My husband and I are coming from the states to do Ireland in 7 days (not including travel time) in June. I was feeling pretty pleased with my "research" and planning until I came across your site and saw in an old post that Cork City is (gasp) not desireable! Our plans are all made, please tell me what you think because now I'm completely unsure I made the right desicions.

Where coming into Dublin and staying at the Fitzpatrick Castle in Killiney for 3 nights,  the plan is to do a day trip to County Clare to see the Cliffs and Bunratty castle. Other than that it's just site seeing at liesure. Then we're off to County Cork but like I said, we're staying in Cork City (at the Ambassador). There also we don't really have definite plans besides going to the Killarney National Park since my husband wants the trip to roll out somewhat organically.

This is the first time, since planning our trip a month ago, that I've come across this site. Now I'm totally scared about renting a car and our Cork choice (wish there was a scared looking emoticon!)

cici,

Welcome to my forum. Are all your lodging reservations made? If so, can any be changed without penalty? Will you have a car during the whole trip?

Were you planning to do Dublin from Killiney? It might have been better to have stayed in the city center as Killiney is about 15 km south of Dublin. You will need to get public transport into the city.

I would not drive all the way across the country (and back!) from Killiney to see the Cliffs of Moher. Instead think of a day trip to see Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough. Much closer and you will be pleased with those sites.

From Cork it will take about 2 hours to drive to Killarney and 2 hours back. Are you sure you want to do that from Cork. Perhaps see Gougane Barra Forest Park instead?

Most people get their Irish "city" fix with Dublin and then prefer to enjoy the opposite - rural Ireland. Cork City is not rural and most people prefer not to deal with the traffic, etc. But if you take your time and try to avoid rush hour you will be okay. Get a good map of the city.

You might want to look at this trip planner to see exactly what your loooong day trips will be like: http://www2.aaireland.ie/routes_beta/# And remember that the drive times listed are way under what it will actually take. 

Michele

Hi, I drove Ireland with my mom and dad in 2008 and drove about 1200 miles. I drove through Cork and during rush hour. The only good thing about that is I was forced to drive slow (due to the traffic) and was able to easily figure out which way I was suppose to go. I got frazzled driving through country roads (at the beginning of the trip) because I felt like I had to drive the speed limit. You're a Jersey girl! You guys can handle anything!!! (from a New Englander) :)

That's funny you say that because I'm a Jersey Girl since I was a tween but I was born (and partly raised) in New England! Wilbraham MA. Yes, my first thought was the driving would be fun. Especially since we didn't have any real concrete plans. Actually my husband and I are in competition. It's time for me to put to rest the question of who's the better driver. I think driving in Ireland will finally show what's what!

 

Sooo, 

 Mr 2 Phones,

It appears that the Old Head Kinsale is off limits to non golfers (we are totally non golfers on this trip) unless you're climbing up, which we won't.

However, the other website you suggested is awesome! I'm thinking we would like that more than the Cliffs. Portmagee is still 2 hours from Cork City, but if we do it ourselves and not a tour, we're still at our leisure. The Hidden Kerry tours have something called the Skellig Ring Tour, do you think we could do that tour on our own? Besides the danger of falling of a cliff somewhere, is there a private property thing?

Also Ms Michele,  

That AA Ireland website is fab! Just what I needed, it really puts things in perspective. It does make me wish our 2nd destination was more West than Cork City. However, have our tickets to fly in and out of Dublin. If we were more West it would be a longer drive back to Dublin. 

cici,

When looking at the AA Ireland route planner get the mileage (not kilometers) and divide by 35 to get approximate driving times. Ireland is different from driving in NJ. Although there are several good motorways criss-crossing the country, when you get into the countryside you will find small winding roads. Plus driving on the left in unfamiliar areas will also slow you down. Locals who know the roads will always go faster than tourists.

Cliffs:

Howth (north of Dublin), Killiney & Bray Head

Cliff Walk in Ardmore

Mizen Head

Fogher Cliffs (Valentia Island on the Ring of Kerry) - Skellig Ring nearby and you can do both on your own. 

Skellig Michael

Although you cannot go out on the peninsula now at Old Head you can still see the cliffs near the gate into the golf course. Having toured the golf course just before it opened, I have to admit the views are absolutely fantastic once past the gates. But still nice before entering.

Take a look to see if you can change Cork. Make the best of Fitzpatrick's Castle in Killiney since that can't be changed. 

Michele

I spend 2-3 days each trip in and around Cork every year, since my wife's relatives live in the vicinity.  It's a GREAT little city, BUT ...

If you only have a week or less, it IS pretty restricting as to touring options. 

I would advise you to switch your time in Cork with Killarney, instead -- if at all possible.  MUCH more available within a shorter time AND --- the drive from Killarney to Dublin would likely only add 45 minutes to 1 hour, as opposed to the Cork to Dublin drive.

And EXTRA advantage to relocating is that it would ADD the option of a visit to the Cliffs of Moher as a LONG daytrip -- though I wouldn't think it worth that large an investment.

I guess the BIG thing would be to determine if the Cork booking is cancelable.  If so, you could do 2 nights in Killarney and one in Ennis, Doolin or Bunratty, instead.

THAT would let you 'Have Your Cake -- AND Eat It Too' 

Bob

We will be staying in Youghal as a base this June. We will probably take the bus into Cork City one day instead of driving.

Thanks Michele! This will be a big help once we are in Cork City.

My wife lived in Howth when she worked in Dublin many years ago. It's a nice place, and the cliff walk is fantastic.