Going to Ireland for the first time in less than two months - need help planning

ARG2132 · Member

Going to Ireland for the first time in less than two months - need help planning

tony2phones · Guru

Hi welcome.

You could move things on a day by putting Kilkenny as your first night and moving the Dublin day to the end.

Kilkenny to Cork gives a couple of options either down to Waterford and along the coast. Or across to Cashel / Cahir and down.

Two nights in Kilkenny after driving the coastal route and Beara. Then drive the Dingle peninsular on the way to Ennis.

Yes Ennis is a great base for all County Clare, The Shannon Region and Galway.

ARG2132 · Member

Thanks for the welcome!

Thought about that initially, driving straight from the Dublin Airport to Kilkenny, but not sure of how the girlfriend would handle the time in the car after being on a plane for that long How long of a drive is it?

Is Cork worth the stop, or should we do two nights in Kilkenny and then head straight through to Killarney for two nights?

Thanks for the info/suggestions!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Adam,

When time is short I always suggest getting a jump-start on the trip. As Tony suggested you can do that by saving Dublin for the last two nights. Kilkenny is only a 2 hour drive from Dublin and that is the max I suggest for your first day.

Since Killarney is such a strategic spot for the SW, you might consider 3 nights there to include a day trip to either Dingle or ROK. Toward the end of your trip you could spend one night in Galway, seeing the Cliffs of Moher and Burren on the way there.

Plot that out and see what you think.

Michele

ARG2132 · Member

Thanks for the input Michele. Maximizing the trip by taking the initial bullet of driving two hours to Kilkenny makes sense, I just hope I'll have the energy to do so.

Would you suggest staying in Kilkenny for just one night or two? I'm thinking until we get our rental car and get to Kilkenny on the 6th, it'll be around 12:00 noon, so a few hours of the morning are lost.

If staying in Kilkenny one night, Cork could be the following night, and then Killarney for three days. Or would you suggest skipping Cork and staying in Kilkenny for two nights?

From what I've read on Ireland thus far, nearly everyone puts the most value into the Killarney/SW area, so I think I will listen to your advice and stay there 3 nights.

Again, thanks for the valued input.

tony2phones · Guru

Personally I would leave Cork (area) in that way you can drive round Beara on the way into Killarney. I have just given the link for Cuan Dor at Rosscarberry on the coast west of Cork/Kinsale on another question.

http://cuandor.com/

Michele Erdvig · Host

Grab a cup of coffee before picking up your car. It should pep you up a little. Since you probably wont arrive in Kilkenny till 2 or 3, you won't have much time to do any sightseeing there. There is lots to see and do in the area so whether you will just breeze through or spend two nights is really up to you.

Much as I love the Beara Peninsula, I think perhaps it is too much for this trip. There are always compromises to make when time is short. From Kilkenny to Killarney seeing the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle would be high on my list for first-timers.

Is Blarney Castle on your radar?

ARG2132 · Member

Blarney is not on our radar. From what I've heard its just a tourist trap, and from what else I've read about there is much, much worth seeing - especially in a limited amount of time. Would you say that's a fair assessment? Also, if we skip Blarney, are there any suggestions you'd make in place of it?

From what you're describing it really sounds as though we should spend two nights in Kilkenny, as there is much there I would like to see. Or would you suggest staying in Kilkenny just that one night and spending a full day/night in Cork?

I'm at the whim of any and all suggestions, as you have noted our time is indeed limited.

tony2phones · Guru

If you go from Killarney to Cork taking in the Rock of Cashel then Cahir Castle and Swiss Cottage that will take a lump out of the day before you get to Cork which I would just use as an Overnight, Blarney Castle is a tourist trap as far as snogging the Rock is concerned but the castle, the grounds and the house are totally forgotten by the guide books. I personally rate Blarney as a must see on those grounds. Personally I would only have one night in Kilkenny. I do like the place and there is enough to fill a two night stop but you could see some key points in the day.

http://www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/PressReleases/Kilkenny-Trad-and-Culture-Trail-2012.pdf

