[MatP]

The wife and I are taking a trip to Ireland this summer in June. We have about 3-4 days to kill after we leave Dublin and are wondering where we should go.

We will be renting a car and so far have decided that Cork and/or Galway would be fun. We have limited time and want to see another part of the country but don't want to be too rushed.

If anyone has opinions on either of these spots or other cool places, please chime in.

Thanks a lot!
Mat

[Dave O]

My wife and I have been there three times in the last five years (the last trip with an 18 month old Brendan). It is a beautiful country. What types of things do you like to see? I especially like the old Celtic and neolithic areas.

And they are known to have some good whiskey too.

[cmartin]

Dublin is great time. Guiness tour, followed by Jameson tour, get a cab for that one.

Galway was fun, stop by the Cliff's of Moor (sp?), again, amazing. While driving west we stopped at 3-4 castles, 1 was used in Braveheart. I'll try to find the name, but the tour was given by one of the oddest characters I've ever seen. She told such unreal stories about the castle and general Irish history we were just shaking our heads days after.

Driving is so much fun over there. On the 'wrong' side of the road, shifting with your left hand, sudden sheep herds, blind corners, NO warning signs. If you drive off the cliff it's your fault. BTW, watch out for speed camers coming into Dublin.

[MatP]

We love to eat and meet people more than anything. We also really enjoy driving through the countryside to see the architecture and landscape. We aren't too keen on meusems if the weather is nice but usually hit up interesting churchs, castles and the like.

We just want to see a part of Ireland that is different from Dublin. I know that Cork is pretty rural in comparison to Galway. But I do not know how long we should spend there. We have also considered going thru Clare County but again, would love to get first hand experience and advice.

Thanks.
~mat

I’ve been there a couple of times.

With some careful planning you can make a 3-4 day loop through Counties Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Cork and Waterford. It should be pretty enjoyable. Typical tourist stuff: Blarney Castle, Cork; The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare; Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co. Clare; Limerick Mediaeval Heritage Precinct, Limerick City; Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre Waterford.

While your at Bunratty Castle visit Durty Nellies and have a pint.

Remember that when you’re driving and making a right turn…swing wide. Left turns for some reason don’t take as much concentration.
Cheers, Rich

[Dave O]

When you do your planning be careful with how much distance you think you can cover in a day. If you are on the few M roads you can make 60 MPH just fine, but once you get on the N roads look at 45 MPH and on down to 30 MPH and less on the R roads (as an average). I was amazed at how loooong it could take to get between areas. The scenery is always beautiful and the roads are a blast (especially the R roads and unmarked tracks) but it can make for a long day.

The loop of 3-4 days can be done but you'll spend a lot of your time driving and if you like that you'll have a great time.

Otherwise, I'd look at an out and back to one of the cities/areas you are interested in. I don't think you'll go wrong with any of them. We always stayed in B&B's (I found it important for obvious reasons to call the B&B and make sure they were within walking distance of a local pub) and the people were great.

If I had to choose one area I'd go to County Kerry and stay in Kilarney. The Gap of Dunloe is great (take the boat and carriage trip) and the ring of Kerry has some great scenery. The Dingle peninsula is fantasic, as is County Cork, as is County Clare and the little town of Doolin and the cliffs of Mohrer, the scenery near Sligo is also good...... he!! you can't go wrong no matter where you end up.

Have a pint for me.

[MatP]

Thanks a lot for the advice guys. I will update once plans have been set.


~mat