Hi Michelle. I'm looking into going to Ireland in April for about a week. I'm planning to fly to Shannon. This my tentative itinerary so far:
April 6 - Depart Philadelphia for overnight flight. April 7 - Arrive Shannon - head to Limerick for bus to Cashel, overnight here. * For overnight in Cashel, I'm interested in Dualla House. April 8 - Sightsee around Cashel area, overnight here. April 9 - Morning bus to Cork. Check into hotel, walk around a little. Overnight here. *Suggestions for fun things to do around Cork - museum, walking tour? April 10 - Spend day around Cork, overnight here. April 11 - Morning bus to Tralee, spend day here and overnight. What's a good way to spend the day in Tralee? April 12 - Catch bus to Bunratty or Limerick. Evening at Bunratty Castle Banquet, overnight in this area. * If I stay in Limerick, will I be able to get a cab to Bunratty Castle? April 13 - Spend day walking around, etc. * I notice that a number of flights out of Shannon depart at 8 am. Where would be best to stay at, so I can get an early cab ride to airport?
How does my itinerary look? I realize that 1 week isn't a long time, but it's what I have to work with. Any suggestions for pubs in these areas for some craic and to enjoy a few pints with the locals? Any other input you may have is appreciated. I don't plan to rent a car, so will be taking the bus from point to point. Thanks, Greg
Greg, my husband and I are arriving at Shannon on the morning of April 8 and spending 8 nights in the southwest. I've put our itinerary together with the help of Michelle and this forum. YOu'll get the very best advice here, and you'll meet some wonderful people. And who knows -- we may pass each other while in Ireland!
Since you will not have a car may I recommend Joy's Rockside House instead of Dualla House? Both are wonderful but Dualla is several miles outside Cashel in the countryside. Without a car you will have to get a taxi back and forth. Joy's is right in Cashel town and would suit your travel style better.
I think that after that instead of Cork and Tralee, you would be better off staying in Killarney for three nights. There are many day tours you can get from there (Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Muckross, etc.). It is a beautiful area of Ireland, while Cork is a rather busy uninteresting city.
Yes, you can get a taxi from Limerick to the Bunratty Banquet. And Bunratty is only about 10 minutes from the airport.