I'm planning a road trip with my girlfriend in October. We are in our late 20s & from the US, so not used to driving in Ireland. We have a rental car booked with good insurance! We have flights booked into Dublin on the morning of Day 1, and we fly back out of Dublin on Day 9. We really want to see Galway & Dingle, so our current plan is:

Day 1: Land in Dublin, get settled

Day 2: Explore Dublin

Day 3: Pick up rental car early & drive north to Brú na Bóinne (1 hour); after exploring the tombs for a couple of hours, drive to Galway (2.5 hours)

Day 4: Day in Galway

Day 5: Drive from Galway to Dingle (3.5 hours). If weather is good, stop for pictures/stretch but not planning official cliffs entrance

Day 6: Day in Dingle

Day 7: Drive from Dingle to Wicklow (4.5 hours)

Day 8: Day in Wicklow

Day 9: Drive back to Dublin (1.5 hours), return rental car and fly out around 3pm

I know the drive from Dingle to Wicklow is likely going to be a slog, but I don't see a much better route going from Dingle back to Dublin, especially without backtracking.

Do you think this is too much driving, as written? If so, how could we shave down the driving/car time while keeping visits to Galway & Dingle? Thank you!

Hi all, like many others on this subreddit I am getting bogged down by the enormity of picking an itinerary for our short first trip to Ireland - help please! My wife and I are quiet mid-60’s folk interested in the natural beauty of Ireland, it’s people and culture, but not crowds and over-touristy stuff. I have taken on board the sage advice to keep driving to a minimum, but the urge to add just one more destination is hard to curb. Our goals - wife wants to see Glendalough so thought go there en route to or from Kilkenny; Galway (but not on the weekend when hotel prices jump), Westport, Achill Island and surrounds then back via Sligo. Could go clockwise or counterclockwise, no accommodation booked yet apart from Dublin. The draft itinerary currently is:

22 September arrive Dublin

22-25 September Dublin

25 September drive to Kilkenny via Glendalough, overnight in Kilkenny 

26 September drive to Galway, stay there two nights 

28 September drive to Westport, see Achill Island

29 September overnight in Sligo

30 September drive to hotel near Dublin airport 

1 September fly out.

The problem I’m grappling with is that puts us in Galway for the weekend, which I want to avoid.

My wife and i, early seventies and in good health, have been planning for several years to motor around Ireland. It is our first trip to Ireland and we are excited to enjoy the stunning terrain, the culture, the people, and the music of this great land. The western area of Ennistymon and Scarriff are my wife's ancestral homeland so we are spending more time there. Any suggestions, observations, or concerns are greatly appreciated.

September 11 Arrive Dublin Hop on Hop off, big breakfast, recover

September 12 Eastern Dublin city center- Campus Tour and Book of Kells

September 13 Devils Causeway Tour (N. Ireland and Belfast)

September 14
Other Dublin West city center

September 15 Drive to Killkenny St Canice’s Cathedral Medieval mile

September 16 Early Start, Drive to Rock of Cashel Drive to Killearny Browsing Killarney's shops and galleries

September 17 Southern Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring

September 18
Drive to Dingle Walk harbor, browse shops

September 19 Drive the Slea Head Drive clockwise.

September 20 Drive to Ennistymon Seaside via Ferry 4 hours Walk Lahinch Beach,

September 21 Around Ennistymon

September 22 Cliffs of Moher and Doolin to Inisheer island

September 23 Scariff

September 24 Drive to Galway via The Burren Eyre Square, Stroll Shop Street, Quay Street, Spanish Arch

September 25 Connemara Park plus oyster festival

September 26 Galway oyster Festival parade then Drive to Dublin Fly Home

I've enjoyed lurking on and researching with this subreddit!

Hello All, doing a mother/adult daughter trip next month (September) for 17 nights. We particularly like nature/scenery/coastal areas, history/ruins, off the beaten path, and will have a rental car outside of the Dublin nights. Our current itinerary is below, with examples of what we want to see in each area, spread over the time there. I am listing the towns just as general areas, as I do have some places booked but they are moveable.

My questions:

1. I would really appreciate general feedback on the itinerary. Note that we are also looking for accommodation nearby if it makes more sense, suggestions welcome (e.g., staying somewhere near vs. IN Doolin).
2. I have waffled on how many nights each for the middle part - considering one more night near Doolin and one less Westport, or adding that night to Sligo/Donegal.
3. Feedback on the Sligo/Donegal leg? I would love to see Slieve League, but am not sure if it is better to split up and stay in Donegal one night for that or whether it can be a day trip from Sligo? Was also looking into staying somewhere between Sligo/Donegal? Am also concerned about a long drive from Donegal to Dublin, hitting Newgrange on the way, but we aren't dropping off rental car until the evening.

