Feedback on possible Itinerary?

Thorn Tree forumCountry forumsUK & IrelandIreland
Enter custom title (optional)
This topic is locked
Last reply was
1.3k
…
Send as an e-mail
Send as an e-mail
jondabomb
jondabomb

Hi all, I am putting together a trip for my mom, my partner and myself. I would appreciate any feedback. Does driving the distances I mention seem like to much time spent in the car? (Ive heard the road's have greatly improved) What about the time in the places mentioned?
I have us spending 2-3 nights in Dublin. After that there are two options. 1st option is go by rental car to Belfast (about 1.5 hour drive) and explore the area and history relating to the struggle there. We spend a night in Belfast and then the next day we visit the Giants Causeway (1.5 hour drive). From there we drive to Galway. (5 hour drive along the north west coast)
We then spend a few days in Galway visiting the area and going to places along the coast. (Cliffs of Mohr)

2nd option is to spend 2 nights in Dublin and then drive to Cork (2.5 hours) The first night we stay in Cork and explore that area. Then we head to Kinsale. We then take the coast road to Clonakilty and stay the night there. (We hear traditional music and explore the area) The next day we drive out along the coast to Skibereen and explore. Then we drive to Baltimore and stay the night there. From Baltimore we can then head to Cliffs of Mohr and then Galway. And then from Galway back to Dublin (2 hours)

View last reply
Report
1
markfawkner
markfawkner

I'd go option 2, because IMO the Giant's Causeway ain't all that and the GC-Galway drive would be demanding. It does sort of depend on interests - if the Belfast murals, the GC and the Titanic are of interest then option one.

If you want some good trad music, Doolin, an area near Galway, has a fine reputation.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
2
ger_power
ger_power

would have to agree with #1 your best option is the 2nd one. 5 hours drive from Belfast to Galway along the coast.....very very optimistic..you could spend a whole day driving that.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
3
sojourner1208
sojourner1208

I believe the second option of going to Cork is the better option. Make sure to allow some time for visiting Killarney and using it as a home base while exploring the Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring. Also the Gap of Dunloe. I have been to the Cliffs of Moher several times and on the last visit was greatly dissapointed as they have set up a wall which obstructs your view so you can only see the cliffs in the distance and can no longer go up to the edge of the cliffs as I have done in the past ( and haven't even fell off once ). I believe visiting the Aran Islands and Dun Aengus from Galway or Doolin gives more bang for the buck. Doolin would also be a good place to overnight if you wish to go to the Cliffs of Moher, and there is also a boat tour to the base of the cliffs if you wish. And they have some good traditional music in Doolin as well.
If you are going to drive to Cork from Dublin be sure to stop and visit the Rock of Cashel on the way.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
4
jondabomb
jondabomb

Three people suggesting the 2nd option. Looks like that makes the most sense. We dont want to spend our entire trip in a car! Plus gas is so expensive as well. Thanks for the tidbits and suggestions!

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
5
made_in_ireland
made_in_ireland

I suggest second option but skip cork and go to kerry instead do the ring of kerry ans stay in killarney for 1 or 2 nights. you wont be sorry , you will find more traditional entertainment there. Im irish and thats where i go on my holidays when i want a break. The west of ireland is the nicest part of Ireland but start in kerry and go up the coast to Galway. Dublin in nice but just for one night bit expensive.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report

This topic has been locked by a moderator.

Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner