June Ireland Trip

judy · Newbie

June Ireland Trip

Michele Erdvig · Host

Judy,

As I see it you will spend three days in the vicinity of Dublin; your first night in Malahide and two nights in Dublin at the end of your trip. Correct? That leaves you with a week to see the rest. It can be done but you will probably have at least one long driving day across the country. Too bad you couldn't have departed from Shannon instead.

It is possible to "wing it" at any time of year in Ireland as long as you are flexible. If you get to a town and there is something going on like a festival, horse races, etc. and it is full you may have to go to another town to find accommodations or stay well out of town in the countryside. You don't mention your dates so I will tell you that June 2-5 is a Bank Holiday weekend and popular places and seaside resorts will fill up fast. There is a Harley Rally in Killarney from June 22-25 and it would be wise to avoid it. There are big concerts going on in Dublin on June 9, 10 & 11.

The good lodgings always go first. If you are not that particular about where you stay you will always find something. My book is full of wonderful places to stay or you can take a look at my "Lodgings" page for a few recommendations. Personally, I would not go to Ireland without a firm itinerary and reservations this June. Many people are finding things booked up already. Also, searching for lodgings every day can take a big chunk of time away from your daily sightseeing. But if you run into a bind you can always go to the local tourist office and they will find you a place to stay (for a small fee). They do get busy toward the end of the day so expect a wait.

The areas you mention are very popular with tourists, which is why I don't really suggest "winging it" this June. If you were headed off to other areas with less tourists you would have an easier time of it.

Once you come up with an itinerary that makes sense to you, feel free to post it here and I will be happy to comment on it. When planning it keep in mind that you will average 35 mph on Ireland's roads. You must also take into account that each sightseeing stop takes time. If you can try to sprinkle the one-night stays in between some two-night stays. It will make for a much nicer trip.

Michele

judy · Newbie

This is my first time so I was not as clear as I could have been...sorry. Our dates are June 11-22nd. I purchased your book and am eagerly awaiting it's arrival....sounds like it will be very interesting and helpful. If you had your wish list of the best things to see; and our time restraints, what would be your suggestions? I hope it includes Blarney Castle and Ring of Kerry and Dingle peninsula, but would like to hear your suggestions. We like historic sites....not so much castles (at least my husband does not). He would probably do one or two if they were your top suggestions. We love beautiful scenery, especially around the water. I am rambling, but hope this might give you some ideas for suggestions for us. Thanks so much Judy

Michele Erdvig · Host

judy,

If you don't mind driving a hour or two on your first day you could stay elswhere on arrival day and get a jump start on your trip. That would mean the two-night Dublin stay at the end of your trip. You will not need a car for that segment if you plan on staying in Dublin City.

Blarney Castle is a ruin without a roof but is set in lovely gardens and grounds. To kiss the stone you must go up hundreds of tiny stone steps to the very top, lie down and bend over backwards to kiss the stone. Just want you to know because many people don't realize the gymnastics required. It can be very crowded with tour buses later in the day. Some of Ireland's best castles are Cahir, Kilkenny and Bunratty.

Take a look at my Top 10 List on my "Sightseeing" page for more suggestions.

For beautiful water scenery you can't beat the southwest peninsulas. Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Beara, Mizen, etc. are great. You can't go wrong with the coast of Kerry and west Cork. A hidden treasure is Loop Head in Co. Clare.

That should give you a starting point and my book will fill you in on the rest.

Michele