14 day trip, driving the coast..advise?

msaris · Newbie

14 day trip, driving the coast..advise?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Aris,

Welcome to my forum. Are you start and ending your trip in Dublin? What time of year will you be there?

You are obviously interested in coastal scenery. Can you tell me what you expect of it? The east coast of Ireland is generally gentler than the west coast. More cliffs and rugged scenery in the west.

You might be hard pressed to do the whole eastern, southern, SW, and west coast in a week on your way to Galway. Maybe you should choose your sections of coastline more carefully?

Michele

pjb · Newbie

My husband I have are doing the same thing. In two weeks, we fly into Dublin where we are staying for 3 days. Our plans after that are to pick up our rental car and drive south, west, north and then back to Dublin.
We're both adventurous, but it is a little unsettling not knowing where we'll be sleeping every night.
Is that a bad plan? It sounds care-free and exciting.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Patricia,

Welcome to my forum. In September "winging it" in Ireland is certainly possible. I suggest you book your three days in Dublin and also your last night. Unless you run into a festival (like the Galway Oyster Festival) you are okay with finding accommodations on the run. But don't leave it too late in the day. If you have a general idea of where you might end up it might be a good idea to have a list of accommodations that appeal to you so you don't spend a lot of time just searching for them.

It is always a good idea to have a list of things you are interested in seeing. That way you won't waste the precious time that you have in Ireland.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Michele

msaris · Newbie

Michele,
We actually leave Wednesday! I think we will stick to the coast until Cork, then head north. Is the coast west of Cork rough?? I like the idea of quaint coastal villages. Am I living in a dream world? Do these exist in Ireland? haha. Im an ocean junkie and Ive heard the east coast has beautiful coastal scenery.
With two weeks to meander I thought this would be a good way to see a lot, but I dont want to waste our time if there is nothing to see or if it is difficult! The 2nd week will most likely be spent Galway and then through the interior back to Dublin. This sound do-able?

I will definitely book our last night in Dublin. That is a good idea.

Any help is appreciated!
Aris

Michele Erdvig · Host

Aris,

The east coast is okay but you will have to go off the main road lots to get to beaches. West Cork is wonderful. In fact that is where the coastline gets really beautiful and interesting. The peninsulas of the SW are spectacular. I especially like Beara and Dingle. Loop Head and Cliffs of Moher in Clare are other favorites of mine.

If it were me I would do the inland things south of Dublin first and then go on to the magnificent coastline of Ireland's SW.

Michele

msaris · Newbie

Wow, good to know! Thank you! It looks like Wexford and Waterford might be something to see...but is it a waste of time?? It seems that the west has more to offer, looking at the time we have and the area we want to cover.
Thanks so much for your help1 It has been very insightful!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Aris,

There are things to see in every part of Ireland. However, if you are looking for charming places you might strike Waterford and Wexford from your list. Waterford is a big rather industrial city. Most visit it for the crystal factory, which is not open presently due to bankruptcy.

Perhaps you should buy a guidebook on arrival in Ireland? It would help you decide on where to go rather than just looking at a map.

Michele