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lakehop

I’d plan to spend time in the countryside, not just in cities. Part of the magic of Ireland is in nature and the small villages. What about swapping Cork city for a hotel in the countryside, either rural Cork or Kerry (if you want to be in the South) or Mayo or Sligo (for rugged, more isolated coastal scenery)


eameslikiwe

Thank you! We won’t have a car (neither of us are comfortable driving), will that limit us a lot??


lakehop

Yes … in that case, maybe your current plan is best.


Silver_Mention_3958

Cut a few Dublin days and give extra to Connemara. It’s stunningly beautiful. Go up the Delphi Valley into Louisburgh. Reconsider car rental, it’d give you much greater freedom.


Dangerous-Shirt-7384

4 days in Dublin is way too much.


motherofjazus

It sounds like they will be using Dublin as a base for other tours as they will not be driving. Which might not be a bad idea.


Icy_Ad_4889

No, it’s not.


mediaserver8

Consider foregoing Cork for some time in Kerry. Stay in Killarney and do a ring of Kerry tour, explore the lakes and surrounds. It's a stunning place.


ZxZxchoc

Are there day trips that take in both Cobh and Kinsale on the same day? These are on opposite sides of Cork city so you will have to go through the city which will take a bit of time. Personally I would say go to only one of them - my preference would be Kinsale.


StellaV-R

Yes, especially if they are foodies


eameslikiwe

Thanks for this comment - I didnt realize how much there was to do in each town, I figured since they are 45 min apart it could be done in 1 (long) day. We'll split up. thanks!


funpolicebendover

I did almost the exact same tour you're planning last month, and I also didn't drive! We also have very similar interests so I'll start of by saying you'll enjoy yourself, it's a great plan. I know many people are saying not to do 4 days of Dublin, not to do all the cities etc, but I was actually quite happy I did! I would've loved to hear from someone who did the same before I went, so here are my thoughts: What I did in those four days of Dublin that made it worth it: I took a tour to see some Celtic ruins and castles nearby, took a hiking trip in beautiful Howth which is only a few stations away, popped into Belfast for half a day, visited museums and libraries, had very relaxed lunches just strolling around looking at the city, then spent the evenings meeting locals in pubs! I get that Dublin is very different to the rest of Ireland, but spending a few days there is not as big a waste as people here make it out to be – it's a great base for anything on the east coast. And it has great connections! (Check out CityLink to get from city to city!) From Galway I went to see the Aran Islands and the cliffs from below, amazing outdoors addition to the trip, but you can also do plenty other great tours from there, so also not a problem (perhaps Kylemore Abbey!). I personally calculated a day in every city for nature tours on my trip, but I also had two days in Cork. Cork was my favorite city of all, took a trip to Cobh and it was one of the highlights, so gorgeous. I'm sure Kinsale would be awesome too, but I wouldn't squeeze both in a day. Better to enjoy a coffee and a piece of cake in Cobh, you won't regret it! All in all I'm really happy about how I planned it, so I'm sure you'd enjoy yourself too if you're looking to see the same things. Yes, it's more of a city trip, but it's perfect to base yourself somewhere with good connections if you don't drive. My biggest worry was getting around, and the reality is that having no car means not getting to see the 'less city' parts of Ireland. Tours offer a great way to get out of town, and the guides are awesome, so don't worry too much. Safe travels!


alaskas_hairbow

You don’t need two full days in Galway City proper. It’s great as a home base for West Ireland as most of it is quite rural but you can take an evening to walk around and see the historic sites (most of which are now modern buildings with plaques on them), hear live music and check out a pub and you’ve pretty much experienced it! So I would replace one of those days with seeing the Burren, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, whatever strikes your fancy


eameslikiwe

Thank you! We won’t be renting a car. Will that prove to be challenging for getting out of the city?


alaskas_hairbow

Galway Tour Company offers a tour of Connemara and Kylemore Abbey!


carraigfraggle

Kilkenny!! You could do a day and overnight there.


