My husband, two adult children and sister are traveling to Ireland this June for the first time. We are flying into Shannon and will rent a car to travel to the cottage we have alreay secured in Kilgarvan, Kerry County. We will use this as a home base to tour the Ring of Kerry. We will be flying out of Dublin and plan on driving or taking the train a few days before so we can experience that city as well. Does anyone have any suggestions on places to go (or avoid) and tips on experiencing Ireland as a local?
Reply to this My husband & I went to Ireland last September. In general our favorite place was the Dingle Penisula. We did the ring of Kerry, but were dissappointed with the inability to get out & take pictures. It's a very small road & if you don't go in the right direction you spend the whole trip dodging tour buses. The dingle penisula wasn't as crowded & we felt, even more beautiful.
Additionally, I would tell you not to waste your time in Dublin. Galway was much more enjoyable, more of a European city. Dublin was more like an big American city. Of course we aren't really "site" see'ers. So, if you want to see the breweries & trinity college area, etc. then go and do it the day before you leave.
I would definitely recommend the Wixklow Mountain area, specifically Glendalough. Also the Killarney national park & the Gap of Dunloe.
Those would be my recommendations! Hope you have fun!
Reply to this We dont like the touristy stuff either--and are looking forward to roaming about on our own. However I dont think I'll be able to convince my husband that we dont need to make a pilgramige to the Guiness brewery. I was concerned about the ability to stop and get out of our car and explore; the last thing I want to do is get stuck in a large group of tourists.
Reply to this Yes, I agree on the gap of Dunloe: I rented a bike in Killarney, went on a trip on a small boat through the tree lakes (with my bike on the boat) and then cycled back to Killarney. It's a fantastic cycling experience!
Youth hostel and cheap hotel bookings Reply to this Cycling sounds like a great idea. Are they easy to rent? I'm also trying to get some info on the best way to get from Kilgarvan to Dublin. We're not sure if we are going to keep the rental car and drive or try and take the train or a bus.
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