The bottom line is that only you can decide what you see and how much time to devote to a specific areas all we can do is offer assistance,

murphy · Guru

Having been there...and done that, as far as Blarney is concerned....it is, in my estimation, an icon of Ireland....despite if you kiss the rock or not! To me, it would be like going to New York City and skipping Time Square, or Statue of Liberty. Or like going to Seattle and skipping the Space Needle or Pike's Market....you get my point. Of our group of 4, my Father, 4th generation out of Ireland said: I am not going to miss kissing the stone....while the other 3 of us gave it a pass. Howevery we all 4 did enjoy the castle, scenery, grounds etc....for what it is worth!

As for staying in Cork City, have been there twice, and except for the possibility of missing some great trad music...I would choose to overnight elsewhere....seemed like just another bigger city, lots of noise, traffic, and one way streets...just my opinion!

Isn't this a great web sight? It is like a huge smorgasboard....you can go thru, pick and choose and find just what fits you!

Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Here is a link to Kilkenny: http://www.kilkennytourism.ie/

Here is a post about Kilkenny and things to do and see: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t48018245/please-help-me-plan-our-3-nights-in-kilkenny/

Carla · Veteran Member

I echo the others who like Blarney. We visited Blarney Castle and grounds the first time we went to Ireland and I am so glad we did. The grounds are beautiful and worth spending time wandering around in. The view from the top of the castle is also beautiful, and worth the walk up the stairs. You don't have to kiss the stone; you can just go up to catch the view and take photos.

Maggie117 · Guru

Just my two cents...I'm heading back to Ireland for my 3rd trip next March and Blarney is a must this time! We drove right past it the first time and had no desire to kiss the stone...BUT I regret having not stopped by (can't decide if I will kiss the slimy stone...probably will), and am so glad I have the chance to go back...

Have a great trip!!!

Maggie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Maggie,

Nice new photo! biggrin Although I find going up the stairs at Blarney Castle claustrophobic, there is a great view from the top. The grounds and gardens are beautiful. Blarney House is worth seeing. A real lived-in family home that is very historic.

Michele

Maggie117 · Guru

Michele, Thank you! I dropped a ton of weight... :) SO I had to repost a new photo...

ARG2132 · Member

Thanks again for all of the responses! I had been away, as I was not ignoring any input!

Just booked the first two nights for Kilkenny at the Abbeylodge B&B. Not sure what time we'll get into Kilkenny, and I didn't want to just neglect it as I've ready many wonderful things about the city. Also would like to do the Smithwick's brewery tour, and that would be pushing it with only half a day there.

From what I've gathered, I believe we'll stay at Cork/Kinsale area for the next night and see Cashel and/or Blarney on the way there.

After Cork, two nights in Kilarney looks to be the next stop. Following Kilarney, what would you guys suggest staying for a night before heading back to Dublin for two nights?

Should we make the drive from Kilarney to Galway? Or do somewhere closer, like Ennis? We'd like to see the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren en route to either of those destinations, and just wanted input as to what would be better to see? (Galway or Ennis).

Again, thanks for the input!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Many people take the ferry across the Shannon and then go north to the Cliffs of Moher from Killarney. The drive and sightseeing will take most of the day. You will probably only have evening time in either Galway or Ennis. Either place should do. Galway is a city and Ennis is a large town.

ARG2132 · Member

So far, here is what I've booked vs. what I have yet to plan:

Kilkenny: 2 nights (Abbeylodge B&B)
Cork/Kinsale: 1 night [TBD]
Killarney: 2 nights (Larkinley Lodge B&B)
Galway/Ennis: 1 night [TBD}
Dublin: 2 nights (Maldron Hotel Smithfield) - right across from the Jameson Distillery

I figure we won't get to see as much in Cork and Galway, as those will be used as basic points to only rest/sleep - which is okay with me, as there will be much sightseeing to and from those locations.