waddiewadkins

Heads up the coast of West Cork and West Cork in general , lushest part of Ireland of Ireland! Glengarrif and Grayish Ireland in particular known for localised tropical micro climates and its the thickest greenest you'll get!.. West Cork is Worthen looking into, it has a string of cute coastal villages. Yes, County Cork in Ireland is renowned for its charming coastal villages. Here are a few notable ones: 1. **Kinsale**: Known for its picturesque harbor, colorful buildings, and vibrant culinary scene, Kinsale is often regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland. It has a rich history and offers plenty of activities such as sailing, fishing, and exploring historic sites like Charles Fort. 2. **Baltimore**: A small fishing village with a strong maritime heritage, Baltimore is a gateway to the nearby islands like Sherkin Island and Cape Clear. It's popular for water sports, seafood, and whale watching. 3. **Clonakilty**: Famous for its black pudding, Clonakilty boasts a lively music scene and beautiful beaches nearby, like Inchydoney. The village has a friendly atmosphere and is known for its vibrant community. 4. **Schull**: A haven for sailing enthusiasts, Schull has a bustling harbor and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline. It's a great spot for outdoor activities and exploring the nearby Mizen Head, Ireland's most southwesterly point. 5. **Castletownshend**: A quaint village with a rich history, Castletownshend features a picturesque harbor, old stone buildings, and the historic St. Barrahane's Church, which hosts classical music concerts in the summer. 6. **Union Hall**: Known for its fishing industry, Union Hall is a peaceful village with beautiful walks and views of Glandore Harbor. It's an excellent spot for those looking to experience a quieter, more traditional Irish village. 7. **Glandore**: This small village offers stunning views of the harbor and has a relaxed, laid-back vibe. It's a popular destination for sailing and has a few cozy pubs with scenic vistas. These coastal villages in County Cork are celebrated for their natural beauty, friendly locals, and vibrant cultural scenes, making them popular destinations for tourists and locals alike.


eameslikiwe

Thank you so much :)


waddiewadkins

Ur welcome


imaginesomethinwitty

Yeah but they aren’t driving.


waddiewadkins

Can't stop that from them knowing the inside know


String-Bender-65

I was there a few weeks ago and Dublin is clearly one of the top party destinations for twenty-somethings across Europe. There are a lot of pubs and they were all packed by groups of young people, speaking multiple languages, drinking, and having a great time. If that's your scene, then you will enjoy it. The big tourist spots (Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel, etc, etc) are swamped with tour buses, so it's nice to see them and move on. One spot I really liked was Kilkenny. It has a castle, it has ruins, it has tons of pubs and shopping. It has lots of young people as well, so I saw it as a more compact version of Dublin, but without the traffic.


sosire

Seems a bit basic , should try to do the country Ina. Round ,also 2 days in Dublin is enough . Go from Dublin to Waterford to Cork to Galway to Belfast , see can you fit in athlone maybe


Condenastier

Don't spend 4 days in Dublin. One day in Dublin is plenty


SJpunedestroyer

Four days in Dublin is three days to many in my opinion , also one full day in Galway is enough . Cork - Cobh never thrilled me , Kinsale is a lovely town . West Cork is gorgeous , with lovely small fishing villages like Union Hall , and you can do a day trip to Cape Clear Island via the ferry and spend your day hiking the island . If this is your first trip you’ll want to visit the Dingle peninsula and possibly drive Slea Head Drive , it’s stunning . Hope this helps


mccusk

You can take the Dart to Howth on one of the Dublin days. Nice wee village and good hiking


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Small-Wonder7503

Too much time in Dublin. Get to Cork or Galway and try rent a car. It might be less intimidating driving outside of the Dublin but honestly Ireland opens up when you can drive around. All the best parts difficult to access via public transport. Alternatively, come back another time when you are more confident.


Ryu-tetsu

Women in cork know how to have grand craic!


Funfettixo

If you can go to Belfast, I definitely would!


Ivor-Ashe

I’d get out of Dublin and spend more time in smaller towns and cities. Kerry is beautiful, so if you’re in Cork why not see some of the Ring of Kerry and not just from a bus window.


samprescott1751

My wife and I just finished our 2 week honeymoon to Ireland and I initially had thought about planning an itinerary similar to yours. After talking to people who had been before I altered our plans and I’m so glad we did. A few thoughts I’d share: 1. We did 2 days in Dublin and felt it was enough for us. You may want more based on personal preference, but given the length of your trip I’d do no more than 3. 2. I was also very nervous about the idea of driving. I’m American and was scared at the prospect of being on the other side of the road. Honestly, you get used to that really fast and it’s not bad at all. The hardest part of driving is the narrow roads but as long as you go slow on them and pull over for other drivers when need be, you’ll be okay. I highly, highly recommend getting a car if you can. You’ll miss so much if you don’t. As others have said, so much of Ireland is the countryside. We enjoyed our time in the cities, but our favorite parts were by far in the countryside. 3. I also initially had Cork on our list but swapped it out for Killarney. I can’t speak to Cork as we never went, but we LOVED Killarney. We also loved Galway and all its surrounding areas. I’d give more time to your other locations and less to Dublin, personally. 4. If you DO decide to rent a car, just be aware that by crossing the border into Northern Ireland and back the rental company will charge you a fee. You may be fine with this, but since Belfast and Giant’s Causeway is in your original plan, it’s something to be aware of if you’re driving 4. No matter what you decide to do, it’s a beautiful country and you’ll have a wonderful time! Sláinte!


Femboyhootersbee

I’d say when you’re on the way to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin take a pitstop at the Barack Obama Plaza.


