Route planning/lodging help!

Greetings,

We are so excited to be traveling to Ireland (for the first time) the first week of August: 3 nights in Belfast and 3 nights in Dublin, checking out on 8/4. Then, we are staying 4 more nights to see other sights south and west, flying out of Shannon on August 8 (morning). But, we need help with route planning and lodging for these last four nights. 

I'm overwhelmed! So many sights, places and things to do, and I'd love any suggestions you might have. We do know we'd like to stay in Kinsale (and see Cork) and get to Killarney and Ring of Kerry. BUT, what's the best route and where are the best places to stop/spend a night or two? Spending two nights would be nice, but if not possible due to distances, we'll consider that. Because we leave mid-morning on 8/8, we'd like to be somewhat close to Shannon airport for the night 8/7. 

Most importantly: we want to experience amazing sights, great food, fantastic pubs/music (more local than touristy) and the wonderful people of Ireland without feeling rushed from one place to the next. We'll just have to come back to get the rest in next time!

Thank you kindly for any/all suggestions you may have for us. 
Cheers from Phoenix, AZ, Katie

Hi Katie,

Oh my goodness, you'll be here so soon! Just a few short weeks - but who's counting? 😄

It sounds like you've a fantastic plan in place for your first visit. Belfast and Dublin are so full of energy and history, so much to experience.

Great choices to swing by Cork  and Kinsale.  We think you'd enjoy checking out the English Market and Cork City Gaol, along with wandering along Old Kinsale Head. 

What do our Community friends suggest for Killarney and the Ring of Kerry?  And what routes do you recommend? 
Please let us hear from you! 😃

Warm regards,

Sionainn

Thank you kindly, Sionainn, for your reply! Looking forward to hearing from other Community Members as well. 

Cheers,
Katie

Hello Katie.
I agree a night in Kinsale and then onto Killarney for 2 nights via West Cork and the Beara Peninsula - in Killarney, visiting the National Park, Gap of Dunloe and Lakes. Drive the Ring of Kerry or Dingle. The night before you fly you could stay somewhere along the coast of County Clare perhaps Lahinch, with an early rise and off to Shannon. That's all possible and you would get a great experience of Ireland South West.
Enjoy yourselves
Conor

Hi Katie,

Your enthusiasm about your forthcoming trip to Ireland is infectious!  It sounds like you are going to have such good time. 

I would like to suggest that you take one of the days that you are in the Belfast area to travel north along the Causeway Coastal Route to explore the many sites and attractions.  For a large part of it you are driving alongside the shoreline with the sea on one side and the beautiful Glens of Antrim on the other side of the road.  You will pass ancient castles, little towns, long sandy beaches and attractions galore.  You could bravely cross Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, marvel at the hexagonal stone formations at the Giant's Causeway, photograph Game of Thrones film locations and surf in the Atlantic Ocean at Portrush.  On the way home you can take the A26 from Coleraine back to Belfast which takes just over an hour as most of it is dual carriageway or motorway.

If you would like to find out a bit more about the Causeway Coast and Glens please look at our web site:  https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/ 

Have a great holiday!
Anne

Thank you both, Connor and Anne, for your comments and suggestions! We are definitely doing the Giant's Causeway while in Belfast. About leaving Kinsale and traveling along the coast of West Cork to Beara Peninsula, Ring of Kerry and Kenmare (thinking of staying there one night?), is that doable in a day with stops along the way? I'd love to do it all, but also want time to stop and enjoy the sites and towns. 

Appreciate your additional thoughts!

Katie

Katie 
I think you drive 1/ direct to Killarney from Kinsale 2.5hrs, to explore the National Park, Muckross House and Gardens OR drive the, Ring of Kerry or Dingle and overnight in Killarney. Or 2/ From Kinsale to drive the Beara Peninsula (Healy Pass) and onwards to overnight in Killarney. As I was suggesting before you really need 2 nights in Killarney to explore and understand the area.
Conor

Hi Katie,

Many thanks indeed to Anne and Connor for their suggestions, I would also add a trip to Derry~Londonderry while up along the Causeway Coastal Route, plenty of super things to see and do in and around the city!

With regards to your drive from Kinsale to the Kenmare area, taking in the Ring of Beara is a great idea, a beautiful part of the coastline and less well known than the Ring of Kerry but equally as stunning. It will take about 3-4 hours of driving time for the journey to Kenmare, so if you plan a few stops along the way it may well take a bit longer. The Ring of Kerry will then be another 3 hours or so depending on traffic, the buses all travel anticlockwise so you can either follow their route or go the other way around but you will meet them as you travel.

You may well decide to venture into Killarney National Park as another option, so much to see hear too and a bit different to the coastline views.

I hope this helps you decide on your itinerary a little more, we have so much to see that it is difficult to decide on what to keep in and what to spend time looking at.

Martin

Hi Guys.
Just to clear up one thing. Conor is spelt with one (1) N. lol

Oops... thanks for your help Conor! 😉