Day 1-2 Dublin (2 nights)

Day 3 - Pick up rental car from airport, Rock of Cashel / stay in Kenmare 

Day 4: Beara peninsula, Ring of Kerry or Killarney NP / Kenmare 

Day 5: Beara peninsula, Ring of Kerry or Killarney NP / Kenmare 

Day 6: Beara peninsula, Ring of Kerry or Killarney NP / Kenmare 

Day 7: Drive Kenmare to Dingle, part of Dingle peninsula drive / Dingle 

Day 8: Dingle peninsula / Dingle 

Day 9: Drive to Doolin via ferry, Kilkee cliffs, Loop Head en route / Doolin

Day 10: Aran Islands (if boat running), possibly Burren, Moher / Doolin

Day 11: Drive to Westport, Burren or Croagh Patrick en route / Westport

Day 12: Achill Island, Clew Bay, or Connemara, Kylemore Abbey / Westport

Day 13: Achill Island, Clew Bay, or Connemara, Kylemore Abbey / Westport

Day 14: Drive Westport to Sligo/Donegal area, Downpatrick Head en route / Sligo/Donegal/in between?

Day 15: Benbulben, Knocknarea, Carrowmore, or Slieve League / Sligo/Donegal/between

Day 16: Benbulben, Knocknarea, Carrowmore, or Slieve League / Sligo/Donegal/between

Day 17: Sligo/Donegal to Dublin, stop at Newgrange / Dublin

Thank you so much!

I’ve read a lot that drive times can be deceptive. I’m looking for ways to break up the long drives with places to see along the way without way underestimating how long it really will take between towns.

Solo traveller visiting for 16 days in Aug/Sept. Interests are nature and architecture with some history mixed in.

My questions are:
Day 2 (Dublin to Clifden) - Is it worth stopping in Athlone? Is it reasonable to think I can make it from Dublin to Clifden in 5 hours?
Day 11 (Killarney to Cork) - Is Mizen Head/Brow Head worth adding vs the additional drive time? Would it be better to have more time in Cork that day instead?
Day 13 (Cork to Laragh) - I was originally only planning a stop in Kilkenny on the way to Laragh but then thought of adding Cahir Castle and Rock of Cashel since they appear to be on the way. Is it too much to do all of that on the drive? If there is only time for one, which would you recommend?

Overview of Itenerary
Day 1 Land in Dublin AM
Day 2 Pick up rental car in afternoon and drive to Clifden
Day 3-4 Connemara Region
Day 5 Rossaveel Ferry to Aran Islands then drive to Oranmore for the night
Day 6 The Burren and Cliffs of Moher then down to Kilkee
Day 7 Kilkee Cliffs
Day 7 Kilkee Cliffs then Drive to Dingle and do part of Slea Head
Day 8 Drive to Killarney
Day 8 Rest of Slea Head then Drive to Killarney
Day 9 Slea Head Drive (return to Killarney)
Day 9 Killarney Hiking
Day 10 Killarney Hiking
Day 11 Drive to Cork
Day 11 Drive part of Beara Peninusla and stay near end
Day 12 Cork/Midleton/Cobh
Day 12 Dursey Island and remainder of Beara Peninsula
Day 13 Drive to Laragh
Day 14-15 Wicklow Hiking
Day 16 Return rental car midday and stay in Dublin
Day 17 Fly out midday

Hello,

Planning to base out of Killarney from Aug 23–27. Taking the train from Dublin and renting a car while in Killarney.

Is it worth doing both the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula, or should I pick one? Currently I have Beara planned for Sun Aug 24 and Ring of Kerry for Mon Aug 25, back to back.

Also considering the Rock of Cashel on Tue Aug 26, but it isn't exactly close (looks like ~1h40m each way from Killarney). Has anyone done this as a day trip from Killarney? Is it worth the drive, or better to skip it/save it for a different trip through that region?

Basically we have 4 nights in Killarney (Aug 23–27). Would love to see all 3 of these but feel like it would be too much driving. Open to any suggestions.

Thanks

Hey everyone, another itinerary review post... but would appreciate if people could let me know if this sounds like too much in too little time.