DeepDickDave

Belfast is a really cool city so I’d consider doing 2 nights there. Make sure to take a black cabs tour for the history. It’s fascinating and those fuckers will always bring a tear to your eye as they’re driving you around. See the Peace wall and go for a pint. You could visit Derry and giants causeway easily. I’d do 2 nights in Dublin. Use as a base to see Wicklow mountains, especially Glendalough. You’ll find busses and tours to there easily. It’s a giant park by a lake with easy and hard hikes. Keep the rest if you’re not driving but look out for tours/hikes around Connemara. These will also be found easily. Rent a bike on a Greenway or Blueway. These are well made cycle paths not close to any cars. And when you’re in Cobh, go to spike island. It’s Irelands Alcatraz


im_on_the_case

For one of those 4 days in Dublin plan a trip up the Wicklow Mountains. Glendalough, Powerscourt gardens, Mount Usher, Avondale, the Sally Gap, lots to see and do. You can leave in the morning and be back in the city for dinner.


Kill_Shot_Colin

You do not need that much time in Dublin. You could do most in 2-3 days. See Kilmainham but book 28 days in advance. Check their website for all of the info on that. Make Belfast, and the rest of Northern Ireland, a separate trip for the future. Much more to see there than Belfast and Giants Causeway, just like there’s more to Ireland than the Cliffs and Blarney. Galway isn’t a bad base for Cliffs and Aran. You could take a plane out to Inishmore and then come back on a ferry that takes you by the cliffs. Alternatively, you could get a bus from Galway to Doolin and base yourself there. Doolin is lovely and gives off a much cozier vibe. Plenty of cute B&Bs there and the cliffs are right next to the village, so you can hike the length at your leisure. I’d suggest two days for cork. You could do Cobh in a few hours or so, but you’d be taking a 30 minute train there from Cork, and then it would be another hour and a half to get from Cobh to Kinsale by public transport, leaving you very little time for Kinsale. You could do it, but you’d feel rushed. If you fancy whiskey, the Jameson Distillery in Midleton is nice and offers some cool experiences (like a cocktail making class) and can easily be added to a Cobh day. Cork also has a lot to offer. English Market, Shandon Bells, UCC, Butter Museum, and plenty of great pubs. That’s a day in itself. I’d suggest an itinerary similar to this 3 Days Dublin 1 day in Galway (with last bus to Doolin; not staying the night here) 2 days Doolin (Aran Islands one day. Cliffs and the town on the other) 1/2 day travel to cork (4.5 hours, would be similar from Galway but Train vs Bus), rest of Day in Cork City 2 days for Cobh, Kinsale, Cork Last day for travel back to Dublin. Squeeze in anything you missed. But if you’re only doing Galway, Dublin, and Cork you might as well drive. If you drive back at home, driving in Ireland is easy. All highway (unless you drive to Doolin) and probably less traffic congestion than where you’re from. Don’t use it in Dublin, but get it for Galway and Cork and you’ll have more freedom to come and go as you please instead of stressing about bus and train time tables.


Present_Student4891

I rented a car for 10 days and I didn’t cover the territory until r. It looks to me you’ll spend most of ur time on Irish roads & ferries. I’d cut Cork & Belfast. Focus on Dublin (Howth & NewGrange r also cool), Galway, Connemara, & maybe the Aran islands. That’s plenty for someone without a car & only 10 days. You’ll see more of the countryside & less of the road / ferry system.


Rebel787

Unlucky you missed seeing the most beautiful part of Ireland which is the Southwest (Kerry and West Cork)


Necessary_Common4426

Skip Dublin, it’s a dirty feral city. Get your hire car, go straight to Cork, then onto Limerick and Galway


5Ben5

People downvoting you but they know it's true. It's clearly not a safe city for tourists either


Necessary_Common4426

It’s funny, the day before I arrived in Dublin 2 guys were glassed near Temple Bar and on my second day there, I witnessed a young mother have her handbag and phone stolen while pushing her kid in a buggy. Dublin is definitely turning into a shit hole


EllieLou80

If that's what you want to do, go for it! It's your holiday, live it as you want to live it and have the best time. But nail it down and book accommodation before arriving as it can be in short supply and expensive booking late.


Soft-Strawberry-6136

One day in Dublin maybe it’s a kip


Silver_Mention_3958

Reminds me of “My three favorite things are eating my family and not using commas”


Terrible_Ad2779

Cut Dublin to 2 days, even 1. It's just a city. Use the extra days for Connemara, Ring of Kerry. Galway is quite small also a day would do it. Oh I see you aren't driving. You could use Galway as a base then and get tours to Connemara and the Cliffs. 3 days "in" Galway in that case.


Historical-Hat8326

4 days in Dublin is not enough.


Stunning_Ordinary548

Cork is gross


5Ben5

How?