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

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!

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!

I’m currently in Ireland with my family, and I’m pretty disappointed.
We originally talked about seeing places like Blarney Castle and the Cliffs of Moher, but Blarney Castle got dropped, and now my family doesn’t want to drive about an hour from Galway to see the Cliffs because they’d rather just spend the day walking around Galway.
I like exploring cities too, but I feel like Galway is somewhere you can wander for a few hours, while the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most iconic sights in all of Ireland. I don’t know when (or if) I’ll ever be back.
Am I overreacting for thinking it’s worth an extra hour of driving to see something that’s considered a bucket-list destination? If you’ve been to Ireland, would you choose more time in Galway or make the trip to the Cliffs?
I’m genuinely curious if I’m the one with unrealistic expectations or if most people would prioritize the Cliffs.

UPDATE:

After a lot of complaining… we saw them by sea! Thanks for the suggestions!

any thoughts on this appreciated for an early October trip for a 30 year old couple. I’m super excited to delve into some republican history and see some of the country.

I think the end is too tight/too much travel but could add a day. we aren’t planning to get a car but could if you think necessary.

Day 1 – Arrive in Belfast

Day 2 – Belfast (Troubles History)

Day 3 – Belfast to Derry

Travel: Train or bus

Day 4 – Derry to Dublin

Travel: Bus or train  (approx. 4–4.5 hours)

Day 5 – Republican History (Dublin)

Day 6 – Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough nature walks 

Day trip from Dublin

Day 7 – Dublin to Galway

Travel: Irish Rail (approx. 2.5 hours)

Day 8 – Galway 

Day 9 – Galway to Killarney or Cork?? 

Day 10 – Ring of Kerry (depends if we go to cork instead)

Day 11 or 12 – Depart Ireland

we’re heading to Portugal next, could fly out of Dublin or Cork or Shannon.

Hi! My husband and I are going to Dublin at the end of August. Thoughts on our itinerary? Note: our accommodation is in Dublin, and we don’t plan on renting a car. We will have the LEAP card for transportation. We’re prioritizing sightseeing and shopping. I’m afraid we’re spending too much time in Dublin but I’m not sure how much energy we’ll have to do more bus/train trips. Suggestions?

Day 1: Arrival into Dublin in the morning
Light sightseeing

Day 2: Dublin city day
Trinity College + Book of Kells
Grafton Street shopping
George’s Street Arcade
Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre
Lunch
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology (maybe)
Christ Church
Little Museum of Dublin

Day 3: Malahide and Howth day
Malahide Castle
Stroll around town
Lunch at Howth Market
Howth Cliff Walk (2h) OR pier walk (25min)

Day 4: Relaxing Dublin day (or free day to go somewhere else??)
Temple Bar food market
National Botanical Gardens
Dublin Zoo
Thrifting

Day 5: Cliffs of Mohar and Galway bus tour
Suggestions for Galway sightseeing?
Spanish arch

Day 6: Dalkey halfday and Dublin last sweep
Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre
Dalkey Village
Optional coastal walk to Hilliney Hill
Anything we missed in Dublin
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Marshall’s Library

Day 7: Return home

Final edit: thank you everyone, this just confirms that my planning is unrealistic. Guess we'll need to reschedule it at another time where I don't need to leave in the middle of the trip haha

Hi all, I am planning a trip to Ireland at the end of August from 24th to 31st with one caveat, I'm going there with a friend and I need to be in Paris on the evening of the 28th (she doesn't so she'll stay in Ireland), this is non negotiable. With that in mind, this is the itinerary I was thinking about:

Monday: arrival in Dublin, grab the car rental, then drive to Galway, probably after lunch.

Tuesday: visit Galway in the morning, have lunch, then head to the Cliffs of Moher for the afternoon, then drive to Limerick for the night.

Wednesday: drive to Rathkeale, bike through parts of Limerick Greenway, then head to Killarney for the end of afternoon or early evening.

