Stay at Hilton for one night.
Sat 5/16 - pick up rental car head to Waterford. 2 nights at the lovely Castle Farm Country House.
Mon 5/18 Fri 5/22 - Head across to the west coast Here is where we could use some help.
We are thinking of spending 2 nights in the Dingle area and 2 nights in the Cliffs of Moher area.We want to see DinglePeninsula, beautiful coastline, cliffs of Moher, Ballyvaughan.. We love to take LOTS of photos.
Not sure about ring of Kerry, we have heard/read mixed reviews on this.
Are we missing out by not going further south than Dingle?Or this would be too much to cover in 12 days.
Fri 5/22 Mon 5/25 - Head up to Galway area booked three nights at the railway lodge in Oughterard. We are interested in seeing Clifden coast, Falcon walk, ???
Mon 5/25- head back towards Dublin and stay within an hour or an hour an a half of the airport.We have a 4:00 flight out on Tuesday 5/26.
All suggestions and recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!!!
Having looked at your itinerary, I would suggest that instead of two days in the Doolin area, you move from Waterford to Killarney, stay two nights in Killarney and then to Dingle for two nights as planned.
When you leave Dingle, take the Tarbert/Killimer ferry and then, on the Clare side, follow the signs indicating the coastal road, stop as you please to take photos, stop at the Cliffs of Moher, stop in Doolin for Lunch and then up through the Burren and into Galway, as planned.
This will allow you to explore the Killarney area. I would suggest the Gap of Dunloe tour over touring the Ring of Kerry. If you decide to swap out Killarney for Doolin, take a look at the special offer Loch Lein has extended through Michele and this site. Killarney National Park is especially stunning in the month of May with everything in bloom.
I also take scads of pictures. I routinely come home and wade through 3500 to 4500 digital shots and those are the ones I chose to keep!
Those are the changes which I would suggest. I am thrilled that you made reservations at the Railway Lodge.
What are you hoping to see in Waterford? If I might make a suggestion, Hook Lighthouse in Co. Wexford is a breathtaking piece of history. It is one of the oldest, continuously operated lighthouse in the world. It would be a nice day trip from Waterford and I can promise many photo opportunities both at the lighthouse and along the way.
Go with what Bit says. We used a similar version of this route on our trip and it worked beautifully! With the rate of travel in Ireland (not over 35mpg avg) being rather slow you don't want to backtrack if possible. Bit has smoothed this out for you. WC
Welcome to my forum! I too would ask what your plans are in the Waterford/Dungarvan area? I personally think that Kilkenny would offer a lot more. But perhaps you have a family connection in Dungarvan?
Take Bit's advice about 2 nights in Killarney and one in Doolin or Ballyvaughan.
Oughterard is a lovely small village from which to explore Co. Galway and Connemara. Be sure to book your falconry in advance. Please give my greetings to Carmel at Railway Lodge. Although I have not yet seen her self-catering, if it is anything like her guesthouse it will be lovely.
Hi everyone...Thanks so much for all the great suggestions.
As to the Waterford area, no real ties, we just figured that we would spend a few days on the eastern side as we have heard this is also very beautiful - Powerscout Gardens, Glendalough, Rock of Cashel, and sweet little towns. And now the Hook Lighthouse recommended by Bit. I also really liked the Castle Country House and Sunday lunch at the Tannery.
After further research, along with your tips, we are considering:
* one night around Kenmare/Killarney (Loch Lein looks lovely)
* two nights at the Dingle Peninsula (Emlagh Lodge?)
* one night at the Cliffs/Doolin area
The first part and last part of the itinerary we will keep as is. Thanks for the suggestion to book the falconry in advance. Will definately do this.
Any additional thoughts are greatly appreciated. Again, this is such a helpful site with GREAT suggestions from all, even those who have posted details of their trips taken. I will continue reading up until we leave. We hope to share our post-adventures with everyone too!
After further research looks like Ballyvaughan might be a more intereting spot for a one night stay instead of Doolin (on our way from Dingle to Oughterard).
Thoughts?
Has anyone stayed at the Ballyvaughan Lodge?
Michele, we are booked at Loch Lein and she did give us a discount - thanks!
In Ballyvaughan I recommend Drumcreehy House and Burren View. Both are linked on my "Lodgings" page. Glad you got the discount at Loch Lein. It is fabulous and you will love it.