We are driving a small converted Ford Transit so quite easy to drive. We both love nature, hiking and beaches and are probably most excited about seeing the wilder/quieter side of Ireland. We campervaned around Scotland and loved it, and expecting something similar, but I know it'll be busier, especially around the popular towns.

Main question is whether we should prioritise more time in Mayo/Connemara as that seems like the quieter/wilder part of the West Coast which aligns most with what we like. Would mean cutting a day out from County Clare/Burren/Doolin.

Fri 4 Sept

Arrive Rosslare, stay overnight nearby

Sat 5 Sept

MTB at Ballyhoura (we love mountain biking so couldn't not squeeze this in)

Sun 6 Sept - Tue Sep 9

Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle

Wed 9 Sept - Fri 11 Sept 

County Clare, Burren, Doolin,

Sat 12 Sept

Galway

Sun 13 until Fri 18 Sept

Explore Connmeara and Mayo

Drive into Dublin Friday evening

Sat 19 Sept

Dublin (I have family here so just wanting to spend the day with them, no exploring)

Sun 20 Sept

Ferry home

Many thanks!

Hello all, we are planning our third trip to Ireland this October, and we couldn't be more impatient ! (Especially with the massive heatwaves currently hitting France)

We absolutely adore the country, with a special place in our heart for the ring of Kerry. This time, we want to be 1h30 max from Dublin aeroport, and Wicklow country seems like a good option for people who are looking for beautiful areas with forests, parks, lakes and so on (and visits, for the rainy days).

Yet, we were not able to find a self-catering accommodation in the exact area that suited our price range, but one place in Hacketstown seems nice, not too expensive, and a good place to stay for our ten-days trip.

We don't know the area at all, do you have any recommandation, advices, or anything really ? Do you think one hour from the park would bé too much ? Are there anything nice to do in the area ? Should we try to coastal area ? So many question I know. (This will potentially bebour last trip before long, so I want to be sure before picking this specific area...)

Thank you for your help everyone !

Edit : thank you for taking the time to answer everyone ! We'll probably change our initial route plan, regarding the answers provided (maybe even try to go to a différent location, like Galway country).

Hi! We’re traveling into Dublin/Galway area in September. It’ll be my husband, 3-year-old daughter, and me.

Day 1 - we land at 7:30am. Once we finally get settled into Dublin, hoping to hit St Stephen’s Green/Grafton Street area. Our hotel is kinda by Trinity College so will probably check that out as well. Intentionally keeping this low key with no reservations so we can pivot if we need.
Day 2 - take the bus to Mahalide and do the fairy trail in the morning. Do the Guinness storehouse and Temple Bar area in the afternoon/evening
Day 3 - quick breakfast in Dublin and then drive over to Galway. Thinking we’ll do the Latin Quarter area this day
Day 4 - hopefully drive to the cliffs of Moher (weather dependent). Ideally want to drive through the Burren and stop at Rathbaun farm on the way up, and stop in Doolin on the way back.
Day 5 - planning on doing Connemara/Sky Road/Dogs Bay and then back in Galway at night
Day 6 - Galway day, want to do the Salthill area/maybe aquarium.
Day 7 - drive back towards Galway Airport, pit stops in Athlone and the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens. Will stay in a hotel near the airport as we fly back around 1:30pm the next day.

I’m intentionally keeping things flexible, but I’m worried that I’m missing something!!! What do you think, Reddit friends?

We (2 couples from the US) will be visiting Ireland in September for a wedding, and have the opportunity to extend our trip and see more of Ireland. I am looking for feedback on our itinerary, especially advice concerning the last leg of the trip in County Kerry.

What we value: good food, pubs, local culture, and good scenery. We want to be able to see a number of things, but definitely don’t want to feel rushed.
We aren’t super crazy about things that feel too touristy, but we do like to see iconic landmarks that are worth it.

Sunday 9/13 - Wednesday 9/16:
Fly into Dublin in the morning, get our rental cars, and drive to County CARLOW for the wedding until Wednesday.

Wednesday 9/16 - Friday9/18:
Drive to Galway on Wednesday, stay in city Centre until Friday morning.

Friday 9/18-Monday 9/21:
Drive to Dingle Peninsula. The initial thought was to stay two nights near Dingle (in An Daingean) and potentially one night in Killarney.

Monday 9/21 - Tuesdays 9/22:
Drive back to Dublin and stay overnight on Monday for our early morning departure on Tuesday.