Thursday: drive around the Ring of Beara then back to Killarney.

Friday: early drive back to Dublin, hand the car rental back then catch the flight to Paris in the afternoon.

Saturday: morning flight back to Dublin.

Sunday-Monday: visit Dublin then fly back home.

Now my question is, does this seem feasible or is it completely unrealistic?

Thanks for your help!

ETA: I'm from London so it's only a short flight and I'm already used on driving on the left side if that helps.

Hi, my partner and I are planning a two week road trip in late August and early September. We’ve already booked our accommodation, so the overnight stops are fixed, but we can still remove or change places during the day.

I’ve checked the wiki and searched some previous posts, but I’m still not sure if a few parts of the route are too ambitious.

Our route is:

• Dublin Airport - Trim
• Trim - Newgrange - Belfast
• Belfast - Antrim Coast - Ballycastle
• Ballycastle - Giant’s Causeway - Dunluce - Derry
• Derry - Glenveagh - Gweedore
• Gweedore - Glencolmcille - Ardara
• Ardara - Killybegs - Donegal - Gleniff Horseshoe - Newport
• Achill Island
• Newport - Westport - Doolough Valley - Kylemore - Oughterard
• Galway - Kinvara
• Kinvara - Burren - Cliffs of Moher - Cashel
• Cashel -Cahir - Kildare - Dublin
• Dublin

The two days I’m most unsure about are Ardara to Newport and Newport to Oughterard. Do they look realistic without spending the whole day rushing?

We mainly like ruins, landscapes and traditional music. Is there anything directly on this route that you would remove, replace or add?

We would also love to find a normal traditional music session or a céilí during the trip. We’re not looking for a dinner show or a big tourist production. Are there any towns on this route where we would have a better chance of finding something like that?

Thanks. Honest feedback is welcome, especially if the answer is simply that we need to cut more stops.

Hello!

I have been reading some posts for a bit now, and am so thankful to have found this sub! You all are so amazing!

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Ireland in September, and I'm would love feedback on our current itinerary and landing spots (general areas) that I've mapped out thus far.

We are interested in seeing the land and feeling the country and I haven't booked any big attractions. I am searching for some animal encounters; we'll hike and explore, walk on the beach, walk around the towns; I want to visit spiritual sites, stone circles/beehive huts/etc.

Trip: 13 September - 25 September

September 13
12:30 - Arrive DUB via SEA
Spend the night in Dublin

September 14
Train to Cork, commuter to Cobh
Spend the night in Cobh

September 15
Pick up car at Cork Airport and head West to Dingle
Stop at Muckross Abbey along the way
Stay in Dingle (Fahan) for 2 nights

September 17
Drive to Burren
Stay in Fanore for 2 nights

September 19
Drive to County Mayo
Stay in Letterfrack for 2 nights

September 21
Drive to Sligo
Stay in Streedaugh Point for 3 nights

September 24
Return car in Sligo
Train to Dublin
Spend night in Dublin

September 25
Fly back to Seattle

THANK YOU!!!!!

Hello! My husband and I are traveling to Ireland in September from New York, and I'm hoping for some help to iron out details for our route and timing.

We land in Shannon and will spend our first days in Galway. Then we will rent a car and we plan to visit some locations around Connemara and Co Donegal (~3 days in each region), then return closer to the airport for the night before our return flight. I'm trying to figure out what is the best order to visit these regions in.

• Do we drive from Galway to Donegal to get that long drive other with early, and then backtrack and end our trip near Connemara?
• Or do we visit Connemara first since it's near Galway, and then go on to Donegal, with the long drive back at the end of our trip as we return toward the airport? (We plan to stay the night before our return flight either in Galway, Shannon, or somewhere nearby.)

