Long time lurker, first time poster.
Our itinerary feels balanced but I would love any tips and tricks from locals or experienced repeated travelers alike.
My husband and I love flying below the radar and blending in to the best of our abilities. I know the itinerary is ambitious but on the off chance this is our only opportunity in the Emerald Isle… you get it.
This trip is something we’ve wanted to do our entire decade together so I am hoping for as much of a seamlessly perfect trip as possible (an optimist, I know).
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin 8am, chuck our luggage into a storage facility near Jameson distillery (cannot give our luggage to hotel until check in at 4pm), then do a walking self guided tour of city center, hit all the main sights. No major tours planned, happy with the Griswold Vacation treatment.
Day 2: 9am train from Dublin to Cobh for two nights. Nothing planed beyond travel and casual exploration of Cobh. Hotel on the water.
Day 3: Day trip to Cork from Cobh by train. Walking self guided tour of Cork city center… St. Ann’s in Shannon, English Market, St. Fin Barre, Elizabeth Fort, etc.
Day 4: Train from Cobh to Killarney for two nights. Casual exploration of the town, possible trip to Muckross House and Torc Waterfall??
Day 5: Full day hike the Gap of Dunloe with boat ride from Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Ross Castle and back to Killarney center.
Day 6: Rent a car to drive Dingle Peninsula and stay the night in Dingle, explore the town, hotel on the water.
Day 7: Drive from Dingle to Galway with a stop at the Cliffs of Moher, continue on to Galway for 2 nights.
Day 8: Free day in Galway, drop off car
Day 9: Train ride from Galway to Balbriggan, spend afternoon walking the beach and exploring
Day 10: Fly home out of Dublin Airport