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Post Info TOPIC: Planning a 10-Day Ireland Adventure for a Family of 8: Advice Needed!
Oliver


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Planning a 10-Day Ireland Adventure for a Family of 8: Advice Needed!
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Hi everyone! We are planning our first family trip to Ireland this coming July (10 days/11 nights). We are a group of 8, so we are dealing with 5 rooms and some complex logistics. Im hoping to get some feedback on our itinerary and get your expert insights.

Our Current Draft:

  • Days 12: Dublin to Kilkenny. Arrive at 8:45 AM, pick up rentals, and head to Kilkenny for two nights. (Planning to visit the Rock of Cashel on one of these days).

  • Day 3: The South. Drive toward Kenmare for one night, stopping at Blarney Castle along the way.

  • Days 45: Ring of Kerry & Dingle. We are planning to spend these days exploring the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Well be based in Dingle Town for two nights.

    • Note: This is our 'heavy' travel stretch with multiple airport pick-ups (Kerry Airport) for family members joining us at different times.

  • Days 67: Bunratty/Dromoland Area. Moving toward the Clare region. We want to experience a luxury castle stay here (Dromoland is top of our list). Hope to see the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.

  • Days 810: Dublin. Cross-country drive back to Dublin for our final three nights. Planning a stop at Clonmacnoise on the way.

My Questions for the Group:

  1. The "Day from Hell" (Day 4/5): Is combining the Ring of Kerry with multiple airport transfers realistic for a group of 8? Should we prioritize one over the other to avoid spending the entire trip behind the wheel?

  2. Logistics for 8: We need 5 rooms and a rental solution. We are leaning toward two separate SUVs rather than one large van for flexibilitydoes anyone have experience navigating narrow Irish roads with multiple vehicles?

  3. Accommodation: We are looking at Butler House in Kilkenny and potentially Dromoland Castle for the luxury stay. Has anyone managed to coordinate bookings for a large group of 8 in these locations?

  4. Photography: I am a keen photographer (Nikon D200 user) and Im looking for the "40 shades of green"I want to avoid the "Green Blur" of highways. Any advice on scenic backroads (R-roads) that are manageable for a group our size?

  5. Cultural Etiquette: Ive been practicing my Irish pronunciationis it generally well-received, or is it better to stick to English to avoid confusion?

Any advice on the itinerary flow or "must-not-miss" spots for a family of this size would be hugely appreciated. Go raibh maith agat in advance for all your help!



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Itallian Chauffeur


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Welcome to Michele's Forum!  I've moved our post here from the Trip Report section.

Some general advice:  With eight a van won't work, unless you have NO luggage at all, so two SUV's makes good logistical sense.  It's best for the two drivers to co-ordinate the day's routings ahead of time -- and stay in contact via cell (mobile) phones if you become separated. That's worked pretty well for me in the past.

Lodgings will be a real potential problem, particularly under the current market conditions.  You will need to pre-book, as soon as possible.  Demand is up and supply is drastically reduced over previous years due to a variety of reasons.

Making an effort with the language is generally well appreciated -- but don't be terribly surprised if many locals don't understand it very well.  It's been my experience that, particularly in the areas that tourists frequent, that Irish speaking is not all that common.

If you have to pick up people from Kerry Airport, I suggest a stay in Killarney, rather than Kenmare.  Dingle is a destination, rather than a base.  In any case, the Ring of Kerry AND Dingle are a bit much -- were it ME, given your time restraints, I would pick ONE, rather than both.

Specifics:  A direct drive to Kilkenny from the Dublin Airport is probably about the limits of a safe goal after arrival on an over-night flight.  I would avoid the temptation to "explore" along the way.

The Rock of Cashel is best visited (Logistically) on the drive to Kenmare -- rather than a 'day trip'.  I would spend that time exploring Kilkenny and the surrounding area, instead.

DUB to Kilkenny, DIRECT:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/GbB51gbucrj3fXew5

SLIGHTLY longer, but more scenic:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/yBuDrTXPp1kgTV1eA

SOME ideas for your Say 2:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/AUceMj8yAzkD86Rc8        You probably won't have time, nor interest in all the items on the route.

Kilkenny to Kenmare:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/MtRzF6TJdvwwh3sGA

Kilkenny to Killarney:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/8AfvMsLkakKuRmAC8

Bunratty or Ennis might offer suitable options for lodgings if Dromoland isn't available.

If Dromoland is unavailable (or too pricey), options for a 'Castle' stay include Adare Manor and Ballyseede Castle, near Tralee.

Adare Manor | One of Europe's Best 5 Star Resort Hotels

Welcome to Ballyseede Castle | Ballyseede Castle Hotel

Day 6 (from Dingle):  https://maps.app.goo.gl/RQpzxpsWjiKrf1FJ8

Day 6 (From Killarney):  https://maps.app.goo.gl/u1gVbXXA6giiCtHz9

For Day 7 -- North Clare:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/jLLRxh2sM32LrjA86

A scenic option for the drive back to DUB from Dromoland:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/RFt1ucaX6s8Q2zei8

 

 



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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!
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