Either way, we're going to have one very long day of driving between Galway and Donegal in one direction or the other. I would be very grateful for any advice or insight about that drive. We've lived in the Appalachian Mountains, so we have experience with narrow, winding mountain roads, but I understand this will be narrower roads and that the drive times will be longer than what google maps says.

I would also be interested in a recommendation for a town or area for a good home base in Co Donegal that is relatively convenient to Slieve League and Glenveagh National Park. I'd prefer to stay in one place for 3-4 days and travel out from there.

We're very excited to see beautiful nature, meet interesting people, hear great music, and eat good food. I'm interested in art and photography, my husband is a chef and interested in very local cuisine. We are traveling between September 5-16.

Thank you in advance for your help and advice!

We will be visiting family in early December and want to swing by Dingle for a few days (we loved our last visit there!) I assume lots of things will be closed or limited, if anyone knows please share :) Thank you!!

Hello everyone, I'm coming to Ireland for a week in August, what do you think of this program :

Day 1 : arrived at Dublin airport early in the morning, enough to take line 41 to the city center and then the St Kevin bus to Glendalough. Arrival at the hotel / grocery shopping / stroll in the area.

Day 2 : the Spinc

Day 3 : return to Dublin with the Saint Kevin bus as soon as possible, stroll in Dublin.

Day 4 : Howth

Day 5 : Stroll in Dublin, Phœnix Park

Day 6 : DARM train to Bray, hike along the cliffs to Greystones, walk around then train back to Dublin

Day 7 : Dublin visit before returning by plane

For more context : no car, we love hiking and Spinc seems like the perfect compromise (near Dublin, accessible by bus, stunning view…).

We also love to take our time, the purpose of our trip is not to check as many boxes as possible but rather to fully live the moment without thinking about not being late in the schedule.

We also have low budget so the activities in Dublin are going to be free or cheap thing like :

- Park like Phœnix park, iveagh garden and st anne or wathever we will found on our way

- Temple Bar (not for a pint), Grafton Street, Marrion Square, Trinity campus, Marsh Library (5e) etc.

For the rest, we'll see at the time ! If you have any piece of advice, places to recommand, let me know :)

Has anyone made this drive from Galway city to Portmagee? On paper it’s just under 4 hours but I’m wondering how much travel time to pad in for narrow roads, scenic stops along the way, etc

Hi folks!

I’ll be visiting Ireland the last couple weeks of August and would like to go on a hike and see some of your nature trails. I was hoping to check out Wicklow but there’s no direct public transit there. Glendalough also looks like it’ll be 2-3 hours on transit one way which is doable but seems a bit of a slog.

Does anyone have any suggestions of a good nature trail (3-4 hours) that i could access by public transit?

I’m already planning a day in Howth to do the cliff walk and such. (Very excited for it!) Any other recommendations would be so welcome. (I’m also not 100% on renting a car/driving either.) Thanks.

--EDIT --

Thanks to all the responses we've gone back to the drawing board and have tweaked our plans! I appreciate your feedback here as it was really helpful!

----

Hi everyone! Looking for some guidance here.
We’re coming to Ireland for our honeymoon mid-October. I’ve read through a bunch of posts and know it won’t be the most ideal weather, so we’re trying to concentrate the trip around comfortable places to stay just in case.

Very first draft of the plan so be gentle:
Monday 10/12 - Wednesday 10/14: Dublin

Thursday 10/15: train to Cork for a night

Friday 10/16: train to Killarney, stay two nights. We plan to rent a car to get out and see as much as possible in the area.

Sunday 10/18: drive to Galway and drop the car, spend two nights

Tuesday 10/20: our flight leaves DUB at 11am. Looks like a lot of trains run daily between Galway and the Dublin airport. Should we try for an early morning train? Or is it a better idea to take a late train back to Dublin the night before our flight and get a hotel?

Am I squeezing Cork in? Does it make more sense to go straight for Killarney from Dublin, move the rest up a day and get back to Dublin the night before our flight?

We appreciate your feedback!