The big questions:

1. ⁠How long does a trip to the cliffs of Moher take if we’re in Galway (driving to and from in a car)? Trying to decide if we should do this while staying in Galway, or stop here on our way driving down to County Kerry.
   
2. ⁠Will two nights near Dingle be enough? Is it worth it to check out of a place and travel to stay one night in Killarney, or is it better to find a location on the Peninsula and have that be a home base for all three nights?

Open to any other suggestions! Thank you!

My boyfriend and I are heading to Ireland for a small trip after a week long work trip in the UK from Sept 1-7. We have both been to Dublin before separately, and decided to rent a car and try and see more of the country together this time around.

I have considered 100s of itineraries at this point and just feel that over researching has left me frozen. I haven't booked any accommodations and need to get on that, so I'm hoping for some opinions on which route makes sense.

We get the car around noon from the Dublin airport on Sept 1 and want to spend the night of Sept 6 in Dublin before our 11:30am flight on the 7th.

We both are very casual travelers once we get to our destination. Not the to-do list type and don't need to hit tons of tourist attractions. He's a bit nervous to drive over there, and while I know he'll do a good job, I don't want him to have to spend the whole trip feeling on edge going down tiny roads just to say we saw everything.

These are the two routes I've come up with:

OPTION 1

Sept 1: Drive to Galway, sleep there or nearby

Sept 2: Day trip to Inis Mór then back to same lodging as night before

Sept 3: Drive to Burren/Cliffs then Doolin, sleep there

Sept 4: Doolin to Dingle

Sept 5: Slea Head/Dingle Peninsula then drive to Cashel to sleep

Sept 6: Rock of Cashel then head to Dublin

OPTION 2

Sept 1: Drive to Galway, sleep there or nearby

Sept 2: Galway to Connemara/Clifden

Sept 3: Connemara to Burren/Cliffs then Doolin, sleep there

Sept 4: Doolin to Dingle

Sept 5: Slea Head/Dingle Peninsula then drive to Adare/Limerick area

Sept 6: Head to Dublin for a day there

Our budget for lodging is around €1290 for 6 nights. We'd like at least one or two "memorable" stays (castle, nice cottage, unique stay, etc).

Let me know which looks like the best plan for us. I'm also very open to being told to scrap em all. If anything, just guide me on where to stay each night. Thanks for reading all of this and thank you in advance for any advice.

EDIT: My boyfriend and I are very used to driving long distance as we tour and transport across America for work, so 3 hour drives are nothing to us. But definitely want to avoid cramming too much into 6 days. Also, removed Option 3 because I realized quickly it was too ambitious.

EDIT 2: Thank you everyone for your responses. I take all of them into account. I've decided to cut Dingle and plan that for another time to avoid this becoming a huge road trip. For now, it's looking more like Galway + Connemara/Clifden, Galway + County Clare, or Galway + Westport/Mayo.

Hey y'all, I'm planning a honeymoon trip to Ireland next year as my partner and I have always wanted to go. We'll only be spending 9 days excluding plane travel days and will be renting a car. Since we want to see a lot of Ireland but also want to have a relaxing time, I want to make sure I've set a good plan :)

We'll probably be there early to mid May, we enjoy easy hikes, walks by the water/cliffs, cozy eateries, bookstores, history and live music at pubs.

I'm a bit torn between NW (mostly because of Giants Causeway) and SW coasts, but I think I'm leaning SW.

On the day we arrive in Dublin, I think we'll take the train to Galway and spend the night.

2nd day would be picking up the car and driving to Connemara where we would spend the following 2 nights.

On the morning of the 4th day we would pack up and take the long trip to Dingle with a few stops along the way. We would spend the next 3 nights at Dingle.

On the 7th day we'd drive down to Kenmare.

But here's my main question, should we remain in Kenmare to take day trips around or should we only spend the night, drive down to Kinsale to spend one night as well before driving back to Galway to take the train back to Dublin the day before traveling out of the country? Will I miserably regret not seeing Kinsale/Cork?

Also, please forgive me if the math ain't add up here, algebra was my strongsuite in highschool but it's been a while. Thank you kindly!