Any suggestions on places to stay in Cork/Kinsale area and Galway or Ennis? As stated before, the Cliffs are a MUST for us and top priority going from Killarney to either Ennis or Galway.

Geno · Guru

Adam:

If I was just going to spend one night around Kinsale, and wanted to splurge a bit, I would consider going back to Glen Country House, which is a few miles from the village off the R600.

It is one of the most amazing properties we have stayed at -- was just incredible. Seems like it was in the 50 euro per person range, but was certainly worth it.

Geno

ARG2132 · Member

Thanks for the suggestion, Geno, I will definitely take it into consideration.

Michele, the ferry across the Shannon runs every hour on the half hour I see, and takes 20 minutes to cross. Which way would be faster? Time is everything on this trip.

A quick comparison on Google suggests:
Killarney to ferry terminal: 1 hour and 22 minutes
Ferry crossing: 20 minutes (according to the website)
Kilimer Harbour, County Clare to Cliffs of Moher: 1 hour

So would it be accurate to assume this route would be, in total, around 3 hours? If so, Google also is saying the route between Killarney and the Cliffs is around 2 hours and 45-50 minutes, by highway (around Limerick).

Are these times accurate? What would you suggest?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Go to my Lodgings page for places to stay. Probably the same amount of time by main road or ferry. But the roads you will be on if taking the ferry are more scenic going up the coast of Clare.

tony2phones · Guru

There is no difference at all in the drive time from Killarney to Doolin (or the cliffs) whichever route either the ferry or the tunnel. There is a difference in cost, 18euro ferry or 1.80 euro tunnel and the scenery. I could do either in 3 hours, whether you could keep up with me is a different matter. Then it comes down to when you would see the Cliffs if you do over night in Ennis or Galway or elsewhere?

ARG2132 · Member

Great inside info everyone - will probably take the ferry or tunnel based on suggestions of the scenic route.

As stated, we will be driving from Killarney to Galway area with hopes of seeing the Cliffs along the way there. After a night in Galway (or the surrounding area), we will be driving back to Dublin for two nights.

I would tend to assume it would make the most sense to see the Cliffs en route to Galway (area) driving from Killarney. (As opposed to driving from Killarney straight to Galway, and then backtracking to see the Cliffs).

Thanks again.

Geno · Guru

Your reasoning is sound -- should work out fine!

ARG2132 · Member

Just booked our night in Cork at Hayfield Manor (8 September).

We wanted to stay at one really nice place during the trip and upon research, HM fit the bill. Any suggestions of restaurants to eat at in Cork?

I'm a big meat (Chicken & Steak) guy, and the girlfriend loves seafood, particularly crab cakes. Any ideas?

Michele Erdvig · Host

You could eat at the hotel's restaurant or peruse some other places here: http://www.menupages.ie/#page=deals

ARG2132 · Member

Thanks for the website Michele.

Still planning our last one night stay, which is looking like its going to be Galway. With that in mind, coming from Killarney, is it possible to see both the Cliffs and the Burren both in the same day, en route to Galway?

If so, which would you recommend going to first? I was thinking the Burren, but that's just me looking at a map with no local knowledge.

Are doing both in one day recommended? It's either both in one day, and if that's not possible, just the Cliffs. Thanks again.

tony2phones · Guru

The Burren is the area between the Coast and virtually the N18. It covers a massive area and you will drive through the "Moonscape" that 90% of tourists consider the Burren between the Cliffs and Kinvara before Galway. Take the coastal route past Fanore round "Black Head" to Ballyvaughan, if you have time and you can say you have seen the Burren. If you really want to see the Burren away from the main road you would need the best part of a day to scratch the surface. Unfortunately even just the key tourist points would need the best part of a day.

ARG2132 · Member

Good to know- noted.

Is there anything worthwhile to stop and see on the drive from Galway to Dublin? (Along the M6, I'd assume)

Michele Erdvig · Host

Clonmacnoise Monastic Site (south of Athlone), Belvedere House & Gardens (south of Mullingar), Kilbeggan Distillery.