16 days in the southern half of Ireland

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

16 days in the southern half of Ireland

squigoh · Veteran Member

Michelle, I just received your book today. What a wonderful resource! I only wish I had discovered you earlier.

My husband and I enjoy drives and walks with wonderful scenery, wandering new towns, and eating. Well the last is more me than him. :)

Here is my tentative itinerary. I have an day in there with nothing. I did that so I can add an extra night in a town where it might be needed or to add a locale that maybe I've missed and should add. Please pick it apart - tell me I'm planning too much, missing wonderful sights, etc.

Tuesday, Sept. 11
arrive Dublin 5:20 am, pick up car rental
Powerscourt
Glendalough
spend night at Riversdale House in Laragh

Wednesday, Sept. 12
Drive to Kilkenny
Explore Kilkenny - Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Design Center, St. Canice's Cathedral. Maybe Kells Priory, Jerpoint Abbey
spend night at Rosquil House in Kilkenny

Thursday, Sept. 13
Drive to Wexford & explore
Hook Head Lighthouse
Waterford & explore, Reginald's Tower
Drive back to Killkenny & spend spend night at Rosquil House

Friday, Sept. 14
Rock of Cashel
Drive to Cobh & explore
Drive to Kinsale, spend night at Woodsland House

Saturday, Sept. 15
Walking Tour of Kinsale
Charles Fort
spend night at Woodlands House

Sunday, Sept. 16
Drive to Kenmare via Mizen Head
Explore town including Ancient Stone Circle
spend night in Kenmare

Monday, Sept. 17
drive Beara Peninsula
spend night in Kenmare

Tuesday, Sept. 18
Drive to Killarney NP (Muckross)
Drive on to Dingle and spend night

Wednesday, Sept. 19
Drive Dingle Peninsula
spend night in Dingle

Thursday, Sept. 20
Drive to Doolin
Cliffs of Maher
The Burren
Drive to Galway and spend night

Friday, Sept. 21
Sky Road, Coastal Connemara drive
Connemara NP
spend night in Galway

Saturday, Sept. 22
Explore Galway - Hall of the Red, Eyre Square, Spanish Arch & Medieval Walls
Drive to Clonmacnoise
Drive to Kinitty & spend night

Sunday, Sept. 23
extra day

Monday, Sept. 24
Drive to Dublin

Tuesday, Sept. 25 - Thursday, Sept. 27
Dublin, leaving 10:45am on Thursday

Geno · Guru

Would agree with Bob that Kenmare would be a great place to add a day -- so much to do around there and a good base for day trips to Beara area and other places south in West Cork. Other than that I think you had done a nice job of doing many two-night stays, which is key to enjoying the experience.

A meal at the Purple Heather Restaurant on Henry Street is a must if you get to Kenmare! We had a wonderful experience there that involved a seafood salad that was incredible.

Geno

-- Edited by Geno on Tuesday 17th of July 2012 10:04:22 AM

squigoh · Veteran Member

Bob, the switching of things on the 13th and 14th makes a lot of sense. Thanks.

And I think you are right about another day in Kenmare. To take an entire day to just wander the park sounds lovely.

squigoh · Veteran Member

Geno, thanks for the restaurant tip. If we are going to spend three nights in Kenmare, we need all the restaurant recommendations that we can get. :)

Michele Erdvig · Host

The consensus is unanimous then. I agree that another night in Kenmare (my favorite small town in Ireland) is a must. You could use it for just relaxing and taking in local things like Seafari, Star Outdoor Center, Reenagross Park, the Lace Museum, Druid's Circle, etc. or go to Killarney for more sightseeing or do the Ring of Kerry. If you want something more off the beaten path you could drive up into the mountains to Gougane Barra or go to Glengarriff for Ilnacullin Gardens on Garinish Island.

I like your multiple night stays. It will make for a better trip. Note: The Purple Heather is not open in the evenings. Make it a lunch stop instead.

Carla · Veteran Member

Something I thoroughly enjoyed in the Kenmare area is Gleninchaquin Park

-- Edited by Carla on Wednesday 18th of July 2012 08:18:15 AM