Hi, two couples visiting Ireland for the first time Oct. 2016.
We would prefer spending more than one night at each stop. I am stumped on where to stay between Galway and Dingle. Or if we should cut out one night from Galway? Here is the itinerary:
Arrive Dublin 5:15 AM Overnight Dublin
Explore Dublin Overnight Dublin
Rent car and drive to Galway Overnight Galway- The STOP B&B
Connemara Natl Park - Overnight Galway - The STOP B&B
Aran Islands? Overnight Galway - The STOP B&B
Depart Galway Cliffs of Moher The Burren Overnight Adare?
Drive to Dingle- drive around Slea Head Overnight Dingle Pax House
Welcome to Michele's Forum! I'm glad to see that you aren't making the typical, 'first-timer' mistake of trying to cover too much of the country in just a week.
You will need three nights in Galway, if Connemara and Inish Mor are on the agenda. If you are planning to tour the Cliffs and the Burren, then making it all the way to Dingle would make for a LONG day. Have you considered Ballyseede Castle? http://www.ballyseedecastle.com/
Other options would be Ennis, for the night life or Bunratty, for the Castle and Folk Park. There are a few other interesting towns in Co. Clare, as well.
A LOT depends upon what you are interested in / wanting to see and do . . .
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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!
Personally I might suggest heading straight to Galway by Express bus from Dublin Airport and leave all the Dublin time to the back end. That might even free up a day that can be used for say Kilkenny on the way from Dingle to Dublin. You can rent a car in Galway or the driver can drop down and collect one from Shannon (check prices)
I always give Ennis as the overnight between Galway and Kerry but Adare works or as above Ballyseede Tralee.
If you haven't booked Pax house already check availability, Its a fair walk out from Town and they give you a torch when you go out at night.
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
As Tony suggested, you can get a jump start on your trip by saving Dublin for the last two nights. It is a pretty long haul from Dingle to Dublin. It would be nice to break it up with another overnight stop.
As for the stop between Galway and Dingle Ennis, Bunratty or Adare would be fine. If you stay in Bunratty you can see the castle and folk park and perhaps do a castle banquet or Irish night in the corn barn.
Otherwise the itinerary looks good. Let us know if you have any other questions.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I'm not sure how I missed seeing this until now. I actually think heading to Galway the first day is a great idea since we get in on the red eye. However, I have already made all the B&B reservations and the car with Dooley. That being said I might be able to bump some of them down a day.
If I decide to change everything, where would you suggest as a night between Dingle and Dublin? Also, if we put Dublin at the end, would we need to stay closer to the airport? I guess I would need to research that - our flight home is at 11:00 AM.
-- Edited by quinmj on Friday 29th of April 2016 05:38:32 PM
If you save Dublin till last no need to stay near the airport. Choose a city center hotel for your time there. For ease of use I suggest taking a taxi to the airport since you will have luggage plus two couples. Fare is about 30-35 euro. You will need to arrive 3 hours before your flight.
There are lots of options between Dingle and Dublin, depending on your route. You could go via Blarney and then up to Dublin also seeing the Rock of Cashel.
Yes. You don't want a car in Dublin. I recommend the hop on hop off bus. The pass is good for 2 days and will take you to most places you want to visit.