Realistic 2 Week Trip?

We are in the beginning stages of planning our trip to Ireland for next July.  There are 8 of us and we are planning to stay for two weeks.  We are thinking of staying a week in a vacation home in the Dublin area and a week in a vacation home elsewhere.  From what I have gathered, it looks like County Kerry/Killarney may be the best central location for us, but would love your feedback.  We are most interested in seeing Dublin (Temple Bar, Sandcove, Grand Canal) and from there take a day trip (if realistic) to Belfast, Carraick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant's Causeway.  Then we are looking to stay a week in County Kerry/Killarney and see Dingle Peninsula, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Galway.  Do you think it is realistic to see these places (or at least most of them) and stay in these two central locations?

We are traveling as a group of 8, and are thinking that staying in hotels every couple of days won't give us a chance to relax.  We aren't really bus tour people either.  Some of us are unable to do hiking or long walks, while others are able to.  We are the kind of people who like to get up and go see things, but also have some days relaxing and checking out local pubs and villages.

Any feedback or suggestions is greatly appreciated!!!  

Hi Bree,

 A 2-week vacation with us sounds like a super idea and staying in the Dublin area is a fantastic base to see Ireland's Ancient East as well as the attractions of Dublin!

It is indeed possible to take a day trip from Dublin to Belfast to see some of the attractions there, although you may wish to stay when you see what a wonderful part of the island of Ireland that area is.

County Kerry is a wonderful choice of base to experience the south-west area of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Dingle Peninsula, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Galway will all be within easy travel times each day. Some days will require early starts to get to see all the attractions the places have to offer but the benefit of not checking in and out is well worth the central locations. 

I hope this gives you lots of inspiration, and I'm sure your fellow members and some industry partners will be able to add to this list!

If you need any more help, just let me know!

Martin

Dear Bree,

I'm delighted to hear that you are planning a trip to the Causeway Coast from Dublin for the day.  It is quite ambitious but I think it is doable if you are prepared to have an early start in the morning.  The road from Dublin to Belfast via the M1 and A1 is excellent and should take less than 2 hours. 

From Belfast, for the best scenery, take the Causeway Coastal Route going through Carrickfergus, Cushendall, Cushendun, Ballycastle and round the northern coastline to Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge at Ballintoy.  The scenery is beautiful and on the way you will pass golden beaches, castles, the Glens of Antrim and some Game of Thrones film locations.  There should be plenty chances for photo opportunities and on a good day the coastline of Scotland is clearly seen.  From the Rope Bridge it is a short drive to the Giant's Causeway.  To save time you may wish to purchase your tickets in advance.  You can do so at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway.  If you have time you may also wish to visit Dunluce Castle.  It is located about 5 miles from the Causeway and is a very popular tourist attraction.

On you return journey you will probably want to take the fastest route home connecting onto the M2 back to Belfast and then the A1 and M1 back to Dublin. 

It will be a big day out and hopefully you will be able to look back on it as a very memorable part of your holiday!

Best Wishes,
Anne

Thank you both for responding and providing excellent feedback.  We are very excited to plan this trip and your feedback has been very helpful!!  I'm sure I will have many more questions as our plans develop, but for now, we are in the early stages of booking airfare, dates, and accommodations.  Once they are booked, we will get to plan our itinerary!! 

Hi Bree,

Big thanks to Anne for adding her advice on things to see and do along the Causeway Coastal Route, it really is a wonderful place to visit!

For information on approved accommodation, please take a look at our accommodation search pages for some help. I have pre-selected Kerry and self-catering holiday homes to get you started. Please feel free to refine your search to best suit your needs.

We also have a flights search page which you may also find useful. Again, use the selection options to refine your search to find the airlines offering the flights.

Finally, we have some excellent trip ideas pages with some suggested itineraries to give you a helping hand with your own itinerary.

Please feel free to get back to us as your plans develop, we and our fellow members will love to help you get the most out of your time on the island of Ireland.

Speak soon,

Martin

Hi Bree,

How did the holiday go?

I hope you all enjoyed your trip. 😀