Hi Janice:

If you really want to get to the Aran Islands, don't take the chance on Doolin. Rossaveel (boat) or Inverin (plane) are much safer choices. My suggestion is usually to spend a night out there and soak it in a bit more. Weather is certainly a factor and so a cold misty day out there isn't for everybody (it might be for me).

Your schedule makes it a little tight to do an overnight on Aran because it's a pretty long trip from Inverin back to Dingle. You would probably want to spend the 1st night in Galway and the second on one of the islands, probably Inishmore at that time of year. It's quicker now to Dingle with the new mortorway plus the tunnel under the Shannon at Limerick. That would save some time but it will be a very full day. Both the plane and the boat would put you back on the mainland at about 9am-ish so you could do either. The boat is cheaper, the plane may be a bit less stomach churning if the weather is rough. All of this is only if you decide to stay on the island. Otherwise, you can do a day tour. The trip to and from the airport/ferry terminal is roughly an hour. (it can be done in less, but don't count on it).

I think a day trip to the Rock of Cashel from Kinsale is too much. You could however, see it on a roundabout way back to your last night which I presume is somewhere semi-close to the Shannon airport.

Bill

Janice,

Welcome to my forum. I agree totally with Bill. Galway is the best jumping off place for your trip to the Aran Islands. Going from Kenmare to Kinsale there are two different routes. The coast of West Cork is scenic but very slow and will take most of the day with sightseeing stops. Instead because of your limited time you should take the main road toward Cork, see Blarney Castle and end the day in Kinsale. Or if it doesn't have to be Kinsale consider overnighting in Blarney village. Cashel is not a day trip from Kinsale. Best to do that by itself.

Is your departure point Shannon?

Michele