Very excited, first trip to Ireland. Itin OK?

ChrisN · Newbie

Very excited, first trip to Ireland. Itin OK?

tony2phones · Guru

Dublin 2 nights fine,

Put a night into Kilkenny taking one from Cork,Head via Cashel/Cahir down south.

Kinsale is a little over hyped, I prefer Cobh but central Cork is fine for an overnight.

Round the coast to Kenmare or Killarney for 2 nights and a single night for Dingle.

I like Ennis as a touring base for the whole of Co Clare but it is unlikely you would visit east Clare so somewhere on the Coast. Kinvara is a not so tourist option and is in Co Galway so an easy trip up to the city.

Last night would depend on the time of your flight, possibly the Oakwood Arms in Shannon for a very early call then Bunratty, Newmarket on Furgus, Ennis, Quin and Killaloe/Ballina are within an Hour.

-- Edited by tony2phones on Tuesday 26th of June 2012 10:08:54 AM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Chris,

Welcome to my forum. I don't think you are confused. The info has sunk in and your itinerary looks pretty good. Wonderful suggestions from Tony and Geno to tweak your itinerary a tiny bit. Both of them suggest an overnight in Kilkenny and that is a good idea. It's my favorite "city" in Ireland. You can easily swing by the Rock of Cashel on the drive down to Cork.

I tend to prefer Kinsale because there are more choices for lodgings, restaurants and it's a buzzy town with lots usually going on. Unless you are planning on extensive area sightseeing, perhaps one night would suffice in Kinsale. But it really depends on your sightseeing list.

Like Geno, I like west Cork too. Perhaps you can drive from Kinsale to Killarney along the coastal route.

Two nights in Killarney are good. Since you will be in Clare for your last two or three nights you might consider taking one of those days from Clare and adding it on to Dingle or Killarney. Once again, depending on your sightseeing list.

Your flight time from Shannon will determine where you should stay on your last night. Give us a little more info and we will help you tweak some more.

What time of year are you going?

Michele

Geno · Guru

Hi Chris:

My thoughts are in blue...

Dublin - 2 nights (Certainly plenty to do in Dublin for two nights, but if you are going to Cork area or Kinsale, you might consider a night in Kilkenny, which is one of the great walkable cities in Ireland).

Cork or Kinsale - Not sure where to stay, any thoughts? - 2 nights (I love West County Cork and some of the smaller villages, and Kinsale is a food delight with some of the best cuisine to be found in the country.)

Dingle / Killarney a combination of 3 nights 1 Dingle and 2 Killarney or 2 and 1? Any thoughts? (I like Dingle, so one night there would be great the last night on your way to County Clare. Staying Killarney for two nights is a solid plan, as it is a wonderful location for touring Ring of Kerry and other areas south of the city. Much to do in that region.)

County Clare - 2 nights (want to see Burren, Cliffs, and maybe Galway if time) Ennis sort of puts you in the middle of things, and you could do an easy day trip to Galway or Cliffs, and still be in great shape to be close to your SNN flight.

B&Bs we have stayed at:

Dublin -- http://www.ariel-house.net/ (a block from the Lansdowne Road station of the DART, which is great.)

Kinsale -- http://www.harbourhillfarm.com/

Killarney -- http://homepage.eircom.net/~chutehall/ (walking distance to city center)

Dingle -- emlaghlodge.com (walking distance to city center -- my favorite B&B in the country).

Ennis -- http://www.glenomrahouse.com/ (Close walk to city center).

As you can see I like to be able to walk to the towns and villages at the end of the day and not use the car after sightseeing all day. I find that is a good idea.

Hope this helps!

Geno

Michele Erdvig · Host

Geno,

Welcome aboard! Great suggestions for Chris. Thanks for joining my forum.

Michele

ChrisN · Newbie

Thank you everyone for your helpful feedback. I had a couple thoughts after reading your comments. How does this sound:
Dublin - 2 nights
Kilkenny - 1 night
Kinsale - 1 night
Killarney - 2 nights
Dingle - 1 night
Clare - 2 nights

We have 9 nights total and our flight out of Snn is little after noon. Are we trying to do too much? I originally thought it would be nice to stay in less towns but for more nights, but now I'm not sure. There is so much we want to see, it's hard to narrow it down. I know this will only be the first of many trips, but still, Ireland looks so beautiful and fun!

I have a list of attractions we want to visit, but I am trying to be a bit more realistic before posting the details. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. One more questions...how touisty is Killarney in July?
We leave for Ireland in 2 weeks, so I really feel like I should make decisions so i can get B and Bs and hotels booked :)

THANK YOU!!!

tony2phones · Guru

Looks fine and with a noon flight then 2 nights in Ennis could work well. We use Grey Gables Guest House 5 minutes walk from the main streets and centre, The Old Ground or Temple Gate are the main hotels in town.

Geno · Guru

Thanks Michele! I enjoy trying to share some of my travel knowledge with others, and appreciate what your site offers to everyone.

I look forward to doing what I can to be a part of helping people enjoy their trips to Ireland as much as possible.

Best regards,

Geno

Judy · Guru

Hi Chris,

In answer to your question.how touristy is Killarney in July?.

Some would say Killarney is touristy, but you have to ask yourself why. The answer is Killarney has so much to offer the tourist like, Ross Castle, The Gap of Dunloe, The Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, Muckross Gardens, Muckross Traditional Farms, Muckross Abby, Molls Gap, Killarney Lake tours, Innisfallen Island, to name a few.

We always base our stay in Killarney for at least 7 days and are not bothered by other tourist. What we avoid are the big cities like Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Killarney is also suitable for day trips to Dingle, West Cork and the Beara Peninsula.

After traveling all over Ireland, we most enjoy our stay in Killarney. And yes, we always travel there in July. Dont let the word touristy stop you when others speak of Killarney.

Judy M.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Judy,

I couldn't have said it better myself. We have to remember that unless we live in Ireland that we are tourists too. Killarney has a lot to offer. Plus it is in an excellent location for many different day trips throughout the SW.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Geno,

How many times have you been to Ireland? I always enjoyed reading your posts on Pat's forum - RIP. You are full of good ideas and info.

Michele

Green Dragon · Guru

Killarney is as Judy said - touristy, but for a reason. However, my own love in the region belongs to Kenmare, a lovely town and a great base for exploring :)

Geno · Guru

Thanks Michele -- I am glad to be a part of your group. Enjoyed sharing ideas with Pat's regulars for many years, but obviously since her passing the site is bogged down with garbage. Too bad -- she was a grand lady and is certainly missed.

Have been to Ireland seven times, first time in 2001 and as recently as last October. First time there we went as part of a tour group, but after that initial trip we decided that Ireland was a place best served by doing your own thing. The friendliness of the people and the off the beaten path places we just seemed to find on our own keeps bringing us back.

I hope I can provide some background and insight for others who want to travel there, and I also continue to pick up so much information for myself through sites like this.

I really appreciate the welcome! I look forward to being a part of this forum.

Geno

Michele Erdvig · Host

Geno,

I agree that Pat was an exemplary example of someone that loved Ireland and who generously shared her vast knowledge with others. She was a member of Circle of Friends here on my forum and a colleague. Everyone who knew Pat - either online or in person - was impressed by her generosity. It is a pity what happened to her forum. It might be better if her family closed it to additional comments, removed the spam and left the rest for an archive.

I can't agree more that doing Ireland on your own is the way to go. It seems that - like many other forum members - you've been bitten by the Ireland bug, which gives you an incurable disease that makes you return again and again. biggrin Long may it last!

Michele