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Post Info TOPIC: Planning the first trip
MaineTed60


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Planning the first trip
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Hello Michelle,
 
My wife, teenage son and myself are planning a trip to Ireland for June of 2015. This will be our first trip to Ireland, and we're looking for any advice that would help us not make the usual mistakes common for first-time visitors.
 
Our basic itinerary, as things stand now:
  • Dublin; 3 nights, arriving on a Sunday and departing Wednesday
  • Cork; 1 night
  • Killarney; 2 nights
  • Galway; 2 nights
We'd be especially interested in understanding if we are allocating too much or little time in any particular area- I've a nagging thought that the 3d night in Dublin might be better spent elsewhere.
 
Our plan is to travel by rental car between cities. We're arriving at Dublin and departing from Shannon- again, as things are planned right now.
 
Any suggestions of places to visit outside of the standard "must see" attractions would be very welcome.
 
Thanks in advance for any advice you might have to share.


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tony2phones


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On another forum I have suggested taking that "spare" night and putting it between Killarney and Galway.. re reading and noting you are leaving from SNN I would change my suggestion in saying that you need to be close to Shannon on your last night. Galway to Shannon is a way over an hour on a clear run, you will have to be at the airport 3 hours before departure so that extra hours sleep could be useful.

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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour 
MaineTed60


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There's great information! I did not know about having to be at the airport 3 hours before the flight. And I think I'm going to try to rework that 3d night in Dublin to visit the Dingle Peninsula, as you suggest.

Thanks!

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tony2phones


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The 3 hours is making the assumption that you are travelling transatlantic and Pre Clearing, US Customs in SNN

Just for people who know me, I had suggested driving round the Dingle peninsular between Killarney and an overnight in the Shannon region breaking the Killarney to Galway leg of the trip..

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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour 
Michele Erdvig


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Welcome to the forum. Glad to hear you are planning a family trip for June.

Since there is so much to see and do from a base in Killarney, you might consider 2 nights in Dublin and add one to Killarney. If instead, you will use that extra night for your last night (and depending on your flight departure time) you might opt to spend that night in Ennis or Bunratty.

There are lots on non-standard things to see and do in Ireland. Tell us what you like and the info will flow. Also look at my blog (click the link near the top of the page). 



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
Itallian Chauffeur


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Welcome!

Planning a first visit to Ireland can seem a daunting task -- SO much to see and do, and never enough time.

You could (and I have) easily spend a week in each of the destinations that you have listed, so the key will be to prioritize a workable wish list.

Between Tony, who lives there, Michele, who practically does and the rest of the IrelandYes Irregulars, including myself and a number of others, the Forum can help you to make your First Visit a memorable one.  In addition to Michele's Blog, her Book and her Detailed web site entries (such as Money, Lodging, etc), I also urge you to peruse the Trip Reports.

Let us know what you hope to see, accomplish and experience and we will only be too happy to help you create your own unique adventure!

 



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Bob

Help Us to Help You.  The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Michele Erdvig


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For some alternative sites in Ireland: http://www.irelandtravelkit.com/ Warning. It is addictive and you may have to plan another trip!



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
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