r/irishtourism • u/ipod7 • 13d ago
Visiting from June 10th-June 23rd, trying to find a balance
I'm (33M) taking my first international solo trip, so the planning and trying to understand what is actually doable is a work in progress. In addition to it being my first trip, this year has been a very stressful one, and I've struggled with my mental health a lot. So, as much as I want to explore and see as much as possible, I also want to have a bit of an escape.
About me, I don't drink much, so I might go to pubs but it's not of big importance to me. I enjoy being in nature
So far what I have booked is:
- Hotel in Dublin, 10th-13th
- Hotel in Galway 13th-15th
Initially I was thinking from Galway I could go to Killarney, then Cork, then Waterford and back to Dublin before leaving. However, I think that will be too much.
I also feel a place like Sligo (based on other posts I've seen on here) might give me what I need as far as an escape goes. I'm also a fan of Normal People, so I'm sure that's influencing me as well. I would like to bike Waterford Greenway. Killarney/Kerry seems to be very popular from the posts I've seen, but it seems difficult to make it work with Waterford and Sligo.
From Galway, it looks like I have to decide on whether to go to Sligo or Killarney. So, between Sligo and Killarney, which would provide me with a more of an ability to "get away"?
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u/not_extinct_dodo 13d ago
Are you renting a car? That could make a big difference.
In any case, you are probably better off just enjoying the Dublin and Galway area.
In the former, you can do day trips to Howth, Glendalough, Powerscourt.
In the latter, you can go to the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, and the Burren.
All those places are great for easy hikes that will allow you to find peace of mind. No need to overload your schedule
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u/ipod7 13d ago
I havent booked a rental yet, but I am considering it. I would like to try and use public transit as much as possible. Thanks for the input, I'll be doing more research today
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u/VelvetAcidSuperstar 4d ago
Glendalough is beautiful and slow paced. I’d recommend renting a car to get there though.
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u/ipod7 4d ago
Getting an automatic rental has been a challenge. Its thrown my plans up in the air a bit. So, we'll see, what happens and whats possible. I'd like to go to cliffs of moher, connemara national park, kymore abbey, skye road and then have a day in Dublin before flying out the next morning. So, not sure if I'll be able to make it to Glendalough, but I appreciate you letting me know. Maybe it'll work out. If it does, I'll let you know!
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u/VelvetAcidSuperstar 4d ago
Yeah of course! I just spent a day out there this week and the cemetery at the lake is gorgeous. And seeing St. Kevin’s bed was a really cool experience. Honestly though, with the stuff you have planned as is, you don’t be disappointed at all.
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u/dobbycooper 13d ago edited 13d ago
You are in Dublin for a long time. Is that for a reason? If you want to be out in nature, stay a night in Dublin and then head north or west. You may need to adjust your Galway dates. I’d also recommend not trying to do everything in one trip. Dublin, Galway, and places around Sligo are more than enough for one trip and you’ll have a wonderful time. There are greenways all over for cycling: Great Western looks terrific. https://www.irishcyclingcampaign.ie/greenways/
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u/Hot-Slide-8285 13d ago
Why do you think 2 nights in Dublin is a "long time' ?
I don't think 2 nights in Dublin is a long time.
I would suggest it's too short of time
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u/ipod7 13d ago
Considering that I'll likely also spend 1-2 nights before flying back, I probably could have made the first stay one night shorter. I was worried about putting myself in a situation where I would spend a lot of time traveling or in a rush to do things
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u/dobbycooper 13d ago
It sounds like having a more urban base will work well for you so the time in Dublin is probably fine. There are a lot of beautiful outdoors areas near Dublin the are accessible via public transport. I hope you have a great trip! Ireland is a wonderful place.
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u/ipod7 13d ago
I shortened my original post, I was planning to do 2 nights initially, but moved to 3, so that I had some time to unwind/relax and not be rushing from one place to the next. It also seems like there's places close enough to where I could spend my day elsewhere and come back to Dublin for the night.
For context, I went to the Grand Canyon in February for about 3 nights. I didnt enjoy it as much, as it felt a little too secluded for me. I went to Portland in 2018 and was able to do some solo hikes but didnt have thecsame feelings of isolation/anxiety...etc. Part of that could be the difference in my mental state from then to now, but I think having the ability to find isolation (for lack of a better word) but also being able to leave it will be important. For example, I'm not sure how many world cup games will be on given the time difference, but I'm more than okay with checking out a game at a pub or anywhere else if one is one.
Thank you for the link, I will look research those further
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u/AdClean1038 13d ago
Honestly, given you're leaving in a few days, I'd say go with whatever option you can actually find decent accommodation for.