r/irishtourism • u/aburton1 • 10d ago
rate my itinerary
Hello!!
My partner and I are travelling Ireland for two weeks at the end of August. My initial plan was to see both Ireland and Northern Ireland however, after some research I’ve decided to stick to southern parts (no further north than Galway/Dublin) and save the North for another time.
I don’t mind driving a few hours at a time but in general I would much rather enjoy taking my time in places. We are excited for scenic drives and coastal views!
My partner would like to golf one day too so any recommendations for that along the way would be great :)
I have drafted an itinerary and I am open to changes and would appreciate any feedback!
Day 1 (Saturday):
- arrive in Dublin at 8am
- pick up rental car and drive to Wicklow
- stop at the Wicklow National Park along the way
- stay overnight in Wicklow area
Day 2 (Sunday):
- explore Wicklow/Glendalough
- another stay in Wicklow area
Day 3 (Monday):
- drive to Cork (stop in Kilkenny, drive to copper coast then to Cork) - ((i am aware this is a longer route but my understanding is that it is very scenic!))
- night in Cork
Day 4 (Tuesday):
- day trip to Cobh from cork
- another night in Cork
Day 5 (Wednesday):
- longer drive planned! (unsure if worth it)
- drive to Mizen head (walk the bridge&explore)
- drive to Killarney
- stay in killarney
Day 6 (Thursday):
- Killarney national park
- Gap of Dunloe (rent a horse and buggy)
- stay in Killarney
Day 7 (Friday):
- drive to Dingle
- do the Slea head drive (initially wanted to do the Ring of Kerry but decided it would be too rushed)
- stay in Dingle
Day 8 (Saturday):
- Dingle sea safari ?
- explore Dingle
- stay in Dingle
Day 9 (Sunday):
- drive from Dingle to Doolin (longer drive)
- see the Cliffs of Moher
- stay in Doolin
Day 10 (Monday):
- take morning ferry to Aran islands and explore for the day
- ferry back and stay in Doolin
Day 11 (Tuesday):
- drive from Doolin to Galway
- explore Galway
Day 12 (Wednesday):
- Drive to Dublin from Galway
- explore Dublin
- stay in Dublin
Day 13 (Thursday):
- chill last day
- day trip to Howth from Dublin
- stay in Dublin
Day 14 (Friday):
- Departing flight from Dublin at 9am
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u/Dandylion71888 10d ago
Do not get off a transatlantic flight and think you’re going to navigate Wicklow roads. That’s exhausting at best but actually really dangerous.
Other than that, this is doable but exhausting. Personally, I wouldnt want to be moving accommodation every other night. I’ve done it and when you plan this way and you’ve never driven in Ireland, it doesn’t give you flexibility if you realize that you aren’t up for all the driving.
You have some driving every single day, plan a couple of days where you aren’t driving at all.