First trip to Ireland

Jules · Newbie

First trip to Ireland

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jules,

Welcome to my forum. What time of year will you be in Ireland? I am counting 7 days in your listed itinerary outside Dublin. Were you holding one day to add elsewhere?

Much as I like Achill Island, I think it would be better if you skipped it on this trip. If you do have that extra day you might consider Dingle. It is always a favorite with everyone.

What did you want to see in Waterford? The city itself is not that interesting. The Waterford Crystal Factory is presently closed. However, there is plenty to do from Kilkenny.

If I had a choice between staying in Cork or Kinsale I would choose the small seaside town of Kinsale.

For good accommodations take a look at my Lodgings page.

Give me a little more info and I will help you fine-tune your itinerary.

Michele

Jules · Newbie

We are going in the middle of May, so not much time to plan.

That is correct I only have 7 nights so far, I am trying to determine the best place to use the 8th night. Right now focusing on either somewhere bewtween Killarny and Galway or after Galway headed back toward Dublin? Any thoughts?

Interested in most of the usual historic sites and just the natural beauty of the area. With Waterford Crystal Facotry being closed will probably free up time for other sites in Kilkenny or maybe even go to Wexford. Is Caven Crystal worth the extra drive North before heading back to Dublin from Galway? Once back in the Dublin area we will have a day and half, maybe more depending on where I use the 8th night. I would like to go to Newgrange as a day trip, is that doable?

Thanks for your help.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jules,

The tour to Newgrange from Dublin takes the entire day. I will let you decide if you have time for it or prefer to see the sights in the city instead. The temptation is to see and do too much. Remember that traveling around Ireland takes time. 35 mph is the average.

Skip Cavan Crystal and stick with your current plan. You really don't need to overnight on the drive from Galway to Dublin. The drive time is about 4 hours. And don't forget, in my last post I suggested Dingle.

Michele

Green Dragon · Guru

You will be able to find crystal all over Ireland, no need to find a factory for it :) Newgrange as a daytrip is very doable. Add in the other neolithic sites in the area as well as the Hill of Tara, if you can.

A night in Dingle or Ennis might be worth it. That would allow you to either explore the Dingle Peninsula, which is gorgeous, or the Burren which is surreal :) If you like historical sites and natural beauty, here are some to investigate on your route:

South of Dublin:
Glendalough Abbey
Powerscourt Gardens/Falls

Near Kilkenny:
Jerpoint Abbey
Kells Priory
Knocktopher Abbey
Kilkenny Castle
Black Abbey
St. Canice's Cathedral
Rock of Cashel
Cahir Castle
Swiss Cottage

Near Killarney/Ring of Kerry:
Killarney National Park: Ladies' View, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, Gap of Dunloe, Ross Castle
Valentia Island
Staigue Fort
The whole Ring of Kerry :)

Dingle peninsula/Conor's Pass

in County Clare:
Cliffs of Moher
Doolin
The Burren: Poulnabrone Dolmen, Kilnefora Church, Cahirconnel Fort, Ailwee Caves, Ballyvaughn

Galway:
Connemara, Galway Bay, Galway city itself

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jules,

As you see, there is more than enough to fill up two vacations to Ireland!

Michele