Ireland in 6 DAYS!

billy · Member

Ireland in 6 DAYS!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Billy,

Welcome to my forum. The SW is a beautiful area of Ireland. Are you aware that a train goes from Dublin to Killarney? That might make a good base for you as there are many day tours you can take. Some go to Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Gap of Dunloe, etc.

Here are a few websites for you to look at:

http://www.killarney.ie/

http://www.kerry-insight.com/

http://www.killarneyonline.ie/tis/

http://www.discoverireland.ie/Southwest.aspx

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Killarney makes a great deal of sense to me, as well. In addition to Dublin, there are trains to Tralee, Cork City and Cohb. Killarney is a GREAT town if you are without a car. There's LOTS to do, close-in ( or within REASONABLE reach by rented bicycle ), and much of it is FREE or low cost.

If you Pre-Purchase your Rail ticket ONLINE (as LATE as the night before) and travel 'Off-Peak' there are SUBSTANTIAL discounts available (Like 10 Euro, one-way!!).

http://www.irishrail.ie/home/

Rather than CAMP -- which given Ireland's rather CHANGEABLE weather, CAN be problematical -- there are a number of Hostels in the Killarney area -- one of which is right next to the Train station.

INFO:

http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Killarney-Railway-Hostel/Killarney/4867

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

That's great info for Billy. I hope he takes our advice.

Michele

billy · Member

Thanks for the advice. I was thinking of going straight west from Dublin and stop in athlone for a few hours and go on to Galway for half a day and then going south to doolin and Shannon and then the Kerry region. Is this a reasonabl task to accomplish by bus in 6 days and are these cities worth seeing. Thanks for the hostel idea. I am more into the scenery and nature that Ireland has to offer so I figured camping would allow me to be totally immersed in irelands breathtaking scenary. Do you have to camp at a campsite or can I pitch a tent anywhere...by the sea...in an open field...etc. Thanks for all of your help!

susan · Senior Member

http://goireland.about.com/od/accommodationtypes/qt/irish_camping.htm

Looks like camping is not a good idea.

Susan

CowboyCraic · Guru

Billy,

You might also consider this option, Paddywagon Tours. They have several tour options including a hop-on/off tour. They cater to the younger adult age group. Their Hostels are fantabulous and they make sure that everyone on their buses has a blast.

Though it is still possible to camp in Ireland. It is becoming more of a hassle to do so. Gone are the days when you could just pitch a tent any where.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Michele Erdvig · Host

Billy,

To accomplish a more extensive trip like you are now outlining you might look into Bit's suggestion of Paddywagon Tours. Using public transportation is not the quickest way to get around and in 6 days it might be better to concentrate on less.

Athlone is not really a place to spend much time so feel free to skip it. Doolin is a small village. Galway is a large university city. But for the scenery and landscapes you are interested in you can't go wrong with the SW.

Michele

billy · Member

Thanks for the help...We have decided to skip athlone and galway all together and head straight from dublin down to the Ring of Kerry region. I heard that they have a walking trail that is about 110 miles. We do not have time to walk the whole ring but are considering taking a bus from dublin to cahersiveen and starting the walk there and finish in killarney and take a bus to the Kerry airport and then fly to london. We are not much on touristy things so we aren't looking for a tour guide. We are just going to do this off of a map and whatever directions we can get from locals. I have never been to Ireland before so would this provide good scenery? Is there any better scenery to be seen in Ireland? Thanks again!

-- Edited by billy on Monday 19th of April 2010 01:40:06 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Billy,

Lovely scenery on the Ring of Kerry. Dingle and Beara are spectacular also. There is great scenery all over Ireland.

Michele

billy · Member

Hi all,

I am considering walking a portion of the Ring of Kerry during my visit to Ireland. I was wondering which portion of the ring provides better scenery. I am taking a bus into Killarney. Would it be best to start at Killarney and go counterclockwise until Waterville and then taking a bus from here to the Kerry airport. Or would it be better to go clockwise from Killarney to Waterville. Thanks all for your help

-- Edited by billy on Saturday 24th of April 2010 10:41:32 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Billy,

I think the most spectacular scenery is clockwise from Killarney to Waterville. It's a long walk though!

Michele

billy · Member

Hi everyone....

Due to the small amount of time I will be in Ireland I do not think I will be able to accomplish all that I wanted. So I am going to have to make some decisions on what to see. In your opinion...which area would be the best? Should I try and see Doolin and Shannon or should I go straight to the Ring of Kerry and spend my time there. I will be spending 2 days in Dublin no matter what. Thank for the help.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Billy,

Since you will spend two days in Dublin that leaves four days for elsewhere, including travel time. To me it seems you are leaning toward the SW and you will also be leaving from Kerry airport. I think it is a no-brainer to go from Dublin to Killarney. You can get a train there. Then you can walk part of the Kerry Way if you want or get day tours to various places in the area. The tourist office in Killarney is very helpful and will give you advice, brochures, etc.

Michele