First Trip to Ireland!

IslandGirl · Newbie

First Trip to Ireland!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Welcome to the forum. Your instincts are right. Northern Ireland seems the odd man out on this trip given the time available. Looks like you will need a minimum of 2 nights in Galway. You could do the Aran Islands as a day trip or spend the night on the island. Connemara (and Clifden) are a day trip from Galway so rather than pack up and stay in Clifden, consider just staying put in Galway for your lodging.

Killarney is a good base for the SW including your mountain climbing excursion. You could do day trips to Dingle and the Ring of Kerry (two different peninsulas) from there. Or you could do a night or two in Dingle.

If you have an early flight, your last night would be near Dublin.

Feel free to post an itinerary and we will critique it for you.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

As always, Michele has offered excellent advice. Given your interests, the North needs to be dropped from the itinerary.

Hiking Carrauntiihil takes 6.5-8 hours, so that's pretty much a full day. Dingle and the Ring of Kerry will take a full day, for each. Inis Mor is another all-day outing and so, too (I suspect) will the kayaking excursion. Figuring two days in Dublin, that brings the count up to 7 days of activities -- without allowing for transport and travel BETWEEN those sites.

Were it ME, I might make a DRAFT / First Plan like this: Eschew Dublin On Arrival and bus or train directly to Galway and spend the night of Day 1.

Day 2: visit Inis Mor. Return to Galway and spend the night. This makes dealing with luggage SO much easier.

Day 3: Pick up the rental car, Do the kayaking trip and drive to Clifden, taking in some of Connemara along the way. Night in Clifden.

Day 4: Drive up to Westport, via Louisburg and the Doo Lough valley. Along the way: Connemara National Park, Ashleigh Falls, Killary Harbor (Ireland's only fjord), Croagh Patrick and Westport, itself. Return via the N59 and visit Roundstone and the Sky Road. Night in Clifden.

Day 5: Drive back through Galway to Ennis, by way of the Cliffs -- touring the coastal areas of North West Clare. Night in Ennis.

Day 6: Drive to Dingle enjoy the town and over-night.

Day 7: Tour Slea Head and drive to Killarney. Visit some of the attractions -- Ross castle, Muckross House, Gardens, Traditional Farms. Overnight in Killarney.

Day 8: Hike trip of Carrauntoohil / visit local attractions. Night in Killarney.

Day 9: Drive Ring of Kerry (or, Optional Tour bus). Night in Killarney.

Day 10: Drive to Dublin. Visit SOME of the following: Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Kildare or Rock of Dunamase along the way. Return car to Airport and overnight in Dublin.

Day 11: Tour Dublin. Overnight Dublin.

Day 12: Depart for home.

Alternately, the route might also be run in reverse -- substituting Clonmacnoise for sites along the road to Dublin.

If I 'shorted' you 1 day, add it to whichever destination most appeals (were it ME, I would add a second night to Ennis, or another to Killarney and do the Gap of Dunloe Tour).

IslandGirl · Newbie

Thank you both for your comments and suggestions. I will be visiting my daughter next weekend and hopefully draft an itinerary for review. Question: Do you advise making B&B reservations in advance since we will be visiting in June? Thanks again!

-- Edited by IslandGirl on Sunday 1st of March 2015 01:11:23 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

I would make reservations in June. However, if you want to wing it you will almost always find a place as long as you don't have strict requirements for lodgings. Searching for places to stay at the end of the day can take time. Depends on if you want to spend time looking for lodgings or sightseeing.

Michaelwill · Newbie

It is one of most beautiful destinations of Europe and it is mostly visited by foreign tourists. I am also looking for visiting some beautiful locations of Europe this month with family.