Ireland-Here we come!

Date: 5:31 PM, 01/08/11

Ireland-Here we come!

tony2phones · Guru

Have just seen this or a similar post in another forum. Yes its possible but a slight trim might mean that you get a little more experience of the country rather than the roads.

Date: 9:05 PM, 01/08/11

Do you think we could make the drive from Cork to Dingle, making a stop through Killarney? That would then give us two nights in Dingle.

tony2phones · Guru

I like Cohb, I also like Blarney for the grounds rather than snogging a rock and despite a dislike for Dingle I would say head for Killarney from Dublin skipping the Cork area and opt for the Gap. Slea Head and the Connor pass before heading north into Clare. Depending on how you feel I might head across to Kilkenny for the end of day 2, Priority for Dublin would be Kilmainham Gaol. At the end of the day its your holiday but please dont try to do too much.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rachel,

That is a lot to cover in a week. You say you are young and ready for adventure. From that I assume you are up for a whirlwind trip to Ireland. You will have plenty of driving each day and will spend each night in a different place. However, most of it is doable.

For your full day in Dublin you might enjoy the hopper bus, which not only gives you a tour of the city but allows you to get on and off at each stop. You have a very full day planned so put your sightseeing in order of importance. If you don't get to see what is at the bottom of your list you will have accomplished your "must sees". In fact I suggest that for each of your days.

I understand that kissing the Blarney stone is high on everyone's list. In August the lines will probably be very long. You might consider spending the night in Blarney and kiss the stone the next morning before your departure. If you arrive right at opening time you should beat the tour buses and be first in line. Although I like Cobh and the Queenstown Story Museum you might consider replacing it with Cahir Castle and Swiss Cottage instead. Cobh is slightly out of the path of travel.

On Day 4 why backtrack to Kenmare when what you want to do and see is in the Killarney area? Stop in Kenmare if you want and proceed on to Killarney for the night. By doing that you will drive a portion of the Ring of Kerry (between Kenmare & Killarney through Moll's Gap) and see some of Killarney National Park. The Gap of Dunloe takes a day in itself. Best to skip that. You can replace it with Muckross House & Gardens and Ross Castle.

On Day 6 take the Shannon Ferry across the river to Clare. Consider Bunratty for an overnight. Perhaps take in the castle banquet on your last night. You will be on the go but will get a good "taste" of what Ireland has to offer.

Michele

Date: 9:30 AM, 01/09/11

Thanks for the advice. I was looking at the medievil dinners in Bunratty and I think with your suggestion we will pertake in the fun. We are going to take your advice and do the Blarney Stone in the morning.We are also going to skip kenmare and overnight in Killarney. Do you think we could make a stop in Killarney and then proceed on the Dingle for the night? It looks like it is only an hour and half drive. Then we would have two night in Dingle.

Thanks!

Rachel

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rachel,

Drive time from Blarney to Killarney on the main road is about 2 hours, perhaps a little more. Then it is 1-1/2 hours from Killarney to Dingle town.

For the Bunratty banquet you will require reservations. You can do so online and get a discount.

Michele