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If budget is no problem then keep this trip to what you can realistically see and enjoy in 6 days. Save other parts of Ireland for another visit and don't try to squeeze so much in on a single trip that you are ticking things off a checklist rather than enjoying the beauty of a country that operates at a different pace.
That’s what we were thinking. I think we’ll focus on the south and mid west coast for this trip.
We have visited my ancestors' country only twice, in 1977 by rented car and cheapest-possible b-n-b's, and in 2012 by Grand Circle Tours, with an excellent guide, Sean Curran. Different eras, different approaches. Learned and understood much more on GCT.
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That said, I like the idea six days is a short time, and I would approve limiting myself to some Kerry, Clare, Galway.
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However, read up in every way. Ireland recently has been blessed with waves of "outsiders," humans from other countries, people who contribute to a diverse society. The Ireland of the 1920's was soul-killing. (Execute the other side in the "Civil" War! Burn down the houses of Protestant landlords! Ban the wantonly conceived!)
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Go to Google Maps and note the diverse pubs and restaurants that now populate the smallest country villages. Look at school photos and see changing Ireland.
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Sorry for wandering off-topic, but learn as much as you can of Irish history and then see it in 2018.
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Some things have not caught up. There are a few laundries, no laundromats.
We’re flying into Shannon not Dublin. Might take a day and drive over to Dublin or go north to Belfast. Mostly interested historic sights and natural beauty. Perhaps a museum or two if worthwhile. Budget isn’t an issue.
I flew into Shannon and rented a car only to be pretty overwhelmed by driving on those very narrow country roads! And wait until you hit the gigantic roundabout....left side, left side. Some college girls told me, "we never drive a car in Ireland, its too dangerous". Be careful because it is dangerous. The local music in the pubs in Galway was spectacular and got better as the night wore on, musicians join and form large groups. The highlight of the trip was visiting the film festival in Cork! Just wonderful.
Went on a 2 week tour through Ireland. Flew into Shannon and spent the first week in and around the Ballyvaughn, Kilfenora and a bunch of little towns on the Western shore. Was in Clifden when they had their annual arts festival. Took the ferry to Inis Mor and spent a couple of days there (Dun Aengus is a MUST SEE) The following week we did Galway, Kylemore Abbely, Tara, Newgrange. By the time we got to Dublin I wanted to cry. It was back to reality.
There is something utterly enchanting about the Wild Atlantic Way. I agree--skip Dublin or start there first. When you get out West you'll never want to come back.
We stayed with local families, so they gave us lots of guidance.
I hope you like DOGS! I like farm dogs, but not LAP dogs (that ACTUALLY are farm dogs / grimy dirty / stinky / shedding / barking / chasing you...). Irish LOVE their dogs, (far more than tourists), miserable, but just deal with it.
I saw it last month, there was a 45 minute wait and the wait could have been avoided by buying a ticket to the guided campus tour as you walk through Trinity Gate.
We stayed with local families, so they gave us lots of guidance.
I hope you like DOGS! I like farm dogs, but not LAP dogs (that ACTUALLY are farm dogs / grimy dirty / stinky / shedding / barking / chasing you...). Irish LOVE their dogs, (far more than tourists), miserable, but just deal with it.
Thank you! I’ll look at all these links. I’m usually the person who does 6 months of research before a trip, but this one came up suddenly and I feel unprepared.
We do love dogs so I’ll look forward to meeting Irish farm dogs!!
6 days is sooo short so you are going to need to be careful about how much time you allot to driving. You could end up driving the whole time.
With only six days, I would pick one area. Flying into Shannon I would stick with County Clare personally. I don't even think that is long enough to trek down to Kerry. You can see Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Doolin. Stay a few days and soak up the scenery and the feeling.
Ireland kind of repeats in many places (scenery, small towns, castles, prehistoric sites) so you will get a flavor no matter where you go
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