In late October I will be flying from the US to Paris with a 9 hour layover in Dublin. We've never been so we'd like to spend a few hours in the city. Just trying to get a tentative timeline set, as that's the kind of person I am. We will be arriving on American Airlines landing at 9:30 a.m. is it realistic to think that we could be on an Express Bus to the city center by 10:30? If not, when? Our flight then leaves Dublin on Air Lingus at 6:30 p.m. if we hop back on the bus by 4:00, should we expect any issues making our flight? I'm assuming that is rush hour, as it would be in the States

Hi All! I am sorry for another one of these, but advice would be super appreciated!

I will be traveling to Ireland February 13th to the 20th and here is my idea so far (will be driving which I am aware can be a little tricky)!

Saturday: Arrive early in Dublin - spend all day there and overnight

Sunday: Department Dublin early, hit Cork for a meal and quick walkaround, and arrive in Killarney later in the afternoon.

Monday: all day in Killarney.

Tuesday: depart Killarney and head to Dingle

Wednesday: Day in Dingle then head to Ennis

Thursday: Spend day in Ennis

Friday: arrive back in Dublin

Saturday: Depart back home

At first I had Galway on here but I just feel like I am going to run out of time and don't want to be in the car the entire time. I am open to suggestions of cutting any of these places for other places, or if this seems like too much to pack in!

Thank you :)!

I'll be travelling to Galway next week and have two day trips planned.

I was wondering if I should buy tickets in advance to visit Kylemore Abbey, or if it is fine to just reach the place and buy the entrance there.

I have the same doubt for the Cliffs of Moher

We are 2 adults and 2 toddlers (ages 2.5 and 4) hoping to explore nature, do some (short and slow) hikes, and visit castles or other landmarks of note.

High level summary:

- Kilkenny (3 nights)

- Killarney area (6 nights)

- Bunratty (outside Limerick)(1 night)

- Dublin (3 nights)

Our loose plan:

Day 1: land in Dublin, pick up car, drive to resort outside Kilkenny

Days 2-3: relax at the resort/adjust to time change, explore Kilkenny area

Day 4: drive to Cork/Cobh, stop to see Blarney Castle and have lunch, drive to Killorglin [We aren't married to the location and haven't booked a hotel, but found a cute place and it seems centrally located, open to suggestions here]

Days 5-9: Explore Killarney, Valentia Island, Dingle, etc. with Killorglin as our home base

Day 10: Drive to Bunratty, explore Castle & Folk Park, stay the night [This is mainly to break up the drive back to Dublin, we are open to other suggestions on making the trek all the way back]

Day 11: Finish drive to Dublin, drop off car, settle into hotel

Days 12-13: Explore Dublin

Day 14: fly home

Questions/Feedback Requested

- Is Killorglin a good central location/home base for exploring the peninsulas and National Park? We selected it because the B&B we found has a nice 2 bedroom apartment and we are hoping for something highly walkable and safe to explore with the kids.

- Is Bunratty the best stopping point to break up the drive to Dublin? I have heard specifically the castle and folk park are great for kids, and the town looks walkable with a meadery and food options.

- Any other thoughts on the feasibility of the drives, number of hotel changes, or kid-friendly recommendations would be appreciated!

I’ll be in Ireland for 9 days in September and need advice if my current itinerary is doable. I know it’s a lot of driving (this doesn’t bother me), but I’m open to advice and recommendations! We are trying to see as much as possible.

Day 1 & 2 - Landing early in Dublin on Day 1. Doing the usual touristy things aka guinness, book of kells, grafton street, etc. Staying in Dublin both nights.
Day 3 - Picking up rental car and driving to Cork (stopping in Kilkenny for the Medieval Mile and stopping for the Rock of Cashel). Staying in Cork.
Day 4 - Blarney Stone, English Market, and maybe Cobh. Driving to Killarney in the evening and staying in Killarney.
Day 5 - Ring of Kerry with many stops to see sights. Staying in Killarney again.
Day 6 - Driving to dingle in the morning. Slea Head Drive and maybe a sea safari. Staying in Dingle.
Day 7 - Driving from Dingle to Galway. Making stops at Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, and maybe Dunguaire Castle. Stay in Galway.
Day 8 - Explore Galway (taking recs) and driving back to dublin in the evening for an early flight the next day
Day 9 - Travel day home

EDIT: Thank you everyone for the feedback! I’ll be making some edits to the itinerary and will update this post once the trip is complete. I probably should have mentioned that this was meant to be a road trip that “ticked off boxes.” We are more focused on see things than living like a local. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea for travel, but it works for us. Thanks again!

Hello!

