I need some advice or suggestions for our trip this fall.Four of us, all women in our 60's, are flying into Dublin in late September.Two of us have been to Ireland several times, the other two have never been.Upon arriving in Dublin early on Friday morning we will pick up our car, drive to St Kyran's in Virginia County Cavan and stay for three nights.We will leave there on Monday morning and start to work our way toward Killarney.On Friday of that week we will check into our self-catering place in Killarney where we will park ourselves for a week.
So we have 4 nights between County Cavan and Killarney to play with. I'm having trouble deciding what to do with those nights.
I had thought about driving to Kinvara that Monday and then head down that coast to Killarney.This would give the newbies a chance to see the Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren.I was thinking with this plan we could even spend two nights in Dingle before heading to Killarney. I would love to show them the town of Dingle and the beauty of the Slea Head Drive. But I know we can do this as a day trip from Killarney.
Then another thought I had was to head south from Cavan towards the Rock of Cashel and Kinsale (a spot one of the girls would like to return to).With that plan we could maybe drive thru Athlone and see Clonmacnoise .I've read good things about both.Are these worthwhile stops?
I had also heard great things about Lough Derg and that area of the country.Sounds pretty. Would that be a good detour from the road to Cashel?
I like the first plan. You could actually fit in Clonmacnoise on the drive from Virginia to Kinvara (it is just a bit south of Athlone). Loop Head is an alternative to the Cliffs of Moher and a beautiful drive in Clare. Kinsale could be a day trip from Killarney. It is a couple of hours drive.
Thanks Michele! I like that plan too but was trying to fit in Kinsale for my friend. Didn't realize it was close enough for a day trip from Killarney. That's a great idea. I think we'll consider that. I've also never done Loop Head but that might fit in nicely with our plans. Sounds like that is a nice area to stay also - would you agree? Perhaps two nights in Kinvara and one in Kilkee?
One other question if I may. I love the town of Kinvara and have stayed there a few times. However I have never done the banquet at Dunguaire Castle. That castle has always intrigued me. Perhaps its because my mother was a Hynes and this was built by her "clan" - the O'Hynes. Anyway I thought the banquest might be a fun event to attend. Has anyone been to this banquet?
Thanks again for your suggestions. I appreciate the help
Two nights in Kinvara and one in Kilkee would give you one night for Dingle. It might make sense to take the ferry across the Shannon because you will be right nearby.
I enjoyed the Dunguaire banquet. It is much smaller and more intimate than the others and generally does not pack people in like sardines. There is less music and more storytelling and literature than the other banquets.
Thanks again Michele! I'll bring this info back to the girls and see what we come up with. That banquet sounds nice. I think we might have a plan coming together for those 4 nights