Ireland Trip

Depends on what you are interested in. If you are flying to Dublin, look into the railway to get to the west and/or south coasts. Or consider some group tours which are day trip from Dublin.

Beyond the main attractions in Dublin, look into these in no particular order:
Belfast - with time to see the Giant's Causeway
Hill of Slane
Cliffs of Moher - maybe take the train to Galway and see some more of the west coast
Southwest corner - Killarney, Dingle, Listowel, Ring of Kerry
Waterford - although the crystal is no longer manufactured there you can tour a shop/museum which explains the history
Killkenny

And if you like golf, there are a ton of great options.

Are you going as a family, couple, several couples?

My family and I went in 2022. My kids were 10 & 11. We spent 8 nights in country. Flew in/out of Dublin and rented a car through Enterprise. Get the automatic transmission even if you can drive a manual. In Ireland you would be shifting with your left hand.

We drove out of Dublin the first day and went to Galway. From that base we toured Galway, Cliffs of Moher and saw a few medieval Abbey's.

Next we drove through Limerick on our way to Dingle. We had lunch in Limerick and toured King John's Castle. Dingle was our favorite stop. The seaside town is quaint and colorful. Had fresh seafood for each meal and went to Dick Mack's pub for beers and music one night. We took a Harbor Cruise around the harbor for some nice sights. Drove the Slea Head drive with amazing views. Drove up to Conor pass late one evening in the mist, and my wife was white knuckled the entire way. It was a unique Irish experience with the scenery, weather, and sheep at every turn, lol.

Then we drove along the coast and over to Killarney. Stopped at Derrynane Abbey and the Skellig's Chocolate factory. We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Killarney National Park. Beautiful country home with gracious Irish hosts. We visited an Abbey nearby and rode horses through the park. We took a jaunting car ride through the Gap of Dunloe, a very cool experience. Kate Kearney's cottage is at the head of the Gap, traditional Irish food and dancing in an old building.

We drove out of Killarney towards Dublin with a few stops. We kissed the Blarney stone, visited the Rock of Cashel, and spent a couple hours around the Kilkenny Castle & Gardens. Our last 2 days were in Dublin, we visited the Trinity College Library, Guinness Factory, and walked around town.

This has been our favorite family trip to date, and the people of Ireland were the biggest factor. The scenery was beautiful, the greenest hills you've ever seen and the coast along the Slea Head drive is prettier than even the California coast. Dublin was our least favorite, but still very nice. We just enjoyed the countryside and every interaction with the locals was so genuine and happy.

I’m currently in Ireland. Will give some details on where we went and what we did for you at a later date.

Don't spend too much time in Dublin. As others have already alluded to, the real gems of Ireland are found elsewhere. I haven't traveled there as extensively as others have, but Galway and the Cliffs of Moher are fantastic. If you make it to Belfast, Northern Ireland, The Titanic Museum is probably the best museum I've ever been to. Just fascinating and incredibly comprehensive.

quote:

---

Galway and the Cliffs of Moher are fantastic

---

Just left Galway this morning and did the Cliffs of Moher yesterday. Can confirm.

quote:

---

And if you like golf, there are a ton of great options.

---

Can also confirm this. Played Tralee Golf Club today and it’s the nicest course I’ve ever played. Challenging as all hell though.

Get the smallest car you can. Consider flying into Shannon instead of Dublin.

I barely made it through some roadways in a Nissan Micra. You will get socked in by weather at least once, so assume there is going to be at least one day at a pub with people asking about where you're from, etc. Smell the peat fire and talk to locals at the pub.

Cliffs of Moher are tablestakes, Kylemore Abbey is high on the list (watch out for sheep on the drive), and to me, the Rock of Cashel is non-negotiable. Just spend time talking to people. There are Roman ruins and medieval fortifications in rando places. The beauty of the Irish is the conversations you get into. Sounds corny, but true.

Definitely check out Dublin for its lively vibe and historical sites like Trinity College and Guinness Storehouse. If you have time, a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way or a visit to the Cliffs of Moher is breathtaking.

quote:

---

one evening got take out from the Fish Box, grabbed a pint from Dick Macks and sat at a patio table talking to a few locals. And don't forget Murphy's Ice Cream!

---

This is word for word what we did last night when we got in.