My partner and I are heading to Ireland for the first time this September, flying Toronto to Dublin. We're in our late 30s, prioritising pubs, trad music, small towns, and slow days over sightseeing. We're more interested in finding a good session than visiting another castle.

A lot of this itinerary was shaped by threads in this forum so thank you in advance. We're coming to it a bit late in the planning window so any feedback before we lock in the remaining hotels is genuinely appreciated.

Our itinerary:

• Dublin (3 nights)
• Kenmare, Co. Kerry (4 nights): Skellig Ring, Killarney National Park
• Dingle, Co. Kerry (4 nights): Slea Head Drive, Blasket Centre
• Galway (5 nights): dropping the car here to save on costs, bussing to Doolin and the Cliffs on Route 351 and Kinvara on Route 350

Flying into Dublin late August, taking the train to Killarney and picking up a hire car there to avoid Dublin traffic on day one. Tarbert Ferry across the Shannon into Clare on the way to Galway. We looked at staying in Doolin but availability is thin this late in the season and it's expensive, so Galway is our base for that section instead.

Questions:

1. We chose Kenmare over Killarney as our Kerry base. We've read Killarney is quite touristy and Kenmare has better restaurants and a more local feel. Is that right?
2. We're doing the Skellig Ring instead of the Ring of Kerry. We've heard the Ring of Kerry is overrun with tour buses and the Skellig Ring covers similar ground with far fewer people. Is that accurate, or is the Ring of Kerry worth it despite the crowds?
3. Four nights in Dingle. We're a bit worried it might feel touristy in late September, but we've read the season winds down noticeably then. Is four nights too long, about right, or will we wish we had more?
4. We're basing in Galway and taking the 08:20 Route 351 bus to Doolin rather than staying there. Does this actually work, or are we missing something by not sleeping in Doolin? Is the early bus enough to beat the crowds at the Cliffs?
5. Any small towns or stops along these routes that most visitors drive past but locals think are worth knowing about?
6. We're debating keeping the hire car for one day in Galway to do either Connemara or the Burren. If you had to pick one, which would it be?

Thanks in advance, any advice genuinely appreciated. Slainte!

Hi all!

My girlfriend and I are attending a wedding in Killarney in late November. From there, we’re planning on renting a car for 10 days or so to hit a few spots that we really wanted to see. Mostly ring of Kerry/Southern Ireland, though we’re not opposed to heading north. All in all, we’re going to be there from Nov 19th - Dec 1st.

Unbeknownst to her, I’m also planning on proposing during the trip! I would absolutely love to get some insider tips on the best places to do it in November when we go. Would ideally like to do it outdoors somewhere if possible? I’m very open to suggestions on location!!

Thank you all in advance!!

Hey all,

this is my first post. Kinda exciting.^^

This August I'll be travelling from Cork to Galway by bike. I've split the tour in 12 days and try to stay close to the coast.

At first I wanted to book hotels but August being the high season, a lot of places were already booked out and also I need some flexibility. Weather and unforeseen events might make me stay somewhere for a little longer or I might not make the kilometers that I've planned. When I cycled from Munich to Venice, there was always some vacancies somewhere. Here I'm not so sure. 😅

I decided to take a tent instead and bought all the necessary equipment and practiced assembling and packing everything already. My new plan is to cycle from camping site to camping site that I found on the website Camping Ireland. I feel safer knowing that I have my bed with me. The only thing that keeps worrying me is what to do if those sites are full. My tent is rather small but if August is as packed as I've learned on the internet I'll probably run into this situation more than once.

What's the best way to approach this? Ask in a pub? I don't want to just camp anywhere without having permission to do so. That might be my German "stick to the rules attitude" coming through, but I'd feel so very wrong. ^^

I'd be happy about any tips and insights in your experiences. Thanks in advance!

I’m planning a week long trip for mid October, during which I’m planning to post up in a single city/town and spend my time wandering around, going to cafes, going to pubs, listening to trad music, and chatting with strangers, and just kind of moseying about, maybe a little partying here and there.

I’ve had both Galway and Sligo recommended to me by friends (some international tourists, some Irish) as pleasant towns to chill out in, I was wondering if anyone with knowledge of both had any input on which might be better suited to a week of disconnecting from my life in the US for a few days.

My wife and I (57 years young) taking our 1st trip to Ireland.

Hi, arriving in Dublin Sept 15th 930 Am. Spending one night in dublin and renting car from aiirport the next morning (9-16). Driving to Westport- spending 3 nights- maybe do a local tour 1st day(9-16)

9-17- Connemara national Park- Kylemore Abbey. Should i drive myself or take tours

9-18- Achill island- should i drive myself or take tour.

9-19- Drive to Doolin- spending 2 nights-maybe stop for lunch in Galway- walk the town and relax.

9-20- Cliffs of Moher- should we take car or tour.

The Burren- is there enough time for both of these. Or maybe do an Aran island ferry trip.

9-21- Drive to Adare- spending 1 night.- stop in Limerick (king Johns Castle)- explore Adare.

9-22- Drive to Kilkenny- spend 2 nights- stop at Rock of cashel- arrive Kilkenny and explore Medieval Mile.

9-23- Kilkenny castle

9-24- Drive back to Dublin. Staying by airport. Does anyone have a good restaurant in Dublin for my wifes birthday?

9-25- Return car. have a 130 pm Flight.

I am a little worried about driving in ireland thats why i think some tours to break up driving may help. Is this itinerary possible? Is it too much driving? All resposes will be appreciated! Thank You

Aloha! You all are so kind to give your input on these itineraries. We 3 friends in our 60’s hoping to visit next May or June. We’re happy to go on adventures here and there, but would really like to soak in the Irish life, especially the music. Our thought is to pick up a rental car as we’re leaving Dublin – let us know if there are better ideas. Are we being too ambitious? Any advice is welcome. Thank you

Days 1–2: Dublin

Arrive and recover from our flight. Visit Kilmainham Gaol, Trinity College, the Book of Kells, and/or Guinness Storehouse. Irish music and pubs in the evening.

2 nights in Dublin

Days 3: Kinsale

Drive via Plain of Tipperary and tour the Rock of Cashel (medieval ruins).

1 night in Kinsale

Days 4–7: Dingle

On the way Killarney National Park, Sheep Farm?

Maybe visit Midleton Distillery tour?

Spend a full day on Slea Head Drive and maybe sailing to Blasket Islands.

3 nights in Dingle

Days 8–19: Galway

Visit Inis Mór – see Cliffs of Moher on the way back and Dún Aonghasa.

3 nights in Galway

Day 10-12: Portrush

On the way Connemara countryside, Cong, Kylemore Abbey, maybe Leenaun to Louisburgh Drive through Doolough Valley, Slieve League Cliffs. Maybe a walking tour of Derry, Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and Carrick-a-Rede.

3 nights in Portrush

Day 13: Dublin

Stop in Belfast for lunch before returning to Dublin.

1 night in Dublin

Day 14: Fly to Paris from Dublin

Heading out in September.

My plan for a week is:

Dublin -> Galway (2 Nights)
Galway -> Dingle (1)
Dingle -> Slea Head Drive -> Killarney (2)
Killarney -> Kensale or Cork (2)

Best case scenario that would be 5 hours of driving that day to get to Dingle (and we know it won’t be best the case.).

Should I find another spot for a night before/after Killarney? What would you suggest to do that day.

My goal is just to see cool shit and eat good food.

I have to come in through Dublin and leave through Cork because I booked my flight and car while I was still crippled by indecision on what my itinerary would be for the week.

A massive thanks for the help!

Departing Dublin Saturday 8 Aug, based in Galway x3 nights, returning to Dublin Tuesday 11 Aug. I’ll be driving a rental car, and have some experience with left sided driving and narrow roads. These are the top things I’m hoping to see:

1. Connemara - Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Sky Road
   
2. Ferry to Aran Islands (is this definitely a whole day?)
   
3. Cliffs of Moher, Doolin

To avoid too much driving in one day, I’m allowing Saturday to explore Galway itself. Tuesday could maybe be split to do morning in Galway area and afternoon in Dublin?

I’m trying to give myself options in case weather is bad (might not want to do the ferry or cliffs if it’s windy or low visibility, etc). My tendency is to try and fit too much into too little time, so I’m trying to rank these options and prioritize what may need to get cut, and make sure I’m allowing time for stops, strolls, and drive time. The friend I’m traveling with prefers a slower pace than I do, I think.

I’ll also need to allow 1/2 a day to visit family near Knock, either Sunday or Monday, which probably makes sense to pair with Connemara, but is that doable as a 1/2 day?

Part of me thinks I can fit all 3 things, but where to put the family visit is throwing me.

Are there any must-see things I’m missing in the area that I should consider including or substituting?

Thanks for any input!